Plan your family adventure in Vietnam with our guide to e-visa requirements for families! Learn about application processes, family-friendly destinations, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and top providers for a seamless experience with Vietnam Travel. Start your journey today!
Start your family journey with Vietnam’s vibrant glowWritten by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys, and official sources like vietnam-visa.com, evisa.gov.vn, travel.state.gov, vinpearl.com, and vietnam.travel. Information based on the latest data; verify before travel. Reflects Vietnam’s updated travel regulations.
Travelers, please note: The Visa on Arrival (VOA) program was discontinued in 2022. Families from eligible countries can apply for e-visas online via evisa.gov.vn for stays up to 90 days, or use visa exemptions (if applicable) for shorter visits. This guide details e-visa requirements for families, application processes, family-friendly destinations, and travel tips for a seamless Vietnam journey.
Vietnam is a family-friendly destination in Southeast Asia, offering cultural treasures like Hoi An’s ancient town, the scenic Ha Long Bay, and vibrant cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, with attractions suitable for all ages, from VinWonders theme parks to Mekong Delta boat tours vinpearl.com. Understanding e-visa requirements ensures smooth entry for families, whether joining guided Vietnam Tours or traveling independently. E-visas are available for citizens of 80 countries, providing flexibility for family vacations, while some nationalities benefit from visa exemptions for short stays vietnam-visa.com. This guide provides practical e-visa insights, cultural etiquette, and eco-friendly Vietnam Travel options tailored for families.
Following Vietnam’s updated travel regulations, the country is accessible via 13 international airports (e.g., Noi Bai in Hanoi, Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City), 16 land borders, and 13 seaports. This guide blends e-visa requirements for families, application processes, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a worry-free family adventure.
Families from 80 eligible countries can apply for e-visas ($25–$50 or 625,000–1,250,000 VND) for up to 90 days, while visa-exempt nationalities (e.g., ASEAN, UK, Japan) can stay 14–45 days without a visa. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages per person. Family-friendly site entries like Hoi An cost $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND); VinWonders tickets range from $20–$40 (500,000–1,000,000 VND). Guided family tours cost $15–$80 (375,000–2,000,000 VND) per person. Temporary residence registration with local police is required within 24 hours, typically handled by hotels. Verify visa requirements via evisa.gov.vn or travel.state.gov.
E-Visa:
Purpose: Tourism, family visits, or leisure for stays up to 90 days, ideal for family vacations.
Eligibility: Available to families from 80 countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, India, most EU nations, and others evisa.gov.vn.
Duration: Up to 90 days (single or multiple entry) evisa.gov.vn.
Cost: $25 (625,000 VND) per person for single entry; $50 (1,250,000 VND) per person for multiple entry; non-refundable. Children under 14 may require separate applications vietnam-visa.com.
Application Process for Families:
Visit evisa.gov.vn, select English, and click “Apply now” evisa.gov.vn.
Review terms and conditions, then confirm to proceed evisa.gov.vn.
For each family member: enter personal details (full name, date of birth, nationality), passport details (number, issue/expiry date), travel details (intended entry/exit dates, entry/exit checkpoints like Noi Bai or Moc Bai), and temporary address in Vietnam (e.g., hotel address) vietnam-visa.com.
Upload a digital passport photo (4x6 cm, white background, no glasses, straight view) and a scan of the passport data page in .jpg format, max 2MB, for each family member evisa.gov.vn.
Pay the fee ($25 or $50 per person) via credit/debit card (American Express not accepted); note the verification code for each application vietnam-visa.com.
Check status at evisa.gov.vn/e-visa/search using registration code, email, and date of birth for each family member; download and print the e-visa PDF evisa.gov.vn.
Present printed e-visa and passport for each family member at the immigration checkpoint; ensure details match exactly to avoid entry issues travel.state.gov.
Processing Time: 3–7 working days; expedited processing (1–2 days) available through agencies for additional fees ($10–$30 or 250,000–750,000 VND per person) vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Non-extendable; requires exit and re-entry with a new e-visa (visa run) vietnam-visa.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at 13 airports (e.g., Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, Da Nang), 16 land borders (e.g., Moc Bai, Lao Cai), and 13 seaports (e.g., Nha Trang, Da Nang) evisa.gov.vn.
Visa Exemption (Alternative for Eligible Nationalities):
Purpose: Tourism, business, or leisure for short stays.
