Vietnam eVisa Guide: How to Apply Before Your Trip

Applying for a Vietnam eVisa is one of the most important practical steps for travelers who need a visa before visiting the country. The process is online, but that does not mean it should be rushed. Small mistakes in your name, passport number, travel dates, photograph or other application details can create unnecessary problems before departure or at immigration.

This guide explains what a Vietnam eVisa is, who can apply, what you should prepare, how the application process works, how to think about entry points, and—most importantly—what you should check before submitting your application.

What Is a Vietnam eVisa?

A Vietnam eVisa is an electronic visa issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department through an online system. Under current Vietnamese law, an eVisa can be valid for up to 90 days and can be issued for either single entry or multiple entry.

This means travelers can apply online rather than necessarily visiting a Vietnamese embassy or consulate for a traditional visa. For international tourists, the eVisa is particularly useful because it can simplify the pre-trip visa process.

However, an eVisa is still an official immigration document. You should treat the application with the same care you would give to your passport or airline booking.

Who Can Apply for a Vietnam eVisa?

Vietnam currently allows citizens of all countries and territories to apply for an electronic visa under Resolution 127/NQ-CP, effective from August 15, 2023.

That does not mean every traveler necessarily needs an eVisa. Some travelers may qualify for visa-free entry depending on nationality, length of stay and other conditions.

Before applying, first ask:

• Do I actually need a visa for this trip?

If you qualify for visa exemption and your itinerary fits within the permitted stay, an eVisa may not be necessary. If you do need a visa—or want immigration permission that better suits a longer or multi-entry itinerary—the eVisa may be an appropriate option.

Read first: Vietnam Visa & Entry Requirements: Complete Guide

Where Should You Apply?

Use Vietnam’s official government eVisa portal.

The Vietnam Immigration Department announced that its eVisa services operate on the official domains:

• gov.vn
• gov.vn

This matters because travelers may encounter commercial websites that resemble official visa portals. Some third-party services are legitimate intermediaries, but they may charge additional service fees and should not be confused with the Vietnamese government’s own portal. Before entering passport details or payment information, check the domain carefully.

What Should You Prepare Before Applying?

Preparing everything before starting the application reduces the chance of mistakes. You should have your passport and travel information ready.

The official application system requires uploaded images. According to updated Ministry of Public Security portal standards, file size limits for both portrait photos and passport pages allow up to 2 MB (JPEG/PNG format).

Before you begin, prepare:

• Your valid passport (minimum 6 months validity);
• A clear passport information-page image (file size ≤ 2 MB);
• A suitable portrait photograph with plain white background (file size ≤ 2 MB);
• Your personal information exactly as shown in your passport;
• Your expected arrival date;
• Your intended length of stay;
• Your planned entry arrangements;
• Accommodation or address information if requested;
• A method of electronic payment (international credit/debit card).

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Vietnam eVisa

The exact layout of the government portal may change over time, but the overall process follows a straightforward sequence.

Step 1: Go to the Official eVisa Portal

Open the official Vietnamese eVisa website (evisa.gov.vn or thithucdientu.gov.vn). Make sure you are on the government domain before entering any personal details. Take a few minutes to read the current instructions. Do not rely entirely on screenshots from an old blog because online forms may be updated.

Step 2: Prepare and Upload Your Images

Upload the requested portrait photograph and passport image according to the portal’s technical specifications. The images should be:

• Clear and readable;
• Recent (taken within the last 6 months);
• Properly cropped;
• Free from glare or facial obstruction;
• Compliant with file size requirements (up to 2 MB).

Step 3: Enter Your Personal Information

This is where you need to slow down. Enter every detail carefully and exactly as required.

Pay special attention to:

• Full name (follow the MRZ line at the bottom of your passport);
• Date of birth;
• Sex;
• Nationality;
• Passport number;
• Passport issue and expiry details;
• Travel dates;
• Visa type.

