Most trouble at the Vietnam border starts with a missed detail, not a refused visa. This guide lists the Vietnam visa requirements you need to meet, from passport rules to the checks you may face on arrival. If you would like a team to check your details before you apply, see our Vietnam visa application service.
You will find a quick checklist, then the detail behind each item.
What are the Vietnam visa requirements?
There are three layers to getting into Vietnam. You need the right visa or exemption, a passport that meets the rules, and the documents and answers an airline or officer may ask for.
Only the Vietnamese authorities decide whether a visa is approved. Hey Rick Visa is a private visa assistance service and is not affiliated with the Government of Vietnam or the Government of Indonesia, so always check your own nationality and the official portal.
Vietnam visa requirements checklist
| Requirement | What it means |
| Visa or exemption | A valid e-visa, or a visa exemption that covers your passport and your purpose |
| Passport validity | At least six months from your date of entry |
| Blank pages | At least two, for entry and exit stamps |
| Passport condition | Undamaged, with no tears or unofficial markings |
| Matching details | Passport number and name must match your e-visa |
| Entry point | The airport or border gate you chose on the e-visa form |
| Onward travel | A return or onward ticket, which airlines often ask to see |
| Accommodation | A hotel name or address, as the form and officers may ask |
| Printed e-visa | A paper copy to carry with your passport |
Passport requirements
Your passport is the first thing checked, often before you even board.
- Six months’ validity: Count from your date of entry. Airlines frequently refuse boarding if less remains.
- Two blank pages: Make sure they are free of other stamps or visas.
- Good condition: Damaged or altered passports can cause problems.
- Exact details: Your name and passport number must match your e-visa.
If your passport is close to the limit, renew it before you apply for anything else.
Do you need a visa for Vietnam?
That depends on your passport. Citizens of 24 countries can enter visa-free for up to 45 days. The list includes the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Japan, South Korea and Russia. For some of these countries the exemption covers tourism only, and the exemptions currently run to 2028.
Several other nationalities have visa-free access under bilateral agreements, with stay lengths that vary. Eligible visitors arriving directly on Phu Quoc Island can stay up to 30 days on the island only.
Everyone else needs a visa, and the e-visa is the usual choice. Our Vietnam visa assistance guide explains the exemptions in more detail. If you hold an Australian passport, read our Vietnam visa for Australians guide.
E-visa requirements
The e-visa is an electronic approval for stays of up to 90 days, as single or multiple entry. Here is what the application needs.
| Item | Detail |
| Government fee | USD 25 for single entry, USD 50 for multiple entry, generally non-refundable |
| Official processing time | 3 working days, though 3 to 5 is common |
| Passport data page | A clear image of the page with your photo and details |
| Portrait photo | Recent, front-facing, plain white background, in the portal’s format |
| Trip details | Entry and exit dates, entry point and where you will stay |
| Payment | A card that works for online international payments |
The government fee is paid on the official portal, evisa.gov.vn, and any service fee from a private provider is separate. Our e-visa form guide walks through each field.
Other entry requirements to check
A visa is not the only thing that matters at the border.
- Onward or return ticket: Airlines often ask for proof you will leave Vietnam within your permitted stay. Carry a confirmed ticket or itinerary.
- Accommodation details: Have a hotel name and address ready.
- Cash declaration: Amounts above USD 5,000 or VND 15,000,000 are generally declared to customs. Check the current limits before you travel.
- Health rules: A yellow fever certificate may be asked for if you arrive from a risk country. Check the latest health advice for your route.
- Prohibited items: Check customs rules on items such as medication, vapes and drones before you pack.
These details can change, so confirm them with an official source before you fly.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Short passport validity: Check six months before you book flights, not after.
- Mismatched details: A typo in your name or passport number can cause problems at the border.
- Wrong entry point: Enter where your e-visa says and on the approved dates.
- No onward ticket: Check-in staff may stop you without proof of departure.
- Using a lookalike website: Only evisa.gov.vn is the official portal. Check who you are paying.
- Not printing the e-visa: Keep a paper copy in case your phone fails.
Apply yourself or use help?
Applying yourself works well when your documents are in order. You pay only the government fee, and the form is not long.
Help can make sense if you are short on time, applying for a group or unsure about photos and dates. A second check can catch 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.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main Vietnam visa requirements?
You need a valid e-visa or a visa exemption, a passport with six months’ validity and two blank pages, and the details that match your visa. Airlines may also ask for proof of onward travel.
How long must my passport be valid for Vietnam?
It should be valid for at least six months from your date of entry. Airlines often enforce this strictly. Check your expiry date before you apply.
Do I need an onward ticket for Vietnam?
Often, yes. Airlines commonly ask for a return or onward ticket before boarding. Carry a confirmed ticket or itinerary.
How much does the Vietnam e-visa cost?
The government fee is USD 25 for single entry and USD 50 for multiple entry. It is generally non-refundable. A private service charges its own fee on top.
How long can I stay in Vietnam on an e-visa?
The e-visa is valid for up to 90 days. Your approved dates appear on the e-visa itself. Extending a stay inside Vietnam is generally not simple, so plan your dates carefully.
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.
Check every Vietnam visa requirement before you fly
The Vietnam visa requirements are manageable when you tick them off in order: the right visa, a valid passport, matching details and your onward travel. Check each one early and allow a little extra time.
Ready to start? 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.