Eligibility: Families from 25 countries, including ASEAN nations (e.g., Thailand, Malaysia), UK, Japan, South Korea, Germany, France, and others vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 45 days (e.g., UK, Germany, Japan), 30 days (e.g., ASEAN countries), or 14 days (e.g., Brunei, Myanmar) for each family member vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: No cost vietnam-visa.com.
Requirements: Passports valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages per person; proof of onward travel (e.g., return flight or bus ticket) recommended but not mandatory vietnam.travel.
Extension: Non-extendable; requires exit and re-entry with a new exemption or e-visa vietnam-visa.com.
Phu Quoc Visa Exemption:
Purpose: Tourism on Phu Quoc Island, ideal for family beach vacations.
Eligibility: All nationalities arriving directly by air or sea to Phu Quoc and not traveling to mainland Vietnam vietnam.travel.
Duration: Up to 30 days for each family member vietnam.travel.
Cost: No cost vietnam.travel.
Requirements: Passports valid for 6 months with two blank pages per person; proof of onward travel (e.g., return flight from Phu Quoc) required vietnam.travel.
Extension: Non-extendable; requires e-visa for mainland travel vietnam-visa.com.
Key Restrictions:
Each family member, including children, typically requires an individual e-visa or exemption; children under 14 may be included on a parent’s passport in some cases, but verify with evisa.gov.vn.
Travelers must not fall under suspension categories (e.g., security risks) as per Vietnam’s immigration laws evisa.gov.vn.
Temporary residence registration is mandatory within 24 hours, typically handled by hotels travel.state.gov.
Overstay penalties: 500,000 VND/day ($20/day) per person; potential exit bans or deportation travel.state.gov.
Important Note: The Visa on Arrival program was discontinued in 2022. Families must use e-visas, visa exemptions, or embassy visas for entry vietnam-visa.com.
Passports: Valid for at least 6 months from entry date with two blank pages per family member travel.state.gov.
E-Visa Application: Requires digital passport photo (4x6 cm, white background, no glasses, straight view) and passport data page scan per person; ensure details match passports exactly evisa.gov.vn.
Residence Registration: Mandatory within 24 hours, typically handled by hotels; carry proof of registration for each family member travel.state.gov.
Proof of Onward Travel: Required for Phu Quoc exemption; recommended for standard exemptions vietnam.travel.
Family-Specific Tips: Ensure children’s passports or inclusion on parent’s passport are valid; carry birth certificates for children under 14 if needed; verify e-visa requirements for minors with evisa.gov.vn.
Cultural etiquette ensures a smooth and respectful experience for families during Vietnam Tours. Here’s your guide, based on current norms:
Greetings: Offer a “xin chào” (hello) with a slight nod to locals or guides; teach children to use both hands for transactions (e.g., handing over money) to show respect, especially at temples or markets like Hanoi’s Old Quarter culturetrip.com.
Dress: Wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for family visits to temples (e.g., Temple of Literature in Hanoi); pack lightweight scarves ($1 or 25,000 VND) for adults and older children to align with local norms vinpearl.com.
Behaviour: Maintain a calm demeanor at cultural sites; supervise children to avoid touching sacred items or running in temples; ask permission before photographing locals or rituals; carry passports or e-visas securely. Avoid public criticism of the Vietnamese government (penalties apply). A family from Australia shared: “Respecting Vietnamese customs made our e-visa trip family-friendly and seamless.” culturetrip.com
Customs: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND per person); avoid littering at cultural sites like Ha Long Bay or Hoi An; complete residence registration for all family members travel.state.gov.
Tip: Teach children to say “cảm ơn” (thank you); use eco-friendly practices like reusable water bottles ($2 or 50,000 VND) to support sustainable Vietnam Travel; keep passports handy for checks. Tony Bùi notes: “In 20 years guiding, I’ve seen families thrive in Vietnam’s vibrant culture with respect and preparation.”
General Tips:
Language: Carry a phrase card ($1 or 25,000 VND) for Vietnamese basics like “cảm ơn”; English is widely spoken in tourist areas like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, but translation apps help with children’s needs culturetrip.com.
Respect: Follow temple rules (no running, avoid touching sacred items); ensure children respect local vendors with fair purchases in markets.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for family-friendly sites like VinWonders or Hoi An; carry printed e-visas or passport photocopies for each family member travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Opt for bicycles ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND/day) or motorbike taxis ($0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND) for family outings to reduce emissions vietnam.travel.
