Plan your Vietnam adventure with our guide to tourist visa requirements! Learn about e-visas, exemptions, costs, cultural site visits, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and top providers for a seamless experience with Vietnam Travel. Start your journey today!
Begin your tourist visa day with Vietnam’s tranquil ambiance (Source: Internet)Author 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. Tourists must apply for an e-visa online via evisa.gov.vn or use visa exemption policies if eligible. This guide details visa requirements for tourists, application processes, and travel tips 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 visa requirements for tourists ensures a smooth entry for exploring these treasures, whether joining guided Vietnam Tours or traveling independently. Tourists can use e-visas for stays up to 90 days, visa exemptions for 38 countries (14–45 days), or the Phu Quoc exemption (30 days) vietnam-visa.com. This guide provides practical visa insights, cultural tips, and eco-friendly Vietnam Travel options for a seamless tourist experience.
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 tourist visa requirements, application processes, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a worry-free adventure.
Vietnam’s tourist visa options include e-visas ($25–$50 or 625,000–1,250,000 VND, up to 90 days) and exemptions (14–45 days for 38 countries, 30 days for Phu Quoc). Passports must be valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages. 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 visa requirements via evisa.gov.vn or travel.state.gov.
E-Visa:
Purpose: Tourism, including cultural visits, sightseeing, 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 Process:
Visit evisa.gov.vn, select English, and click “Apply now” evisa.gov.vn.
Review terms and conditions, then confirm to proceed evisa.gov.vn.
Enter personal details (name, date of birth, nationality), passport details (number, expiry date), travel details (entry/exit dates, checkpoints), and temporary address in Vietnam (e.g., hotel address) vietnam-visa.com.
Upload digital passport photo (4x6 cm, white background, no glasses) and passport data page scan in .jpg format, max 2MB evisa.gov.vn.
Pay the fee ($25 or $50) via credit/debit card; note the verification code vietnam-visa.com.
Check status at evisa.gov.vn/e-visa/search using registration code, email, and date of birth; download and print the e-visa PDF evisa.gov.vn.
Present printed e-visa and passport at the immigration checkpoint; ensure details match exactly travel.state.gov.
Processing Time: 3–7 working days; expedited processing (1–2 days) available for additional fees ($10–$30 or 250,000–750,000 VND) through agencies vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Non-extendable; requires exit to a neighboring country (e.g., Cambodia, Thailand) 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.
Standard Visa Exemption:
Purpose: Tourism 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 (e.g., return flight 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.
Note: British National Overseas (BNO) passport holders are not eligible and must apply for an e-visa vietnam-visa.com.
Phu Quoc Visa Exemption:
Purpose: Tourism 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.
Embassy/Consulate Visa:
Purpose: Tourism for those preferring traditional applications or specific needs.
Eligibility: Available to all nationalities travel.state.gov.
Duration: Typically 30–90 days (single or multiple entry) travel.state.gov.
Cost: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND), depending on processing time travel.state.gov.
Requirements: Passport, application form, two passport photos (4x6 cm), and fees; apply in person or by mail at a Vietnamese embassy travel.state.gov.
Extension: Extendable for 1–3 months through immigration offices with a sponsor; fees vary ($10–$155 or 250,000–3,875,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Key Restrictions:
Travelers must not fall under suspension categories (e.g., security risks) 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); potential exit bans or deportation travel.state.gov.
Important Note: The Visa on Arrival program was discontinued in 2022. Tourists must use e-visas, exemptions, or embassy visas vietnam-visa.com.
Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from entry date with two blank pages travel.state.gov.
Entry/Exit Points: E-visas and exemptions apply to 13 airports, 16 land borders, and 13 seaports; Phu Quoc exemption requires direct entry to Phu Quoc vietnam.travel.
Residence Registration: Mandatory within 24 hours of arrival, typically handled by hotels; carry proof of registration travel.state.gov.
Health Requirements: No mandatory vaccinations or COVID-19 tests as of September 2025; recommended vaccinations include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and routine shots travel.state.gov.
Cultural etiquette ensures a smooth experience during Vietnam Tours, complementing tourist visa preparation. 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 tourist visa 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 tourist visa travelers 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 printed e-visa or passport 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 tourist visa 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 tourists with valid e-visas or exemptions; low to moderate difficulty vietnam.travel.
Tourist Visa Tips: Use e-visas ($25–$50) or exemptions (14–45 days or Phu Quoc); carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; 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); 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: Apply for e-visas early; confirm exemption eligibility; check evisa.gov.vn; a guest noted: “Self-guided exploration was smooth with a tourist visa.”
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.
Tourist Visa Tips: Ensure valid e-visa or 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 tourist visa 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.
Tourist Visa Tips: Ensure valid e-visa or 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 tourist visa-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.
Tourist Visa 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 a tourist visa-smart cultural journey.”
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for tourists with valid e-visas or exemptions.
Group Cultural Tours: Affordable and guided, perfect for tourist visa-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 tourist visa-smart itineraries.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group and multi-day tours use fuel-efficient transport or bicycles, supporting Vietnam’s green tourism goals.
Key tourist visa 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: Check eligibility for a 14–45 day exemption, Phu Quoc’s 30-day exemption, or apply for an e-visa ($25–$50) at evisa.gov.vn for non-eligible nationalities vietnam-visa.com.
Documentation: Ensure passport validity (6+ months); carry a digital or printed e-visa copy or passport photocopy; keep a photocopy of passport bio page separately 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 details to match passport; carry small VND notes for local purchases; check visa status 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 exemptions (14–45 days) or Phu Quoc (30 days) vietnam-visa.com.
Embassy Visa Costs: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND), depending on 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; use exemptions to save on visa costs.
Tourist Visa Tips: Check eligibility for exemptions (14–45 days or Phu Quoc); apply for e-visas 7–14 days early via evisa.gov.vn; double-check details to match passport; verify status at evisa.gov.vn 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 visa-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).
Do tourists need a visa for Vietnam? Not for 38 countries (14–45 days) or Phu Quoc (30 days); others need an e-visa or embassy visa vietnam-visa.com.
How do I apply for a tourist visa? Apply for an e-visa online at evisa.gov.vn or embassy visa; exemptions require no application evisa.gov.vn.
How much does a tourist visa cost? E-visa: $25 (single entry) or $50 (multiple entry); exemptions: no cost; embassy visa: $25–$100 vietnam-visa.com.
Can I extend my tourist visa? E-visas and exemptions are non-extendable; exit and re-enter with a new e-visa or exemption; embassy visas may be extendable vietnam-visa.com.
What are the penalties for overstaying? Fines of 500,000 VND/day ($20/day); potential exit bans or deportation travel.state.gov.
Is Visa on Arrival available for tourists? No, discontinued in 2022; apply for an e-visa at evisa.gov.vn or use exemptions vietnam-visa.com.
Enhance your tourist visa 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 Visa for Tourists 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, apply for e-visas early or use exemptions if eligible, 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. Safe travels!
Sources:
vietnam-visa.com
travel.state.gov
evisa.gov.vn
vinpearl.com
vietnam.travel
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