Vietnam Visa Requirements for US Travelers
Do you need a visa for Vietnam if you're traveling from the U.S.? Many US travelers find themselves overwhelmed by outdated information, conflicting advice, and last-minute surprises at the airport.
Managing visa formalities shouldn’t feel like a hurdle before your adventure even begins. Whether you're dreaming of Halong Bay, the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, or the vibrant food scene in Ho Chi Minh City, understanding Vietnam’s visa policy for US citizens can save you time, stress, and money.
This simple guide will break down everything you need to know, so you can focus on planning your journey.
Do You Need a Visa for Vietnam?
If you're a U.S. citizen planning a trip to Vietnam, you will need a visa. There are no exceptions, even for short stays like vacations or quick business visits.
To enter Vietnam, make sure you have:
A valid U.S. passport with at least 6 months remaining beyond your planned departure date
A Vietnam visa (either an E-Visa or a Visa on Arrival, depending on your situation)
Need to renew your passport fast? Get My Passports offers expedited passport renewal services to make sure you're travel-ready in time.
Types of Vietnam Visas for U.S. Travelers
Vietnam offers a few visa options for American travelers. Let us look at the two most common types and who they’re best suited for.
E-Visa (Best Option for Most Travelers)
The Vietnam E-Visa is the most convenient choice for tourism or short-term business trips.
Who it's for: U.S. citizens visiting for up to 90 days
Valid for: Single entry only
Cost: $25 (non-refundable government fee)
Processing time: Around 3-5 business days
Where to apply: Official Vietnam E-Visa portal
You’ll complete an online form, upload your passport info and photo, and receive your visa via email. Once approved, print the visa and carry it with your passport when you travel.
Visa on Arrival (VOA)
Visa on Arrival is available only to travelers arriving by air and requires prior pre-approval through a visa sponsor in Vietnam. A visa sponsor is typically a licensed local travel agency or business that submits a request on your behalf to the Vietnamese Immigration Office for a pre-approval letter.
Without this pre-approval letter, you will not be allowed to board your flight or enter Vietnam. This process does not apply to E-visas and is more complex and time-consuming than the E-visa route.
Requirements:
Pre-approval letter issued by Vietnamese Immigration via your visa sponsor (must be arranged before travel)
Two passport-sized photos
Stamped visa fee in cash, paid at the airport ($25 standard single-entry stamp; $50 for multiple-entry)
Valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity
Important Considerations:
VOA is only valid at international airports in Vietnam. It is not accepted at land or sea borders.
You must apply for the correct visa category based on your travel purpose (e.g., tourist, business, work).
Do not travel to Vietnam without receiving your pre-approval letter, as you may be denied entry and required to return at your own expense.
Processing times on arrival can be long, and incorrect documents can lead to delays or rejection.
Work-related travel requires a valid work permit before visa issuance. You cannot switch jobs or visa categories once in Vietnam without exiting and reapplying.
E-Visa Application Process: Step by Step
Applying for an E-Visa sounds simple, and it can be, if you have everything prepared. This section outlines what you’ll need, how to apply, and how we make the process easier.
What You’ll Need
Before starting the application, gather these items:
A scanned copy of your passport’s data page (must be clear and in color)
A passport-style digital photo (with plain white background, neutral expression, and no glasses)
Your travel information: entry and exit dates, airport of arrival, and intended location(s) of stay
The Vietnamese government is strict about file format and size. Incorrect uploads, even minor ones, can delay or deny your application.
How to Apply?
Get My Passports simplifies the application process to help you save time and avoid mistakes. Here's how it works:
Upload your documents and photo
Pay the $25 non-refundable visa fee with a credit or debit card
Wait approximately 5-7 business days for processing
Receive your E-Visa PDF by email
Print it and bring it with your passport when you travel
The visa is valid for 90 days with a single entry only. You must enter and exit Vietnam using the locations listed on your visa.
Note: A mismatched passport number or a poorly formatted photo can result in automatic rejection. Get My Passports offers full compliance checks to ensure your submission is accurate and accepted the first time.
Passport Validity Rules for U.S. Travelers Visiting Vietnam
Even if your visa is approved, your passport could still prevent you from boarding your flight or entering Vietnam.
