Thinking about visiting Vietnam in 2026–2027 and wondering what type of visa you’ll need?
Here’s a clear, up-to-date guide designed for travelers from the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and other countries.
Entry rules in Vietnam do change from time to time, but the regulations in 2026–2027 are straightforward — making this travel destination even easier to explore.
Vietnam Entry Options: Visa-Free, e-Visa, and Consulate Visa
Vietnam is actively developing its tourism sector and striving to make travel as seamless as possible. Today, the country offers both convenient options for visa-free entry and the ability to quickly secure documents online, without visiting an embassy. Below are the main entry options, allowing you to choose the perfect one for your journey.
| Entry Format | Allowed Stay | Multiple Entry* | Best For | Where to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visa-Free | Varies by nationality (typically 14–90 days) | No | Tourists | No visa application required |
| e-Visa | 90 days | Yes* | Tourists | Online via official government portal |
| Consular Visa | Varies by purpose | Varies by purpose | Business, study, employment | Vietnamese consulates |
Visa-Free Rules for 2026–2027
Depending on your nationality, you may qualify for visa-free entry. Many European and Asian nationalities can enter Vietnam visa-free for a limited number of days.
Visa-Free Entry for 2026–2027: Which Countries Are Eligible?
Vietnam grants visa-free entry to citizens of certain countries in 2026–2027. The permitted stay generally ranges from 14 to 90 days, depending on nationality and passport type.
Citizens of several European and Asian countries can currently stay in Vietnam visa-free for up to 45 days. These include France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Japan, and South Korea, among others.
Some countries have different visa-free stay periods. For example, citizens of Singapore can stay for up to 30 days, while those of Chile and Panama can stay for up to 90 days.
Countries That Need a Visa to Enter Vietnam
However, citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are not eligible for visa-free entry and must apply for an e-Visa before traveling.
Official List of Visa-Exempt Countries and Stay Periods
👉 Since visa regulations are updated from time to time, it’s always a good idea to check the official list of visa-exempt countries to make sure your passport is eligible: Vietnam Visa Exemption List — Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
What You Need for Visa-Free Entry to Vietnam
- Passport validity: At least 6 months beyond your date of entry, with at least 2 blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
- Return or onward ticket: It’s advisable to have one, as you may be asked to show proof of onward travel.
Vietnam e-Visa (Up to 90 Days)
For many visitors, the e-Visa is the simplest and most convenient option for entering Vietnam. It offers plenty of flexibility, making it ideal for extended stays, regional trips, remote work, or a relaxed winter getaway in Southeast Asia.
How e-Visa Works
The Vietnam e-Visa is a simple online process: you apply through the official website, upload your documents, and receive your visa approval letter via email within a few days.
Validity
- Up to 90 days
- Single or multiple entry
e-Visa Cost
USD 25–50, depending on visa type (single or multiple entry).
Processing Time
No more than 3 working days after all required information and the visa fee have been submitted. In some cases, the application may be processed sooner.
How to Apply for e-Visa
- The process is fully online
- Upload a passport scan and a photo
- Pay the fee
- Receive your visa approval letter via email
👉 Official e-Visa website:
https://evisa.gov.vn/
(Avoid third-party intermediaries — use only the official government website.)
👉 You can find a step-by-step guide to filling out the form in this article: Vietnam e-Visa Application Guide (with Step-by-Step Examples)
Extensions: Can You Stay Longer in Vietnam?
If you want to stay in Vietnam longer and prefer to decide on the length of your trip after arrival, one option is to leave the country and re-enter (commonly known as a “border run”). Depending on your nationality, you may be able to re-enter under the visa exemption scheme or apply for a new e-Visa before returning.
There are two popular border run options for tourists in Vietnam:
- Border Run and Re-entry for Up to 45 Days (Visa Exemption).
If you choose this path, keep in mind that the risk of encountering strict onward ticket verification will be significantly higher upon your return. Passengers flying back via Asian low-cost carriers (such as AirAsia) face these checks most frequently. - Border Run and Re-entry for 90 Days (New e-Visa).
If you want to stay longer, you can apply for a new e-Visa. You do not need to wait until your current e-visa expires. However, you must be outside Vietnam when submitting the application: you can leave Vietnam, apply for a new e-Visa while abroad, and wait for it to be approved. Once the new e-Visa has been issued, you can re-enter Vietnam.
