Last verified: April 2026
Vietnam became significantly easier for US travelers in recent years. The e-visa is now open to Americans for multiple entries and stays of up to 90 days, which covers almost every tourist itinerary. This guide explains the current rules, fees, and the exact steps to apply on the official Vietnamese immigration portal — which is where you should apply, not any of the third-party “Vietnam eVisa” sites that saturate search results.
Do US Citizens Need a Visa for Vietnam?
Yes. Americans need a visa to enter Vietnam for any purpose, including tourism. There is no visa-free arrangement for US passport holders. The e-visa is the simplest option for tourism and short business trips; longer or more specialized stays require a consular visa or sponsored visa invitation.
Vietnam eVisa at a Glance
- Fee: $25 USD for single entry; $50 USD for multiple entry. Pay on the official site.
- Validity: 90 days from the date of issue.
- Stay permitted: Up to 90 days per visit.
- Entries: Single or multiple depending on which option you choose.
- Processing time: Usually 3 business days; premium service claims faster — ignore those claims from unofficial sites.
- Where to apply: The official Vietnam Immigration portal, evisa.gov.vn. This is the only legitimate eVisa channel.
How to Apply for the Vietnam eVisa
- Go to evisa.gov.vn and select “E-visa Issuance.”
- Upload your passport bio page and a passport-style photo. Both must be clear, color, with a white background for the photo.
- Complete the application form. Personal information, passport data, intended entry and exit dates, intended entry and exit points (specific airports/land borders).
- Pay the fee online — $25 single entry or $50 multiple entry — by card.
- Save the registration code. After payment, you receive a registration code. This is how you check your application status.
- Check back in 3 business days by entering your registration code, date of birth, and email. When approved, download and print your e-visa.
- Carry two printed copies. One for immigration, one as backup.
Required Documents
- A US passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned exit from Vietnam, with two blank pages.
- A color scan of your passport’s bio page.
- A recent 4 x 6 cm passport-style color photo on a white background.
- A credit or debit card.
Processing Time
Standard is 3 business days, though many applications are approved faster. Weekends and Vietnamese public holidays slow things down. Apply at least a week before travel; two weeks ahead if you’re traveling during Tet (Lunar New Year) or other peak Vietnamese holidays.
Common Mistakes
- Using an imitation site. Vietnam’s eVisa is one of the most copied by scam sites — watch the URL carefully. The official one is evisa.gov.vn.
- Listing entry/exit points you won’t use. The eVisa specifies your entry and exit airports. Using a different port can cause problems, even if the ports are valid eVisa entry points.
- Submitting a poor photo. White background, full face, no glasses, no hat, even lighting. Don’t crop a vacation selfie.
- Missing the 90-day validity window. The eVisa starts counting from the issue date, not your entry date. Apply at the right window — not too early.
- Choosing single entry when you plan to leave and re-enter. If you’re doing a Vietnam-Cambodia-Vietnam loop, pay the extra $25 for multiple entry.
When You Need a Different Visa
The eVisa covers tourism, short business trips, and short visits to friends or family. You need a different visa for: working in Vietnam (DN visa with invitation from an employer), studying (DH visa from an institution), volunteering (LD visa), extended family sponsorship, journalism, or stays longer than 90 days at a time.
Tips for US Travelers
- Register with STEP at step.state.gov — the US Embassy is in Hanoi and the Consulate General is in Ho Chi Minh City.
- Print two copies of the e-visa. Carry one, leave one in your hotel safe.
- Bring USD in small, clean bills for ATM fees, visa extensions if needed, and tips at smaller hotels.
- Vietnam’s cashless economy is maturing — credit cards are widely accepted in cities, less so in smaller towns and markets.
- The entry stamp you receive on arrival sets the clock on your stay — count days from there, not from the eVisa issue date.
FAQ
Can I extend my eVisa in Vietnam?
Extensions are possible through a licensed Vietnamese travel agent but not guaranteed. Plan your trip to fit within 90 days, or apply for a multiple-entry and do a border run to Cambodia or Laos if needed.
Does the eVisa cover cruise visits?
In most cases yes, provided your entry port is one of the designated eVisa-approved seaports and your cruise stays within 90 days. Your cruise line can confirm whether their itinerary is eVisa-compatible.
Is visa-on-arrival still a thing for Americans?
Vietnam’s visa-on-arrival (VOA) still exists but requires a pre-approval letter arranged by a licensed Vietnamese travel agent. For most Americans, the eVisa is simpler and just as fast.
What if my eVisa is refused?
You’ll receive notification. You can reapply, or apply through the Vietnamese consulate in Washington, DC or New York for a consular visa.
Bottom line
Vietnam’s eVisa is one of the most straightforward in Southeast Asia: $25 or $50, 3 days, one official site. Apply on evisa.gov.vn, print two copies, and watch the entry/exit points. That’s it.