Step 4: Enter Your Travel Information

The form will ask for information related to your planned trip, including: Intended date of entry, Length of stay, Purpose of entry, Address in Vietnam, and Entry/exit border checkpoints.

Step 5: Choose Single or Multiple Entry Carefully

Vietnam eVisas can be issued for either single or multiple entry. The correct choice depends on your itinerary:

• Single entry: Suitable if you plan to Enter Vietnam → remain in Vietnam → leave once at the end of the trip.
• Multiple entry: Potentially more appropriate if your trip looks like Vietnam → Cambodia → Vietnam or Vietnam → Laos → Vietnam.

Entry Point: Why It Matters

Vietnam permits eVisa holders to enter and exit through approved international border gates, including international airports, land border crossings, and seaports designated by Resolution 127/NQ-CP.

The practical lesson is simple: Do not assume every border crossing in Vietnam accepts eVisa travelers.

Before applying, check whether your intended arrival route is on the current official list. This is especially important if you are entering overland from Cambodia or Laos, traveling by cruise ship, or using smaller international airports.

Review the Form Before Submitting

This is the most important part of the application. Check every field against your passport:

• Review your full name;
• Review your passport number (every letter and digit);
• Review your nationality;
• Review date formats for birth date and travel dates;
• Review passport expiry date;
• Review entry date;
• Review requested visa type (Single vs. Multiple);
• Review photograph clarity.

Save Your Application Code

After successfully creating an application, the official system generates an electronic application code. Save this code in several places (take a screenshot, copy to travel notes, email to yourself). You will need it to check status and download your approved eVisa.

Pay the eVisa Fee

The official portal requires electronic payment. The eVisa fee is non-refundable even if the application is refused. Double-check all details before paying.

Check Your Application Status

After submitting, use the official portal and your application code to check status. Apply at least 7–10 working days in advance to handle unexpected processing delays.

What Should You Check After Your eVisa Is Approved?

Once you receive the eVisa PDF, verify: Full name, Passport number, Nationality, Date of birth, Validity dates, and Single/Multiple entry status. Print at least one physical copy and save a digital PDF copy on your mobile device.

Common Vietnam eVisa Mistakes

• Mistake 1: Using third-party commercial websites instead of official government portals.
• Mistake 2: Typing the passport number incorrectly.
• Mistake 3: Entering name fields out of order.
• Mistake 4: Choosing single-entry visa for a multi-country itinerary.
• Mistake 5: Requesting incorrect entry dates.
• Mistake 6: Uploading low-quality, blurry, or misformatted images.
• Mistake 7: Assuming all land border crossings accept eVisas.
• Mistake 8: Applying too close to departure date.

Vietnam eVisa Checklist Before You Click Submit

• Am I using the official government website?
• Does my name match my passport exactly?
• Is my passport number correct?
• Is my nationality correct?
• Is my planned arrival date correct?
• Is my intended entry route compatible with the eVisa system?
• Are my portrait and passport images clear and compliant?

How Early Should You Apply?

Check visa requirements early in your trip planning process. For the actual application, submit 7 to 10 working days before departure to account for weekends, public holidays, and potential administrative checks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Q: How long is a Vietnam eVisa valid?

Answer: Vietnamese law allows an eVisa to be valid for up to 90 days, issued for single or multiple entry.

• Q: What is the official Vietnam eVisa website?

Answer: The official portals operate through evisa.gov.vn and thithucdientu.gov.vn (or Ministry of Public Security Public Service Portal).

• Q: Is the eVisa fee refundable if refused?

Answer: No. The application processing fee is strictly non-refundable.

Plan Your Vietnam Trip with MyVivaTour

Getting your visa right is essential, but a great Vietnam journey depends on much more than paperwork. Your route, travel timing, hotel choices, local transport, and experiences all need to work together.

At MyVivaTour, we help international travelers create tailor-made Vietnam itineraries based on travel dates, interests, travel style, and budget. Contact us today to start planning your perfect itinerary!