Vietnam Visa for US Citizens: Requirements and Application Steps

Before traveling to Vietnam with a US passport, it’s important to understand the current visa system and what is expected from applicants. This guide summarizes the key requirements for US citizens, explains the application steps, and highlights the simplest ways to obtain lawful entry.

Table of contents

• Does a US Passport Holder Need a Visa for Vietnam?
• Vietnam Visa Types for US Citizens
• How to Apply for a Vietnam e-Visa From the US
• Documents Required for a Tourist Visa to Vietnam
• Vietnam Visa Photo Requirements
• Get Your Vietnam Visa Photo Online!
• Vietnam Visa-on-Arrival for US Citizens: Rules
• How Long Can You Stay in Vietnam With a US Passport?
• Vietnam Visa Fees for US Citizens
• How Long Does it Take to Get a Visa for Vietnam From the US?
• Extending or Renewing a Vietnam Visa In-Country
• FAQ

Does a US Passport Holder Need a Visa for Vietnam?

US travelers typically need a visa to enter Vietnam, with only a few short-term exemptions applying in limited cases. Here, we explain when you need a visa and which Vietnam visa exemptions might apply to US citizens.

US passport holders must secure a visa before traveling to Vietnam for tourism, business, or most other activities. The simplest option for US citizens is a Vietnam e-visa, valid for up to 90 days with either single or multiple entries. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date from Vietnam and has at least two blank pages. While obtaining a Visa-on-Arrival is possible, it necessitates a prior approval letter and is applicable in limited scenarios.

Can a US passport holder go to Vietnam without a visa? Exceptions exist only for those with an APEC Business Travel Card or certain exemptions for individuals of Vietnamese origin.

Vietnam Visa Types for US Citizens

Vietnam offers several visa categories for US nationals, each suited to different travel purposes and lengths of stay. Here you’ll see how these visas compare and which option fits most trips.

• Tourist Visa (DL): designed for leisure travel and valid for up to 3 months, available as single or multiple entries via e-visa online.
• Business Visa (DN): intended for business activities, this visa is valid for up to 12 months with single or multiple entries.
• Work Visa (LD): granted for employment and valid for up to 2 years, this visa necessitates sponsorship.
• Investor Visa (DT1-DT4): valid from 1 to 10 years, depending on the investment amount.
• Student/Internship Visa (DH): available for study or training purposes, valid for up to 12 months.
• Dependent Visa (TT): for family members of certain visa holders, allowing a stay of up to 12 months.

E-visas for categories like DL, DN, and some others are available through the official Vietnam e-visa portal for stays of up to 90 days. More extended or specialized visas typically require an embassy application or invitation.

How to Apply for a Vietnam e-Visa From the US

The e-visa is the most convenient option for US travelers, and the entire application is completed online. Here, you’ll find the instructions on how to get a Vietnam visa for a US passport holder.

To apply for a Vietnam e-visa, follow these steps:

1. Visit the official Vietnam e-visa portal.
2. Click on “Apply now” and fill out the online form with your personal information, passport details, and travel plans, including entry and exit ports and stay dates.
3. Upload a scanned copy of your passport and a recent photo.
4. Pay the non-refundable fee online.
5. You will receive a registration code via email, which you can use to track your application status on the website.
6. Upon approval, print the PDF e-visa, as digital versions are not accepted at border checkpoints.

How to upload a passport photo for a Vietnam visa? While completing the online form on the Vietnam e-visa portal, find the “Images” section. Select the photo file from your device and upload it. The system will automatically extract and display personal information from your passport. Review and correct any inaccuracies. Ensure your photo meets the Vietnam visa photo specifications, detailed further below.

Documents Required for a Tourist Visa to Vietnam

Tourist visa applicants must provide a small set of standard documents, all of which prove identity and travel intent. Here is what to prepare before starting the application for a Vietnam tourist visa for US citizens:

• A passport with a minimum validity of six months beyond your planned departure date from Vietnam and at least two blank visa pages.
• A scanned copy of the biographical data page of your passport (clear, color JPEG or PDF, under 2 MB).
• A recent passport-style photo (4×6 cm, white background, JPEG under 2 MB, no glasses or headwear).
• A completed online application form with accurate personal, travel, and entry/exit port details.

Vietnam Visa Photo Requirements

Vietnam uses specific biometric photo standards, and meeting them is essential for approval. Here are the key technical rules so you can avoid rejections caused by photo issues:

• Photos for a Vietnam tourist e-visa must be taken within the last six months.
• The Vietnam visa photo size should be 4×6 cm (or 2×2 inches) in JPG format (maximum 1024 KB).
• The background must be plain white or light-colored.
• Your face should be centered with a neutral expression, occupying 70-80% of the image, measuring 32-36 mm from chin to the top of the forehead, excluding hair.
• Head should be straight, with eyes open and visible, in high resolution (minimum 300 DPI).
• Avoid shadows, borders, patterns, or alterations.
• The photo must be in color, with sharp and clear focus, and without any glasses or headwear unless for religious or medical reasons.

Here is a photo example:

Get Your Vietnam Visa Photo Online!

Say goodbye to photo studios for your visa photo needs. Here, you’ll find out how to capture a professional Vietnam visa photo in minutes with Visafoto online photo tool. Follow these two simple steps:

1. Take your photo in natural daylight.
2. Upload it below to the Visafoto tool.

Visafoto handles the rest, automatically adjusting background, size, and head position to ensure compliance with official requirements. You'll receive a digital copy ideal for online submissions and a version ready for printing.

Here is an example of a photo you can upload to Visafoto:

Visafoto boasts a 99.7% acceptance rate and has facilitated over 500,000 approved photos. If your photo doesn't meet Vietnam visa standards, you'll receive a full refund. Our tech support team is available 24/7 for any assistance.

