Single Entry vs Multiple Entry Vietnam eVisa
One exit on a single entry eVisa means your visa is gone. If you plan to visit neighbouring countries and return to Vietnam, you need the multiple entry option - there is no way to upgrade after approval.
Vietnam eVisa Single Entry vs Multiple Entry: Which Should You Choose?
When applying for a Vietnam eVisa, one of the first decisions you make is entry type: single or multiple. It seems like a minor detail. But choosing the wrong option and exiting Vietnam - even briefly to visit a neighbouring country - means your visa is finished and you must apply again from scratch. This guide helps you choose correctly the first time.
The Core Difference in One Sentence
A single entry eVisa allows you to enter Vietnam once. The moment you exit Vietnam, the eVisa is consumed regardless of how many days remain. A multiple entry eVisa allows you to enter and exit Vietnam as many times as you want within the 90-day validity period.
- Enter Vietnam once
- Exit Vietnam = eVisa finished
- Valid up to 90 days from entry
- Slightly lower cost
- Sufficient for direct-to-Vietnam trips
- Cannot be upgraded after approval
- Enter and exit Vietnam freely
- Valid 90 days from first entry
- Cross into Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and return
- Ideal for business travellers
- No reapplication needed between exits
- Worth the small extra cost for flexibility
Full Comparison Table
| Factor | Single Entry | Multiple Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Number of entries allowed | 1 entry only | Unlimited within validity |
| What happens when you exit Vietnam | eVisa is used up - cannot re-enter | Can re-enter freely within 90 days |
| Maximum stay | Up to 90 days total | Up to 90 days from first entry |
| Valid for multi-country SEA trips | No - exit means visa finished | Yes - exit and re-enter freely |
| Can be changed after approval | No - must reapply | No - must reapply |
| Cost difference | Slightly lower | Slightly higher |
| Best for | Direct Vietnam-only holidays | Multi-country trips, business travel, frequent crossings |
Real Travel Scenarios: Which Type Do You Need?
Scenario 1: Flying Sydney to Ho Chi Minh City, spending 3 weeks in Vietnam, flying home
Scenario 2: Vietnam, then Cambodia for 5 days, then back to Vietnam
Scenario 3: Vietnam - Laos - Vietnam - Thailand - Vietnam (backpacking loop)
Scenario 4: Business traveller - Vietnam office visit, fly to Singapore for meeting, return to Vietnam
Scenario 5: Cruise ship passenger stopping in Da Nang and Phu Quoc
The Most Expensive Mistake: Choosing Single When You Need Multiple
This is the single most common and costly eVisa mistake made by travellers to Vietnam. Here is exactly what happens:
- Traveller applies for single entry eVisa to save a small amount on the fee
- Traveller enters Vietnam, spends time there, then crosses into Cambodia or Laos for a few days
- Traveller attempts to re-enter Vietnam - and is refused at the border
- Traveller must now apply for a new eVisa while stuck at the border, often needing emergency processing
- Total cost: the original single entry fee + emergency processing fee + time lost and disruption
The small difference in cost between single and multiple entry is almost always worth paying upfront. If there is any possibility you might exit Vietnam during your trip - even briefly - choose multiple entry.
Who Should Always Choose Multiple Entry
- Travellers doing a multi-country Southeast Asia trip that includes Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, or Myanmar
- Cruise ship passengers making multiple Vietnamese port stops
- Business travellers who may need to fly to regional hubs (Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur) and return to Vietnam
- Expats or long-stay travellers who may need to do a border run before their 90 days expire
- Anyone whose travel plans are not yet fully confirmed at the time of application
- Travellers visiting family or friends in neighbouring countries during a Vietnam stay
Who Can Safely Choose Single Entry
- Travellers flying directly to Vietnam with a return ticket and no plans to cross any border
- Short-stay tourists visiting one or two cities in Vietnam with a fixed itinerary
- Travellers with completely confirmed plans that do not involve leaving Vietnam at any point
Our recommendation: When in doubt, choose multiple entry. The cost difference between single and multiple entry is small. The cost of being turned away at a border and needing emergency re-processing is significant. If your itinerary involves any neighbouring countries or is not fully confirmed, multiple entry is the safer and smarter choice.
