Check Vietnam E-Visa Requirements For US Citizens

Travelers frequently list Vietnam as one of the most popular destinations in the world. Every year, a large number of tourists from the United States and other nations travel to Vietnam for their vacations. Traveling to Vietnam is easy and quick if you are a citizen of the United States and have a passport from that nation. The ability to obtain visas electronically under a new policy will make it easier for visitors to travel to Vietnam.

The option to choose a preferred visa option is available to US residents who are interested in visiting Vietnam. By reading the following article, you will gain a better understanding of the Vietnam eVisa for citizens of the United States, including the prerequisites, the processing time, and the cost of the visa. Keep reading!

Do US citizens need to have a Vietnam visa?

Yes, because the United States is not on the list of countries exempt from Vietnam's e-visa requirements, US visitors MUST HAVE a visa to enter the country. The Vietnam eVisa application process is now easily accessible to US nationals who want to visit Vietnam.

Vietnam e visa for US citizens

Vietnam Visa Options for US Citizens

1. Vietnam e-Visa (Recommended for Most Americans)

The e-Visa is the default choice for the vast majority of US travelers. It is issued directly by Vietnam's Immigration Department — no embassy visit, no courier, no third-party agent required.

Key details at a glance:

2. Embassy Visa (Sticker Visa)

Americans can also apply for a traditional sticker visa directly at the Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in Washington, D.C., or at one of the Consulates in San Francisco, Houston, or New York.

This route is typically used for longer-stay visas, specific non-tourist categories, or when the online system isn't an option. Processing takes several working days, and fees vary by visa type — check directly with the relevant mission for current rates.

Vietnam visa application for US citizens

How long may American citizens stay in Vietnam with a visa?

A citizen of the USA is eligible to submit an online visa application. With a Vietnam eVisa, United States citizens are permitted single or multiple entries and a 90-day stay in Vietnam. The Vietnam eVisa is granted for purposes related to tourism or business. The duration begins on the date stated on the approved e-Visa document. You are not permitted to re-enter Vietnam unless you have secured a new visa and travel authorization.

Is a 1-Year Vietnam Visa Available for U.S. Travelers?

No. Currently, U.S. passport holders can apply for a Vietnam visa valid for up to 90 days, with either single-entry or multiple-entry options depending on their travel needs.

Vietnam visa requirements for US citizens

You need to be prepared with the following documents before applying for a Vietnam eVisa for US citizens:

• A passport that was issued in the US and has at least six months left on it after the intended arrival date in Vietnam.
• The passport must have at least two blank pages accessible for verification stamps.
• A duplicate of the passport's biographical page
• One passport photo per person, any size is acceptable.

Vietnam visa requirements for US citizens

How to Apply for a Vietnam Visa for US Citizens

The application procedure, which is done entirely online, can be completed in 15 minutes on your end. We are going to send you an email once we have completed our assessment of your application and determined that you are eligible for a visa. In this email, we will provide all of the pertinent visa information.

Take each of these 04 primary steps in the following order:

Step 1: Fill out the secure online visa application for Vietnam with your personal data, including your full name, gender, date of birth, passport number, and dates of arrival and departure.

Step 2: Double-check your information to ensure it is true and comprehensive. Pay the fee for the electronic visa using an electronic payment transfer (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or PayPal).

Step 3: Receive an email verifying that your visa application has been submitted. The e-Visa will be processed and approved online before being mailed to you.

Step 4: After receiving your Vietnam eVisa via email, download and print it. Have your passport stamped with your visa when you arrive.

Vietnam visas for US citizens cost

There are two fees that need to be paid in order to receive a Vietnam visa: the Visa Service Fee and the Visa Government Fee.

The Government fee must be paid to the government in order to obtain a visa.

