Vietnam visa FAQ
Short answers to the questions we hear most, taken from our full guides. Every answer links to the guide and its official sources.
Bản tiếng ViệtQuick answer
Most visitors either enter visa-free or apply for an e-visa themselves on the official portal before travelling. Stay extensions and temporary residence cards are applied for by a sponsor in Vietnam. Visa to Vietnam is run by Tu Do Travel, a private company; we explain the rules and help with forms, and Vietnam's immigration authorities make every decision.
Coming to Vietnam
E-visa
Can every nationality get a Vietnam e-visa?
Yes. Vietnam issues e-visas to citizens of all countries and territories, provided the applicant is not in the groups in Article 8, clauses 1–4 of the Immigration Law and is not barred from entry under Article 21.
How long is a Vietnam e-visa valid?
Up to 90 days, for single or multiple entries. Your passport must stay valid at least 30 days longer than the e-visa.
How long does a Vietnam e-visa take?
The official processing time is no more than 3 working days from receipt of complete information and the fee. In our team's experience it usually takes 3–5 working days, and the cycle restarts if extra information is requested.
Is the e-visa fee refunded if I am refused?
No. The official portal states that the fee is non-refundable if the visa is not granted.
Visa exemption
Which countries can enter Vietnam visa-free for 45 days?
Under Resolution 44/NQ-CP: Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom. Under Resolution 229/NQ-CP, for tourism: Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland.
Do US, Canadian or Australian citizens need a visa for Vietnam?
They are not on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' visa exemption lists for ordinary passports, so they need a visa, usually an e-visa applied for on the official portal before travel.
Is Phu Quoc visa-free for everyone?
Yes, foreigners entering Phu Quoc from abroad can stay up to 30 days without a visa, including when they transit through another Vietnamese international border gate without leaving the transit area.
Visa on arrival
Can I just get a visa when I land in Vietnam?
Only in the cases in Article 18 of the Immigration Law, and only after a sponsor in Vietnam has obtained approval from the immigration authority. Otherwise you need an e-visa, a visa or a visa exemption before you travel.
What do I need at the border gate?
Your original passport, a printed entry approval letter, a completed and signed NA1 form, two 4×6 cm photos and the visa fee in cash (US dollars or Vietnamese dong).
Visa fees
Which law sets Vietnam visa fees?
Circular No. 28/2026/TT-BTC of the Ministry of Finance, in force from 1 April 2026. It replaced Circular No. 25/2021/TT-BTC.
Already in Vietnam
Visa extension
Can I extend my Vietnam visa myself?
No. Under Article 35 of the Immigration Law, the organisation or person who invited or sponsored you applies for the extension at the immigration office.
How long does a Vietnam visa extension take?
The official procedure gives 5 working days from the date the immigration office receives a complete, valid file and the fee.
Can I extend a visa-free stay?
The official extension procedure applies to people who hold a visa; visa-exempt entries are excluded. Ask your sponsor or send us a case check before your permitted stay ends.
Temporary residence card
Who is eligible for a Vietnam temporary residence card?
Foreigners who entered with a visa marked LV1, LV2, LS, ĐT1, ĐT2, ĐT3, NN1, NN2, DH, PV1, LĐ1, LĐ2 or TT, plus diplomatic and consular staff. Tourist, business and e-visa holders are not eligible.
How long is a Vietnam TRC valid?
Up to 10 years for ĐT1, 5 years for NG3, LV1, LV2, LS, ĐT2 and DH, 3 years for NN1, NN2, ĐT3 and TT, and 2 years for LĐ1, LĐ2 and PV1 — always at least 30 days shorter than your passport.
Foreigners in Vietnam
Do foreigners have to register temporary residence in Vietnam?
Yes. Every foreigner staying in Vietnam must be declared for temporary residence by the place where they stay — hotels, guesthouses and private homes alike.
What happens if I overstay in Vietnam?
The immigration authority can require you to leave, and a person required to leave cannot re-enter for 6 months. Fines are set in separate decrees. Ask your sponsor to apply for an extension before your stay ends.
What should I do if I lose my passport in Vietnam?
In our team's experience: report the loss to the local police for a written record, get a new or emergency passport from your embassy, then go to the immigration office with your sponsor or host to transfer your visa or permitted stay to the new document before you leave.
Inviting someone to Vietnam
Sponsor a foreigner
Who can sponsor a foreigner to visit Vietnam?
Companies and organisations in Vietnam, Vietnamese citizens with permanent residence in Vietnam, and foreigners with a temporary or permanent residence card. Individuals may only invite foreigners to visit and must prove the relationship.
How long does a Vietnam visa invitation take?
The Immigration Department replies within 5 working days of a complete request. For a visa collected at the border gate, the law sets 3 working days, or 12 working hours for funerals, seriously ill relatives and emergencies.
Can a Vietnamese citizen invite a foreign friend?
Under Article 14, individuals may invite foreigners to visit with papers proving the relationship. A friend without a family relationship would normally travel on an e-visa or under visa exemption instead.
About us
Is this the official Vietnam e-visa website?
No. Visa to Vietnam is run by Tu Do Travel, a private company. The official e-visa portal is evisa.gov.vn, and we link to it on every page.
Do you collect the e-visa fee?
No. You pay the government fee yourself on the official portal. If you use our help, we quote our work separately for your case.
Can you submit my application at the Immigration Department?
No. We advise, guide and help you fill in forms and use the online systems. You or your sponsor submit the application through the official channels.
Can you make the decision faster?
No. Processing times and decisions belong to Vietnam's immigration authorities. We help you make the application complete and correct before you submit it.