Is a Return Ticket Checked When Entering Vietnam?
A return or onward ticket is checked quite frequently, especially if you are entering Vietnam under the visa-exemption policy.
It is a common misconception that this is only an issue at the Vietnamese border. In reality, proof of onward travel is often requested by airline staff during the check-in and boarding process before you even leave your departure airport. Airlines face heavy fines if a passenger is rejected at immigration, so they may strictly enforce this requirement.
To ensure a smooth journey and avoid being denied boarding, make sure you have one of the following ready to present: a confirmed return ticket or a ticket departing Vietnam to any third destination.
Do You Need to Visit the Vietnam Consulate to Get a Visa?
For short-term travelers and digital nomads, a physical trip to a consulate is not needed, as the 90-day e-Visa is suitable for most vacations and a longer winter stay.
Even when traveling for long-term non-tourist purposes, a visit to a Vietnamese consulate is often unnecessary. For Work Visas (LĐ1/LĐ2), Student Visas (DH), or Business Visas (DN1/DN2), a sponsoring organization in Vietnam can usually handle the visa application procedures on your behalf and, where legally permitted, arrange for you to obtain a visa on arrival.
Pre-arrival Information (PAI): Do You Need a Vietnam Arrival Card?
Filling out the electronic Pre-arrival Information (PAI) form can help speed up the immigration process. Vietnam is gradually rolling out this system, so information about whether completing the form is mandatory varies across online sources.
Is the Vietnam Arrival Card Mandatory?
Travelers report different experiences: some say airlines require passengers to show their arrival card QR code before boarding, while others say nobody asked to see it either at check-in or upon arrival.
The official Vietnamese website also emphasizes that the system is intended to reduce waiting times at immigration rather than explicitly stating that completing the form is mandatory.
To avoid potential issues at airline check-in or immigration, we strongly recommend completing the electronic arrival card before your flight to Vietnam.
Who Needs to Complete the Arrival Card?
The form is intended for foreign nationals entering Vietnam, except for transit passengers who do not pass through immigration.
What information is required in the form?
You will need to provide your passport details, flight number, and the address of your first accommodation in Vietnam.
When should it be completed?
You can complete the electronic arrival card no earlier than 72 hours before your arrival in Vietnam. We recommend submitting the form before checking in for your flight to avoid potential issues at the airport.
Where to Complete the Vietnam Arrival Card (Official Website)
👉 Complete the form on the official website of Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security: https://prearrival.immigration.gov.vn.
⚠️ The Vietnam electronic arrival card is free of charge. Beware of third-party websites impersonating the official portal and charging travelers for this service.
Travel Tips for a Smooth Arrival
- Keep your boarding pass until after immigration. It may be requested at passport control.
- Keep your accommodation details handy. Have a booking confirmation for at least your first night in case you’re asked where you’re staying.
- Take photos of your passport, visa, and entry stamp. They can help verify your entry date and legal status if needed.
- Stay polite and friendly. A smile and willingness to answer questions can make interactions smoother for everyone.
Official Visa & Immigration Websites
- Vietnam Official e-Visa Portal:
https://evisa.gov.vn — apply for single or multiple entry e-Visas. - Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA):
https://www.mofa.gov.vn — official visa updates and policy announcements. - Vietnam’s Visa Exemption List (Ministry of Foreign Affairs):
https://vnembassy-thehague.mofa.gov.vn/web/guest/tin-chi-tiet/chi-tiet/viet-nam-39-s-visa-exemption-list-57163-172.html — official list of countries whose citizens are exempt from visa requirements when traveling to Vietnam.
Vietnam Travel Guides: Top Destinations & Itineraries
Explore our practical travel tips, itinerary ideas, and real experiences to plan your perfect getaway across Vietnam:
- A Week in Nha Trang travel guide: Sea, Food, and Adventures in Vietnam
- New Year in Da Nang, Vietnam: Is It Worth Visiting?
- Is Phu Quoc Worth Visiting? Review & Travel Tips
- By Train Through Vietnam: Hanoi – Hue – Da Nang
- Motorbike trip from Hanoi to Mai Chau: Thung Khe Pass and Northern Vietnam
Visa regulations can change frequently. It is highly recommended to double-check the latest rules on the official Vietnamese immigration websites before making travel arrangements.
