How to Apply for a Vietnam e-Visa: Complete Guide

Aug 19, 2025

Table Of Contents

    Updated for 2026 · Vietnam e-Visa Guides

    How to Apply for a Vietnam e-Visa: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

    Everything you need to apply correctly the first time — documents, steps, fees, and the mistakes that cause the most rejections.

    Quick answer

    To get a Vietnam e-Visa, submit a passport scan, a compliant portrait photo, and your travel details online — either on the official government portal or through an authorized agent. Standard processing takes 3–5 working days; urgent options exist if you're traveling sooner.

    Applying is straightforward once you know what immigration actually checks for. This guide walks through it in order. Not sure how early to start? See our Vietnam visa departure timeline for when to apply based on your travel date. If your flight is within the next few days, skip ahead to urgent Vietnam visa processing (1 hour–2 days) instead.

    What is the Vietnam e-Visa?

    The Vietnam e-Visa is an official electronic visa issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department, allowing a single entry of up to 90 days by default. If you need to exit and re-enter Vietnam during your trip, see single-entry vs. multiple-entry e-Visa to check which one you actually need. It's valid at Vietnam's international airports, land borders, and seaports, and is delivered by email as a PDF — no embassy visit required. Compare it against Visa on Arrival on our visa services overview if you're not sure which fits your trip.

    Who needs one?

    Most foreign passport holders need a visa to enter Vietnam — tourists, business travelers, and children of all ages, since a child cannot travel on a parent's visa. A small number of nationalities have short-stay exemptions that change periodically, so confirm current status on the official government portal before assuming you're exempt.

    Documents checklist

    Before you start5 items
    Passport valid at least 6 months beyond your entry date
    Digital scan of the passport's biographical page
    Recent portrait photo — white background, face clearly visible (see our photo requirements guide)
    Planned entry date and port of entry
    For children: a consent letter if not traveling with both parents

    Step-by-step application

    Step 1Prepare documents
    Step 2Fill the form
    Step 3Choose speed
    Step 4Pay securely
    Step 5Receive e-Visa
    1. Prepare your documents — the checklist above.
    2. Fill out the application — on the official government portal, or via our online form, which includes a free document check before submission.
    3. Choose your processing speed — standard (3–5 working days) or urgent (1 hour to 2 days) — full pricing on our urgent processing guide.
    4. Pay securely — Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, or bank transfer.
    5. Receive your e-Visa by email as a PDF with QR code — print it or keep it digital for check-in and immigration.

    Processing times & fees

    Processing timeService fee (USD)
    Standard (3–5 working days)$XX
    1–2 days to 1 hour (urgent)From $85 — see full breakdown

    Government e-Visa fee (currently $25) is separate and paid directly to Vietnam Immigration.

    Common mistakes that cause rejection or delay

    Most rejections are avoidable. The top causes: a photo that doesn't meet requirements, a name or passport number that doesn't exactly match the passport, a passport valid for less than 6 months beyond entry, an entry port that doesn't match the actual flight or border crossing, and submitting a second application while one is already under review instead of requesting an expedite.
    Already applied and it's stuck "Processing"? Don't start over — request to speed up your existing file instead. See how to expedite an existing application.

    Frequently asked questions

    Can I apply for a Vietnam e-Visa myself, without an agency?

    Yes, directly through the official government portal. Using an assistance service adds a document check and support if something goes wrong, for an additional service fee.

    How long is the e-Visa valid?

    Up to 90 days, single entry, depending on current policy at the time of application.

    What if my e-Visa is rejected?

    Contact support@vietnamvisaeasy.net or WhatsApp +84 947 754 252 immediately. Depending on the rejection reason, free correction and resubmission may be available.

    Do children need their own e-Visa?

    Yes. Every traveler, including infants, needs an individual e-Visa.

    My flight is in less than 5 days — what should I do?

    Use urgent processing instead of standard. See our urgent Vietnam visa guide for pricing from 1 hour to 2 days.

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