Planning a trip to Vietnam from Australia? Here is the short answer. Yes, you need a visa, and the e-visa is the usual choice. This guide covers the Vietnam visa for Australians in plain language, including costs in Australian dollars, documents and common mistakes. If you would like a team to check your details first, see our Vietnam visa application service.
You will learn which option fits your trip and how to apply without costly slip-ups.
Do Australians need a visa for Vietnam?
Yes. Australian passport holders need a visa to enter Vietnam. Australia is not on Vietnam’s visa exemption list, so there is no standard visa-free stay.
There is one narrow exception. Eligible visitors arriving directly on Phu Quoc Island can stay up to 30 days on the island without a visa. Going on to the mainland needs a visa.
Rules change, so check the official e-visa portal and the Australian Government’s Smartraveller website before you book.
Vietnam visa for Australians at a glance
| Question | Answer |
| Visa needed? | Yes, for tourism and most short trips |
| Usual option | E-visa, applied for online before you fly |
| Maximum stay on an e-visa | Up to 90 days |
| Entry type | Single or multiple entry |
| Government fee | USD 25 for single entry, USD 50 for multiple entry |
| Official processing time | 3 working days, though 3 to 5 is common |
| Passport validity | At least six months from your entry date |
Which Vietnam visa option should Australians choose?
For most Australians, the e-visa is the simplest option. You apply online, pay by card and receive an electronic approval. There is no airport counter and no approval letter.
Here is how the main options compare:
- E-visa: Best for most tourists, with up to 90 days and an application made from home.
- Visa on arrival: You must arrange an approval letter before you fly, and it works for air entry only. A stamping fee is paid at the airport.
- Embassy or consulate visa: Worth considering for longer stays or other purposes. Fees and timing vary, so ask the Vietnamese embassy.
Our Vietnam visa online options guide compares these routes in more detail. If you plan to work or study, you need a different visa. We cannot give legal or immigration advice, so confirm with the embassy.
How much is the Vietnam visa in Australian dollars?
The government sets the e-visa fee in US dollars. Here is a rough guide in Australian dollars.
| Entry type | Government fee (USD) | Approximate cost in AUD |
| Single entry | USD 25 | Around AUD 35 to 40 |
| Multiple entry | USD 50 | Around AUD 70 to 80 |
The AUD figures are estimates. The exchange rate moves, and your bank or card may add currency conversion charges. The government fee is generally non-refundable, even if the application is rejected. A private service charges its own fee on top, so ask for the full total in Australian dollars before you pay.
Single or multiple entry?
Choose single entry if you will visit Vietnam once and not leave until you fly home. A single-entry visa is used up when you leave.
Choose multiple entry if you plan to leave and return during your trip, for example a side trip to Cambodia or Laos. Moving between Vietnamese cities does not need a second entry.
What Australians need to apply
Have these ready before you start:
| Item | What to have ready |
| Australian passport | At least six months’ validity from your planned entry date |
| Passport data page | A sharp, full image with no glare or cut-off corners |
| Portrait photo | Recent, front-facing, plain white background, in the format the portal asks for |
| Trip details | Arrival and departure dates, entry point and where you will stay |
| Payment card | A card that works for online international payments |
| Email address | One you can access for confirmations |
How to apply for a Vietnam visa from Australia
- Check your passport. Make sure it has at least six months’ validity from your entry date.
- Prepare your files. Upload a clear passport page and a suitable portrait photo.
- Complete the form. Copy details exactly as your passport shows them.
- Choose entry type, dates and entry point. Select the airport or border gate you will really use.
- Pay the government fee. Save your registration code afterwards.
- Check your status. Then download and print your e-visa.
Our Vietnam e-visa form walkthrough explains each step in detail.
Common mistakes Australians make
- Assuming no visa is needed: Some Australians expect easy entry because they travel often in the region. Vietnam needs a visa.
- Choosing the wrong entry point: Pick the airport or border gate where you will really enter, and arrive there.
- Picking single entry for a multi-country trip: If you will leave Vietnam and return, choose multiple entry.
- Leaving it late: Processing is counted in Vietnamese working days, so allow extra time for weekends and public holidays such as Tet.
- Using a lookalike website: Only evisa.gov.vn is the official portal. Check who you are paying and the full price.
- Booking flights too early: Consider waiting for your e-visa before paying for flights you cannot change.
Apply yourself or use help?
Applying yourself works well for a simple trip. You pay only the government fee and the form is short.
Help can make sense if you are short on time, applying for a family or unsure about photos and dates. A second check can catch small errors before you pay. Neither route guarantees approval.
How Hey Rick Visa helps
Hey Rick Visa is a private visa assistance service based in Legian, Bali, and part of PT Rick’s Group Indonesia. Our process has three steps:
- Find your visa with the visa checker.
- Apply and pay in under 10 minutes.
- We handle the rest. Our technology and human experts check everything before submission.
You can apply 24/7, save your application and continue later, and pay with multiple payment methods. Our team is available by chat, WhatsApp and email, around the clock and in multiple languages. The government fee is shown separately from our service fee, and we cannot promise approval.
Combining Vietnam with Bali or Thailand?
Many Australians visit more than one country on a trip. If Thailand is on your route, see our Thailand visa assistance page. If you are heading to Bali, our Bali visa help guide explains your options and extensions there.
Frequently asked questions
Do Australians need a visa for Vietnam?
Yes. Australian passport holders need a visa, and the e-visa is the usual choice. The only exception is the 30-day Phu Quoc Island exemption, which does not cover the mainland.
How long can Australians stay in Vietnam on an e-visa?
The e-visa is valid for up to 90 days, as single or multiple entry. Your approved dates appear on the e-visa itself. Plan them carefully, because extending inside Vietnam is generally not simple.
How much does the Vietnam visa cost for Australians?
The government e-visa fee is USD 25 for single entry and USD 50 for multiple entry. That is roughly AUD 35 to 40 and AUD 70 to 80, depending on the exchange rate. A private service adds its own fee.
Can Australians get a Vietnam visa on arrival?
Not in the way many people expect. Visa on arrival needs an approval letter arranged before you fly, works for air entry only and has a stamping fee at the airport. For most Australians the e-visa is simpler.
How long does the Vietnam e-visa take?
The official processing time is three working days. Three to five is common, and busy periods can take longer. Apply well before you travel.
Does Hey Rick Visa guarantee approval?
No. Approval is decided by the Vietnamese authorities, and no private service can promise it. Hey Rick Visa is a private assistance service, not a government body, and we review your application to help you avoid common errors.
Get your Vietnam visa for Australians sorted before you fly
The Vietnam visa for Australians is simple when you know the steps. Confirm your passport validity, choose single or multiple entry, use the official portal or a trusted service, and allow a little extra time.
Ready to go? You can apply for a Vietnam visa with us in minutes. If you would like to talk first, speak to our team and we will help you choose.
Hey Rick Visa is a private visa assistance service and is not affiliated with the Government of Vietnam or the Government of Indonesia. We provide assistance with visa applications and charge a service fee.