Plan your Vietnam adventure with our guide to entry requirements! Learn about visa policies, passport rules, health protocols, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and top providers for a seamless experience with Vietnam Travel. Start your journey today!
Immerse in Vietnam’s natural heritage with visa-smart planningAuthor Bio: Written 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, travel.state.gov, evisa.gov.vn, 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. Travelers must apply for an e-visa online via evisa.gov.vn, use visa exemption policies if eligible, or apply for a visa through a Vietnamese embassy. This guide details Vietnam’s entry requirements, including visas, passports, and health protocols, for a seamless journey.
Vietnam, a vibrant Southeast Asian destination, is renowned for its cultural landmarks like Hoi An’s ancient town, Ha Long Bay’s limestone karsts, and bustling cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City vinpearl.com. Understanding Vietnam’s entry requirements ensures a smooth entry process, whether joining guided Vietnam Tours or exploring independently. Entry requirements include a valid passport, appropriate visa or exemption, and compliance with health and customs regulations vietnam-visa.com. This guide provides practical insights into entry requirements, cultural tips, and eco-friendly Vietnam Travel options for a seamless adventure.
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 entry requirement details, travel planning, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a worry-free experience.
Vietnam’s entry requirements include a passport valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages, a visa or exemption (e.g., 14–45 days for 38 countries, 30 days for Phu Quoc), and health declarations if applicable. E-visa costs are $25–$50 (625,000–1,250,000 VND). Cultural site entries like Hoi An cost $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND); guided tours range from $15–$80 (375,000–2,000,000 VND). Temporary residence registration with local police is required within 24 hours, typically handled by hotels. Verify entry requirements via evisa.gov.vn or travel.state.gov.
Passport:
Must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry with at least two blank pages for stamps travel.state.gov.
Must be the same passport used for entry and exit; ensure it is not reported lost or stolen, as this will result in entry denial travel.state.gov.
Passports with an “X” gender marker may face scrutiny; contact the Vietnamese embassy to confirm acceptance travel.state.gov.
Visa or Exemption:
E-Visa:
Purpose: Tourism, business, or leisure.
Eligibility: Available to all nationalities evisa.gov.vn.
Duration: Up to 90 days (single or multiple entry) evisa.gov.vn.
Cost: $25 (625,000 VND) for single entry; $50 (1,250,000 VND) for multiple entry; non-refundable vietnam-visa.com.
Application: Online via evisa.gov.vn; requires digital passport photo (4x6 cm, white background, no glasses), passport data page scan, and credit/debit card payment (American Express not accepted). Processing takes 3–7 working days; expedited options available ($10–$30 or 250,000–750,000 VND) evisa.gov.vn.
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, 16 land borders, and 13 seaports evisa.gov.vn.
Standard Visa Exemption:
Purpose: Tourism, business, or leisure for short stays.
Eligibility: Citizens of 38 countries, including:
45 days: Belarus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland vietnam-visa.com.
30 days: Cambodia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand vietnam-visa.com.
21 days: Philippines vietnam-visa.com.
14 days: Brunei vietnam-visa.com.
90 days: Chile, Panama vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: 14–90 days, depending on nationality vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: No cost vietnam-visa.com.
Requirements: Passport valid for 6 months with two blank pages; proof of onward travel recommended vietnam.travel.
Extension: Non-extendable; requires visa run vietnam-visa.com.
Phu Quoc Visa Exemption:
Purpose: Tourism or leisure on Phu Quoc Island.
Eligibility: All nationalities arriving directly by air or sea and not traveling to mainland Vietnam vietnam.travel.
Duration: Up to 30 days vietnam.travel.
Cost: No cost vietnam.travel.
Requirements: Passport valid for 6 months with two blank pages; proof of onward travel (e.g., return flight ticket) required vietnam.travel.
Extension: Non-extendable; requires e-visa for mainland travel vietnam-visa.com.
APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC):
Purpose: Business travel.
Eligibility: Holders with “VNM” on the card vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 60 days per visit vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: No additional visa fee vietnam-visa.com.
Requirements: Valid passport with two blank pages vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Non-extendable; requires exit and re-entry vietnam-visa.com.
5-Year Visa Exemption Certificate:
Purpose: Tourism, family visits, or business for overseas Vietnamese.
