Visa Vietnam

How to get an eVisa for Vietnam: The complete step-by-step guide

NGUYEN Leyli May 28, 2026 6 mins read

Planning a trip to Vietnam? Getting your eVisa is easier than ever, but navigating the sea of unofficial, overpriced agency websites can be overwhelming. As an international traveler, you need to know exactly where to apply, what documents to prepare, and how to avoid costly mistakes. This comprehensive guide walks you through the official Vietnam eVisa application process step-by-step, ensuring a smooth and stress-free start to your Vietnamese adventure.

What is the official website for the Vietnam eVisa?

The only official website to apply for a Vietnam eVisa is the Vietnam Immigration Department's National Web Portal on Immigration at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn. You must avoid third-party agency sites that charge hidden markup fees while masquerading as official government portals.

Search engines frequently rank agency websites higher than the actual government portal. These agencies purchase advertisements using keywords like "Vietnam official visa" to intercept your application. Consequently, you end up paying double or triple the actual cost.

To verify you are on the correct site, check the URL extension. Official Vietnamese government domains always conclude with .gov.vn. Furthermore, the authentic portal features the national emblem of Vietnam on the homepage header.

What do I need to apply for a Vietnam eVisa?

To apply, you need a passport valid for at least six months, a digital passport-style photo with a white background, your intended entry and exit dates, and a credit or debit card to pay the fee. Gathering these beforehand prevents application timeouts.

Digital scan of your passport information page: Ensure the entire page is visible, including the machine-readable lines at the bottom. The file must be in JPG format. Do not allow flash glare to obscure your personal data.
Recent 4x6cm digital portrait photo: The background must be pure white. You must look directly at the camera with a neutral expression. You cannot wear glasses, hats, or head coverings unless for religious purposes.
Intended entry and exit airports or border crossings: You must select your exact entry point from a dropdown menu. If you plan to fly into Hanoi, select Noi Bai International Airport. If you cross by land from Cambodia, select Moc Bai Landport. You cannot change your entry point once the visa is approved.
Valid Visa or Mastercard for payment: Ensure your bank allows international transactions to prevent payment gateway errors.

📌 Expert Insight:

Use a simple smartphone app to take a photo against a white wall to save money on professional photos. Just ensure you remove glasses and maintain a neutral expression to meet guidelines.

How to apply for your Vietnam eVisa step-by-step

Applying for your Vietnam eVisa requires you to upload your documents, input your passport data into the government portal, pay the required processing fee, save your unique registration code, and download the approved PDF document. Following these steps exactly prevents rejection.

Step 1: Upload documents and fill in your details

Upload your digital passport scan and portrait photo into the designated fields. The system will automatically crop your portrait.
Enter your name, date of birth, and passport number EXACTLY as they appear on your passport to avoid automatic rejection.
Pay strict attention to your full name. Read the machine-readable lines (the chevrons `<<<` at the bottom of your passport). Input your name following that exact sequence.
Exclude special characters, hyphens, or accents. For instance, input "MÜLLER" as "MULLER" or "MUELLER" depending on how your passport translates the character at the bottom of the page.

Step 2: Pay the official government fee

You must finalize your application by paying through the official gateway. The system accepts international Visa, Mastercard, and JCB cards. Occasionally, the gateway times out. If this occurs, do not submit a new application. Return to the portal, enter your registration code, and attempt the payment again.

Criteria	Official Government eVisa	Typical Third-Party Agency
Cost (USD)	$25 (Single) / $50 (Multiple)	$50 to $120+
Processing Time	3 to 5 business days	3 to 5 business days (No actual speed advantage)
Pros/Cons	Pro: Lowest cost. Con: Basic user interface.	Pro: Slightly easier forms. Con: Extreme price markups.
Risk Level	Zero risk. Direct government handling.	High risk of data harvesting and upselling.

Step 3: Save your registration code

Without your registration code, you cannot check your application status or download your final visa. The government portal does not send automated email updates reliably. You must take responsibility for tracking your own application status directly on the site.

📌 Expert Insight:

The unique registration code provided after your payment is the ONLY way to check your application status. Screenshot this immediately or copy it to your notes.

Step 4: Download and print the approved eVisa

Use your registration code, email, and DOB to check the portal after a few days. Navigate to the "Search" menu on the top navigation bar.
Once approved, download the PDF document directly to your device.
Print a physical, hard copy of the eVisa letter to present to immigration officers upon arrival in Vietnam.
Always print the document on standard A4 paper. Black and white ink is completely acceptable. Do not attempt to show the eVisa on your smartphone. Immigration officers at major entry points like Tan Son Nhat International Airport strictly require a physical copy to stamp your entry.

How long does it take to get a Vietnam eVisa?

A Vietnam eVisa typically takes four to six business days to process. However, during peak tourist seasons or Vietnamese public holidays, processing can be delayed significantly. You should always submit your application at least two weeks before your planned departure.

You must calculate "business days" using the Indochina Time Zone (UTC+7). The immigration department operates from Monday to Friday. They do not process applications on weekends. Furthermore, national holidays will halt processing entirely.

The most significant delay occurs during the Tet Holiday (Lunar New Year), which typically falls in late January or early February. During this period, the immigration office closes for up to seven consecutive days. If your passport photo fails to meet guidelines, the department will pause your application and request an update. This error resets the three-to-five-day processing clock completely.

How much does a Vietnam eVisa cost?

The official government fee for a single-entry Vietnam eVisa is $25 USD, while a multiple-entry eVisa costs $50 USD. This fee is strictly non-refundable, meaning you will not get your money back even if immigration authorities deny your visa application.

Be aware that the payment gateway adds a minor processing surcharge. Consequently, a $25 USD fee usually posts to your credit card statement as roughly $26 USD, depending on daily exchange rates from the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Ensure your bank does not charge excessive foreign transaction fees.

A single-entry visa allows you to enter Vietnam exactly once. If you exit the country to visit Cambodia or Laos and wish to return, you must purchase a multiple-entry visa. If you mistakenly apply for a single-entry visa, you cannot upgrade it later. You will need to apply for a brand new eVisa and pay the government fee a second time.