Vietnam Visa for Germans (Germany) – How to apply

Do Germans need a visa for Vietnam?

No, German citizens can stay in Vietnam visa-free for up to 45 days. Vietnam’s visa exemption program includes Germany, making short-term visits simple for German travelers. For trips longer than 45 days, a visa will be required.

How does a visa-free entry work?

For German citizens, visa-free entry to Vietnam means no applications, no fees, and no additional steps upon arrival. It’s a straightforward process, but you must meet the following requirements:

• Maximum stay of 45 days.
• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry.
• At least 2 blank pages in your passport are required for immigration stamps.

Vietnam e-visa for Germany

For German citizens, an e-visa is usually unnecessary due to the visa exemption program that allows stays of up to 45 days. If you’re planning a longer stay, however, an e-visa is the best solution, as it permits a maximum stay of 90 days.

The e-visa has replaced the outdated visa-on-arrival system, where you had to request an approval letter through a local agency. Now, German travelers can apply for an e-visa entirely online via the official Vietnamese Immigration Department website.

Important notes:

1. An e-visa allows you to stay for up to 90 days, based on the dates you specify in your application. It’s not automatically valid for 90 days but only for the period you request.
2. Processing takes 3 to 5 working days but may take longer during holidays or if errors are found in the application. Be sure to apply in advance.

Steps to Apply for a Vietnam e-visa

Step 1: Use the official Vietnamese Immigration website

There are many visa services that offer Vietnam visas, but using these services means you’ll pay the standard $25 fee plus their surcharge, and you’ll still need to provide the same information. Additionally, their processing times may vary and could be longer. To avoid unnecessary delays and costs, apply directly through the official Vietnamese Immigration website: https://evisa.gov.vn.

Step 2: Fill in all details correctly

You’ll need to upload:

• A passport-style photo.
• A scan or clear photo of your passport’s biographical page.

Double-check all the information you enter. If there’s an error, you’ll receive a notification to correct it, but this will restart the 3-5 working day processing time. If your name or other critical details are incorrect on the issued e-visa, it will be invalid, and you could be denied entry.

Tip: Read our complete guide and tips for “Applying for a Vietnam e-visa” to avoid mistakes and ensure your application is processed smoothly.

Step 3: Pay the fee and wait

The e-visa application fee is $25 USD. Once you’ve paid, processing will take 3-5 working days. Note that processing does not occur on weekends or during official Vietnamese holidays. Keep in mind any time differences, and if you haven’t received an update after a week, check your email’s spam folder.

Step 4: Receive and print your e-visa

While it’s acceptable to show the e-visa on your phone, it’s recommended to print a physical copy as a backup. This ensures you can present it whenever required, even in areas with limited phone access.

FAQ about Vietnam visas