Updated for 2026 · Choosing the Right Visa Type
Vietnam eVisa: Single or Multiple Entry? The Mistake That Strands Travelers at the Border
One exit on a single-entry eVisa and it's gone — regardless of how many days remain. This guide gets you choosing correctly the first time.
A single-entry eVisa lets you enter Vietnam once — the moment you exit, it's consumed, no matter how much validity is left. A multiple-entry eVisa (+$25) lets you exit and re-enter Vietnam as many times as you want within its 90-day validity. If there's any chance you'll leave and come back — even briefly — choose multiple-entry.
The core difference in one sentence
- Enter Vietnam once
- Exit Vietnam = eVisa finished, even with days remaining
- Valid up to 90 days from entry
- Slightly lower cost
- Cannot be upgraded after approval
- Enter and exit freely
- Valid 90 days from first entry, not from approval
- Covers side trips to Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and back
- +$25 on top of any processing tier
- No reapplication needed between exits
Full comparison, factor by factor
| Factor | Single-entry | Multiple-entry |
|---|---|---|
| Number of entries allowed | 1 only | Unlimited within validity |
| What happens when you exit Vietnam | eVisa 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 | Base tier price | Base tier price + $25 |
| Best for | Direct Vietnam-only trips | Multi-country trips, business travel, cruise stops |
Real scenarios: which type do you actually need?
One entry, one exit, no border crossings in between.
Single-entry is fineWith single-entry, the return to Vietnam would be blocked at the border.
Multiple-entry requiredSingle-entry would be used up on the very first exit to Laos.
Multiple-entry essentialBusiness travelers on regional assignments need this without exception.
Multiple-entry requiredEach time you go ashore and return to the ship counts as an exit and re-entry — single-entry is refused on the second Vietnamese port stop.
Multiple-entry requiredThe most expensive mistake travelers make
This is the single most common and costly eVisa mistake. Here's exactly how it plays out:
The small cost difference between entry types is almost always worth paying upfront. If there's any possibility you might exit Vietnam during your trip, choose multiple-entry.
What happens to the 90-day clock on a multiple-entry eVisa
The 90-day validity 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 June 1. You enter Vietnam June 15. Your 90-day clock starts June 15 and runs until September 13. During that window you can exit and re-enter freely. On September 13 the eVisa expires and you must leave or apply for a new visa.
Who should always choose multiple-entry
- Multi-country Southeast Asia trips including Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, or Myanmar
- Cruise ship passengers with more than one Vietnamese port stop
- Business travelers who may fly to regional hubs (Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur) and return
- Expats or long-stay travelers who may need a border run before 90 days expires
- Anyone whose travel plans aren't fully confirmed yet at application time
- Travelers visiting family or friends in neighboring countries mid-trip
Who can safely choose single-entry
- Travelers flying directly to Vietnam with a return ticket and no border crossings planned
- Short-stay tourists visiting one or two Vietnamese cities on a fixed itinerary
- Travelers with fully confirmed plans that don't involve leaving Vietnam at any point
What multiple-entry costs
| Processing speed | Single-entry | Multiple-entry (+$25) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard (3–5 days) | $25 | $50 |
| 3 days | $90 | $115 |
| 1 day | $110 | $135 |
| 1.5 hours | $185 | $210 |
Full pricing: urgent visa guide and service fee guide.
Used up your single-entry? Here's what to do
If you exit Vietnam on a single-entry eVisa and need back in, you must submit a completely new application — there's no waiting period, but you must be outside Vietnam when you submit it, since eVisa applications cannot be made from inside the country.
Frequently asked questions
Should I get single or multiple entry?
Choose single-entry only if you're visiting Vietnam alone with no plans to cross into any neighboring country. Choose multiple-entry if there's any chance you'll visit Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, or elsewhere and return — when in doubt, multiple-entry is the safer default.
Can I change single-entry to multiple-entry after my eVisa is approved?
No. Once approved, the entry type cannot be changed — a completely new eVisa application with the correct type is required.
How long is a multiple-entry Vietnam eVisa valid?
Up to 90 days from your first entry date, not from issuance. Days spent outside Vietnam still count against this total.
Do cruise ship passengers need multiple-entry?
Yes in most cases — each port stop where you go ashore and return counts as an exit and re-entry. Single-entry only covers the first port stop.
Is there a waiting period before I can reapply after using a single-entry eVisa?
No waiting period, but the new application must be submitted while you're outside Vietnam, since applications can't be made from inside the country.
What if I'm not sure whether my plans will involve leaving Vietnam?
Choose multiple-entry. The cost difference is small; the cost of being refused re-entry and needing emergency processing is significant.
Not sure which type fits your trip?
We process both single-entry and multiple-entry applications for all eligible nationalities. If you're unsure which fits your itinerary, message us on WhatsApp with your travel plan before applying — we'll confirm the right type at no charge.
Apply for the right entry type → Confirm on WhatsApp first