Passport Rule for U.S. Travelers
Vietnam requires that all foreign passports remain valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you plan to leave the country. This rule applies even if your stay is only a week.
For example, if you’re planning to leave Vietnam on August 15, your passport must be valid through at least February 15 of the following year.
What to Do If Yours Is Expiring
If your passport doesn’t meet the requirements, airlines can deny boarding, and immigration officials can refuse entry.
What If You're Traveling for Work?
Traveling to Vietnam for work is very different from going as a tourist. If you’re taking a job, staying for an extended period, or planning to volunteer, the E-Visa will not be enough. Let us understand who needs a work visa, what’s required to get one, and how we can support you through the process.
The E-Visa Doesn’t Cover Employment
If you’re planning to work in Vietnam, even short-term, you’ll need to apply for a different visa category. The E-Visa is only for tourism or brief business trips.
To legally work in Vietnam, most travelers will need:
A Work Visa or Business Visa (depending on your purpose and duration)
An employer or sponsor based in Vietnam who can issue an invitation letter
A valid work permit issued by the Vietnamese Ministry of Labor
The paperwork for these visas can be time-consuming and often includes background checks, medical exams, and certified translations. Missing even one item can cause delays or rejections.
Do you need a visa for Vietnam, or which one fits your trip? Let us help you choose the right visa and handle your documents with care so you can apply confidently and avoid delays. Book an appointment today to get started!
What Happens If You Overstay Your Visa?
Understanding your visa’s expiration date is just as important as having the visa itself. If you stay even one day beyond your visa’s expiration, you may face:
Fines (typically starting around $25 per day and increasing with each additional day)
Detention by immigration officers
Forced deportation, especially for overstays longer than a few days
Future visa denial, which can block you from re-entering Vietnam
Avoid overstay issues by applying for the right visa the first time. Our visa consultants help you choose the best option based on your travel plans.
Entry and Exit at the Airport: What to Expect
Understanding the entry and exit procedures will help you avoid delays and ensure a smooth experience at immigration checkpoints.
Arriving in Vietnam: Entry Process
Upon arrival, you will usually receive an entry/exit form either on your flight or at immigration. This form requires basic personal information and details about your stay. Filling it out accurately helps speed up processing.
Keep these documents ready for immigration officers:
Your printed visa approval or E-Visa confirmation
A valid passport with at least six months’ validity beyond your stay
Your return or onward ticket proves your travel plans
Immigration officers may ask questions about your trip, so having your itinerary handy is helpful. Sometimes, travelers face additional document checks or brief interviews. Being prepared and organized reduces delays.
Departing Vietnam: Exit Process
When leaving, you may be asked to present your passport and exit form. Immigration officers check that your stay matches the terms of your visa and that you have no outstanding fines or violations.
Why Travelers Choose Get My Passports?
Source: Get My Passports
At Get My Passports, we simplify the visa process with speed, accuracy, and expert support, so you can travel stress-free. Most travelers receive their visas within 5–7 business days, often even faster.
Here’s what sets us apart:
No Mailing Delays: We hand-deliver your application to the appropriate agency, no lines, no risk of lost documents, no post office runs.
Fast, Efficient Appointments: Get everything done in just 30 minutes, no scheduling headaches or waiting around.
Real Support, Real People: Talk to an expert, not a bot. We're here to guide you every step of the way.
Complete Documentation Help: From reviewing your paperwork to ensuring visa photo compliance, we handle the details.
Full Visa Management: We oversee your E-Visa or Visa on Arrival application from start to finish.
Secure Delivery & Tracking: Your documents are tracked and delivered safely, with full visibility.
Note: Visa fees vary by destination. Visit Get My Passports to view country-specific pricing and service options.
Conclusion
Getting your passport and Vietnam visa doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. Knowing the costs, processing times, and exact requirements helps ensure your travel plans go smoothly. Being prepared with the correct documents is the first step to avoiding delays or problems at the border.
Wondering do you need a visa for Vietnam or which type is right for your trip? It’s normal to feel overwhelmed by all the rules and paperwork, but that’s where we come in. When you work with Get My Passports, you get expert guidance, faster processing, and peace of mind throughout the entire process.
Ready to skip the stress and fast-track your visa process? Call us at (708) 360-7277 or book an appointment today, and we’ll handle everything from forms to final delivery.