Vietnam Visa-on-Arrival for US Citizens: Rules

Visa-on-arrival (VoA) to Vietnam is still available for US passport holders, but only under certain conditions and with a pre-approved letter. Below, we explain who can use this option and what to expect at the airport.

US citizens can acquire a Vietnam Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) at specific international airports such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. A pre-approved visa approval letter, obtained online beforehand, is a prerequisite. VoA does not apply to land or sea entries and caters primarily to tourists or business travelers, allowing up to 30 days of stay (single or multiple entry).

VoA requirements:

• Valid US passport with at least six months' validity beyond the entry date and two blank pages.
• Printed visa approval letter obtained via agency websites, processed in 2–4 days with a fee of USD 10-50.
• Two passport-sized photos and a cash-only stamping fee.
• Completed application form at the airport counter.
• Upon arrival, present your documents at the VoA counter. Expect potential queues. After processing, obtain your visa stamp and proceed to immigration.

How Long Can You Stay in Vietnam With a US Passport?

The permitted stay varies by visa type and can range from a short visit to multiple-entry long stays. Here you’ll learn the standard limits and how they apply to your chosen visa.

US passport holders can remain in Vietnam for up to 90 days with a tourist e-visa, suitable for single or multiple entries and ideal for general travel needs. For extended stays, consider business, work, or specialized visas obtainable through embassies.

A Visa-on-Arrival permits a stay of up to 30 days (single/multiple entry) at designated airports.

Vietnam Visa Fees for US Citizens

How much is a Vietnam visa for a US passport? Vietnam’s visa fees depend on the type of visa, processing method, and number of entries. Here is an overview of typical costs so you can plan your budget:

• For a Vietnam e-visa, US passport holders pay an official fee of USD 25 for single-entry and USD 50 for multiple-entry, valid for up to 90 days. These fees are non-refundable and payable online by credit or debit card at the official Vietnam e-visa website.
• Visa-on-Arrival fees involve a USD 10-50 charge for the approval letter, obtainable through agencies, and an additional stamping fee at the airport: USD 25 for single-entry and USD 50 for multiple-entry, payable in USD cash.
• Embassy visas cost between USD 25 and USD 50, with fees depending on the duration. For children under 14, the fee is often a flat USD 25.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Visa for Vietnam From the US?

Processing times differ for e-visas, embassy visas, and visas-on-arrival. Here, you’ll find the usual timelines and which option is fastest.

• The processing time for a Vietnam tourist e-visa is officially 3-5 working days, excluding weekends and holidays. Around 70-75% of applications are approved within this period. However, 20-25% may experience delays extending to 7 days or more due to high demand or application errors. To avoid issues, submit your application 2–3 weeks before travel, especially during peak seasons (January-April, November-December).
• Visa-on-Arrival approval letters take 2-4 working days when applied for online.
• Embassy visa processing typically requires 5–7 days, depending on the consulate.

Extending or Renewing a Vietnam Visa In-Country

Travelers already in Vietnam can often extend their stay without leaving the country. Below, we explain the available extension routes, required documents, and general processing expectations.

To extend your stay in Vietnam on certain visas, such as business, work, investment, or family-visit visas, submit an application to the appropriate immigration office (e.g., in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City) or through an authorized agent. Travel visas allow extensions for 15 or 30 days with single entry. Business visas offer extensions up to one year, available for both single and multiple entries.

Key requirements include:

• Your visa must be valid.
• Your passport should be valid and may need a blank page.
• Register your temporary residence if required.
• Ensure no significant violations of stay regulations exist.

Note: Vietnam does not permit e-visa extensions within the country. Also, if you entered through a visa exemption, you can't extend your stay under this scheme. You must exit and re-enter, or switch to another visa type, to extend your stay.

Follow these general steps to extend an eligible visa:

1. Gather necessary documents: your original passport, current visa, proof of temporary residence registration, passport photos, and the completed application form (e.g., form NA5).
2. Submit your application to a local immigration office in major cities or via an authorized service.
3. Pay the required fee through official channels or service providers, and wait for approval. Processing typically takes 5-7 working days.

FAQ

Can US passport holders get Visa-on-Arrival in Vietnam?

Yes, US passport holders can secure a Visa-on-Arrival at specific airports like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. However, you must first obtain a pre-approved approval letter from an agency (processing takes 2–5 days) and provide passport photos and pay the stamping fee upon arrival.

Do you need passport photos to enter Vietnam?

Yes, a passport-style photo is required for all Vietnam visa applications.​ For e-visas, you'll need a digital JPG portrait photo during online application.​ Printed photos are needed only for Visa-on-Arrival or embassy submissions.

How can I extend my visa in Vietnam?

Travel visas can be extended for 15 or 30 days for single entry only. Business visas can be extended for up to one year, either for single or multiple entries. Note that Vietnam's e-visas cannot be renewed or extended from within the country. If you have an e-visa, you must leave the country before it expires.

To apply, prepare the required documents (Form NA5, your passport, and your residence documents) and send them to the travel agency. The travel agency will submit the documents to the office of the Vietnam Immigration Department. Pay the visa extension fee and wait for approval.

Do children need separate visas?

Yes, every child, including infants, needs a separate visa and passport. Children listed in a parent's passport (under 14) can be included in one e-visa application, but with their own passports, they need individual e-visas.

What if my travel dates change after applying?

Once approved, you can't change your e-visa. If your dates change, apply for a new e-visa with the correct dates (fees are non-refundable). Entry is allowed at any time during the visa's validity, but early entry or late exit requires a new e-visa or an extension of a sticker visa.

Is travel insurance required?

No, travel insurance isn’t mandatory for entering Vietnam. However, it is strongly recommended for your medical and evacuation coverage.