Vietnam Visa Requirements for US Citizens (2026 Checklist)

What exactly does a US citizen need for a Vietnam visa in 2026? This is the full checklist in one place: the visa itself, the passport and photo rules, the entry rules, the fees, and the mistakes that cause delays.

In short

US citizens need an e-Visa: up to 90 days, single or multiple entry, through 83 approved entry points. You need a US passport valid for 6+ months, a clear portrait photo, a passport scan and a payment card. Government fee $25 single / $50 multiple, 3–5 working days, or urgent from 30 minutes ($215). Rules can change, so confirm them before you book.

Days maximum stay

6 mo

Passport validity

$25

Govt fee, single

Entry points

What the e-Visa is for. Under our service terms, the e-Visa covers tourism. Work, teaching, volunteering, conferences and religious activities are not covered. If your trip involves any of these, message us before applying.

The checklist

Requirement	What it means
Visa	e-Visa required for US passport holders, applied online
Passport validity	At least 6 months from your arrival date, with blank pages
Passport scan	Clear photo page, flat, no glare or cut-off edges
Portrait photo	Recent, plain light background, face fully visible, no filters
Arrival date	The Vietnam date you land, which can be a day after you leave the US
Entry point	The airport or border gate where you will actually arrive (83 approved)
Accommodation	A place you will stay on arrival
Email	An address you can access, since the visa is sent there
Payment	A card enabled for international online payments
Children	A separate e-Visa for each child with a passport

Stay length and entry types

Single entry

One arrival in Vietnam
Government fee $25
Best for a single trip

Multiple entry

Re-entry within the visa validity
Government fee $50
Useful for side trips to nearby countries

Choose 3-month validity to keep your options open. If you may stay beyond your visa, plan it before you travel: an extension is arranged at a Vietnamese immigration office, or you can exit Vietnam and apply for a new e-Visa. See our single vs. multiple entry guide.

Form details that US applicants get wrong

Date formatThe form uses DD/MM/YYYY. 05/11/2026 means 5 November, not May 11.

NameCopy all given names exactly as printed on the passport data page, in the same order.

PhotoBlurry, dark or off-center photos are the most common cause of delay.

Passport validityCount 6 months from your arrival in Vietnam, not from the day you apply.

Applying twiceA duplicate does not make the first file faster and can mean paying the government fee twice.

How to apply, step by step

Check your passportValid for at least 6 months from your arrival date, with blank pages.

Prepare your photo and passport scanPlain light background, natural light, no glare, face fully visible.

Fix your trip detailsArrival date in Vietnam, entry point, and a place you will stay.

Choose single or multiple entryMultiple entry suits side trips and re-entry within the validity.

Enter every field exactlyName as printed on the passport, dates as day/month/year, passport number without spaces.

Pay and save your codeSave the application code (format E260720USA followed by digits) and the registered email.

Check your e-VisaVerify the details against your passport and at evisa.gov.vn/e-visa/search.

Processing time and urgent options

The government timeline is 3–5 working days, Monday to Friday, 8:00–11:30 and 13:30–18:00 Vietnam time (GMT+7). Weekends and Vietnamese public holidays do not count. Vietnam is 11 hours ahead of US Eastern time and 14 ahead of Pacific during daylight saving, one hour more from 1 November. A US Friday afternoon is already Saturday in Vietnam.

Prices below are single entry and include the government fee. Multiple entry adds $25. Approval is decided by Vietnam Immigration and cannot be guaranteed.

Package	Delivery time	Single entry	Multiple entry
Normal	4–6 working days	$50	$75
Urgent 4 days	4 days	$65	$90
Urgent 3 days	3 days	$90	$115
Urgent 2 days	2 days	$100	$125
Urgent 1 day	1 day	$110	$135
Urgent 5 hours	5 hours	$125	$150
Urgent 2.5 hours	2.5 hours	$155	$180
Urgent 1.5 hours	1.5 hours	$185	$210
Urgent 30–60 min	30–60 minutes	$215	$240
Weekend / holiday	Same day, by 18:00 VN	$230	$255

Fast tiers are counted in Vietnam working hours. Weekend orders must be placed with us: pay by 15:00 Vietnam time (04:00 EDT, 01:00 PDT) to receive the visa by 18:00 the same day. Already applied on the government portal? See how to speed up an existing application.

Why travelers use our service

What we commit to

Itemized pricing with the government fee included
Details checked before you pay
24/7 WhatsApp and email support
Visas verifiable on the official portal
Customer reviews on Trustpilot

Our refund policy, plainly

Refund if we accept your case, confirm a deadline and miss it
Refund if you cancel before processing begins (a small transaction fee may apply under our terms)
No refund of the government fee once submitted to Vietnam Immigration
Full details: cancellation and refund policy

We are a private visa service, not a government website. The visa is issued by Vietnam Immigration, and you can verify it at evisa.gov.vn/e-visa/search.

Frequently asked questions

Do US citizens need a visa for Vietnam in 2026?

Yes. US passport holders need a visa to enter Vietnam. The e-Visa is applied for online and delivered by email as a PDF.

How long can US citizens stay in Vietnam on an e-Visa?

Up to 90 days, as single or multiple entry. Choosing 3-month validity gives you the most flexibility.

How long must my US passport be valid?

At least 6 months from your arrival date in Vietnam, with blank pages for stamps.

What are the photo requirements?

A recent portrait with a plain light background, face fully visible, no glare, no filters, in a clear JPG or PNG that fits the upload limit shown on the application form. Blurry, dark or off-center photos are the most common cause of delay.

What is the difference between single and multiple entry?

Single entry allows one arrival in Vietnam. Multiple entry allows re-entry within the visa validity, useful for side trips to nearby countries. The government fee is $25 for single and $50 for multiple.

How much does the e-Visa cost for US citizens?

The government fee is $25 single / $50 multiple. Through our service, all-in prices run from $50 for normal processing to $215 for 30–60 minutes, with $230 for weekends and holidays. Prices are in US dollars.

How long does it take?

The government timeline is typically 3–5 working days, Monday to Friday in Vietnam time. Urgent options deliver in 30 minutes to 4 days, and a weekend and holiday service is available.

Which entry points accept the e-Visa?

Vietnam accepts the e-Visa at 83 approved entry points, including major international airports, land borders and seaports. Choose the one where you will actually arrive.

Do children need their own visa?

Yes. Every child with a passport needs a separate e-Visa. Combining a child with a parent can cause the whole application to be rejected.

Do I need to print my e-Visa?

No. A digital copy on your phone is accepted. A printed backup is optional.

What if my application is delayed?

Do not apply twice. Keep your application code and registered email, and ask for the existing file to be sped up.

Do I get a refund if the deadline is missed?

Yes. If we accept your case, confirm a deadline and fail to deliver on time, you are refunded. The government fee is not refundable once your application has been submitted to Vietnam Immigration.

e-Visa for US citizens Urgent visa for US citizens Single vs. multiple entry How to apply online Refund policy

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