Below is a curated list of family-friendly tour options to enhance your e-visa-prepared journey, based on the latest data from vietnam-visa.com, evisa.gov.vn, travel.state.gov, vinpearl.com, and vietnam.travel. Confirm schedules and prices before booking.
Details: Explore family-friendly sites like VinWonders Nha Trang, Hoi An’s ancient town, or Mekong Delta boat tours independently; suitable for families with valid e-visas or exemptions; low to moderate difficulty vietnam.travel.
E-Visa Tips: Apply for e-visas ($25–$50 per person) for stays over exemption periods; carry printed e-visas or passport photocopies for each family member; register temporary residence at hotels evisa.gov.vn.
Schedule: Daily; Hoi An ancient town open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM ($5–$7 or 125,000–175,000 VND); VinWonders Nha Trang open 9:00 AM–6:00 PM ($20–$40 or 500,000–1,000,000 VND); Mekong Delta tours available daily.
Cost: Entry: free (markets); Hoi An: $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND); VinWonders: $20–$40 (500,000–1,000,000 VND); transport (bicycle: $1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND/day; motorbike taxi: $0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND); local purchases: $0.20–$10 (5,000–250,000 VND).
Location: Hanoi, Hoi An, Nha Trang, Mekong Delta, Vietnam.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use bicycles or boats for family outings to reduce emissions; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Tip: Apply for e-visas early; check evisa.gov.vn; a family from Canada noted: “Self-guided family exploration was seamless with e-visas.”
Details: 1-day group tour visiting Hanoi’s Temple of Literature and a family-friendly cooking class; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Hanoi hotels, lunch, and entry fees; low difficulty.
E-Visa Tips: Ensure valid e-visas for each family member; carry printed e-visas or passport photocopies; guides assist with residence registration travel.state.gov.
Schedule: Daily; departs 7:00 AM from Hanoi hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $25–$40/person (625,000–1,000,000 VND, includes transport and entry; children under 12 may receive discounts).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Hanoi.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group transport with fuel-efficient vehicles minimizes impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via legendtravelgroup.com; a family from Japan noted: “Legend’s tour was family-friendly and e-visa compliant.”
Details: 1-day guided tour visiting Hoi An’s ancient town and a family-friendly cycling tour; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Hoi An, lunch, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
E-Visa Tips: Use multiple-entry e-visas for multi-city family travel; carry printed e-visas or passport photocopies; confirm eligibility vietnam-visa.com.
Schedule: Daily; departs 6:30 AM from Hoi An hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $30–$50/person (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes entry; children under 12 may receive discounts).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Hoi An.
Eco-Friendly Note: Small groups and cycling reduce environmental impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via localvietnam.com; a family from Thailand noted: “The combo tour was e-visa-ready and perfect for kids.”
Details: 2–3 day tour combining Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and VinWonders Nha Trang; includes English-speaking guide, transport, family-friendly accommodation, meals, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
E-Visa Tips: Use multiple-entry e-visas for multi-city family travel; carry printed e-visas or passport photocopies for each family member; confirm temporary residence registration travel.state.gov.
Schedule: Daily; departs from Hanoi hotels; returns after 2–3 days.
Cost: $80–$200/person (2,000,000–5,000,000 VND, includes entries; children under 12 may receive discounts).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels or custom locations in Hanoi.
Eco-Friendly Note: Uses eco-lodges and fuel-efficient transport; supports local communities.
Tip: Book Vietnam Tours via legendtravelgroup.com or WhatsApp (+84 825862222); a family from Germany noted: “The multi-day tour was a family-friendly, e-visa-smart adventure.”
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for families with e-visas or exemptions.
Group Cultural Tours: Affordable and guided, perfect for family-friendly cultural insights.
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: Blend cultural visits with family-oriented activities for a comprehensive journey.
Multi-Day Cultural and Adventure Tours: Offer in-depth exploration with e-visa-smart itineraries tailored for families.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group and multi-day tours use fuel-efficient transport or bicycles, supporting Vietnam’s green tourism goals.
Key family-friendly travel opportunities include:
Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year): Typically late January to February, vibrant with temple ceremonies and family traditions; warm and dry (18–28°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Hung Kings Festival: Typically March to April, honoring Vietnam’s founders; warm and dry (24–32°C); family-friendly with cultural activities; check dates at vietnam.travel.
