Vietnam E-Visa Application And Photo

Obtaining a visa is one of the first steps for most international travelers before visiting Vietnam. The e-Visa application process, now available worldwide since 2025 updates, requires a straightforward online form and a passport-style photo. This guide breaks down the essentials of applying for a Vietnam e-Visa, including detailed instructions for submitting the correct photo to avoid delays.

Vietnam e-Visa: Vietnamese flag

Table of contents

Is it possible to travel to Vietnam visa-free?

As of 2026, citizens of 50+ countries/regions can enter Vietnam visa-free for up to 45 days (updates ongoing). The visa-free stay depends on the nation:

If your country is not on the current list, you should apply for a Vietnam e-Visa before traveling.

Countries eligible for e-Visa to Vietnam

Citizens of all countries worldwide can now apply for a Vietnam e-Visa following 2025 policy expansions. Apply directly on the official portal.

If e-Visa doesn't suit your needs, you can still apply for a Vietnam visa at a Vietnamese embassy or obtain a Visa on Arrival (which requires an approval letter obtained in advance).

What is the difference between Vietnamese e-Visa and visa-on-arrival?

The main difference is its form. The Vietnamese e-visa is issued as a PDF file and does not require a physical stamp in your passport like a conventional visa. On the other hand, a visa on arrival gets stamped directly into your passport once you arrive in Vietnam. However, you will still need to obtain an approval letter online in advance to get your visa on arrival stamped at your port of entry.

Visa-on-Arrival is available only at Vietnamese international airports listed below:

To get a Vietnam Visa on Arrival, first, apply for a visa approval letter through a reliable Vietnamese travel agency or visa service. Once you receive the letter, print it and bring it along with two passport-sized photos, your valid passport, and cash for the visa stamping fee. Upon arrival at a designated Vietnamese international airport, head to the Visa on Arrival counter and submit these documents along with a completed Entry/Exit Form. After processing, pay the stamping fee, and your visa will be issued and placed in your passport.

If you are eligible to obtain a Vietnamese e-visa online (now available worldwide), we recommend using this method for greater convenience.

Vietnam E-visa application process

You can apply for a Vietnamese visa online in only several steps:

  1. Visit the Vietnamese official immigration portal and apply for an electronic visa “for foreigners”;
  2. Fill out your personal data and passport details, as well as your photograph;
  3. Pay the non-refundable fee online: US$25 (single-entry, 90 days) or US$50 (multiple-entry, 90 days);
  4. Receive and save your registration code immediately—you'll need it to track status and download the approved e-Visa.

Processing typically takes 3-5 business days (expedited options unavailable). Once approved, access your e-Visa via the tracking page using your registration code, email, and date of birth. Download the PDF, print it (A4), and present it with your passport at any of Vietnam's 83+ approved ports of entry.

Documents required for an online visa to Vietnam

To apply for a Vietnam e-Visa, have these documents ready:

Vietnam visa photo requirements

To make sure your picture will be accepted, make sure that it matches the following specifications:

Here is a sample:

Vietnam e-Visa photo 4x6 cm

Get a digital photo for the Vietnam e-visa application online

Applying for a visa to enter Vietnam has never been more accessible, but don’t let that make you slip up with your documents. Ensure your photo is up to par to ensure a smooth application process.

We recommend using Visafoto, an online photo editor adjusting photographs for various documents worldwide since 2013. It will make sure your photo fulfills all the parameters needed.

Take an image with a smartphone against any background, upload it here and instantly get a professional photo for your visa, passport or ID. No registration required. You will see results in seconds.
Additional options
Upload photo & Continue

Source

Source photo example that you need to take in order to make a passport or visa photo at visafoto.com

Result

Result example: a correct visa or passport photo that you will receive

Just take a picture of yourself following the guidelines stated above. Don’t worry about the size, background, positions, and proportions: Visafoto will take care of the rest!

Take an image with a smartphone or camera against any background, upload it here, and instantly get a professional photo for your visa, passport, or ID.

Visa photo original source

You will get a digital photo like this one:

Example of a Vietnam visa photo 4x6 cm

Vietnam e-Visa costs

Vietnam e-Visa fees are US$25 for single-entry (90 days validity) or US$50 for multiple-entry (90 days validity), payable online via credit/debit card. As standard for visa applications, these non-refundable fees apply regardless of approval status.

No hidden charges or agency markups required—pay directly on the official portal; processing starts upon payment confirmation.

Vietnam e-Visa validity

Since August 2023 updates (further expanded in 2025), the Vietnam e-Visa is valid for 90 days from issuance date.

Choose between single-entry (one entry/exit) or multiple-entry (unlimited entries within 90 days, each stay ≤90 days total).

How to extend your Vietnamese e-Visa

If you wish to stay in Vietnam beyond the 90-day e-Visa duration, direct extensions of the e-Visa are currently not permitted. To extend your stay legally, consider these options:

Note that overstaying incurs steep penalties per Decree 144/2021/ND-CP (updated 2026), plus potential deportation/bans. Fines scale by duration:

FAQ

How long before my trip should I apply for a Vietnam e-Visa?

Apply at least 7–10 days before departure. Although you can submit your application up to one year in advance, standard processing usually takes 3–5 business days, and there is no expedited option available.

Can I apply for a Vietnam e-Visa from inside Vietnam?

No. You must submit your e-Visa application while you are outside Vietnam. If you are already in the country, you need to arrange a visa extension or apply for a different type of visa through the appropriate authorities.

What ports of entry accept Vietnam e-Visas?

Vietnam e-Visas are accepted at more than 80 designated entry points, including international airports, land border crossings, and seaports. The official government website provides the complete and updated list of eligible ports.

Do children need separate Vietnam e-Visas?

Yes. Every traveler must have an individual e-Visa, including children. Even minors listed in a parent’s passport require a separate application and fee. When traveling together, children can be included in the main applicant’s submission.

What if my Vietnam e-Visa application gets rejected?

Applications are most commonly refused due to incorrect or incomplete information, passport validity problems, or photos that do not meet official requirements. The application fee is non-refundable, so you will need to correct the issue and submit a new application.

Can I change travel dates after Vietnam e-Visa approval?

No. Once approved, the visa validity period is fixed. If you enter later than planned, you simply lose part of the validity window, so it is important to plan your travel dates carefully before applying.

Is travel insurance required for a Vietnam e-Visa?

Travel insurance is not mandatory for the e-Visa application. However, it is strongly recommended to cover medical treatment or emergency evacuation during your stay. Proof of insurance is generally not requested unless specifically required by border authorities.

Last update: February 2026