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Vietnam Visa for United States Citizens 2026

e-Visa / eTA

United States citizens can apply for a Vietnam e-visa (single entry, 30 days) online at https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/ for USD 25; processing takes about 3 working days; print the approval letter to present at border.

Guide last updated September 4, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of entry into Vietnam, and you should have at least 1 blank page available for entry/exit stamps.
  • Specific forms: there is no DS-160 or embassy form for the e-visa; you must complete the online e-visa application at https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/ and upload a scanned passport data page and a digital photo.
  • Financial proof: not required for the e-visa application.
  • Accommodation and return ticket requirements: not required to be shown in the e-visa application; it is recommended to have hotel address or accommodation details and a plan for your stay, but you do not need to submit these at application.
  • Photo spec: a recent color passport-style photo; upload as JPG/JPEG or PNG; ensure good resolution and a white/light background; file size limits are enforced on the portal (typical limits apply).
  • Biometrics: no separate pre-departure biometrics submission is required for the e-visa application; immigration at the border will determine entry; you should bring a printed e-visa approval letter and your passport.
  • Travel health insurance: not required for e-visa eligibility; recommended to have adequate travel health coverage.

Visa types

  • Vietnam e-visa (Tourism): official name Vietnam e-visa; validity 30 days; max stay 30 days; entry: single; approximate fee USD 25; purpose: tourism.
  • Vietnam e-visa (Business): official name Vietnam e-visa; validity 30 days; max stay 30 days; entry: single; approximate fee USD 25; purpose: business.

How to apply online

  • How to apply online: go to https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/; create an account or sign in; complete the online form with personal data, passport details, travel intent and port of entry; upload a scan of the passport data page and a recent passport photo; pay the e-visa fee of USD 25 using a credit or debit card; submit the application; you will receive a status update and, after approval, an e-visa approval letter by email or via the portal; print the approval letter and bring it with your passport to Vietnam border control.
  • Processing time: approximately 3 working days from submission; weekends and Vietnamese public holidays are not counted; check status in your account; entry via any Vietnam international airport or port participating in e-visa program.
  • How approval arrives: you receive an official e-visa approval letter (printed) that accompanies your passport at arrival; immigration will stamp your passport at arrival.

Fees & processing time

  • e-visa fee: USD 25; local currency equivalent around VNĐ 575,000 (subject to exchange rate at time of payment).
  • VFS/BLS service fee: not applicable for e-visa; this applies to sticker visas or visa on arrival processed via consulates, not to online e-visa.
  • Total cost estimate: USD 25 (plus any minor card processing fees by your bank if applicable).
  • Standard processing time: 3 working days (excludes weekends and Vietnamese public holidays).
  • Express/priority option: not offered by the official e-visa portal; processing times beyond 3 days are not guaranteed; if you need faster service, you would need to explore other visa routes outside the official e-visa system.

Tips for United States travelers

  • Apply at least 5–7 business days before your planned travel date to account for processing and potential delays.
  • Common rejection reasons for US applicants: passport validity below 6 months at entry date; data mismatch between application and passport; uploading incorrect or blurry documents; attempting to apply for a purpose not supported by the e-visa; entering less than 30 days stay or attempting multiple entry visas when only single-entry is allowed.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy application: for Vietnam e-visa you apply directly online via the official portal; VFS/BLS is not used for e-visa; only if you later apply for a different visa category or in-person consular services you may encounter visa processing through a Vietnamese embassy.
  • Travel advisories or bilateral notes: check the latest U.S. government travel advisory for Vietnam; stay updated on any health, safety, or entry policy changes; verify any bilateral travel notes.
  • Extension options inside Vietnam: e-visa is a 30-day single-entry visa and cannot be extended; if you need to stay longer, you must leave Vietnam and re-enter with a new e-visa or apply for another visa type at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate in advance.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.