Eligibility: Overseas Vietnamese, their spouses, or children vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 180 days per visit, valid for 5 years or 6 months before passport expiration vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: $10–$50 (250,000–1,250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Requirements: Proof of Vietnamese origin or family ties (e.g., birth certificate, marriage certificate); application at a Vietnamese embassy or immigration office vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Extendable for additional 180-day periods; fees apply ($10 or 250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Embassy/Consulate Visa:
Purpose: Tourism, business, work, or study.
Eligibility: Available to all nationalities for specific needs travel.state.gov.
Duration: Typically 30–90 days, longer for work/study visas travel.state.gov.
Cost: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND), depending on visa type and processing time travel.state.gov.
Requirements: Passport, application form, two passport photos, and fees; may require sponsorship for work/study visas travel.state.gov.
Extension: Extendable for 1–3 months with a sponsor; fees vary ($10–$155 or 250,000–3,875,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Health Requirements:
No mandatory vaccinations or COVID-19 tests required as of September 2025, but travelers may face body temperature checks at entry points vietnam.travel.
Recommended vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, routine shots (MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis); check TravelHealthPro’s Vietnam guide for updates travel.state.gov.
Carry prescription medications in hand luggage with a prescription copy; declare medications valued over $100 (2,500,000 VND) at customs travel.state.gov.
Self-monitor health for 10 days post-entry; report symptoms (e.g., fever, cough) to Vietnam’s health hotline (1900 3228) vietnam.travel.
Customs Regulations:
Declare cash over $5,000 (125,000,000 VND) or equivalent; failure to declare may result in confiscation or fines travel.state.gov.
Declare goods subject to tax/duty (e.g., electronics, luxury items) travel.state.gov.
Prohibited items: illegal drugs, weapons, and materials critical of the government; severe penalties apply, including jail or deportation travel.state.gov.
Residence Registration:
Mandatory within 24 hours of arrival; typically handled by hotels or accommodation providers travel.state.gov.
Carry proof of registration; failure may lead to fines or questioning travel.state.gov.
Key Restrictions:
Travelers must not fall under entry suspension categories (e.g., security risks) evisa.gov.vn.
Overstay penalties: 500,000 VND/day ($20/day); potential exit bans or deportation travel.state.gov.
Exit bans may be imposed for legal or financial disputes; consult a lawyer if affected travel.state.gov.
Important Note: The Visa on Arrival program was discontinued in 2022. Travelers must use e-visas, exemptions, or embassy visas vietnam-visa.com.
Passport: Ensure validity and blank pages; carry a photocopy separately travel.state.gov.
Visa Verification: Check visa/exemption details match passport; confirm entry/exit stamps are correct at border control travel.state.gov.
Health Protocols: Stay updated on health requirements via vietnam.travel; carry travel insurance travel.state.gov.
Customs: Declare required items to avoid penalties; check restrictions via Vietnamese embassy travel.state.gov.
Cultural etiquette ensures a smooth experience during Vietnam Tours, complementing entry requirement planning. Here’s your guide, based on current norms:
Greetings: Offer a “xin chào” (hello) with a slight nod; use both hands for transactions to show respect, especially at temples or markets like Hanoi’s Old Quarter culturetrip.com.
Dress: Wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple visits (e.g., Temple of Literature in Hanoi); a lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND) aligns with local norms vinpearl.com.
Behaviour: Maintain a quiet demeanor at cultural sites; ask permission before photographing locals or rituals; carry passport or e-visa securely to verify status. Avoid public criticism of the Vietnamese government (penalties apply). A guest shared: “Respecting Vietnamese customs made our entry-requirement-prepared trip seamless.” culturetrip.com
Customs: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND); avoid littering to preserve cultural sites like Ha Long Bay or Hoi An’s ancient town culturetrip.com.
Tip: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you) to locals or guides; use eco-friendly practices like reusable water bottles ($2 or 50,000 VND) to support sustainable Vietnam Travel; keep passport handy for checks. Tony Bùi notes: “In 20 years guiding, I’ve seen entry-requirement-prepared travellers thrive in Vietnam’s vibrant culture.”
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 are useful culturetrip.com.
Respect: Follow temple rules (avoid touching sacred items); respect local vendors with fair purchases in markets.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for cities like Hanoi or Hoi An; carry a passport or e-visa photocopy for checks 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) to reduce emissions, aligning with Vietnam’s green tourism goals vietnam.travel.
