Vietnam
Vietnam is an S-shaped Southeast Asian country stretching along the South China Sea, from the mountains of Sapa in the north to the Mekong Delta in the south, with Hanoi as its capital. It holds a growing list of UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Ha Long Bay's limestone karsts and the imperial citadel of Hue. Most visitors need a visa: the e-visa system grants up to 90 days, while citizens of the UK, most EU countries, Japan and South Korea can enter visa-free for up to 45 days.
Also required: digital arrival card
Vietnam Visa & Entry Options
Vietnam offers several entry pathways. The e-visa (evisa.gov.vn) is the most popular option: 90 days, single or multiple entry, a fee applies (check the current amount on the portal), processed in 3-5 working days — print it and present at any international checkpoint. Citizens of the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Nordic countries, Japan, South Korea and a handful of others qualify for visa-free entry up to 45 days for tourism or business; passport receives entry and exit stamps specifying the departure deadline. The classic embassy/consulate visa requires a "visa sponsor" (local business or authorised travel agent) who obtains a pre-approval letter from Vietnamese Immigration before you apply abroad. Visa on Arrival works similarly — a pre-approval letter is mandatory before travel; do not arrive without one as entry may be denied. Passport requirements: minimum 6 months validity beyond intended stay, at least 2 blank pages (UK Foreign Office; 1 blank page per U.S. State Department for e-visa). Emergency passport holders may face e-visa denial. Currency declaration is mandatory for amounts exceeding VND 15,000,000 or foreign currency over USD 5,000. Vietnam does not assist with visa extensions through foreign embassies — plan your stay carefully. Overstaying is enforced strictly: fines scale with the length of the overstay (check current rates), and repeat or lengthy overstays can bring deportation and future entry bans, so tracking your permitted departure date matters regardless of how the stay was obtained.
Visa types
Visa-Free Entry (45 days)
For citizens of the UK, most EU nations, Japan, South Korea and other eligible countries. Tourism and business. No advance application needed — present your passport at immigration on arrival. Passport must be valid 6 months with 2 blank pages. Same passport required for both entry and exit.
E-Visa (evisa.gov.vn)
The most practical option for most travellers. Online application at evisa.gov.vn — straightforward, multilingual interface. Processing: 3-5 working days. Check the current fee on the portal. Print the e-visa and present it with your passport at entry. Valid at all international entry points. Choose single or multiple entry depending on your itinerary.
Visa on Arrival (VOA) with Pre-Approval
Requires a pre-approval letter obtained through an authorised Vietnamese travel agency before departure. The visa is stamped into your passport upon arrival at the airport. Critical: do not travel without the pre-approval letter — airlines may deny boarding and immigration may refuse entry.
Embassy/Consulate Visa
Traditional visa obtained at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your home country. Suitable for all stay types: tourism, business, work, study. Requires a "visa sponsor" — a local business or authorised travel agency that obtains pre-approval from Vietnamese Immigration on your behalf.
Business Visa
For commercial activities: meetings, negotiations, market research, contract signing, conferences. Invitation letter from a Vietnamese company recommended. Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia's fastest-growing economies — manufacturing, tech outsourcing, tourism and renewable energy offer significant opportunities.
Work Visa and Work Permit
For employment in Vietnam. The employer applies for the work permit. Key sectors: technology, manufacturing (Samsung, Intel, Nike all produce in Vietnam), English teaching, tourism and hospitality. After entry on a work visa: apply for a Temporary Residence Card.
Guides
Vietnam rewards travellers with an intensity few countries can match. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City sit at opposite ends of a country far longer than it is wide, and nearly every first trip travels between them, so how you cover that distance — by train, sleeper bus or a short domestic flight — shapes the journey more than any single sight along the way. The food alone would justify it, and Vietnam remains one of Southeast Asia's most affordable countries to travel.
Vietnam travel guide →
The full guide — the Ha Giang loop, the tunnel networks, regional kitchens and the open-jaw route.
Money in Vietnam →
Dong, cash habits and the zeroes — the practical money guide.
Eating in Vietnam →
The regions beyond Hanoi and Saigon — Hue's royal kitchen, Hoi An's one-town dish and the Mekong's water-shaped table.
Getting around Vietnam →
Sleeper buses and the north-south railway, when domestic flights win, and Grab for getting around inside a city.
Health & safety in Vietnam →
Malaria risk by region, the central coast's typhoon season, the legal side of riding a motorbike yourself and the numbers to call.
Cities & planning
Airports
Plan your trip
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Embassies & missions
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Vietnam?
It depends on your nationality. The UK, most EU countries, Japan, South Korea and several others can enter visa-free for up to 45 days. Most other nationalities apply for the e-visa online at evisa.gov.vn, which grants up to 90 days and is processed in 3-5 working days.
Can I extend my 45-day visa-free stay in Vietnam?
No, the 45-day visa-free entry is not extendable — you'd need to exit and re-enter, or apply for an e-visa instead if you know in advance that you'll need longer. Overstaying triggers fines and possible future entry bans.
How do I plan a route through Vietnam?
Most itineraries run in one direction along the country's length rather than backtracking, starting in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City and working toward the other end. Two to three weeks covers the north, centre and south comfortably; shorter trips usually focus on a single region instead.
Should I ride the Ha Giang Loop myself or join a tour?
It depends on your motorbike experience. Confident, experienced riders often self-drive with a rented bike, though an internationally endorsed motorcycle licence is technically required. Riders without strong experience typically join an Easy Rider tour, where a local driver handles the bike on genuinely difficult mountain roads.
Is tap water safe to drink in Vietnam?
No, tap water is not recommended for drinking anywhere in the country. Bottled or filtered water is the standard choice, and ice at established restaurants is generally fine.
How do I get between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City?
The Reunification Express train covers the full route, with shorter overnight legs like Hanoi to Hue being a popular way to combine transport with sightseeing. Domestic flights are faster and inexpensive for covering the full distance directly, while sleeper buses fill in routes the railway doesn't reach.
Is Vietnam safe for travellers?
Yes, generally considered one of Southeast Asia's safer countries for travellers. The main risks are bag-snatching from motorbikes, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City, traffic accidents, and occasional taxi scams — using the Grab app for rides helps avoid fare disputes.
Do I need to declare cash entering or leaving Vietnam?
Yes, if carrying more than VND 15,000,000 or foreign currency equivalent to USD 5,000. Declaration is required at customs on both entry and exit.
Planning a trip to Vietnam? Check what you need to enter and apply online in minutes.
Also required: digital arrival card
Treat this Visaja page as your starting point: verify the current rules directly with the official source before you submit an application.