What Happens to the 90-Day Clock on a Multiple Entry eVisa?
The 90-day validity of a multiple entry Vietnam eVisa starts from the date of your first entry into Vietnam, not from the date the eVisa was issued or approved.
Example: Your eVisa is approved on 1 June. You enter Vietnam on 15 June. Your 90-day clock starts on 15 June and runs until 13 September. During this period you can exit and re-enter Vietnam as many times as you wish. On 13 September the eVisa expires and you must leave Vietnam or apply for a new visa.
Can I Apply for a New eVisa If I Used Up My Single Entry?
Yes. If you exit Vietnam on a single entry eVisa and need to re-enter, you must submit a new eVisa application. There is no waiting period after using a single entry eVisa. However, you must be outside Vietnam when the new application is submitted - eVisa applications cannot be made from inside Vietnam.
If you are at a land border and have just been refused re-entry on a used single entry eVisa, contact Vietnam Visa Easy immediately via WhatsApp. We can process an emergency eVisa application from 1.5 hours to get you back across the border as quickly as possible.
Need Help Choosing or Applying?
Vietnam Visa Easy processes both single entry and multiple entry eVisa applications for all eligible nationalities. If you are unsure which type is right for your trip, contact us on WhatsApp before applying and we will advise based on your specific itinerary - at no charge.
Apply for Your Vietnam eVisa Now
Single entry or multiple entry - our team processes both. Not sure which to choose? Message us on WhatsApp with your itinerary and we will confirm the right option for your trip before you apply.
WhatsApp: +84 947 754 252 - available 24/7
Email: support@vietnamvisaeasy.net
Emergency processing from $90 USD if your trip is coming up fast. Standard and multiple entry options available for all eligible nationalities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between single entry and multiple entry Vietnam eVisa?
A single entry Vietnam eVisa allows you to enter Vietnam once only. Once you exit Vietnam, the eVisa is consumed and you cannot re-enter on the same document. A multiple entry eVisa allows you to enter and exit Vietnam as many times as you wish within the 90-day validity period starting from your first entry date.
Should I get single or multiple entry Vietnam eVisa?
Choose single entry if you are visiting Vietnam only with no plans to cross into any neighbouring countries. Choose multiple entry if you plan to visit Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, or other countries during your trip and return to Vietnam, or if you are a business traveller who may need to exit and re-enter. When in doubt, always choose multiple entry - the cost difference is small and the consequences of choosing wrong are significant.
Can I change single entry to multiple entry after my eVisa is approved?
No. Once your Vietnam eVisa is approved, the entry type cannot be changed. You would need to apply for a completely new eVisa with the correct entry type selected. Always decide carefully before submitting your application.
How long is a multiple entry Vietnam eVisa valid?
A multiple entry Vietnam eVisa is valid for up to 90 days from the date of your first entry into Vietnam. Within this 90-day window you can exit and re-enter Vietnam freely. Days spent outside Vietnam still count against the 90-day total - the clock does not pause when you leave Vietnam.
If I exit Vietnam on a single entry eVisa can I come back?
No. A single entry eVisa is finished the moment you exit Vietnam, regardless of how many days remain on the validity period. To re-enter Vietnam you must apply for a new eVisa. If you are at the border and need emergency processing, contact Vietnam Visa Easy on WhatsApp immediately - we can process a new eVisa from 1.5 hours.
Do cruise ship passengers need multiple entry eVisa for Vietnam?
Yes, in most cases. If your cruise ship makes more than one Vietnamese port stop - for example Da Nang and then Phu Quoc - each time you go ashore and return to the ship counts as an exit and re-entry into Vietnam. A single entry eVisa will only cover the first port stop. Multiple entry is required for cruise passengers with more than one Vietnamese port of call.