Mid-Autumn Festival: Typically September, festive with lantern parades loved by children; warm and wet (24–31°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Family-Friendly Site Visits: Dry season (January–August) for comfortable weather; February for optimal conditions vinpearl.com.
Dry season (January–August, 18–33°C) is ideal for family outings to sites like VinWonders or Ha Long Bay. Hot period (April–August, 24–33°C) suits early morning activities. Wet season (September–December, 24–31°C) is best for budget travelers and indoor experiences like museums; pack rain gear for outdoor sites. Morning visits (6:00 AM–10:00 AM) avoid heat or rain. Verify forecasts via weather.com.
Verify E-Visa Needs: Families from 80 eligible countries apply for e-visas at evisa.gov.vn; use exemptions for short stays if eligible (25 countries); Phu Quoc exemption for island-only family trips vietnam-visa.com.
Documentation: Ensure passports are valid (6+ months) with two blank pages per family member; carry digital or printed e-visa copies or passport photocopies; provide proof of onward travel for Phu Quoc; include birth certificates for children under 14 if required travel.state.gov.
Residence Registration: Confirm hotels register all family members’ stay with local police within 24 hours; carry proof of registration travel.state.gov.
Family-Specific Tips: Apply for e-visas for each family member, including children; verify if minors can be included on a parent’s passport; use child-friendly transport like bicycles or boats; book family-friendly accommodations vinpearl.com.
Eco-Tip: Use digital e-visa copies to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles or motorbike taxis for family outings to minimize emissions.
Tip: Apply for e-visas 7–14 days early; double-check details to match passports; carry small VND notes for local purchases; check visa status at evisa.gov.vn. For embassy visas, contact the nearest Vietnamese embassy (e.g., Bangkok: +66 2 251 5836, Beijing: +86 10 6532 1155).
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable family visit:
Documents: Passports (valid 6+ months) for each family member, printed e-visas ($25–$50 or 625,000–1,250,000 VND per person if required), passport photocopies, proof of onward travel (e.g., return flight or bus ticket for Phu Quoc or exemptions), birth certificates for children under 14 (if needed), wallet ($2 or 50,000 VND), tour bookings.
Clothing: Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple visits; lightweight scarves ($1 or 25,000 VND) for adults and older children; quick-dry clothing and raincoats ($2 or 50,000 VND) for wet season; lightweight clothing like cotton or linen and light jackets ($3 or 75,000 VND) for dry season; waterproof shoes ($3 or 75,000 VND); hats ($2 or 50,000 VND).
Essentials: Reusable water bottles ($2 or 50,000 VND); snacks ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND, e.g., pho); small backpacks ($2 or 50,000 VND); sunscreen ($1 or 25,000 VND); insect repellent ($1 or 25,000 VND); child-friendly items (e.g., small toys, $1 or 25,000 VND).
Tech: Phone with translation apps (e.g., Google Translate); charger ($3–$5 or 75,000–125,000 VND); local SIM ($2–$3 or 50,000–75,000 VND); waterproof camera ($6 or 150,000 VND) for family photos.
Eco Items: Reusable totes ($1 or 25,000 VND) for purchases; phrase card ($1 or 25,000 VND) with Vietnamese basics.
Extras: Small VND notes for donations or purchases; small first aid kit ($2 or 50,000 VND); umbrellas ($2 or 50,000 VND) for wet season; money belt ($2 or 50,000 VND) for valuables. Tip: Pack light (1 small bag per person, max 5 kg); reusable items support sustainability; include child-friendly essentials.
Visa and Travel Costs
E-Visa Costs: Single entry: $25 (625,000 VND) per person; multiple entry: $50 (1,250,000 VND) per person; expedited processing: $10–$30 (250,000–750,000 VND) per person evisa.gov.vn.
Exemption Costs: No cost for standard exemptions (14–45 days) or Phu Quoc (30 days) vietnam-visa.com.
Self-Guided Exploration: Entry: free (markets); Hoi An: $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND); VinWonders: $20–$40 (500,000–1,000,000 VND); transport (bicycle: $1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND/day; motorbike taxi: $0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND).
Group Cultural Tours: $25–$40 (625,000–1,000,000 VND, includes transport and entry; child discounts possible).
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes entry; child discounts possible).
Multi-Day Cultural and Adventure Tours: $80–$200 (2,000,000–5,000,000 VND, includes entries; child discounts possible). Safety-Related Costs
Money Belt: $2 (50,000 VND) per person.
Local SIM for Emergency Calls: $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND).
