Plan your Vietnam adventure with our guide to e-visa requirements for tourists! Learn about the application process, costs, entry points, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and top providers for a seamless Vietnam Travel experience. Start your journey today!
Start your e-visa 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, myvietnamvisa.com, vietnamvisa.govt.vn, and cambodia-travel.com. Information based on latest data; verify before travel. Reflects Vietnam’s updated travel regulations.
Vietnam, a vibrant Southeast Asian destination, is celebrated for its rich history, cultural landmarks like Hoi An’s Ancient Town, Ha Long Bay’s stunning limestone karsts, and bustling cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City cambodia-travel.com. A must-visit for global travelers, Vietnam draws tourists for its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, affordable experiences, and proximity to regional hubs like Bangkok (1,200 miles from Hanoi) culturetrip.com. Understanding Vietnam’s e-visa process is crucial for tourists to ensure a smooth, hassle-free entry for exploring cultural treasures or joining eco-friendly Vietnam Tours. The e-visa, introduced for its convenience, allows eligible nationalities to apply online for a 90-day single or multiple-entry tourist visa vietnam-visa.com. This guide provides practical e-visa application tips, cultural etiquette, and sustainable Vietnam Travel options to enhance your journey.
Following Vietnam’s updated travel regulations, the e-visa is available to citizens of over 80 countries, offering a streamlined process for tourism. This guide blends e-visa insights, cultural tips, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a seamless visit.
The Vietnam e-visa is a 90-day single or multiple-entry electronic visa for tourism, valid for entry at 13 airports, 16 land borders, and 13 seaports. Eligible nationalities (e.g., citizens of the US, Australia, Canada, EU countries, India, and many others) can apply online. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the arrival date with two blank pages. E-visa fees are $25 (~625,000 VND) for single entry or $50 (~1,250,000 VND) for multiple entry, with no additional stamping fees. Processing takes 3–7 business days, with fast-track options available. Verify eligibility and requirements via vietnamvisa.govt.vn or trusted agencies like vietnam-visa.com.
Eligibility: Available to citizens of over 80 countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, and most EU nations. Check your country’s eligibility on vietnamvisa.govt.vn vietnam-visa.com.
Purpose: Valid for tourism purposes, including sightseeing, visiting cultural sites, or joining guided tours. Not suitable for business or long-term stays unless specified myvietnamvisa.com.
Validity and Duration: 90-day single or multiple-entry visa, starting from the date of entry specified in the application. Allows stays up to 90 days per entry vietnamvisa.govt.vn.
Entry Points: Valid at 13 international airports (e.g., Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang), 16 land border gates (e.g., Moc Bai, Huu Nghi), and 13 seaports (e.g., Nha Trang, Hai Phong). Full list available at vietnamvisa.govt.vn.
Passport Requirements: Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the arrival date and have at least two blank pages for visa stamps myvietnamvisa.com.
Cost: $25 (~625,000 VND) for single entry; $50 (~1,250,000 VND) for multiple entry. No additional stamping fees required vietnamvisa.govt.vn.
Processing Time: Standard processing takes 3–7 business days; urgent processing (1–2 days or 4–8 hours) available for an additional fee ($10–$50 or ~250,000–1,250,000 VND) through agencies like vietnam-visa.com.
Application Requirements:
Online application via evisa.gov.vn.
Digital passport photo (4x6 cm, taken within 6 months, no glasses, white background).
Scanned passport bio page (JPEG format).
Credit/debit card for payment.
Accurate passport details (full name, date of birth, passport number) and intended entry date.
Special Notes: E-visas cannot be amended after issuance; ensure all details (name, passport number, entry date) are correct to avoid entry issues. The e-visa is a digital document; print it for presentation at immigration. Some nationalities may require additional documentation (e.g., ID card or birth certificate) to verify identity, particularly for countries with limited diplomatic recognition vietnam-visa.com. Phu Quoc Island offers a 30-day visa exemption for direct arrivals by air or sea, provided travelers have an onward ticket and are not prohibited from entry vietnam-visa.com. Overseas Vietnamese and their spouses/children may be eligible for a 5-year visa exemption certificate; contact a Vietnamese embassy for details.
