Vietnam Visa for Americans (United States) – How to apply

Do Americans need a visa for Vietnam?

Yes, U.S. citizens must have a visa to enter Vietnam. Airlines will not let you board your flight without one, as they are required to check your documents during check-in. Since visa processing takes a few days, it’s crucial to apply well in advance to avoid any travel delays.

Visa-free entry not available for American citizens

Vietnam has introduced a visa-free entry program for select countries, primarily in Europe, Southeast Asia, and a few others, allowing visits of 30 to 45 days. Unfortunately, the United States is not included in this program, so American travelers must arrange a visa before visiting Vietnam.

Vietnam e-visa: Best option for U.S. citizens

For U.S. citizens, Vietnam’s e-visa system is the easiest way to obtain a visa. This system has replaced the old visa-on-arrival process, which required an approval letter, extra fees, and passport photos at the airport. Now, you can handle everything online via the official Vietnamese Immigration website, streamlining the process.

Important to know:

• Validity: The e-visa allows a maximum stay of 90 days, but the actual duration is based on the dates you specify in your application. It is not automatically valid for 90 days, so be sure to select your travel dates accurately.
• Processing time: Processing takes 3 to 5 working days, excluding weekends and Vietnamese holidays. Always apply early to avoid delays. Mistakes in your application can be corrected, but this will reset the processing time to another 3-5 days.

Steps to Apply for a Vietnam e-visa

Step 1: Use the official website of the Vietnamese Immigration Department

There are many third-party visa services offering Vietnam visas, but using them means paying the standard fee plus their additional charges. You’ll also need to provide the same information and wait for their specific processing times, which could take longer.

For the most straightforward and cost-effective process, apply directly via the official Vietnamese Immigration website: https://evisa.gov.vn.

Step 2: Fill in all the information correctly

You will need to upload the following:

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

Double-check all your information before submitting. If there is a mistake, you’ll receive a notification to correct it, but this will restart the 3-5 working day processing time. If your name is incorrect and your e-visa is issued with the wrong details, it will be invalid, and you could be denied entry.

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

Step 3: Pay and wait

Pay the $25 USD application fee online. After payment, your application will be processed within 3 to 5 working days. Note that processing does not occur on weekends or official Vietnamese holidays.

Keep in mind:

• Allow for potential delays due to time zone differences.
• If you don’t receive a notification after a week, check your spam folder.

Step 4: Receive and print your e-visa

Although it’s acceptable to show your e-visa on your phone, it’s highly recommended to print a physical copy. This ensures you can present it anytime, even in areas with limited phone access or technical issues.

Vietnam Visa via embassy: United States

For U.S. citizens, applying for a Vietnam visa through the embassy is possible but increasingly rare. Many Vietnamese embassies in the U.S. now redirect applicants to the e-visa platform. To avoid unnecessary travel, it’s best to contact the embassy beforehand to confirm whether they still process visas.

Costs at the embassy are generally higher than the e-visa option, but for those who prefer an in-person experience or need personalized help, this may still be a practical choice.

Vietnam Visa via embassy

Leg hier uit dat in sommige gevallen de ambassade je ook kunt helpen met een visum voor Vietnam. Dit hangt wel heel erg af van welke ambassade, want sommige zijn hier compleet mee gestopt en verwijzen naar het e-visa platform. Maar er zijn nog ambassades die dit wel doen. Dus handig dat je dit navraagt voor je bezoek. Houd er ook rekening mee dat de kosten hoger kunnen zijn dat het online zelf regelen. Maar als je dit prettig vind en makkelijk kan het ook mogelijk zijn.

Vietnam visa via third-party agencies

For U.S. citizens, obtaining an e-visa for Vietnam is straightforward and can be done independently. However, third-party agencies also offer this service, often using the official Vietnamese Immigration website. While these agencies charge service fees and may extend the processing time, they can handle the application for you.

This option is suitable for travelers who want to avoid dealing with the process themselves. Just keep in mind that the convenience comes at an extra cost and could add a slight delay.

Emergency visa request

For U.S. citizens traveling to Vietnam, realizing at the last moment that you need a visa—or finding out your e-visa hasn’t been approved—can be stressful. In such cases, a visa agency may be able to help with an emergency application. This process is handled offline and isn’t available through the official e-visa system. While costs are higher, it could ensure you can still make your flight.

Local Vietnam offers emergency visa services for American travelers. We carefully review all requests to provide honest feedback on what’s possible.

Vietnam Visa extensions

U.S. travelers wishing to extend their stay in Vietnam beyond their e-visa validity or the 90-day limit should understand the restrictions. In most cases, e-visas cannot be extended unless you have a valid reason, such as a medical emergency or losing your passport. You’ll need to visit an immigration office to apply for an extension, and the process typically takes several days.

For travelers wanting to extend their trip for personal reasons, an alternative is to exit Vietnam and re-enter with a new visa. Since you cannot apply for another e-visa yourself while still in Vietnam, a visa agent can help. They can also organize visa runs, allowing you to cross the border and return with a fresh visa.

FAQ about Vietnam visas