Vietnam Visa for US citizens

Getting a Vietnam visa is important for US citizens. This is important for Americans. They wish to admire the stunning views of Ha Long Bay. They also want to experience the lively streets of Ho Chi Minh City.

No matter if you are traveling for fun, work, or to see family, it is important to know the latest entry rules. This ensures your journey proceeds smoothly. This guide gives important details about the Vietnam visa for US citizens. It covers travel documents, how to apply, current processing times, and the latest fees for 2026.

Do US citizens need a visa to enter Vietnam?

US citizens must have a Vietnam visa. All passport holders from the United States must meet this requirement, no matter why they visit. In contrast to certain Southeast Asian countries allowing visa-free entry for Americans, Vietnam mandates official approval before arrival.

If you are a US citizen, you need a valid Vietnam visa. This applies whether you are going on a short vacation, a long backpacking trip, or a business meeting.

This rule applies to all ages, including infants and children. Vietnam has added more countries to its visa-free list. However, citizens of the United States still need to apply for entry permission.

The only exception to this rule is for those visiting Phu Quoc Island directly. American citizens can travel to Phu Quoc without a visa for up to 30 days. They must enter through the island’s international airport or seaport. They cannot travel to other parts of Vietnam.

For most travelers planning to visit Hanoi, Da Nang, or the Mekong Delta, getting a Vietnam visa is the first step. Staying informed about the latest US citizens Vietnam visa policies is crucial because regulations can change based on bilateral agreements and government resolutions.

Conditions for US citizens to apply for a Vietnam visa

To successfully apply for a vietnam visa for us citizens, applicants must satisfy several legal and administrative conditions set by the Vietnam Immigration Department. Failure to meet these requirements can lead to delays or application rejection.

• Passport Validity: Your US passport must be valid for at least six (6) months beyond your planned date of entry into Vietnam.
• Blank Pages: The passport should have at least two blank pages for the entry and exit stamps.
• Photo Requirements: You will need a digital portrait photo (4x6cm, white background, no glasses, taken within the last 6 months).
• Passport Scan: You need to provide a clear, full-page scan of your passport’s bio-data page. This includes the ICAO lines for the Vietnam visa for US citizens.
• No Entry Ban:
  • The candidate must not be affected by the entry suspension rules.
  • You can find these rules in Article 21 of the law regarding foreign nationals in Vietnam.

Checking these details before starting your Vietnam visa application makes the approval process easier. It also helps you avoid stress and problems at the last minute.

How to apply for a Vietnam entry visa for U.S. citizens

There are three official ways for US citizens to obtain a Vietnam entry visa. Each method supports different travel needs and lengths of residence in Vietnam, and each requires specific travel documents.

Applying for an electronic visa (eVisa)

The Vietnam e-visa is the most popular option for US citizens. It allows travelers who require a visa to submit all required travel documents online, without visiting an embassy.

Conditions for eVisa:

• Only applicable for the list of 80+ countries (including the USA).
• Valid for a maximum of 90 days.
• Supports both single-entry and multiple-entry.

The 3-Step Process for Vietnam E-visa:

• Fill out the Form: Complete the online application form with your personal details, passport info, and travel dates. Upload your portrait and passport scan.
• Receive Confirmation: Pay the processing fee and receive a registration code. Your vietnam visa for us citizens will be processed by the Immigration Department.
• Download and Present: Once approved, download the e-visa PDF, print a hard copy, and present it along with your passport at the port of entry.

Entry Vietnam Visa provides professional assistance for those who cannot afford to wait. While the standard government time can be unpredictable, we offer expedited services for your vietnam visa for us citizens:

• Emergency processing: 1 working hour.
• Super fast: 4 working hours.
• Same-day service: 1 working day.

[Fill out the E-visa Application Form Now]

Estimated E-Visa Service Fees for U.S. Citizens

Applying for a visa on arrival

Visa on arrival (VOA) is a suitable option for business travelers or those who missed the e-visa deadline. However, US citizens cannot get a Vietnam visa by simply arriving at the airport. You must obtain a Visa Pre-approval Letter before your trip.

To get this letter, you need to apply through a licensed travel agency in Vietnam. At the airport, you show the approval letter, pay the stamping fee, and get the visa in your passport.

Our team can help with sponsorship and the pre-approval letter for your Vietnam visa for US citizens. Please contact us by phone for direct guidance on VOA requirements.

Applying for a visa at the Vietnamese Embassy in the U.S.

For travelers who prefer a traditional approach, applying at a Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate is an option. This method is also suitable for specific visa types, such as diplomatic or long-term work visas.