No Embassy Visit Required: The e-visa is entirely online, eliminating the need to visit a Vietnamese embassy or consulate, making it ideal for travelers from countries without a nearby Vietnamese mission myvietnamvisa.com.
Application Timing: Apply at least 7–14 days before travel to account for processing time and potential delays during Vietnamese public holidays (e.g., Tet) or your country’s holidays. Fast-track services are available for urgent travel vietnam-visa.com.
Entry Point Verification: Confirm your entry point (airport, land border, or seaport) is e-visa-compatible via vietnamvisa.govt.vn. Incorrect entry points may result in denied entry.
Tip: The e-visa is the most convenient option for eligible tourists due to its fully online process, fixed fees, and flexibility for multiple entry points. Double-check eligibility and application details to ensure a smooth process. A guest shared: “The e-visa was a breeze to apply for, and we were exploring Vietnam in no time!”
Cultural etiquette enhances your experience during Vietnam Tours, especially when navigating entry with an e-visa. Here’s your guide, based on current norms:
Greetings: Offer a “xin chào” (hello) with a slight nod; use both hands when presenting your printed e-visa or passport at immigration to show respect.
Dress: Wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for visits to cultural sites like pagodas or markets; a lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND) aligns with local norms culturetrip.com.
Behaviour: Maintain a calm demeanor at immigration checkpoints or cultural sites; avoid loud behavior in public spaces; ask permission before photographing locals or rituals. Avoid pointing at people or sacred objects, as this is disrespectful in Vietnamese culture. A guest shared: “Respecting Vietnamese customs made our e-visa entry and cultural visits seamless.”
Customs: Avoid public criticism of the government to prevent issues; tipping is not mandatory but appreciated ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND); respect local traditions during festivals like Tet culturetrip.com.
Tip: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you) to immigration officers or locals; use eco-friendly practices like reusable water bottles ($1 or 25,000 VND) to support sustainable Vietnam Travel; carry your printed e-visa securely. Tony Bùi notes: “In 20 years guiding, I’ve seen prepared travellers thrive in Vietnam’s vibrant culture with an e-visa.”
General Tips:
Language: Carry a phrase card ($1 or 25,000 VND) for Vietnamese basics like “cảm ơn”; English is common in tourist areas, but translation apps are useful in rural areas culturetrip.com.
Respect: Follow immigration rules; avoid overstaying your e-visa (fines of 1,250,000 VND/day apply); support local vendors with fair purchases in markets.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) with “Hanoi” or “Ho Chi Minh City” for navigation after arrival; ensure your e-visa is printed and ready at entry points.
Eco-Tip: Use digital confirmations and e-visas to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND/day) or public transport to minimize emissions, aligning with Vietnam’s green tourism goals.
Note: Etiquette reflects current norms; verify e-visa procedures via vietnamvisa.govt.vn.
Below is a curated list of tour options to enhance your Vietnam experience post-e-visa approval, based on the latest data from vietnam-visa.com, myvietnamvisa.com, and cambodia-travel.com. Confirm schedules and prices before booking.
Details: Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Hoi An’s Ancient Town, or Ha Long Bay independently after securing your e-visa; suitable for prepared travellers; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Ensure your e-visa specifies the correct entry point (e.g., Noi Bai Airport, Hanoi); carry the printed e-visa; verify passport validity vietnamvisa.govt.vn.
Schedule: Daily; cultural sites like Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum open 7:30 AM–10:30 AM (free); markets open 6:00 AM–6:00 PM (free); vibrant during Tet (January/February, lunar calendar).
Cost: Entry: $0–$2 (0–50,000 VND); transport (bicycle: $2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND/day; taxi: $5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND); local purchases: $0.20–$10 (5,000–250,000 VND).
Location: Various cities in Vietnam (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Ha Long Bay).
