Planning a trip to Vietnam usually begins with exciting decisions about destinations, food and experiences. But before flights or hotels are confirmed, one practical step determines how smoothly everything else goes: understanding the visa process.
Many travelers assume visa rules are complicated, yet Vietnam has simplified entry significantly in recent years. In reality, the process is straightforward once you understand the basics. Most problems travelers face come not from strict rules, but from small mistakes or last-minute applications.
This guide explains Vietnam’s visa and entry requirements for 2026 in a clear, practical way so you can complete the process confidently and avoid unnecessary stress.
If you are planning your journey from the beginning, start with our Complete Vietnam Travel Guide to understand routes, destinations and overall planning before sorting documents.
Do You Need a Visa to Visit Vietnam?
Yes. Most travelers, including Indian passport holders, need a valid visa to enter Vietnam.
For tourism, the Vietnam e-visa has become the standard option because it allows travelers to complete everything online without visiting an embassy. Once approved, the visa is accepted at major airports as well as selected land and sea checkpoints, making entry simple for most visitors.
Vietnam E-Visa Overview
The e-visa remains the easiest and most reliable choice for tourists. It allows stays of up to 90 days and is available as both single-entry and multiple-entry options. Single entry works well for travelers staying only in Vietnam, while multiple entry is useful if you plan to visit nearby countries and return.
Government fees typically range from $25 to $50, depending on visa type. Processing usually takes around three to five working days, although experienced travelers prefer to apply at least two weeks before departure to avoid unnecessary stress.
Official Visa Application Websites
One of the most common mistakes travelers make is applying through unofficial platforms that charge high service fees.
To avoid this, always use official government portals such as evisa.gov.vn or thithucdientu.gov.vn. Using official sites not only saves money but also reduces the chance of errors during submission.
How to Apply for a Vietnam E-Visa
The application process is simple when documents are prepared in advance. You will need a clear passport scan, a passport-style photograph and basic travel information such as intended entry dates.
After completing the online form and paying the fee, approvals usually arrive within a few working days. Once approved, it is recommended to carry both digital and printed copies when traveling.
In practice, travelers who prepare documents carefully find the process surprisingly fast.
Visa Exemption List (Who Can Enter Without a Visa?)
Vietnam offers visa-free entry for short stays to certain nationalities:
- Up to 45 days: UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Japan, South Korea, Russia and others
- Up to 30 days: Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos
- 21 days: Philippines
- 14 days: Brunei, Myanmar
Travelers from exempt countries planning longer stays must still apply for an e-visa before arrival.
Entry Requirements You Should Know
Even with a valid visa, travelers should ensure their passport remains valid for at least six months beyond arrival and has enough blank pages for stamps. Immigration officers may occasionally ask for onward travel confirmation, so keeping a return or onward ticket ready is a smart precaution.
One small detail many travelers overlook is that you must enter and exit using the same passport you used during the visa application.
Common Visa Mistakes Travelers Make
From real planning experience, most visa issues come from simple errors. Incorrect passport numbers, spelling mistakes or choosing the wrong entry checkpoint are more common than people expect. Another frequent mistake is applying too close to departure dates, leaving no room for corrections if needed.
Taking a few extra minutes to review details before submission prevents most problems.
Entry Day Tips for Smooth Immigration
Vietnam’s immigration process is generally efficient when documents are organized. Keeping your passport and visa easily accessible helps speed things up and carrying a printed visa copy provides extra reassurance in case mobile access becomes inconvenient.
Travelers who arrive prepared are often surprised by how quick the entry process feels.
How Visa Planning Fits Into Your Travel Budget
Visa costs are small compared to flights or accommodation, but including them early helps build a realistic trip budget.
For a complete breakdown of travel expenses, including flights, hotels, food and daily spending, read our Vietnam Trip Cost Guide, which helps you plan more accurately.
How Travel Season Affects Visa Planning
While visa rules remain mostly stable throughout the year, processing times may feel slower during peak travel periods or major holidays. Applying earlier than necessary removes unnecessary risk, especially when demand increases.
For seasonal travel planning, refer to our Best Time to Visit Vietnam guide.
Final Verdict
Vietnam’s e-visa system is simple, traveler-friendly and designed to make entry smoother than many people expect. Once your visa is approved, the rest of your planning, from flights to budgets and route decisions, becomes much easier.
If you would like help planning a Vietnam trip that balances timing, budget, and experiences smoothly, the travel planners at Desh Videsh Travels can help you design a stress-free journey.