Locations:

• Embassy of Vietnam in Washington, D.C.
• Consulate General of Vietnam in San Francisco, CA.
• Consulate General of Vietnam in Houston, TX.
• Consulate General of Vietnam in New York, NY.

This process involves submitting an application form, your original passport, and the required fees. This option is usually slower and more expensive than the electronic Vietnam visa for US citizens. However, it allows you to receive a physical visa sticker in your passport before leaving the United States. For more information, please visit the official Embassy website.

How much does a Vietnam visa for U.S. citizens cost?

The cost of a Vietnam visa for US citizens depends on the application method and processing time.

• Government Fee (E-visa): The official e-visa fee is $25 for single entry and $50 for multiple entry. The fee is non-refundable.
• Service Fee: Using an agency like Entry Vietnam Visa may require a service fee for review and faster processing.
• Stamping Fee (Visa on Arrival only): If you choose VOA, you pay for the approval letter first, then pay a cash fee ($25 for single, $50 for multiple) directly at the Vietnam airport.

A professional service for your Vietnam visa for US citizens reduces the risk of mistakes. Incorrect passport numbers can cause entry denial at the border and the loss of your government fee.

How long does it take to get a Vietnam visa for US citizens?

Processing times for a vietnam visa for us citizens can vary significantly:

• Standard E-visa: Officially 3 business days, but it often takes 5-7 business days during peak travel seasons or Vietnamese holidays.
• Embassy Visa: Usually 5-10 business days, depending on the specific consulate.
• Expedited Service: With Entry Vietnam Visa, we can secure your vietnam visa for us citizens in as little as 1 to 4 hours for emergency cases.

We highly recommend US travelers apply at least 2 weeks before their departure date to account for any unforeseen administrative delays in the vietnam visa for us citizens process.

Ports of entry eligible for using the Vietnam eVisa

US travelers should note that the vietnam visa for us citizens (e-visa) is only accepted at specific entry points. If you enter via a port not on this list, your e-visa will be invalid.

International Airports:

• Noi Bai (Hanoi)
• Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City)
• Da Nang
• Cam Ranh (Nha Trang)
• Phu Quoc
• Cat Bi (Hai Phong)
• Can Tho

Land Borders:

• Lao Cai (China border)
• Moc Bai (Cambodia border)
• Bavet (Cambodia border)
• Lao Bao (Laos border)

Seaports:

• Hai Phong Port
• Da Nang Port
• Quy Nhon Port
• Ho Chi Minh City Port

Ensure your arrival port matches what you listed on your vietnam visa for us citizens application. While the e-visa now allows some flexibility, it is best to stay accurate to avoid questioning by immigration officers.

Can a Vietnam eVisa be extended?

Under the current 2025 regulations, extending a Vietnam visa for US citizens while staying inside the country is difficult. The former visa extension system is no longer widely available. Instead, most travelers now need to do a “visa run” by exiting Vietnam and re-entering with a new visa.

If a US citizen wishes to stay longer than 90 days, they must typically:

• Apply for a new vietnam visa for us citizens (e-visa).
• Exit Vietnam to a neighboring country (like Cambodia, Laos, or Thailand).
• Re-enter Vietnam using the new visa.

This process is legal and common for expats and long-term travelers. For the most up-to-date policy changes, always consult the official Vietnam Immigration portal: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/.

Why choose Entry Vietnam Visa?

Navigating government portals for a vietnam visa for us citizens can be confusing, with technical glitches and rigid photo requirements often causing delays. At Entry Vietnam Visa, we specialize in making the process seamless and stress-free.

• Expert Review: We double-check every detail of your application to ensure it meets government standards.
• Speed: We are the leaders in expedited vietnam visa for us citizens, offering 1-hour and 4-hour turnaround times.
• 24/7 Support: Our team is available to answer questions about US citizens Vietnam visa requirements at any time.
• Success Guarantee: We have a 99.9% success rate in securing approvals for vietnam visa for us citizens.

Obtaining a Vietnam visa for US citizens is straightforward when you follow the correct steps and prepare your travel documents carefully. Understanding the different types of vietnamese visas available helps you choose the most efficient option for your trip.

Entry Vietnam Visa offers reliable, fast, and affordable visa services for travelers from over 190 countries. We provide a seamless experience, including expedited e-visa processing and support for residence card–related procedures, ensuring that your Vietnam visa for US citizens is ready when you are. Visit us at EntryVietnamVisa.com to learn more or to start your application today. Let us handle the paperwork, so you can focus on your journey!