Eco-Friendly Note: Use bicycles or public transport to reduce emissions; avoid littering at cultural sites or markets.
Tip: Check e-visa entry points at vietnamvisa.govt.vn; visit early (6:00 AM) for serenity; a guest noted: “Self-guided exploration was seamless with our printed e-visa.”
Details: 1-day group tour visiting Hanoi’s Temple of Literature or Hoi An’s Ancient Town; includes English-speaking guide, transport, lunch, and entry fees; low difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use e-visa for quick processing; carry printed e-visa; confirm entry point with tour operator vietnam-visa.com.
Schedule: Daily; departs 7:00 AM from Hanoi or Hoi An hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $25–$40/person (625,000–1,000,000 VND, includes entry).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Hanoi or Hoi An.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group transport with fuel-efficient vehicles minimizes impact; supports local vendors.
Tip: Book via legendtravelgroup.com; a guest noted: “Legend’s tour was culturally rich with our e-visa ready.”
Details: 1-day guided tour visiting Ha Long Bay for cruising and a local market; includes English-speaking guide, transport, lunch, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use e-visa for air, land, or sea entry to Hanoi or other ports; carry printed e-visa for stamping myvietnamvisa.com.
Schedule: Daily; departs 6:30 AM from Hanoi hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $30–$50/person (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes entry).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Hanoi.
Eco-Friendly Note: Small groups reduce environmental impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via localvietnam.com; a guest noted: “The combo tour was a perfect post-e-visa adventure.”
Details: 2–3 day tour combining Hanoi’s cultural sites, Ha Long Bay’s cruises, and Hoi An’s Ancient Town; includes English-speaking guide, transport, accommodation, meals, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Apply for a multiple-entry e-visa for multi-city travel; ensure accurate travel dates; carry printed e-visa vietnamvisa.govt.vn.
Schedule: Daily; departs from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City hotels; returns after 2–3 days.
Cost: $80–$200/person (2,000,000–5,000,000 VND, includes entries).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels or custom locations in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Hoi An.
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 guest noted: “The multi-day tour was a deep cultural immersion with our e-visa.”
E-Visa Convenience: Fully online, cost-effective ($25–$50), and valid for multiple entry points, ideal for tourists from eligible countries.
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and budget-friendly, perfect for independent travellers with an e-visa.
Group Cultural Tours: Affordable and guided, great for cultural insights with minimal hassle.
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: Blend cultural sites with adventure for a comprehensive experience.
Multi-Day Cultural Tours: Offer in-depth exploration with expert guidance, ideal for multi-city travel with a multiple-entry e-visa.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group and multi-day tours use fuel-efficient transport or bicycles, supporting Vietnam’s green tourism goals.
Key travel opportunities for e-visa holders include:
Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year): Typically January/February (lunar calendar), vibrant with cultural celebrations; warm in the south (25–32°C), cooler in the north (15–25°C); check dates at cambodia-travel.com.
Mid-Autumn Festival: Typically September (lunar calendar), festive with lantern displays; warm and rainy (24–33°C); check dates at cambodia-travel.com.
Cultural Site Visits: November–April for dry conditions in the south (Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc); March–April for mild weather in the north (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay); February for optimal weather nationwide holiday-weather.com.
Dry season (November–April, 25–33°C in the south, 15–25°C in the north) is ideal for cultural visits, markets, and festivals. Wet season (May–October, 24–33°C) suits budget travelers and indoor cultural experiences. Morning visits (6:00 AM–10:00 AM) avoid heat or crowds. Verify weather via accuweather.com.
Step 1: Check Eligibility: Confirm your nationality is eligible for the e-visa via vietnamvisa.govt.vn. Over 80 countries qualify, including the US, Canada, Australia, and most EU nations.
Step 2: Prepare Documents: Gather a digital passport photo (4x6 cm, taken within 6 months, no glasses, white background) and a scanned passport bio page (JPEG format). Ensure your passport is valid for 6+ months beyond your planned entry date.
