Vietnam E-Visa Update: Your Complete Guide to Hassle-Free Travel

Planning a trip to Vietnam just got easier! With the latest updates to the Vietnam e-visa policy, travelers from around the world can now enjoy a simpler, faster, and more convenient entry process. Whether you’re dreaming of cruising through Halong Bay, wandering the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, or diving into the vibrant culture of Ho Chi Minh City, this guide has everything you need to know. Let’s get started!

What’s New In Vietnam’s E-Visa Policy? 

Vietnam has recently implemented transformative changes to its electronic visa (e-visa) system, marking a significant step towards making the country more accessible to global travelers. These updates, central to the current Vietnam e-visa update, address key aspects of the visa process, including who can apply, how long they can stay, and where they can enter the country. 

• Global Accessibility: Now Open to All Nationalities 

A cornerstone of the recent Vietnam e-visa update is the expansion of eligibility. Effective from August 15, 2023, Vietnam’s e-Visa is now issued to citizens of all countries and territories. This monumental shift from previous policies, which often restricted e-visa eligibility to a select list of nations, removes a significant hurdle for a vast number of potential visitors.  

• Extended Validity: More Time to Explore (Up to 90 Days) 

In a move that greatly enhances the travel experience, the e-Visa is now issued for either single or multiple entries for a period of up to 90 days. This is a substantial increase from the previous 30-day limit. The extended validity caters to a wider range of travel preferences, allowing for more immersive and leisurely explorations of Vietnam’s rich culture and diverse landscapes. It benefits slow travelers, those wishing to delve deep into multiple regions, or even individuals considering short-term remote work.  

• Expanded Entry Points: Greater Flexibility for Arrival (Air, Land, Sea) 

The flexibility for travelers has been further amplified by a significant increase in the number of eligible entry and exit points for e-visa holders. The count has risen to 42 international checkpoints, encompassing 13 international airports, 16 land border crossings, and 13 sea border crossings. This expansion provides travelers with unprecedented options when planning their itineraries. It allows for entry and exit through diverse geographical points, thereby facilitating overland regional travel and accommodating cruise tourism.  

A specific procedural note exists for e-Visa holders presenting a Chinese biometric ordinary passport upon arrival: they are required to exchange their e-Visa for a free paper visa at the port of entry. This is due to the passport containing a disputed map of the South China Sea, which Vietnamese authorities will not stamp. 

Visa Exemptions and Waivers: Travel Freely with New Updates 

In addition to the significantly improved e-visa system, Vietnam continues to offer visa exemptions for citizens of numerous countries. These exemptions provide an alternative, often simpler, route for entry and complement the accessibility offered by the Vietnam e-visa update. The strategy of combining broad e-visa availability with generous, targeted visa exemptions for key tourist markets—often those in Western Europe, the Nordic countries, Japan, South Korea, and Russia—demonstrates a sophisticated approach.  

The Popular 45-Day Visa-Free Entry: Who Benefits? 

A significant number of travelers benefit from a 45-day visa-free entry scheme. Vietnam unilaterally exempts visas for citizens of 12 countries for stays of this duration: Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland. This policy has been extended and is effective from March 15, 2025, to March 14, 2028.

This long-term extension provides considerable planning security for travelers from these key markets, allowing for spontaneous trips or shorter visits without the need for any visa application.

Furthermore, citizens of Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland are also eligible for a 45-day visa exemption under a 2025 tourism stimulus program. This specific exemption is valid from March 2025 and applies to those participating in itineraries organized by international tour operators in Vietnam.

This conditionality may suggest a pilot program or a targeted approach to channel tourists through specific tourism sectors, possibly to support local tour operators or guide visitors to particular experiences or regions before a potential broader unilateral exemption. 

>> Read More: Vietnam Visa-Free Countries in 2025 – Who Can Travel Vietnam Without a Visa?

Understanding Temporary Waivers and Bilateral Agreements 

Vietnam also maintains specific visa arrangements with other nations. For instance, a mutual visa exemption agreement exists between Vietnam and Belarus, allowing ordinary passport holders from both countries a 30-day visa-free stay per entry, effective from January 30, 2025.

A particularly noteworthy policy change is that there is no longer a required gap between two visa-exempt entries. This means citizens from visa-free countries can re-enter Vietnam immediately after exiting. This rule, while seemingly minor, fundamentally alters the dynamics for individuals who undertake “visa runs” or frequent short regional trips. It removes a common inconvenience and makes Vietnam a more practical base or stopover point within Southeast Asia, directly addressing a previous pain point for many travelers. 

