Vietnam visas
Most travellers enter Vietnam on an e-visa, applied for online through the National e-Visa portal, which the portal says is available to citizens of all countries and territories. Citizens of certain countries are exempt from a visa for short stays. Vietnam's immigration is overseen by the Vietnam Immigration Department. A Visa on Arrival also exists, but only for emergency situations — not for regular visitors. This hub explains the main routes in plain language and links to the official sources so you can confirm exactly what applies to you before you travel or apply.
Important information
Vietnamese visa categories
Explore visa categories by the purpose of your trip.
- Visitor & short-stay visasShort stays in Vietnam — tourism, visiting family or friends, business trips and transit, plus any visa-free or electronic-authorisation options.4 visas
- Work visasComing to Vietnam to work — the employment and skilled-worker routes and the permits they require.2 visas
- Study visasStudying in Vietnam — student visas and permits for accepted students, and what they let you do.1 visa
- Family visasJoining or sponsoring a family member in Vietnam — spouse, partner, child and other relative routes.1 visa
- Business & investor visasInvesting, doing business or coming to Vietnam as a highly skilled or exceptional individual.1 visa
- Residence & citizenshipLiving in Vietnam long term — permanent residence and, where available, the path to citizenship.1 visa
Vietnamese visa application at a glance
From start to finish in five simple steps.
- 01Choose the right visa
- 02Check eligibility & documents
- 03Apply online
- 04Provide biometrics
- 05Wait for a decision
Entry into Vietnam
Vietnam has restored the normal issuance of visas and acceptance of foreign visitors. Before entering Vietnam, all Irish passport holders are needed to have a valid visa. There are no COVID-19 public health documentation requirements for travel to Vietnam. Before travelling to Vietnam, the Department of State strongly recommends that all U.S. citizens purchase adequate travel insurance.
Requirements to apply for a Vietnam Visa
The criteria to apply for your visa should be straight forward if you use the following as guidance:
- A completed application for a visa.
- A passport or acceptable substitute valid for at least six months past the date of entry into Vietnam.
- Payment (between $25 and $50) for visa fees.
- A Letter of Approval from an embassy or consulate of Vietnam.
Appointment Waiting Times
This depends on the availability at the consulate in your country of residence. You may not require an appointment.
What To Do If Your Vietnam Visa is Refused?
You have the opportunity to dispute this verdict. The embassy of the Member State that opted to deny the visa distributes a standard form to notify the applicant of the decision to deny a Vietnam visa and the reasons for the restriction.
Vietnam — key facts
- Entry document
- E-visa or exemption
- Depends on your nationality
- Authority
- Immigration Department
- Vietnam Immigration Department
- e-Visa
- All nationalities, online
- Applied for at evisa.gov.vn
- e-Visa stay
- Up to 90 days
- Per the National e-Visa portal
Vietnamese visas — people also ask
According to the National e-Visa portal, the e-visa is available to citizens of all countries and territories. It is applied for entirely online at evisa.gov.vn.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-09. Information only — not legal advice.