Below is a curated list of tour options to enhance your entry-requirement-prepared journey, based on the latest data from vietnam-visa.com, travel.state.gov, evisa.gov.vn, vinpearl.com, and vietnam.travel. Confirm schedules and prices before booking.
Details: Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Hoi An’s ancient town, or Ha Long Bay independently; suitable for travelers with valid visas or exemptions; low to moderate difficulty vietnam.travel.
Entry Requirement Tips: Ensure passport validity (6+ months); carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; register temporary residence at hotels; verify visa/exemption eligibility evisa.gov.vn.
Schedule: Daily; Hoi An ancient town open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM ($5–$7 or 125,000–175,000 VND); Hanoi’s Temple of Literature open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND); Ha Long Bay cruises available daily.
Cost: Entry: free (markets); Hoi An: $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND); Temple of Literature: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 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, Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use bicycles to reduce emissions; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Tip: Verify entry requirements; apply for e-visas early; check evisa.gov.vn; a guest noted: “Self-guided exploration was smooth with proper entry preparation.”
Details: 1-day group tour visiting Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Temple of Literature; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Hanoi hotels, lunch, and entry fees; low difficulty.
Entry Requirement Tips: Ensure valid visa/exemption; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; 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).
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 guest noted: “Legend’s tour ensured entry-requirement compliance and cultural immersion.”
Details: 1-day guided tour visiting Hoi An’s ancient town and a cycling tour; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Hoi An, lunch, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Entry Requirement Tips: Ensure valid visa/exemption for multi-city travel; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; 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).
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 guest noted: “The combo tour was entry-requirement-ready and enriching.”
Details: 2–3 day tour combining Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Hoi An; includes English-speaking guide, transport, accommodation, meals, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Entry Requirement Tips: Use a multiple-entry e-visa or exemption for multi-city travel; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; 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).
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 guest noted: “The multi-day tour was an entry-requirement-smart cultural journey.”
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for travelers with valid visas or exemptions.
Group Cultural Tours: Affordable and guided, perfect for entry-requirement-compliant cultural insights.
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: Blend cultural visits with eco-friendly activities for a comprehensive journey.
Multi-Day Cultural and Adventure Tours: Offer in-depth exploration with entry-requirement-smart itineraries.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group and multi-day tours use fuel-efficient transport or bicycles, supporting Vietnam’s green tourism goals.
Key entry-requirement-prepared travel opportunities include:
Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year): Typically late January to February (lunar calendar), 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 (lunar calendar), honoring Vietnam’s founders; warm and dry (24–32°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Mid-Autumn Festival: Typically September (lunar calendar), festive with lantern parades; warm and wet (24–31°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Cultural 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 cultural visits and festivals. Hot period (April–August, 24–33°C) suits early morning outings. Wet season (September–December, 24–31°C) is best for budget travelers and indoor experiences. Morning visits (6:00 AM–10:00 AM) avoid heat or rain. Verify forecasts via weather.com.
Verify Visa Needs: Confirm eligibility for a 14–45 day exemption, Phu Quoc’s 30-day exemption, APEC card, or 5-year exemption; non-eligible travelers apply for an e-visa at evisa.gov.vn or embassy visa vietnam-visa.com.
Documentation: Ensure passport validity (6+ months); carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; keep proof of onward travel for Phu Quoc; maintain a photocopy of passport bio page separately travel.state.gov.
Health Compliance: Monitor health requirements via vietnam.travel; carry travel insurance and prescription copies travel.state.gov.
Customs Compliance: Declare cash over $5,000 (125,000,000 VND) and restricted goods; check restrictions via Vietnamese embassy travel.state.gov.
Residence Registration: Confirm hotels register your stay with local police; carry proof of registration travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Use digital e-visa copies to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles or motorbike taxis for sustainable travel.
Tip: Apply for e-visas 7–14 days early; double-check passport and visa details; carry small VND notes for local purchases; check entry requirements at evisa.gov.vn.
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), printed e-visa ($25–$50 or 625,000–1,250,000 VND if required), passport photocopy, proof of onward travel (e.g., return flight ticket for Phu Quoc), wallet ($2 or 50,000 VND), tour bookings.
Clothing: Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple visits; lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND); quick-dry clothing and raincoat ($2 or 50,000 VND) for wet season; lightweight clothing like cotton or linen and light jacket ($3 or 75,000 VND) for dry season; waterproof shoes ($3 or 75,000 VND); hat ($2 or 50,000 VND).
