Vietnam Visa for Canadians (Canada) – How to apply

Do Canadians need a visa for Vietnam?

Yes, Canadian citizens are required to have a visa to enter Vietnam. If you arrive at the airport without one, you will not be allowed to board your flight. Airlines are strict about checking visas during check-in to ensure compliance with entry rules. As the application process takes time, it’s essential to apply well in advance.

Visa-free entry not available for Canadian citizens

While Vietnam offers visa-free entry to travelers from a select group of countries in Europe and Southeast Asia, Canada is not part of this program. Canadian travelers must apply for a visa before planning their trip to Vietnam.

Vietnam e-visa: Best option for Canadians

Getting a visa for Vietnam is straightforward thanks to the e-visa system, which has replaced the outdated visa-on-arrival process. Previously, Canadians had to obtain a letter of approval from a local agency, pay extra fees, and present passport photos upon arrival. Now, you can complete the entire process online via the official Vietnamese Immigration website.

Important to know:

• Validity: The e-visa allows a stay of up to 90 days, but it will only be valid for the number of days you specify in your application. Ensure you input your dates correctly, as they determine your visa’s duration.
• Processing time: E-visas are processed within 3 to 5 working days. Keep in mind that weekends and Vietnamese public holidays are not included. Apply early to avoid delays, and note that any corrections will restart the processing time.

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: Canada

Canadian citizens can apply for a Vietnam visa at the embassy in certain cases, but this largely depends on the specific embassy. Some embassies no longer handle visa applications and direct travelers to the e-visa platform instead. To avoid any confusion, contact your nearest Vietnamese embassy to verify their procedures before visiting.

Note that embassy applications are typically more expensive than the e-visa system, but for those who feel more comfortable applying in person, this option may be worth considering.

Vietnam visa via third-party agencies

Canadian citizens can apply for a Vietnam e-visa independently, but third-party agencies are available to assist. These agencies often use the same official platform you would, charging extra fees for handling the process on your behalf. While convenient, this means you may pay more and wait slightly longer for processing.

If you prefer to leave the paperwork to someone else, using an agency can be an option. Just make sure you’re comfortable with the added costs and potential delays.

Emergency visa request

As a Canadian traveler to Vietnam, you may find yourself in urgent need of a visa if you’re close to departure and haven’t applied yet—or if your e-visa approval is delayed. Fortunately, some visa agencies can assist with emergency requests. This service isn’t available via the official website, and it is significantly more expensive. However, it can ensure you’re allowed to board your flight and continue your journey.

At Local Vietnam, we provide emergency visa services for Canadian citizens. Every request is reviewed individually to assess feasibility and set clear expectations.

Vietnam Visa extensions

For Canadian citizens wishing to extend their stay in Vietnam beyond their e-visa dates or the 90-day maximum, it’s important to understand the rules. In most cases, e-visas cannot be extended unless there’s a compelling reason, such as a medical emergency or lost passport. To apply for an extension in such cases, you’ll need to visit an immigration office, and the process can take several days.

If you’re looking to extend your trip purely for travel purposes, you’ll need to leave Vietnam and re-enter with a new visa. Since you can’t apply for another e-visa while still in the country, a visa agent can handle this for you. They can also organize visa runs, ensuring a smooth border crossing and re-entry with a new visa.

FAQ about Vietnam visas