Vietnam visa requirements for Canadian citizens: Updated guide

Vietnam is among the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Canadians and travelers from all over the globe go there in droves. There are a lot of fascinating things to do in Vietnam, which is something that numerous tourists who are now traveling or have traveled in the past already know.

When you have a passport from Canada, going to Vietnam is straightforward and uncomplicated. Owing to the new e-visa policy, visitors to Vietnam will have a much easier time making the most of their time spent here. To begin with, we are providing this service so that you and we may get more familiar with one another.

A preferred visa option is available for Canadian citizens who are interested in traveling to Vietnam. Continue reading to learn more about the Vietnam eVisa for Canadian travelers, including the requirements, the processing time, and the visa fee with the Vietnam e-Visa Services. 

Do Canadian Citizens Need a Visa for Vietnam?

Yes. Canada is currently not included in Vietnam’s visa exemption program for ordinary passport holders, so Canadians must apply for an appropriate visa before arrival. For most travelers, the Vietnam e-visa is the easiest and most convenient option.

Vietnam Visas Available for Canadian Travelers

Canadian travelers have several visa options when visiting Vietnam. Choosing the right visa depends on your travel purpose, length of stay, and preferred application method.

1. Vietnam e-Visa (Highly Recommended)

The Vietnam e-Visa is currently the most popular and convenient option for Canadian travelers. Canadian passport holders are required to obtain a valid visa before entering Vietnam and can apply online for either a single-entry or multiple-entry visa valid for up to 90 days.

The Vietnam e-Visa is usually considered easier and more convenient for most Canadian tourists.

2. Embassy or Consular Visa

Canadian travelers may also apply for a traditional visa through the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in Canada. This option is suitable for travelers who prefer in-person applications or require specific visa types not available online.

Applications can usually be submitted by mail or in person, depending on the embassy’s instructions.

3. Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA) for Canadians

Canadian citizens can still apply for a Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA). However, VOA is only available for travelers arriving in Vietnam by air and requires an approval letter before departure.

Unlike the Vietnam e-Visa, you cannot simply arrive at the airport and request a visa without prior approval. Before boarding your flight, you must obtain a visa approval letter from an authorized visa agency. Airlines may deny boarding if you do not have this document.

4. Vietnam 5-Year Visa Exemption Certificate

Eligible Canadian citizens can apply for a Vietnam 5-Year Visa Exemption Certificate if they are of Vietnamese origin or are immediate family members of Vietnamese citizens.

This certificate allows multiple entries into Vietnam over a period of up to 5 years without applying for a new visa each time. Holders can generally stay in Vietnam for up to 180 days per entry.

Comparison of Vietnam Visa Types for Canadian Travelers

Quick overview:

• e-Visa: The most convenient option for most Canadian tourists visiting Vietnam.
• VOA: Suitable for travelers needing urgent processing or arriving by air with pre-approval.
• Embassy Visa: Recommended for travelers requiring special visa categories or longer stays.
• 5-Year Visa Exemption: Best long-term option for eligible Canadians with Vietnamese family ties.

Vietnam eVisa requirements for Canadian citizens

Vietnam is a welcoming country to visitors from throughout the world. For Canadian nationals, visas are necessary for admission into Vietnam. Fortunately, an e-visa is now available for Canadian citizens.

You need to prepare the following documents to apply for a Vietnam eVisa:

• A Canadian passport that has a minimum validity of 06 months from the intended date in Vietnam.
• The passport should have at least 02 unused pages for verification stamps.
• A scan of the passport’s biographical page
• 01 photo used in passport (Any size you have)/ person

We provide full country-check Vietnam visa requirements services for applicants coming from all over the world. You can check freely at our Vietnam e-Visa Services website.

