Vietnam Visa for United States Citizens 2026 - Requirements, Fees & Processing

Overview

Planning a trip to Vietnam as a US citizen? You will need an e-visa, which you can apply for online in about 10 minutes. The fee is $25 for single entry or $50 for multiple entry, with processing taking 3 working days. The e-visa allows stays up to 90 days. This guide covers the complete application process and entry requirements.

Visa Application process

US citizens can apply for Vietnam e-visa online through the official government portal.1 The process takes about 10 minutes to complete. Step 1: Prepare Documents Before starting, gather these items: • Passport with 6+ months validity • Digital passport photo (4x6 cm, white background) • Scan of passport data page • Credit/debit card for payment • Hotel address in Vietnam Step 2: Complete Online Application Visit the official portal at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn.1 Fill in: • Personal information matching your passport exactly • Passport details and validity dates • Planned entry date and port of entry • Accommodation address in Vietnam • Upload photo and passport scan Step 3: Pay the Fee • Single entry: $25 • Multiple entry: $50 Payment is processed online immediately. Keep your transaction receipt. Step 4: Wait for Approval Standard processing takes 3 working days.1 You will receive an email notification when your e-visa is ready. Download and print the approval letter. Step 5: Print and Travel Print your e-visa approval letter and bring it with your passport. Present both at Vietnam immigration upon arrival.

Visa Application Steps

Step 1: Prepare Documents
Step 2: Complete Online Application
Step 3: Pay the Fee
Step 4: Wait for Approval
Step 5: Print and Travel

Visa Fees breakdown

Visa Type: Fee	Single Entry e-Visa: $25	Multiple Entry e-Visa: $50	Visa Extension (in Vietnam): ~$25	Apply only through the official government portal to avoid agency fees.1 Third-party websites often charge $50-100+ for the same visa.

Required documents

Valid Passport
Digital Passport Photo
Passport Data Page Scan
Travel Itinerary
Accommodation Address
Online Payment

Valid Passport

Your US passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned entry date • At least 6 months validity from date of entry; • At least 2 blank pages for entry stamps; • Must not be damaged or altered] (Tip: Check passport expiry date before applyingPassport number on application must match exactly)

Digital Passport Photo

Recent digital photo meeting Vietnam visa photo requirements • 4x6 cm dimensions (passport style); • White background; • Taken within last 6 months; • Clear face, no glasses, neutral expression; • File size under 1MB, JPEG format] (Tip: Use a visa photo app to ensure correct dimensionsPhoto quality issues are a common cause of delays)

Passport Data Page Scan

Clear scan or photo of your passport information page • Must show full data page including photo; • All text must be clearly readable; • File size under 1MB] (Tip: Use good lighting and avoid glareEnsure all four corners are visible)

Travel Itinerary

Planned entry and exit dates for Vietnam • Entry date cannot be before visa validity starts; • Stay cannot exceed 90 days; • Entry port selection required] (Tip: Choose dates with some flexibility in case of delaysYou can enter on or after your visa start date)

Accommodation Address

Address where you will stay in Vietnam • Hotel name and address for first destination; • Must be a real, verifiable address] (Tip: Book a refundable hotel if plans are uncertainAirbnb addresses are acceptable)

Online Payment

Credit or debit card for visa fee payment • $25 for single entry e-visa; • $50 for multiple entry e-visa; • Payment processed online during application] (Tip: Use the official government portal to avoid agency markupsFee is non-refundable if application is denied)

Border entry information

The Vietnam e-visa is valid at 33 designated entry points:1
International Airports (13):
Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), Da Nang, Cam Ranh (Nha Trang), Phu Quoc, Phu Bai (Hue), Cat Bi (Hai Phong), Can Tho, Vinh, Dong Hoi, Tho Xuan, Lien Khuong (Da Lat), and Van Don
Land Borders (16):
Including crossings to Cambodia (Moc Bai, Xa Mat), Laos (Lao Bao, Cau Treo), and China (Huu Nghi, Lao Cai)
Seaports (13):
Including Hon Gai, Hai Phong, Nha Trang, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City ports

If your application is denied

Denials are uncommon for US citizens with correct applications. If denied:
Check the reason provided in the denial notification
Review your documents for photo quality and passport validity issues
Reapply with corrected information (requires new fee)
Contact the embassy if issues persist
The $25-50 fee is non-refundable for denied applications. Take time to ensure accuracy before submitting.

Comparison

Visa Type	Fee	Validity	Entries
Single Entry e-Visa	$25	90 days	1 entry
Multiple Entry e-Visa	$50	90 days	Unlimited
Visa Extension (in Vietnam)	~$25	+30 days	-

Common rejection reasons

%	Reason
35%	Photo Quality Issues
25%	Passport Validity Issues
20%	Incomplete or Incorrect Information
15%	Invalid Accommodation Address
5%	Previous Immigration Violations

35% - Photo Quality Issues

How to avoid: Use a visa photo app to ensure correct 4x6 cm dimensions with white background. Remove glasses and maintain neutral expression.

25% - Passport Validity Issues

How to avoid: Double-check your passport expiry date and ensure the passport number matches exactly what is on your document.

20% - Incomplete or Incorrect Information

How to avoid: Review all fields before submitting. Ensure dates are logical and names match passport exactly.

15% - Invalid Accommodation Address

How to avoid: Provide a real hotel address. Book a refundable reservation if needed just for the application.

5% - Previous Immigration Violations

How to avoid: Be honest in your application. If you have previous issues, consider applying through the Vietnamese Embassy with explanation.

Frequently asked questions

Do US citizens need a visa for Vietnam?

Yes, US citizens need a visa to visit Vietnam. The easiest option is the e-visa, which you can apply for online at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn. The only exception is Phu Quoc Island, where you can stay up to 30 days without a visa if you remain on the island.

How long can Americans stay in Vietnam?

With an e-visa, US citizens can stay up to 90 days in Vietnam. You can choose between a single entry visa (one entry within validity period) or multiple entry visa (unlimited entries within 90 days).

How much does a Vietnam visa cost for US citizens?

The official e-visa fee is $25 for single entry or $50 for multiple entry. Apply directly on the government portal to avoid third-party agency fees, which can be $50-100 higher.

How long does Vietnam e-visa processing take?

Standard processing takes 3 working days. During peak travel season (November to April) or around Vietnamese holidays like Tet (Lunar New Year), processing may take 5-7 days. Apply at least 1 week before travel.

Can I extend my Vietnam visa?

Yes, you can extend your e-visa once while in Vietnam by visiting a local immigration office. Extensions are typically granted for 30 additional days. Apply before your current visa expires to avoid overstay penalties.

Where can I enter Vietnam with an e-visa?

The e-visa is valid at 33 entry points: 13 international airports (including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang), 16 land border crossings, and 13 seaports. All major tourist entry points accept e-visas.

What if my Vietnam e-visa is denied?

Denials are rare for US citizens applying with correct information. If denied, the fee is non-refundable. Check for errors in your application, ensure your passport meets requirements, and reapply. Common issues include photo quality and passport validity.

Do I need a return ticket for Vietnam?

While not always checked, immigration officers can request proof of onward travel. Having a return ticket or proof of exit from Vietnam within your visa validity is recommended.

Apply for Vietnam tourist visa online

Sources

Vietnam Immigration Department - e-Visa Portal

https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/

U.S. Embassy Vietnam - Visa Information

https://vn.usembassy.gov/vietnamese-visas-and-entry-exit/

Embassy of Vietnam in the United States

https://vietnamembassy-usa.org/consular/visa-application-process

U.S. Department of State - Vietnam Travel

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Vietnam.html

At a glance