There are also indications that more countries may be added to Vietnam’s visa exemption list in the future, with some sources mentioning that up to 29 countries currently benefit from some form of exemption. However, the 12 (plus 3 under specific conditions, and Belarus) are the most prominently highlighted recent updates. This ongoing consideration for expansion signals a continued commitment to liberalizing travel policies. 

Introducing the 10-Year Golden Visa: A Glimpse into Vietnam’s Future Welcome 

Looking beyond conventional tourism and short-term visits, Vietnam is exploring an ambitious initiative: a proposed “Golden Visa” program. While distinct from the standard e-visa, this development is a significant part of Vietnam’s broader visa policy evolution and offers a fascinating insight into the country’s long-term vision for attracting international individuals. This proposal, if implemented, could mark a strategic shift towards fostering deeper, more sustained international collaboration and economic contribution. 

Purpose: Vietnam’s Vision for Long-Term Visitors and Investors 

The primary aim of the proposed 10-year “golden visa” is to attract long-term tourists, affluent investors, and highly skilled foreign professionals. This initiative is designed to significantly boost tourism and investment, stimulate economic growth, and help transition Vietnam from primarily a short-term tourist destination into a dynamic hub for sustainable travel and international collaboration.

By offering pathways to long-term, renewable residency, Vietnam seeks to cultivate closer cultural and economic ties with global talent and capital. The specific mention of India as a target demographic for this Golden Visa suggests a strategic interest in tapping into India’s substantial pool of professionals, investors, and affluent travelers, potentially fostering stronger bilateral economic relationships. 

Potential Visa Tiers: Tailored for Different Needs 

The proposal outlines two potential visa tiers, each designed to cater to different categories of long-term visitors: 

• Investor Visa: This tier would grant a 10-year resident visa to individuals who make a significant investment in Vietnam. Crucially, it includes the potential for permanent residency after five years, provided the investment is maintained throughout that period. 

• Talent Visa: Intended for highly qualified workers in sectors identified as important for Vietnam’s growth, this visa would feature a simplified renewal procedure. The goal is to promote long-term employment and retain valuable international expertise. This “Talent Visa” tier, in particular, signals Vietnam’s ambition to compete on a global scale for skilled professionals, potentially accelerating its development in key areas such as technology, research and development, and high-value services. 

Pilot Locations: Where This Exciting Program Might Launch 

The Golden Visa program is anticipated to be piloted in major economic hubs and established tourist hotspots. The locations mentioned include Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, and Phu Quoc. These cities and regions are likely chosen for their existing infrastructure, including international schools, advanced healthcare facilities, quality housing options, and overall safety and affordability, which are crucial for attracting and retaining long-term foreign residents.

The success of such a program will invariably depend on factors extending beyond the visa itself, such as the ease of doing business, transparent legal frameworks for investment and property ownership by foreigners, overall quality of life, and opportunities for social integration. The selection of these pilot locations suggests an awareness of these supporting factors. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for A Vietnam E-Visa: Your Smooth Vietnam e-visa update Path 

Navigating the Vietnam e-visa application is a relatively straightforward online process. This section provides a clear and actionable guide to the official application procedure, reflecting the current Vietnam e-visa update. Adherence to these steps and requirements is crucial for a successful application. 

Accessing the Official Portal: Your First Step 

The e-visa application must be submitted through the official Vietnam Immigration Department website. The correct addresses are: https://evisa.gov.vn or https://thithucdientu.gov.vn. It is imperative for applicants to use only these official portals. Doing so helps avoid potential scams or unnecessary service fees often charged by third-party websites that may not be transparent about their additional costs. 

Preparing Your Documents 

Careful preparation of the required documents is essential. 

• Passport: Applicants must possess a valid passport. According to regulations, the passport’s validity must extend at least 30 days beyond the intended validity of the e-visa.6 However, a widely accepted best practice for international travel is to have a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry, and this is also mentioned as a general requirement in some contexts. 
• Portrait Photo: A recent digital portrait photo is required. Specifications include a 4×6 cm image (or an equivalent pixel ratio for digital submissions), in JPG or JPEG format, with a file size of less than 2 MB. The photo must be front-facing, with the applicant wearing formal attire, without hats or glasses, against a white background. 
• Passport Data Page Scan: A clear, legible image or scan of the applicant’s passport data page is necessary. This scan must show all personal information and the machine-readable ICAO lines at the bottom of the page. 