Travel Insurance (Recommended): $10–$30 (250,000–750,000 VND) per person. Other Costs
Local Snacks (e.g., banh mi, pho): $0.20–$1 (5,000–25,000 VND).
Souvenirs (e.g., crafts, textiles): $0.20–$10 (5,000–250,000 VND).
Donations: $0.20–$1 (5,000–25,000 VND). Total Daily Cost (Per Person)
Budget: $15–$40 (self-guided, snacks, transport, entry).
Mid-range: $40–$70 (group tour, purchases).
Luxury: $70–$120 (private tour, premium souvenirs). Tip: Budget $15–$120 per person for tours, e-visa costs (if applicable), and transport; $0.20–$10 for purchases or add-ons; use exemptions for short family trips to save on visa costs.
E-Visa Tips: Apply for e-visas at evisa.gov.vn for each family member; use exemptions for short stays if eligible; Phu Quoc exemption for family beach trips; double-check details to match passports; verify requirements for children under 14 vietnam-visa.com.
Family Tips: Choose family-friendly sites like VinWonders or Mekong Delta; book hotels with kid-friendly amenities; supervise children at crowded markets; carry snacks and water for kids vinpearl.com.
Etiquette: Use “xin chào”; dress modestly for temples; teach children to respect local customs; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Access: Choose self-guided exploration for flexibility, group tours for family-friendly insights, or multi-day tours for immersion.
Schedules: Cultural sites open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; VinWonders open 9:00 AM–6:00 PM; peak crowds in dry season (January–August); book early for festivals.
Sustainability: Use bicycles or motorbike taxis; carry reusable items; support local vendors with fair purchases.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for family-friendly sites like Hanoi or Hoi An.
Weather: Dry season (Jan–Aug, 18–33°C) ideal for family outings; hot period (Apr–Aug, 24–33°C) suits early mornings; wet season (Sep–Dec, 24–31°C) requires rain gear; check forecasts via weather.com.
Safety Note: Secure valuables with money belts ($2 or 50,000 VND); beware of pickpocketing in markets or nightlife areas; carry emergency numbers (Police: 113, Medical: 115, nearest embassy).
Do families need e-visas for Vietnam? Families from 80 eligible countries need e-visas for stays over exemption periods (14–45 days for 25 countries); Phu Quoc exemption allows 30 days vietnam-visa.com.
How do families apply for Vietnam e-visas? Apply online at evisa.gov.vn for each family member; upload photos and passport scans; ensure details match passports evisa.gov.vn.
How much do e-visas cost for families? $25 (single entry) or $50 (multiple entry) per person; children under 14 may need separate applications vietnam-visa.com.
Can e-visas be extended for families? Non-extendable; requires exit and re-entry with new e-visas vietnam-visa.com.
What are the penalties for overstaying? Fines of 500,000 VND/day ($20/day) per person; potential exit bans or deportation travel.state.gov.
Is Visa on Arrival available for families? No, discontinued in 2022; use e-visas or exemptions vietnam-visa.com.
Enhance your e-visa-prepared family journey with eco-conscious tours from Legend Travel Group:
Vietnam Family Eco-Tour ($25–$40/person, 1 day): Guided temple and market tour with family-friendly activities and sustainable practices.
Vietnam Family Cultural Trail ($80–$150/person, 2 days): Explore cultural sites and eco-friendly activities suitable for families.
Vietnam Family Explorer ($150–$250/person, 3 days): Multi-site adventure with eco-lodges, kid-friendly activities, and community-focused experiences. Prices include guides, transport, and entry fees; child discounts available. Explore options at legendtravelgroup.com or contact sales@legendtravelgroup.com / WhatsApp (+84825862222) for your Vietnam Travel plans.
Mastering Vietnam E-Visa for Families with cultural etiquette—modest attire, polite greetings like “xin chào,” and e-visa-smart planning—unlocks a vibrant, family-friendly journey through this Southeast Asian gem. With tour costs from $15–$200, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and family-friendly destinations like Hoi An, VinWonders, and Ha Long Bay, this trip offers adventure and sustainability for families. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Vietnam Travel, apply for e-visas early via evisa.gov.vn or leverage visa exemptions for shorter stays, and respect local customs for the best experience. Note that Visa on Arrival is no longer available; plan accordingly. Safe travels!
Sources:
vietnam-visa.com
evisa.gov.vn
travel.state.gov
vinpearl.com
vietnam.travel
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