The Vietnam Immigration Services provides 03 types of visa services as follows:

• Normal: If you are operating with a limited financial buffer, this is an excellent solution to consider. The decision on your visa will be delivered within 05 business days.
• Urgent: Your Vietnam eVisa will be delivered to you in just 02 working days.
• Super Urgent: This is currently the option that provides the quickest response time. Your e-visa for Vietnam will come in less than 24 business hours at the most.

In addition, it is advisable that you purchase Travel Insurance. If you go to the hospital for an emergency, you will have coverage for diagnostic and subsequent care.

Vietnam visa for US citizens costs

If you have any questions about Vietnam visas online for US citizens, we are happy to support you. You can access Vietnam visa requirements for international citizens to get more information about this type of visa.

FAQ About Travel from the USA to Vietnam

Is Vietnam Safe for USA Citizens?
Yes. Vietnam is generally considered a safe destination for American tourists. Violent crime against travelers is rare, but visitors should still:

• Watch belongings in crowded places
• Avoid unofficial taxis
• Be cautious when crossing busy streets
• Keep copies of important documents

Is there an Embassy of Vietnam in the United States?
Yes. The Embassy of Vietnam in the United States is located in Washington, D.C. Vietnam also operates consular offices in San Francisco, Houston, and New York. These offices provide services such as:

• Vietnam visa applications
• Passport renewal
• Document legalization
• Consular assistance for Vietnamese citizens and foreign travelers.

What is the Time Difference Between the USA and Vietnam?
Vietnam follows Indochina Time (ICT), which is UTC+7 year-round. Since the United States spans multiple time zones, the time difference between the U.S. and Vietnam varies depending on the city and time of year.

Common Time Differences

Important Note: Because Vietnam is significantly ahead of U.S. time zones, American travelers should carefully check the time difference when booking flights, planning airport transfers, scheduling tours, or attending business meetings. The large time gap may also cause jet lag, so allowing time to adjust your sleep schedule after arrival in Vietnam is highly recommended.

Is there Direct Flights From the USA to Vietnam?
There are currently limited direct flights, so many American travelers transit through countries like:

• Japan
• South Korea
• Taiwan
• Singapore

Average Flight Duration

Major arrival airports:

• Tan Son Nhat International Airport
• Noi Bai International Airport
• Da Nang International Airport

Popular airlines include:

• Vietnam Airlines
• United Airlines
• Korean Air
• Japan Airlines
• Singapore Airlines

Should I Use USD or VND in Vietnam?
The official currency is Vietnamese Dong (VND). U.S. Dollars are sometimes accepted in tourist areas, but Vietnamese Dong is preferred for daily purchases. It is recommended to:

• Exchange USD into VND
• Carry small cash notes
• Use ATMs in cities and tourist areas

Approximate exchange rate is 1 USD ≈ 25,000–26,000 VND. Exchange rates may change daily.

Do I need to speak Vietnamese to travel in Vietnam?

No. You do not need to speak Vietnamese to travel in Vietnam. English is commonly used in major tourist destinations, hotels, airports, restaurants, and tour services, especially in cities such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang.

Many Vietnamese people working in tourism can communicate in basic English, making it relatively easy for international travelers to navigate the country. Translation apps, maps, and ride-hailing apps can also help overcome language barriers during your trip.

However, learning a few simple Vietnamese phrases such as “Xin chào” (hello) and “Cảm ơn” (thank you) can improve your travel experience and help you connect more easily with local people.

Common Vietnam Visa Questions for American Travelers

Do US citizens need a visa for Vietnam?
Yes. American passport holders are not covered by Vietnam's visa exemption policy and must obtain a valid visa for all entries, regardless of purpose or trip length.

How long does a Vietnam e-Visa take to process?
Standard processing is 3–5 working days through evisa.gov.vn. Apply at least 10 days before departure to allow for any unexpected delays.

Can Americans get a visa on arrival in Vietnam?
Yes, but only at international airports and only if you have a pre-approved visa approval letter obtained before departure. The e-Visa is simpler and better-suited for most American travelers.