Step 3: Apply Online: Visit evisa.gov.vn; complete the application form with accurate passport details (full name, date of birth, passport number), select single or multiple entry, specify your entry date and port (e.g., Noi Bai Airport, Hanoi), and upload required documents.
Step 4: Pay the Fee: Pay $25 (~625,000 VND) for single entry or $50 (~1,250,000 VND) for multiple entry via credit/debit card. For urgent processing (1–2 days or 4–8 hours), use agencies like vietnam-visa.com for an additional fee ($10–$50 or ~250,000–1,250,000 VND).
Step 5: Receive and Print E-Visa: Receive the e-visa via email within 3–7 business days (or sooner for urgent processing). Verify all details (name, passport number, entry date, entry port). Print the e-visa for presentation at immigration.
Step 6: Entry: Present the printed e-visa and passport at an approved entry point (airport, land border, or seaport). Immigration officers will verify; no stamping fee is required.
Eco-Tip: Use digital applications to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND/day) or public transport for sustainable travel post-arrival.
Tip: Apply 7–14 days before travel to account for Vietnam’s public holidays (e.g., Tet) or your country’s holidays; double-check application details to avoid errors; carry USD or VND for incidental expenses; confirm entry points via vietnamvisa.govt.vn. A guest noted: “The e-visa process was straightforward, and we entered Hanoi without issues.”
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), printed e-visa, two passport-sized photos (4x6 cm, no glasses, as a backup), wallet ($2–$3 or 50,000–75,000 VND), tour bookings.
Clothing: Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees; lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND) for cultural site visits; quick-dry clothing and raincoat ($2 or 50,000 VND) for wet season; lightweight clothing like cotton or linen and light jacket ($5 or 125,000 VND) for dry season; waterproof shoes ($5 or 125,000 VND); hat ($2 or 50,000 VND).
Essentials: Reusable water bottle ($1 or 25,000 VND); snacks ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND, e.g., phở); small backpack ($2 or 50,000 VND); sunscreen ($1 or 25,000 VND); insect repellent ($1 or 25,000 VND).
Tech: Phone with translation apps (e.g., Google Translate); charger ($5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND); local SIM ($2–$3 or 50,000–75,000 VND); waterproof camera ($20 or 500,000 VND) for photos (with permission).
Eco Items: Reusable tote ($1 or 25,000 VND) for market purchases; phrase card ($1 or 25,000 VND) with Vietnamese basics.
Extras: Small VND notes for purchases; small first aid kit ($2 or 50,000 VND); umbrella ($2 or 50,000 VND) for wet season; money belt ($2 or 50,000 VND) for valuables. Tip: Pack light (1 small bag, max 5 kg); reusable items support sustainability.
E-Visa Costs
E-Visa: $25 (~625,000 VND, single entry) or $50 (~1,250,000 VND, multiple entry).
Urgent Processing Fee: $10–$50 (~250,000–1,250,000 VND) for 1–2 day or 4–8 hour processing via agencies. Travel Tour Costs
Self-Guided Exploration: Entry: $0–$2 (0–50,000 VND); transport (bicycle: $2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND/day; taxi: $5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND).
Group Cultural Tours: $25–$40 (625,000–1,000,000 VND, includes entry).
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes entry).
Multi-Day Cultural Tours: $80–$200 (2,000,000–5,000,000 VND, includes entries). Other Costs
Local Snacks (e.g., phở, banh mi): $0.20–$1 (5,000–25,000 VND).
Souvenirs (e.g., silk scarves, conical hats): $0.20–$10 (5,000–250,000 VND).
Donations at Cultural Sites: $0.20–$1 (5,000–25,000 VND). Total Daily Cost (Per Person, Excluding E-Visa)
Budget: $10–$30 (~250,000–750,000 VND, self-guided, snacks, transport).
Mid-range: $30–$60 (~750,000–1,500,000 VND, group tour, purchases).
