Vietnam visa regulations: Important rules travelers must know

A Vietnam visa is a mandatory requirement for most international travelers entering the country. To ensure a smooth application process, it’s essential to understand the current Vietnam visa regulations. This article from Wexplore Vietnam provides the latest updates and detailed guidance to help you prepare your documents and select the appropriate visa type with ease.

Updated Vietnam visa regulations

Latest Vietnam visa regulations in 2025

Vietnam’s visa policy in 2025 has undergone several notable changes to make travel more convenient for international visitors:

Vietnam grants E-visas to all nationalities

On August 14, 2023, the Vietnamese Government issued Resolution No. 127/NQ-CP, officially expanding the electronic visa (e-visa) program to citizens of all countries and territories. This is a significant step toward boosting international connectivity and tourism.

Previously, e-visas were limited to a maximum duration of 30 days. Under the new regulation, foreign nationals can be granted e-visas valid for up to 90 days.

Vietnam also unilaterally exempts visas for citizens of 13 countries, including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the UK, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Belarus. These citizens can stay in Vietnam for up to 45 days.

Additionally, citizens of ASEAN countries are visa-exempt for stays up to 30 days, regardless of their reason for entry.

Visa exemption when traveling to Phu Quoc

According to Vietnam visa regulations, travelers whose only destination in Vietnam is Phu Quoc may be eligible for a visa exemption of up to 30 days. This applies to both foreign nationals and overseas Vietnamese holding foreign passports.

To qualify for the exemption, travelers must meet the following conditions:

A passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry or extended before the trip.
Flights must arrive in Phu Quoc from another country via Phu Quoc International Airport. Direct, transit, or connecting flights are accepted as long as the final destination is Phu Quoc and no other Vietnamese cities are involved.
You cannot visit other provinces of Vietnam when using the Phu Quoc Visa exemption.
The stay must not exceed 30 days, with evidence of departure such as a return air ticket or cruise itinerary.
The traveler must not have been deported from Vietnam.
The traveler must not be listed on any international wanted list.
Entry must be by air or sea.

Visa-free stay up to 30 days if Phu Quoc is your only destination in Vietnam

Requirements for obtaining a Vietnam E-Visa

Under Vietnam visa regulations, foreigners applying for an e-visa to Vietnam must meet the following conditions:

Must be outside Vietnam at the time of application and intend to enter the country.
Must possess a valid passport or international travel document. For unilateral visa exemptions, the passport must be valid for at least six months.
Must not fall under any categories prohibited from entry under Article 21 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam.

Prohibited cases include:

Children under 14 traveling alone without a parent, guardian, or authorized escort.
Individuals using fake documents or providing false information in visa applications.
Individuals with mental illnesses or infectious diseases that pose a danger to the community.
Individuals deported from Vietnam within the past three years or forced to exit within the past six months.
Individuals denied entry due to epidemics or natural disasters.

E-Visa application procedure

The Vietnam e-visa is available for various purposes, including tourism, business, work, and investment. It is valid for a maximum of 90 days and available from August 15, 2023, provided the applicant meets the eligibility criteria.

The application process includes three steps:

Step 1: Online application

Visit the official e-visa application portal:

Vietnamese: https://thithucdientu.gov.vn
English: https://evisa.gov.vn

Fill in the application form, upload a passport-sized photo and a scanned copy of your passport’s information page. Once submitted, you will receive an application code.

Step 2: Visa fee payment

Use your application code to pay the required visa fee via one of the following portals:

Vietnam’s official e-visa website
National Public Service Portal
Ministry of Public Security’s Public Service Portal

Document submission hours: Monday to Saturday mornings (excluding public holidays).

Step 3: Receive your E-Visa

Use your application code to check the visa status on the same portal. If approved, download and print your e-visa for use upon entry.

Visa processing time: Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).

Vietnam E-Visa fees

Visa fees are paid through the official online payment system. Fees are non-refundable, even if the visa is denied.

Single-entry e-visa: USD 25
Multiple-entry e-visa: USD 50

If you choose to use a third-party support service, the cost may be higher. With a trusted provider like Wexplore Vietnam, you only need to pay an additional USD 5 – totaling USD 30 for a single-entry visa and USD 55 for a multiple-entry visa.

Using an e-visa service helps you save time and effort

We handle the entire process on your behalf, from form submission to tracking results. You’ll receive real-time updates and notifications once your visa is approved.

>>> SEE NOW: How to extend Vietnam visa online quickly and conveniently

Approved entry points for Vietnam E-Visa holders

Foreigners holding a Vietnam e-visa are allowed to enter and exit the country through various international checkpoints, including airports, land borders, and seaports. The complete list includes:

Airports (13 international airports)

Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (HCMC), Cam Ranh (Khanh Hoa), Da Nang, Cat Bi (Hai Phong), Can Tho, Phu Quoc (Kien Giang), Phu Bai (Thua Thien Hue), Van Don (Quang Ninh), Tho Xuan (Thanh Hoa), Dong Hoi (Quang Binh), Phu Cat (Binh Dinh), Lien Khuong (Lam Dong)

Land Border Checkpoints (16 border gates)

Tay Trang (Dien Bien), Mong Cai (Quang Ninh), Huu Nghi (Lang Son), Lao Cai, Na Meo (Thanh Hoa), Nam Can (Nghe An), Cau Treo (Ha Tinh), Cha Lo (Quang Binh), La Lay, Lao Bao (Quang Tri), Bo Y (Kon Tum), Moc Bai, Xa Mat (Tay Ninh), Tinh Bien, Vinh Xuong (An Giang), Ha Tien (Kien Giang)

Seaports (13 international ports)

Hon Gai, Cam Pha (Quang Ninh), Hai Phong, Nghi Son (Thanh Hoa), Vung Ang (Ha Tinh), Chan May (Thua Thien Hue), Da Nang, Nha Trang (Khanh Hoa), Quy Nhon (Binh Dinh), Dung Quat (Quang Ngai), Vung Tau (Ba Ria – Vung Tau), Ho Chi Minh City, Duong Dong (Kien Giang)

Understanding the latest Vietnam visa regulations helps you prepare your documents thoroughly, save time, and avoid unnecessary complications at the border. Whether you’re visiting Vietnam for tourism, business, or investment, stay updated with official sources – or reach out to a reliable service like Wexplore Vietnam for fast and accurate support!

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