How long can US citizens stay in Vietnam?
The e-Visa permits up to 90 days per stay, single or multiple entry. Extensions are not available — to stay longer, you must exit and reapply.

Is Phu Quoc visa-free for Americans?
US citizens flying directly to Phu Quoc International Airport and staying on the island for 30 days or fewer do not require a visa. If you travel from Phu Quoc to the Vietnamese mainland, a visa is required.

Can I extend my stay in Vietnam beyond my e-Visa duration?
In most cases, tourist e-Visas for Vietnam cannot be extended. If you wish to stay longer after your e-Visa expires, you will generally need to leave Vietnam and apply for a new e-Visa before re-entering the country.

However, travelers should avoid making frequent visa runs within a short period, as immigration authorities may question the purpose of repeated entries and could refuse entry in some cases.

Do I need to enter Vietnam on the exact arrival date listed on my visa?
No. You may enter Vietnam at any time between the arrival date and the exit date stated on your visa. However, entering Vietnam before the approved arrival date is not permitted.

Vietnam Visa Requirements for United States Citizens FAQs

How long is a Vietnam e-Visa valid for US citizens?

A Vietnam electronic visa (e-visa) is offered by the Vietnam Immigration Department to simplify the process of obtaining a visa to Vietnam. This type of visa has a validity of 30 days from the intended entry date specified in the application form, with a single entry. US citizens can apply for a Vietnam visa online instead of waiting in a long line at the US embassy or consulate in Vietnam.

This can be done by filling in the online application form and paying the application fee using electronic payment methods (Debit/ Credit Card, PayPal, American Express). Before beginning the application process, US citizens should make sure that they meet the Vietnam e-visa requirements. The following documents are required:

• A passport that remains valid for at least 06 months from the arrival date in Vietnam
• A scan of the passport’s biographical page
• A color photograph of the applicant that was taken recently

The visa application is typically processed within 03 working days. US travelers who wish to obtain a visa sooner can utilize the Rush visa service. With this option, they can expect to receive their Vietnam visa as soon as 24 hours.

Where can I enter Vietnam with an e-visa?

With an eVisa, you can enter most of the international airports in Vietnam. Holders of eVisa can enter and exit the following ports of entry:

International airports:

• Phu Quoc International Airport - PQC - Kien Giang
• Phu Bai International Airport - HUI - Thua Thien - Hue
• Noi Bai International Airport - HAN - Ha Noi
• Da Nang International Airport - DAD - Đa Nang
• Can Tho International Airport - VCA - Can Tho
• Cam Ranh International Airport - CXR - Khanh Hoa
• Cat Bi International Airport - HPH - Hai Phong
• Tan Son Nhat International Airport - SGN - Ho Chi Minh City

Read more about The International Terminal In Vietnam information: the airport's location, name, IATA code, ICAO code, and details regarding Vietnam's visa policy.

Landport:

Lao Bao Landport, Xa Mat Landport, Tay Trang Landport, Tinh Bien Landport, Song Tien Landport, Na Meo Landport, Nam Can Landport, Mong Cai Landport, Moc Bai Landport, La Lay Landport, Lao Cai Landport, Ha Tien Landport, Huu Nghi Landport, Bo Y Landport, Cha Lo Landport, Cau Treo Landport.

Seaport:

Cam Pha Seaport, Da Nang Seaport, Nghi Son Seaport, Duong Dong Seaport, Dung Quat Seaport, Hon Gai Seaport, Nha Trang Seaport, Chan May Seaport, Vung Tau Seaport, Vung Ang Seaport, Ho Chi Minh City Seaport, Quy Nhon Seaport, Hai Phong Seaport.

The visa will be sent to your email address once it is issued. You should bring at least a copy of your Vietnam eVisa during your journey because the Immigration Officer at a border checkpoint will ask you to present it upon arrival.

 

How do US citizens apply for Vietnam e-visa?

US citizens who wish to visit Vietnam require a visa because their country of origin is not on the exemption list for Vietnam visas.