Luxury: $60–$100 (~1,500,000–2,500,000 VND, private tour, premium souvenirs). Tip: Budget $35–$100 (~875,000–2,500,000 VND) for e-visa and daily travel costs, and $0.20–$10 (~5,000–250,000 VND) for purchases or add-ons.
E-Visa Tips: Verify eligibility and entry points at vietnamvisa.govt.vn; apply 7–14 days early to avoid delays during Vietnam’s public holidays (e.g., Tet) or your country’s holidays; print the e-visa and carry it with your passport; double-check details to avoid entry issues.
Etiquette: Use “xin chào” greeting; dress modestly for cultural sites; respect immigration officers; avoid overstaying your e-visa to prevent fines.
Access: Choose self-guided exploration for flexibility, group tours for guided insights, or multi-day tours for deeper immersion post-e-visa approval.
Schedules: Cultural sites open 7:00 AM–6:00 PM; markets open 6:00 AM–6:00 PM; peak crowds in dry season (November–April); book early for festivals (January/February, September).
Sustainability: Use bicycles or public transport; carry reusable items; support local vendors with fair purchases.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for key cities like “Hanoi” or “Ho Chi Minh City.”
Weather: Dry season (Nov–Apr, 25–33°C in the south, 15–25°C in the north) ideal; wet season (May–Oct, 24–33°C) suits indoor activities; check forecasts via accuweather.com.
Safety Note: Secure valuables with a money belt ($2 or 50,000 VND); beware of pickpocketing in markets; carry emergency numbers (Police: 113, Medical: 115).
Who is eligible for a Vietnam e-visa? Citizens of over 80 countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, and most EU nations. Check eligibility at vietnamvisa.govt.vn vietnam-visa.com.
What is the easiest way to get a Vietnam e-visa? Apply online via evisa.gov.vn; it’s fully digital and requires no embassy visit myvietnamvisa.com.
How much does a Vietnam e-visa cost? $25 (~625,000 VND) for single entry; $50 (~1,250,000 VND) for multiple entry; no stamping fees vietnamvisa.govt.vn.
How long does it take to process a Vietnam e-visa? 3–7 business days; urgent processing (1–2 days or 4–8 hours) available for an additional fee vietnam-visa.com.
Can I use an e-visa to visit Phu Quoc? Yes, if entering via an approved airport or seaport; Phu Quoc also offers a 30-day visa exemption for direct arrivals with an onward ticket vietnam-visa.com.
Are eco-friendly tours available in Vietnam? Yes, group tours with fuel-efficient transport or bicycles; check localvietnam.com.
Enhance your Vietnam journey post-e-visa approval with eco-conscious tours from Legend Travel Group:
Vietnam Cultural Eco-Tour ($25–$40/person, ~625,000–1,000,000 VND, 1 day): Guided temple and market tour with sustainable practices.
Vietnam Cultural and Adventure Trail ($80–$150/person, ~2,000,000–3,750,000 VND, 2 days): Explore ecotourism sites with eco-friendly transport.
Vietnam Explorer ($150–$250/person, ~3,750,000–6,250,000 VND, 3 days): Multi-site adventure with eco-lodges and community-focused activities. Prices include guides, transport, and fees; group discounts available. Explore options at legendtravelgroup.com or contact sales@legendtravelgroup.com / WhatsApp (+84825862222) for your Vietnam Travel plans.
Mastering Vietnam E-Visa for Tourists with cultural etiquette—modest attire, polite greetings like “xin chào,” and thorough e-visa preparation—unlocks a vibrant, eco-friendly journey through this Southeast Asian gem. With e-visa costs from $25–$50 (~625,000–1,250,000 VND), eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and attractions like Hoi An and Ha Long Bay, this trip offers adventure and sustainability. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Vietnam Travel, apply early and respect local customs for the best experience. For more guides, check trusted resources like vietnamvisa.govt.vn. Safe travels!
Sources:
Visa Information: vietnam-visa.com, myvietnamvisa.com, vietnamvisa.govt.vn
Cultural and Travel Details: culturetrip.com, cambodia-travel.com
Weather Information: accuweather.com
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