Vietnam Visa Requirements for United States passport

Vietnam requires all US passport holders to obtain a visa before entering the country.

This requirement applies to both tourists and business travelers, ensuring proper documentation and compliance with immigration regulations.

The Vietnam visa application process is straightforward, especially for an e-Visa, which can be obtained entirely online.

Whether you're planning a short vacation or an extended stay, understanding Vietnam's visa requirements is essential for a smooth trip.

Vietnam Visa Options for US Citizens

US travelers have three main ways to obtain a Vietnamese visa.

Each option has distinct advantages depending on your travel timeline, budget, and entry preferences.

E-Visa: The Digital Solution

The Vietnamese government's e-Visa system offers the most convenient application process for US citizens.

You can complete the entire application online. The e-Visa eliminates the need for a visa sponsor, making it ideal for independent travelers.

It's valid for up to 90 days for both single and multiple entry options.

However, you must enter and exit Vietnam through the specific border crossing you selected during your application.

Visa on Arrival: Pre-Approval Required

Despite its name, "Visa on Arrival" requires advance preparation. You cannot simply show up at the airport expecting to receive a visa.

Instead, you must arrange pre-approval through before traveling.

The process works like this: your sponsor applies for a pre-approval letter with a Vietnamese Immigration Office on your behalf.

Once you receive this letter, you can travel to Vietnam and complete your visa application upon landing. Without the pre-approval letter, Vietnamese immigration authorities will deny you entry.

Regular Visas

For travelers preferring traditional application methods, Vietnamese Embassies and Consulates in the US accept visa applications.

This option offers the widest range of visa types and validity periods.

You can apply at the Embassy of Vietnam in Washington, D.C., or the Vietnamese Consulate Generals in San Francisco, Houston, or New York.

Vietnam Visa Requirements for Different Application Methods

When applying for a Vietnam visa, US passport holders need to prepare several documents.

While the specifics can change depending on the application method, here are the general requirements:

• Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.
• Face photograph: Recent photos are required.
• Visa application form: A completed paper form is necessary for embassy/consulate applications.
• Pre-approval letter: Required for the Visa on Arrival (VOA) option.
• Stamping fee: A fee (in USD) is payable upon arrival for the VOA.
• Invitation letter: May be required when applying through an embassy.

Make sure all the necessary documents are prepared in advance to avoid delays during the application process.

Vietnam Visa Application Process

The Vietnam e-Visa application process is straightforward for US passport holders when you follow these steps:

1. Complete Your Application. Fill out the online form with your personal information, travel details, and intended entry/exit points.
2. Upload Required Documents. Submit a digital photo of your passport's biographical page and a recent face photograph meeting Vietnamese specifications.
3. Pay the Fee. Pay the non-refundable fee via the available online payment option.
4. Wait for Processing. Most applications are processed within 5-10 business days. You'll receive your approved e-Visa via email.
5. Print Your e-Visa. Print your e-Visa, as digital copies on phones or tablets are not accepted at immigration checkpoints.

To use the Visa on Arrival option, obtain an approval letter from a certified travel agency before traveling to Vietnam. At your entry airport, present the letter, passport, and required photos at the VOA counter and pay the stamping fee.

For a Regular Visa, visit a Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in your country. Submit any required documents specified by the embassy and cover the fee.

Validity and Stay for US Passport Holders

The e-Visa allows for both single and multiple entries. US citizens can remain in Vietnam for up to 90 days from your date of entry, after which they must exit or apply for an extension if eligible.

The VOA is a document that permits a single entry to Vietnam and permits a stay of up to 30 days, depending on the period mentioned on your ticket.

Regular Visas can have varying validity periods, often ranging from 1 month to 1 year, with options for single or multiple entries.

The length of your stay depends on the type of visa approved during your application at the embassy or consulate.

Entry Ports Accepting the Vietnam eVisa

US holders of Electronic Visas can enter and exit Vietnam only through the selected ports (entry is possible only via the port chosen during the application):

Airports

• Cat Bi Airport (HPH)
• Cam Ranh Airport (CXR)
• Can Tho Airport (VCA)
• Da Nang Airport (DAD)
• Noi Bai Airport (HAN)
• Phu Quoc Airport (PQC)
• Phu Bai Airport (HUI)
• Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN)
• Van Don Airport (VDO)
• Tho Xuan Airport (THD)
• Dong Hoi Airport (VDH)
• Phu Cat Airport (UIH)
• Lien Khuong Airport (DLI)

Seaports

• Chan May Port
• Cam Pha Port
• Da Nang Port
• Duong Dong Port
• Dung Quat Port
• Hon Gai Port
• Hai Phong Port
• Nghi Son Port
• Nha Trang Port
• Quy Nhon port
• Ho Chi Minh City Port
• Vung Ang Port
• Vung Tau Port

Land crossings

• Bo Y, Kon Tum province
• Cha Lo, Quang Binh province
• Cau Treo, Ha Tinh province
• Huu Nghi, Lang Son province
• Ha Tien, Kien Giang province
• Lao Bao, Quang Tri province
• Lao Cai, Lao Cai province
• La Lay, Quang Tri province
• Moc Bai, Tay Ninh province
• Mong Cai, Quang Ninh province
• Nam Can, Nghe An province
• Na Meo, Thanh Hoa province
• Vinh Xuong, An Giang province
• Tinh Bien, An Giang province
• Tay Trang, Dien Bien province
• Xa Mat, Tay Ninh province

Frequently Asked Questions

• What happens if there's an error on my Vietnam e-Visa?
  Even minor errors, including typos in names or missing middle names, can result in entry denial.
• How long does it take to process an e-Visa to Vietnam?
  The e-Visa application is usually processed within 5-10 business days. Applicants should plan accordingly to ensure they have their visas approved before their intended travel date.
• What happens if I enter or exit Vietnam through the wrong port with an e-Visa?
  Using a different port of entry or exit could result in denial of entry or issues when leaving the country.
• Can I extend my e-Visa while staying in Vietnam?
  Usually, the Vietnam e-Visa cannot be extended. If you wish to stay longer, you will need to leave the country and apply for a new visa or explore other visa types.

Conclusion

Understanding Vietnam's visa requirements ensures a smooth entry.

The e-Visa system offers the most convenient option for most US passport holders, while embassy visas provide flexibility for longer stays or complex travel plans.

Remember to verify all information with official Vietnamese government sources before your trip, as immigration policies can change.