Vietnam 2025 - New Entry Regulations into Vietnamese Territory

Since November 11, 2024, Vietnam has implemented a new simplified web portal for e-Visa applications:

►  https://evisa.gov.vn

This portal includes three main improved sections:
- An Instructions zone
- An FAQ space
- A contact form
Foreign tourists, now under the supervision of the Ministry of Immigration, can find most of the answers to their questions there and can even reach out to the relevant services via the contact form or hotline.
 

Foreign tourists can find most of the answers to their questions here

 

Vietnam offers visa exemptions for citizens of 26 countries, under conditions:
- Valid ordinary passport
- Proof of exit from the territory (return ticket or to a third country)
- The 30-day interval between two entries has been removed (since 2020, in fact, but few people know this. Therefore, visitors from visa-exempt countries can exit Vietnam and re-enter immediately without having to wait 30 days).

Exemption durations per country
 

Duration	Country
14 days	Brunei, Myanmar
21 days	Philippines
30 days	Cambodia, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand
45 days	Germany, France, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Belarus, Poland*, Czech Republic*, Switzerland*
90 days	Chile, Panama

*New for 2025

Good to know

British National Overseas (BNO) passport holders are not eligible for the 15-day visa exemption. They must obtain a valid visa to travel to Vietnam.

Special case: Phu Quoc Island

All nationalities can stay on Phu Quoc Island for 30 days without a visa, under conditions:
- Passport valid for a minimum of 6 months
- Return ticket
- Exclusive stay on the island (no transit to other regions of Vietnam). However, if foreign passports transit through other international airports in Vietnam before arriving in Phu Quoc, they can still benefit from the exemption.

e-Visa Procedure 2025

e-Visas are now

- Available for all nationalities
- Valid for 30 to 90 days
- Usable for single or multiple entries
- Processed in 3 working days
- Charged at 25 USD (non-refundable in case of rejection)
 

Application steps

Access the official website

Here's a reminder for your information: https://evisa.gov.vn

Filling out the form

- Personal information
- Travel details
- Passport data page scan
Important: Names must match exactly the ICAO line in the passport (Between the chevrons <<)
 

Required documents

- Valid passport for a minimum of 6 months
- Recent photo in the specified format
- Accommodation information and purpose of the trip
 

Check and tracking code

- Carefully check all information

Online payment

- 25 USD by credit card
- Keep the registration code for tracking
- No confirmation email sent
 

Authorized entry points

e-Visas are valid for entry into Vietnam via:
- 8 international airports (including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang)
- 16 land border crossings
- 7 seaports
Complete list available on evisa.gov.vn

Notable improvements for 2025

- Simplified user interface
- Real-time application tracking
- Fully digital process
- Extension of possible lengths of stay
- Broadening of authorized entry points
It is recommended to regularly check the official website for any updates to the regulations.

 

Appendix - Visa on Arrival

Visa on Arrival remains a valid option in 2025, but only for arrivals by air at the following international airports:
- Noi Bai (Hanoi)
- Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City)
- Da Nang
- Nha Trang
- Hai Phong
- Phu Quoc
- Can Tho
- Cat Bi

Two-step process

Before departure
- Obtain an approval letter through an accredited online agency
- Processing time: 2-3 working days
- Cost of the letter: variable depending on the agency (15-25 USD)
Prepare:
* 2 passport photos (4x6 cm)
* Visa application form
* Visa fee in cash
Upon arrival
- Proceed to the "Visa on Arrival" counter
Submit:
* Approval letter
* Completed form
* Passport
* Photos
* Visa fees (25-50 USD depending on the visa type, cash only)
- Average wait time: 15-45 minutes

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages
- No need to send your passport to an embassy
- Possibility of obtaining multiple entry visas
- Last-minute solution possible
- Flexibility on entry dates
Disadvantages
- More expensive than e-Visa
- Only for air arrivals
- Waiting time upon arrival
- Need to have exact cash for fees
- Dependence on a third-party agency for the approval letter

Good to know

- This option is not recommended during peak tourist seasons due to queues
- Prefer e-Visa whenever possible
- Verify the reliability of the chosen agency for the approval letter - Allow sufficient time upon arrival for formalities.