How to Apply for a Vietnam Visa from Canada

The process to apply for a visa to Vietnam is simple. The online application procedure takes you only 15 minutes to complete. You will get an email with all of the relevant visa information after you have been accepted. Follow the 04 basic steps below:

• Step 1: Fill out the secure online application form, providing personal information such as full name, gender, birth date, passport number, and date of arrival/departure.
• Step 2: Please double-check your information to confirm it is correct and full. Pay the eVisa fee using an electronic payment (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or PayPal).
• Step 3: Receive the confirmation of your visa application form via email. The e-Visa will be processed and granted online before being mailed to you.
• Step 4: Once you receive your Vietnam eVisa via email, you should download and print it out. Have your visa stamped in your passport upon arrival.

Vietnam eVisa Cost for Canadians

A cost is levied for acquiring a Vietnam visa: the Visa service fee and the Visa Government Fee.

The Government fee is compulsory for all Canadian citizens who would like to obtain a visa.

Vietnam stands out as one of the few countries that offers a low-cost visa option. When you compare pricing, you may select the most suitable option while keeping it within your budget. Vietnam Immigration & e Visa Portal provides 03 types of visa services from which you can choose:

• Normal service: This option is suitable if you have a limited budget. You will get your visa decision within 05 business days.
• Urgent service: With this service, you will receive your Vietnam eVisa in 02 working days.
• Super Urgent service: Right now, this is the most expedient option. You can expect to receive your Vietnam e-visa within 24 business hours.

In addition, international travel insurance is required by the Government to process the visa. You are covered for diagnostic and follow-up treatment after an emergency visit.

How long can Canadians stay in Vietnam with the eVisa?

As a Canadian citizen, you are eligible to apply for a visa online. This type of visa allows Canadians to stay in Vietnam for 90 days with a single entry or multiple entries. The validity period for the Vietnam e-Visa begins from the date specified in the approved e-Visa document. A new visa and travel authorization are required before you may return to Vietnam.

Extending a Vietnam stay for Canadian citizens

At present, Vietnam does not allow e-Visa extensions for Canadian citizens. If you wish to stay longer than your visa’s validity period, you will need to leave the country and apply for a new e-Visa before re-entering. Planning your travel dates carefully is essential to avoid disruptions.

Valid ports of entry for Canadian e-Visa holders

Canadian travelers holding an approved Vietnam e-Visa can enter the country only through the ports of entry listed in their visa application. These include major international airports such as Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), Da Nang, and Phu Quoc, as well as selected land border gates and seaports. Attempting to enter through a different, unlisted entry point may result in being denied entry.

Important notes:
The validity of your Vietnam e-Visa begins from the arrival date you indicate in your application, not the approval date. You can enter Vietnam on or after this date, but must leave before the exit date stated on the visa. Overstaying, even by one day, can lead to fines, deportation, or a ban on re-entry.

Do I need a Phu Quoc visa for Canadian citizens?

Australian citizens traveling only to Phu Quoc Island may qualify for visa-free entry for up to 30 days. This exemption is specific to the island and is not the same as entry to mainland Vietnam.

If the itinerary includes mainland destinations, the traveler should still arrange a proper Vietnam visa before arrival

The Embassy of Vietnam in Canada

Registering with the Vietnam Embassy in Canada gives the government of the Principality of Canada access to your data. Canadians residing in Vietnam temporarily, as well as international tourists passing through, are both welcome at the Vietnamese Embassy in Canada.

Common Mistakes Canadian Applicants Make

1. Assuming transit is always visa-free
If you clear Vietnamese immigration at any point during a connection — even briefly — you require a valid visa. Only passengers who remain within the international transit zone without passing through immigration are exempt.

2. Applying too close to the departure date
Processing can extend to 7–10 working days during holidays and peak seasons. Build in a minimum 15–20 working day buffer. Applying at the last minute and then purchasing non-refundable flights is a costly combination.

3. Uploading unclear or cropped passport scans
The passport scan must show all four corners of the data page, with every detail — name, passport number, expiry date, ICAO lines — fully legible. A blurry or cropped image is among the top rejection triggers.