Tips For A Smooth Vietnam E-Visa Experience

To ensure the Vietnam e-visa application process is as seamless as possible and to fully leverage the benefits of the Vietnam e-visa update, prospective travelers should consider several practical tips. These recommendations are drawn from official guidelines and the everyday experiences of travelers.

The collective importance of these tips—encompassing aspects such as accuracy, adherence to photo specifications, truthful declarations, and applications submitted from outside Vietnam—underscores that while the e-visa system is designed for convenience, it operates with a low tolerance for errors or deviations from the prescribed procedures. The ease of online application is thus balanced by a significant need for applicant diligence. 

• Double-Check All Information: Meticulously review all entered information, especially names, passport numbers, and dates, comparing them carefully against the details in the passport. Typos and minor discrepancies are common reasons for application delays or rejections. 
• Adhere Strictly to Photo Specifications: The requirements for the digital photograph—such as size, background colour, absence of glasses or headwear—are precise and often subject to automated checks. Failure to meet these specifications can lead to application rejection. 
• Passport Validity is Key: Ensure the passport meets the validity requirements: it must be valid for at least 30 days longer than the e-visa itself.6 As a general rule for international travel, having at least six months of passport validity from the intended date of entry is also highly recommended. 
• Apply in Advance (But Consider Plan Flexibility): While applications can be submitted up to one year prior to the intended travel date, it is wise to ensure travel dates are reasonably firm, as the e-visa is issued for a specific entry period. Given the standard processing time of 3-7 working days, applicants should plan accordingly to avoid last-minute stress. 
• Understand E-Visa Purpose: The e-visa is generally intended for tourism, short-term business meetings, or other short-duration travel purposes. It is not a permit for employment; foreigners intending to work in Vietnam must obtain a separate work permit as stipulated by the Labor Code. 
• Honesty in Declarations: It is crucial to provide complete, accurate, and truthful information in response to all questions on the declaration form, including details of past trips and any history of visa or entry violations from previous entries. 
• Cannot Apply While in Vietnam: Electronic visas are issued to foreigners who are currently outside of Vietnam and wish to enter the country. They are not applicable to foreigners already residing temporarily in Vietnam. Individuals in Vietnam needing a new visa must typically exit the country before applying for an e-visa. 
• Check Official Portal for Updates: Visa regulations and policies can change. It is always best practice to refer directly to the official Vietnam e-visa portal (https://evisa.gov.vn) for the most current information before applying. This proactive approach is particularly important given the dynamic nature of Vietnam’s visa policies, with numerous recent updates and potential future changes like the Golden Visa and expanded exemptions being discussed. 
• Consider Expedited Services (with caution): For travelers facing genuine emergencies or extremely tight travel schedules, third-party services may offer expedited e-visa processing, sometimes promising turnaround in as little as 1-2 hours by coordinating with immigration authorities. While potentially useful, these are not official government services and will involve additional fees. Applicants considering such services should exercise due diligence. The existence and promotion of these “Speed-Up” services suggest that official processing times, while generally efficient, may not always cater to every traveler’s urgency, highlighting a potential demand not fully met by the standard process. 
• Print Your E-Visa: Once the e-visa is approved and received via email, applicants should print at least one physical copy (preferably more) to carry with their passport. This printed e-visa must be presented to immigration officials upon arrival in Vietnam. 

The recent update to the Vietnam e-visa has ushered in a new era of accessibility for international travelers. With the introduction of universal e-visa eligibility for all nationalities, an extended 90-day validity for both single and multiple entries, and an expanded network of entry points, the process of planning a journey to Vietnam has become significantly more straightforward and accommodating. These enhancements, coupled with ongoing visa exemption schemes and the forward-looking proposal of a 10-Year Golden Visa, reflect Vietnam’s commitment to welcoming the world and fostering a vibrant tourism sector. 

Still need help planning the perfect trip? Let Asia Pioneer Travel take care of the details! From personalized itineraries to local insider tips, our travel experts are here to create a seamless, unforgettable Vietnam experience — just for you. Reach out to Asia Pioneer Travel today and let your dream Vietnam journey begin!