Vietnam travel visa for US citizens: What to know

Are you a US citizen planning to explore the beauty of Vietnam and wondering if applying for a Vietnam travel visa for US citizens is complicated? What documents do you need? Which visa option is the most convenient and efficient? In this article, Wexplore Vietnam provides all the answers with the latest, clearest, and easiest-to-understand information.

Learn how to apply for a Vietnam travel visa for US citizens

Do US citizens need a visa to travel to Vietnam?

According to current regulations, US citizens are not on the list of countries eligible for visa exemption under Vietnam’s unilateral or bilateral agreements. Therefore, a Vietnam travel visa for US citizens is required before entry. However, there are a few exceptions:

You hold a valid temporary residence card.
You possess a valid APEC Business Travel Card.
You carry a diplomatic, official, or service passport (with official duty), allowing visa-free stays up to 30 days.
You are a relative (spouse, child, or parent) of US diplomatic or technical staff working at the US representative office in Vietnam, entering for family visitation.
You are a flight crew member of a US or third-country airline operating flights between the US and Vietnam – eligible for a stay of up to 30 days.
You enter directly into Phu Quoc Island and stay no longer than 30 days before departing to a third country.

How long is the Vietnam travel visa for US Citizens valid?

Vietnam tourist visas for US citizens are generally valid for up to 90 days (3 months). The visa may be single-entry or multiple-entry, depending on what you choose when applying. Each entry allows a maximum stay of 30 days. If you wish to stay longer, you can apply for an extension.

3-month single-entry visa: Valid for 90 days, but each stay must not exceed 90 days.
3-month multiple-entry visa: Allows multiple entries over 3 months; each visit must not exceed 90 days.

Additionally, US citizens of Vietnamese descent or those with family ties in Vietnam (spouse, child) can apply for a 5-year visa exemption certificate, allowing multiple entries and stays of up to 6 months per visit.

Requirements for a Vietnam travel visa for US Citizens

To legally apply for a Vietnam tourist visa, US citizens must meet the following conditions:

A passport valid for at least 6 months from the intended date of entry and with at least 1 blank page for visa stamps.
Must not be on the list of persons prohibited from entry under Vietnamese law.
Visa applications must be submitted while outside of Vietnam.

The passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry

Visa application methods for US Citizens

US passport holders can choose from three common methods to apply for a Vietnam travel visa:

E-Visa (Electronic Visa)

This is an online visa type, ideal for travelers who want to save time. It’s valid for up to 90 days, with options for single or multiple entries.

Steps to apply:

Visit the official Vietnam immigration portal: https://evisa.gov.vn
Fill out the form, upload a passport photo and a portrait photo, and submit your application to receive an application code.
Pay the visa fee online as instructed.
Track your status online and print out the e-visa once approved.

Visa on Arrival (VOA)

This option requires a pre-approval letter from a Vietnamese travel agency sponsor. Once you land at a Vietnamese international airport, the visa will be stamped on your passport.

Steps:

Submit an online visa application to receive the approval letter via email.
Print the letter and prepare: completed entry form, 2 passport photos (4×6 cm), original passport, and cash for the stamping fee.
Present all documents at the VOA desk upon arrival.

Note: You must have the approval letter before boarding your flight.

Apply at the Embassy/Consulate in the US

You may also apply in person at one of the following Vietnamese diplomatic missions in the United States:

Vietnam Embassy in Washington, D.C.

Address: 1233 20th St NW, Ste 400, Washington, DC 20036
Phone: +1 202-861-0737
Website: https://vietnamembassy-usa.org

Consulate General of Vietnam in San Francisco

Address: 1700 California St, Suite 580, San Francisco, CA 94109
Phone: +1 415-922-1707 / 0707 / 1238
Website: https://vietnamconsulate-sf.org

Consulate General of Vietnam in New York

Address: 866 U.N. Plaza, Suite 435, New York, NY 10017
Phone: +1 212-644-0594 / 0831 / 2535
Website: https://www.vietnamconsulate-ny.org

Application process:

Request a visa approval letter from a Vietnamese sponsor. Once approved, the Immigration Department will forward it to the Vietnamese embassy/consulate in the US.
Prepare all required documents (passport, photo, visa letter, application form, etc.).
Submit your application and collect your visa in person.

Which visa option is most convenient?

Among all the options, the e-visa is considered the most convenient and straightforward for US travelers visiting Vietnam:

100% online application, no need to visit the embassy.
Upload passport photo and make payment online.
Quick processing time: 3 – 5 business days.
Receive visa by email – safe and easy.
Available for both single and multiple entries.
Avoid queues at the airport unlike Visa on Arrival.

You can apply for an e-visa entirely online – no embassy visit required

If you find the direct e-visa application process a bit complex or prefer assistance, our full visa support service is a perfect solution. With over 15 years of experience in Vietnam visa services, we ensure a fast – accurate – transparent process:

No paperwork hassle: We handle all forms and submissions on your behalf.
Real-time tracking: We monitor your visa application and notify you of the outcome.
Clear pricing, no hidden fees:
- 1-month single-entry: $55
- 3-month single-entry: $55
- 1-month multiple-entry: $80
- 3-month multiple-entry: $80

Applying for a Vietnam travel visa for US citizens has never been more convenient, thanks to flexible options like the e-visa. If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to contact Wexplore Vietnam via WhatsApp at +84.904.879.729 – we’re available 24/7 to help you!

>>> See more: Learn in detail about applying for a Vietnam visa for US citizens.