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Do Children Need a Visa to Enter Vietnam?

Yes, all children — infants, toddlers, and minors — need their own visa or visa exemption to enter Vietnam, regardless of age. In general, visa requirements for children follow the same nationality-based rules as for adults, although the application is completed by a parent or legal guardian and some procedures may differ for minors.

Here’s a clear breakdown of the rules and important considerations:

Vietnam Visa Requirements for Children

Every foreign national, including infants and minors, must have a valid visa or be eligible for a visa exemption based on their passport nationality. Parents or legal guardians must accompany the children when entering Vietnam 

1. Visa Required for Children by Situation

Children with Own Passport

Any child with their own passport, regardless of age, must apply for a separate e-visa or other visa type, paying the standard fee. If the child’s nationality is not exempt, you must obtain a visa in advance.

The Vietnam visa process for children is nearly identical to an adult’s application:

  • E-Visa: Available for citizens of most countries. Children need their own separate E-Visa. Parents/guardians must complete the application on their behalf, uploading a photo and passport bio page for the child.
  • Visa on Arrival (Approval Letter): For air travel only. The approval letter must list the child's full name and date of birth. A separate letter is not needed; children can be included on the same letter as parents. At the airport, a visa stamping fee is generally charged per traveler, including children, although fee handling may vary slightly depending on the approval letter and immigration practice at the time of entry.
  • Embassy Visa: Apply at a Vietnamese embassy/consulate. You will need to submit the child’s original passport, application form, photos, and possibly a birth certificate.

Children Listed on a Parent’s Passport (Rare Cases)

Some countries still allow a child to be included in a parent’s passport. In this case:

In rare cases where a child is legally included in a parent’s passport, entry may be considered on a case-by-case basis. However, Vietnam strongly prefers each child to hold their own passport and visa, and entry is not guaranteed without a separate visa. You usually do not incur additional charges specifically for the child's visa.

However, many airlines still require the child to have a separate visa for boarding.

It’s safest to apply for a separate e-visa for each child.

2. Visa-Exempt Countries

Children from countries that have a visa exemption agreement with Vietnam can enter without a visa, but they must adhere to the same rules as adults:

  • Duration: Exemptions are typically for 14 to 45 days, depending on the passport.
  • Passport Validity: The child's passport must usually be valid for at least 6 months beyond the entry date.
  • Purpose: Exemptions are usually for tourism or business; other purposes require a visa.

Important Requirements for Children

1. Passport Validity

Children must have:

  • At least 6 months' validity from the  entry date
  • At least 1 blank page
  • Photo for babies/toddlers: Immigration accepts photos taken at home (lay the baby on a white sheet, shoot from above). No need for a professional studio.

If the child is traveling with only one parent, with relatives, or alone, Vietnamese immigration officers may, at their discretion, request a notarized consent letter from the non-accompanying parent(s), particularly in cases involving one-parent travel or non-parent guardians. It’s highly recommended to carry this.
Copies of both parents’ passports

3. Birth Certificate

Not required for immigration, but sometimes requested by airlines for infants/toddlers. We highly recommend always carrying a copy of the child’s birth certificate (with an English translation if needed) to prove relationships if questioned.

Note that:

  • Apply for the child’s visa at the same time as the adults to avoid any entry issues.
  • Each child must have their own printed e-visa PDF to present at immigration.
  • Families should carry all visas together for smoother entry.

Always check the official Vietnamese immigration website or consult with the Vietnamese embassy/consulate in your country for the most current and specific requirements based on your child's nationality and your travel itinerary.

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