Fortunately, US nationals are eligible for Vietnam e-Visa which can be obtained online in just a few days. The Vietnam e-Visa is valid for 30 days from the intended entry date specified in the application form, permitting a duration of stay of up to 30 days. By the way, we highly recommend you check carefully Vietnam visa requirements for US citizens prior to starting visa processing.

The Vietnam Immigration Services has made it easier for US citizens to apply for an e-Visa for Vietnam. The entire process is completely online which takes the applicants no more than 20 minutes to complete. Please follow:

• To begin the process, do not forget to enter their email address and log in to the account. After that, select “Apply Visa” on the navigation bar and provide some necessary information.
• Before submitting the application form, US applicants are advised to double-check all the data supplied.
• And then, you have to make a payment for your services.
• Finally, after processing time, you will receive a valid Vietnam visa through an email address.

What size photo for vietnam e-Visa for US citizens

To apply for a Vietnam eVisa, US passport holders must fulfill specific visa standards, including a valid passport photo. The Vietnam Government has imposed some photo requirements for an e-Visa:

• The dimensions of the photograph should measure 4 x 6 cm, adhering to the standard Vietnam photography size, or alternatively, 2 x 2 inches.
• Both pictures need to be identical and have been captured in the last six months.
• The image must display the complete face in a frontal perspective, with open eyes, and devoid of eyeglasses or spectacles.
• Position the head in the center of the frame, ensuring the entire head is visible from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin.
• Select a background that is either plain light or white in color.
• Neither the face nor the background should cast any shadows.
• Applicants are recommended to be attired in formal clothing.
• For individuals from the United States, it is preferable to wear a shirt with a collar.
• Ensure that the photograph is without any borders.

 Visit Vietnam e-Visa requirements for US citizens for more details about the visa as well as the visa cost. 

 

When does Vietnam eVisa for US citizens start?

A Vietnam electronic visa (e-visa) is valid for 30 days from the date specified in the visa application form. Typically, the processing time for visa applications is within 24 to 72 hours after the application form and required documents are submitted. The Vietnam eVisa is granted for a single entry. Therefore, US travelers who have left the country must obtain a new visa to return to Vietnam.

In order to complete the visa application process, US citizens are also required to pay a visa fee. Applicants do not need to worry about it because the Vietnam Immigration Services provides customer supports at a very reasonable rate. The Vietnam visa fee for US citizens consists of two types: the Government fee and the service fee.

The Government Fee is the amount that applicants have to pay to the Vietnamese government on approving their e-visa. The Service fee is charged depending on the processing time that US nationals choose for their visa:

• Standard service: US citizens will receive their visa within 03 business days.
• Urgent service: Within 02 business days, the Vietnam eVisa will be sent to the email address of the applicant.
• Super Urgent service: US travelers can expect to obtain a visa for Vietnam in just 24 hours.

 

How far in advance should I apply for a Vietnamese evisa?

Generally, international visitors should apply for a Vietnam e-visa no less than 07 days before your trip to Vietnam. The processing time for an e-Visa is typically within 03 business days. Our professionals at Vietnam Immigration Services also highly suggest customers begin the visa application process as soon as possible in case of any unforeseen circumstances.

The entire process is straightforward and takes US citizens no longer than 20 minutes to complete. Following the steps below so that you can successfully apply for an electronic visa for Vietnam:

• Step 1: Provide visa details (number of visas, purpose of visit, port of arrival, processing time), and personal contact ( full name, gender, date of birth, passport number, and arrival and departure dates) on the safe online application for a Vietnam visa.
• Step 2: Verify that your data is accurate and complete by checking it again. Use an electronic payment transfer to pay the electronic visa fee (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and PayPal).
• Step 3: Obtain an email confirming the submission of your visa application. Before being emailed to you, the e-visa will be processed and approved online.
• Step 4: Download and print your Vietnam e-Visa when you receive it through email. When you arrive, have your passport stamped with your visa.

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

Verified Source