4. Entering an incorrect name
Middle names, accented characters, and name order must precisely match the machine-readable zone of your Canadian passport. Errors here result in rejection and the loss of the non-refundable application fee.

5. Selecting the wrong entry port
The entry port declared on your e-visa application must match your actual point of entry into Vietnam. Arriving at a different port than specified can result in denial of entry.

6. Attempting to get a VOA without a pre-approval letter
The Visa on Arrival requires a pre-obtained approval letter arranged through an agent before departure. There is no walk-up visa service at Vietnamese airports.

Applicants should double-check all details before submission to prevent unnecessary delays or denials.

Travel tips for Canadians visiting Vietnam

• Apply early: Submit your application at least 2–3 weeks before your travel date.
• Prepare hard copies: Print your approved e-Visa to present at immigration checkpoints.
• Carry travel insurance: Ensure it covers medical emergencies, as required by Vietnam’s entry regulations.
• Match port of entry: Enter Vietnam through the exact entry point you selected in your application.
• Stay informed: Keep up-to-date with Vietnam’s latest visa and entry policies before your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Visa for Vietnam from Canada

Is Vietnam Safe for Canadian Tourists?
Vietnam is generally considered a safe destination for Canadian travelers. Millions of international visitors travel to Vietnam each year for tourism, business, and cultural experiences.

How long can Canadian citizens stay in Vietnam?
Canadian travelers can stay in Vietnam for up to 90 days with a valid e-visa, depending on visa approval conditions.

Can Canadians apply for a multiple-entry Vietnam visa?
Yes. Vietnam currently offers multiple-entry e-visas for eligible travelers, including Canadian citizens.

How early should Canadians apply for a Vietnam visa?
It is recommended to apply at least 2–3 weeks before travel.

Do Canadian children or infants need a Vietnam visa?
Yes. Canadian minors generally require their own valid visa to enter Vietnam.

Conclusion

For Canadian travelers, Vietnam offers a simple and efficient e-Visa system that makes visiting this vibrant and culturally rich country more accessible than ever. By understanding the application requirements, respecting the visa validity rules, and preparing in advance, you can ensure a smooth entry process and focus on enjoying your time in Vietnam.

Vietnam Visa Requirements for Canada Citizens FAQs

Where can Canadian citizens get a visa for vietnam?

Because Canada is not on the exemption list for Vietnam visas, Canadian citizens need to have a valid visa before entering Vietnam.

There are two ways for Canadian citizens to get a visa for Vietnam:

• Canadian travelers who wish to visit Vietnam for tourism, or casual visits to their family, and friends can apply for an electronic visa. Vietnam e-Visa is a travel document that allows Canadians to enter Vietnam legally. It is valid for 30 days from the intended arrival date that is specified in the application form. Check eligibility for a Vietnam visa before applying.
• Those visiting Vietnam for reasons other than tourism should contact the nearest Vietnam Embassy in Canada to apply for a regular visitor visa.

To make the process easier for you, the Vietnam Immigration Services is here to help Canadian nationals. Because the entire process is online, Canadian citizens do not need to queue in a long line at the Embassy to obtain a visa. This will help them save a lot of time and effort. Once the visa is issued, it will be sent to the email address of the applicants.

 

How to fill out a Vietnam visa application for Canadian citizens?

The process to apply for a visa to Vietnam is simple. Before beginning the process, Canadian travelers make sure that their passport has at least 06 months of validity remaining from the arrival date in Vietnam as well as other Vietnam visa requirements for Canadians.

To expedite and simplify the visa application process, the Vietnam Immigration Services has designed a very simple application form for applicants. It takes Canadian citizens only 15 minutes to complete.

• Step 1: Fill out the secure online application form, providing personal information such as full name, gender, birth date, passport number, and date of arrival/departure.
• Step 2: Canadian citizens should double-check the information to confirm it is correct and full. After that, they will pay the e-visa fee using electronic payment (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and PayPal).
• Step 3: Receive the confirmation of their visa application form via email. The e-visa will be processed and granted online before being mailed to the applicant.
• Step 4: Once Canadian citizens receive their Vietnam eVisa via email, they should download and print it out. Have your visa stamped in your passport upon arrival at the entry port.

