Vietnam’s eVisa system has made it easier than ever for travelers to enter the country, whether for a quick getaway or an extended stay. Launched to streamline the process, the electronic visa allows eligible visitors to apply online and receive approval without embassy visits or paperwork hassles. As of 2025, it’s open to citizens of all countries, with options for stays up to 90 days—perfect for tourism, business, or medical trips.

Who Needs a Vietnam eVisa?

Not everyone requires a visa to enter Vietnam, but for those who do, the eVisa is the go-to option. Citizens of 38 countries enjoy visa exemptions for short stays, typically 14 to 45 days depending on nationality. For example, UK, US, Australian, and many EU passport holders can enter visa-free for up to 45 days for tourism or business. However, if your stay exceeds 45 days, you’re entering for a specific purpose like medical treatment, or you need multiple entries, the eVisa is essential.

As of August 2023 (with no major changes in 2025), the eVisa is available to all nationalities, making Vietnam more accessible. It’s valid for entry at 13 airports, 16 land borders, and 13 seaports, so you can fly into Hanoi’s Noi Bai International or Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat without issues. Always check your exemption status on the official Vietnam Immigration portal to avoid surprises.

Single Entry vs. Multiple Entry: Which One Do You Need?

The Vietnam eVisa comes in two main flavors: single entry and multiple entry, both valid for up to 90 days. Choosing the right one depends on your travel plans—here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide.

Feature	Single Entry eVisa	Multiple Entry eVisa
Validity Period	Up to 90 days from the date of issue	Up to 90 days from the date of issue
Number of Entries	One entry only	Unlimited entries/exits during validity
Maximum Stay per Entry	Up to 90 continuous days	Up to 90 days per entry (but total validity is 90 days overall)
Best For	Straightforward trips without leaving and re-entering Vietnam	Side trips to neighboring countries (e.g., Cambodia or Laos) with plans to return
Cost (2025 Government Fee)	$25 USD	$50 USD

Opt for single entry if your itinerary keeps you within Vietnam—no need to pay extra for flexibility you won’t use. Multiple entry shines if you’re border-hopping, like crossing into Cambodia for a day trip and returning. Note: Domestic flights within Vietnam don’t count as re-entries; only international border crossings do. Both types allow full access to Vietnam’s attractions during your stay.

For medical tourism, I’d suggest the single entry. In my case, I’ll need to enter at least twice to have two seperate operations and recuperate. If I want to leave and recover for a couple of months in Cambodia and then return for the second operation with only a few weeks left of validity on a multiple entry visa, then as far as I understand, I’d need to wait for it to expire. With single entry I can simply leave and start again with a new visa. I don’t think visas can be cancelled once applied (might be wrong).

Requirements for Applying for a Vietnam eVisa

Applying for a Vietnam eVisa is straightforward, but preparation is key. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Passport: Valid for at least six months from your planned entry date, with at least two blank pages.
• Digital Photo: A recent passport-style color photo (4×6 cm, white background, JPEG format, under 2MB).
• Scanned Passport Data Page: A clear, color scan of your passport’s bio page (PDF or JPEG, under 2MB).
• Email Address: For receiving your approved eVisa.
• Credit/Debit Card: For payment (Visa, Mastercard, or UnionPay accepted).
• Travel Details: Intended entry date and expected stay duration (up to 90 days).

No invitation letters, hotel bookings, or flight tickets are required upfront, though having them ready can help if questions arise. For UK citizens or others eligible for 45-day exemptions, the eVisa extends your options for longer or repeated visits.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Your Vietnam eVisa

The entire process happens online via the official Vietnam National Electronic Visa system—no embassies or agents needed unless you prefer assistance. Here’s how to do it:

1. Visit the Official Portal: Go to evisa.gov.vn (or the new domain thithucdientu.gov.vn as of late 2024). Avoid third-party sites to prevent scams and extra fees.
2. Fill Out the Form: Select your nationality, passport type, and visa details (single or multiple entry, 90-day validity). Enter personal info, passport details, and travel plans accurately—typos can delay approval.
3. Upload Documents: Submit your photo and passport scan. Double-check for clarity; blurry uploads lead to rejections.
4. Pay the Fee: Use your card to pay the government fee ($25 for single, $50 for multiple). It’s non-refundable, so ensure details are correct.
5. Wait for Approval: Processing takes 3–5 working days (up to 8 in peak seasons). You’ll get an email with your eVisa PDF—print it or save it digitally.
6. Enter Vietnam: Present the printed eVisa and passport at immigration. It’s valid for entry at designated ports.

Pro Tip: Apply at least 7–10 days before travel to buffer for holidays or high-volume periods. If you’re in a rush, some authorized agents offer expedited services, but stick to the official site for reliability.

Costs and Processing Times for 2025

The eVisa is affordable and efficient. Government fees are fixed: $25 USD for single entry and $50 USD for multiple entry—no hidden charges if you apply directly. Processing is 3–5 working days, but it can extend to 8 days during busy times like Tet (Lunar New Year) or summer peaks. Rarely, applications go for extra review (up to 15 days), but this is uncommon for standard tourist requests.

For global travelers: Fees are the same regardless of nationality, payable in USD. If using an agent, expect a small service fee ($10–$20) for help with forms or tracking. Remember, the eVisa isn’t reusable—once it expires, apply for a new one.

Can You Cancel or Extend Your Vietnam eVisa?

Flexibility is limited with the eVisa, so plan carefully. Here’s the reality:

• Cancellation: Once approved and paid, the eVisa is non-refundable and non-cancellable. There’s no official process to void it. If your plans change before entry, the visa simply expires unused—no penalties, but you lose the fee. To “cancel” for a fresh application (e.g., different dates), let the current one lapse and reapply. No limit on reapplications, but overlapping visas could raise flags at immigration.
• Extension: Tourist eVisas cannot be extended in-country as of 2025—the option was suspended until further notice. If you need more time, exit Vietnam (e.g., to Cambodia or Laos for a “visa run”) and re-enter on a new eVisa. Visa exemptions (up to 45 days) also can’t be extended; same rule applies. For longer stays, consider a different visa type via a Vietnamese embassy.

If dates shift slightly (e.g., entry off by a day), immigration is often lenient if you explain—many travelers report no issues. But for major changes, reapplying is safest. Always carry proof of onward travel, like a return ticket, to smooth entry.

Common Pitfalls and Pro Tips for a Smooth Process

Avoid these to keep your trip stress-free:

• Wrong Site Scams: Only use evisa.gov.vn—fake sites charge extra and deliver invalid visas.
• Passport Mismatches: Ensure your passport details match exactly; errors cause rejections.
• Overstay Risks: Fines start at $10–$50 per day, plus potential bans. Track your dates religiously.
• Entry Ports: Confirm your port is eVisa-eligible (most major ones are).

Global Tips: UK and EU travelers benefit from the 45-day exemption, so layer it with eVisas for longer trips. US/Australian citizens follow the same process. Download a visa reminder app to monitor expiry. If combining with medical tourism (e.g., a procedure in Ho Chi Minh City), the 90-day window gives ample recovery time.