Essentials: Reusable water bottle ($2 or 50,000 VND); snacks ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND, e.g., pho); 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 ($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 photos.
Eco Items: Reusable tote ($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); 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.
Visa and Travel Costs
E-Visa Costs: Single entry: $25 (625,000 VND); multiple entry: $50 (1,250,000 VND); expedited processing: $10–$30 (250,000–750,000 VND) evisa.gov.vn.
Exemption Costs: No cost for standard waivers (14–45 days), Phu Quoc (30 days), or APEC cardholders; 5-year exemption: $10–$50 (250,000–1,250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Embassy Visa Costs: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND), depending on visa type and processing time travel.state.gov.
Self-Guided Exploration: Entry: free (markets); Hoi An: $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND); Temple of Literature: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 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).
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes entry).
Multi-Day Cultural and Adventure Tours: $80–$200 (2,000,000–5,000,000 VND, includes entries). Safety-Related Costs
Money Belt: $2 (50,000 VND).
Local SIM for Emergency Calls: $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND).
Travel Insurance (Recommended): $10–$30 (250,000–750,000 VND). 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 for tours, visa costs (if applicable), and transport; $0.20–$10 for purchases or add-ons; leverage exemptions to minimize costs.
Entry Requirement Tips: Verify passport validity (6+ months); apply for e-visas 7–14 days early via evisa.gov.vn; confirm exemption eligibility; check health/customs rules vietnam-visa.com.
Etiquette: Use “xin chào”; dress modestly for temples; respect local customs; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Access: Choose self-guided exploration for flexibility, group tours for entry-requirement-compliant insights, or multi-day tours for immersion.
Schedules: Cultural sites open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; markets open 6:00 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 cities like Hanoi or Hoi An.
Weather: Dry season (Jan–Aug, 18–33°C) ideal; 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 a money belt ($2 or 50,000 VND); beware of pickpocketing in markets or nightlife areas; carry emergency numbers (Police: 113, Medical: 115).
What are Vietnam’s entry requirements? Valid passport (6+ months, two blank pages), visa or exemption, health declarations if applicable, and customs compliance travel.state.gov.
Do I need a visa for Vietnam? Not for 38 countries (14–45 days), Phu Quoc (30 days), or APEC cardholders (60 days); others need an e-visa or embassy visa vietnam-visa.com.
What health protocols are required? No mandatory vaccinations or COVID-19 tests; self-monitor health for 10 days; carry insurance and prescriptions vietnam.travel.
What are the penalties for overstaying? Fines of 500,000 VND/day ($20/day); potential exit bans or deportation travel.state.gov.
What customs items must I declare? Cash over $5,000 (125,000,000 VND) and goods subject to tax/duty; check restrictions via embassy travel.state.gov.
Is Visa on Arrival available? No, discontinued in 2022; apply for an e-visa at evisa.gov.vn or use exemptions vietnam-visa.com.
Enhance your entry-requirement-prepared Vietnam journey with eco-conscious tours from Legend Travel Group:
Vietnam Cultural Eco-Tour ($25–$40/person, 1 day): Guided temple and market tour with sustainable practices.
Vietnam Cultural and Adventure Trail ($80–$150/person, 2 days): Explore cultural sites and eco-friendly activities.
Vietnam Explorer ($150–$250/person, 3 days): Multi-site adventure with eco-lodges and community-focused activities. Prices include guides, transport, and entry fees; group discounts available. Explore options at legendtravelgroup.com or contact sales@legendtravelgroup.com / WhatsApp (+84825862222) for your Vietnam Travel plans.
Mastering Vietnam Entry Requirements with cultural etiquette—modest attire, polite greetings like “xin chào,” and visa-smart planning—unlocks a vibrant, eco-friendly journey through this Southeast Asian gem. With tour costs from $15–$200, sustainable 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, ensure passport validity, secure a visa or exemption, and respect local customs for the best experience. Note that Visa on Arrival is no longer available; apply for e-visas via evisa.gov.vn or use exemptions if eligible. Safe travels!
Sources:
vietnam-visa.com
travel.state.gov
evisa.gov.vn
vinpearl.com
vietnam.travel
Favorite experiences booked by travelers