Canadian travelers can enter Vietnam through 03 main ports: airport, landport, or seaport. They should choose the one that best suits their travel plan.

How long can Canadian citizens stay in Vietnam without a visa?

Canadian nationals need a visa to enter Vietnam because their country is not on the visa exemption list.

Fortunately, Canadian citizens are eligible for a Vietnam electronic visa. With an eVisa, Canadian passport holders enter Vietnam legally and remain there for up to 30 days. Also, this visa is single entry, and only valid for reasons: tourism, casual visit to relatives, or business in Vietnam.

The Vietnam eVisa requirements for Canadian citizens are simple as the following:

• A passport that remains valid for 06 months from the arrival date in Vietnam. The passports should contain at least 02 blank pages for verification.
• A scan of the passport’s biographical page (with full information, not missing any details or lines).
• A personal color photo of the applicant ( with full face and formal clothes)
• An email address to receive the eVisa and a stable Internet connection.

Which countries do not need visas for Vietnam from Canada?

While most countries require a visa for Vietnam, there are certain countries that are excluded from the Vietnam visa requirements. Citizens of some countries can travel to and stay in Vietnam without a visa for the specified number of days. The visa exemption list is divided into three categories: 14 days visa-free, 15 days visa-free, 21 days visa-free, and 30 days visa-free.

Visitors from most other ASEAN countries (Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand) can visit Vietnam without a visa for up to 30 days.

The 15 days visa-free policy is applied to the following countries: Citizens of the Republic of Belarus, the United Kingdom of Denmark, the Italian Republic, Japan, the Republic of Finland, the French Republic, Federal Republic of Germany, the Kingdom of Norway, the Russian Federation, the Republic of Korea, the Kingdom of Spain, the Kingdom of Sweden, and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Citizens of these countries can also apply for a visa to Vietnam online if their trips are longer than 15 days.

Brunei and Myanmar are granted a 14-day visa-free. If they want to stay in Vietnam longer than this period, they will require a visa.

Citizens of the Republic of the Philippines can travel to Vietnam and stay there for up to 21 days without a visa.

What to do after receiving the Vietnam eVisa for Canadians

The eVisa will be sent to the email address of the applicant once it is granted by the Vietnamese Immigration Department. After receiving the Vietnam eVisa for Canadian citizens, they should print out their visas. Upon arrival, the Immigration Officer at a border checkpoint will require Canadian travelers to show their visas along with their valid passports before permitting them to enter the country.

Typically, Canadian applicants will receive their visa in 01 to 03 business days, depending on the visa service they selected in their application form. The Vietnam Immigration Services provides Canadians with 03 options for the processing time of their visa:

• Normal service: This option is suitable if Canadian travelers have a limited budget. They will get their visa decision within 03 business days.
• Urgent service: With this service, the applicants will receive their Vietnam eVisa in 02 working days.
• Super Urgent service: Right now, this is the most expedient option. Canadian citizens can expect to receive their Vietnam e-visa within 24 hours.

Canadian citizens are strongly advised to add Travel Insurance & Airport Fast Track & Travel Sim to their package.

 

Our Commitment to Reliable Visa Information

At vietnamvisacorp.com, we are committed to delivering visa information that is reliable and carefully verified. Every piece of content is reviewed to ensure it remains clear, consistent, and genuinely helpful for travelers.

To uphold the accuracy of our guidance, we reference only official and publicly accessible resources provided by the Government of Vietnam. We do not use information from indirect channels or third-party sources.

Sources:

• Vietnam Immigration Department – Ministry of Public Security: https://immigration.gov.vn
• Vietnam eVisa Official Portal: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Consular Services: https://www.mofa.gov.vn

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