2026 Vietnam E-Visa Policy Overview
Vietnam’s electronic visa (e-Visa) is the official online channel for foreign nationals to obtain entry authorization for Vietnam. In August 2023, Vietnam significantly revised its e-Visa policy, extending the maximum stay from 15 to 45 days for single-entry e-Visas — a major policy shift with significant implications for Chinese passport holders.
2026 key policy summary:
- Visa type: Vietnam e-Visa, single entry
- Permitted stay: 45 days (single entry, not extendable)
- Application fee: $50 USD (increased from $25 in October 2025)
- Processing time: 3-5 business days (expedited available)
- Validity: 30 days from approval date
- Eligible nationalities: Expanded in February 2025 to include mainland Chinese passports
Critical update (February 2025): Previously, mainland Chinese passport holders could only enter Vietnam via visa-on-arrival or through consular visa applications. In February 2025, Vietnam officially added mainland Chinese passports to the e-Visa eligible list — a significant diplomatic signal reflecting improving China-Vietnam relations.
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Complete Vietnam E-Visa Application Process
Step 1: Prepare materials
- Valid passport (6+ months validity, at least 2 blank pages)
- Digital passport photo (JPEG format, under 1MB)
- Credit card (Visa/Mastercard accepted for payment)
- Travel itinerary (flight/hotel confirmation — not mandatory but recommended)
- Proof of funds (bank statement screenshot — not mandatory but recommended)
Step 2: Complete the online application form Official portal: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn
Key form-filling tips:
- Full name: Must match passport exactly (surname/given name order matters)
- Date of birth: DD/MM/YYYY format
- Passport number: Must exactly match passport
- Nationality: CHINA
- Purpose of entry: Tourism
- Intended date of entry: Your planned arrival date
- Intended length of stay: 45 days
- Port of entry: Select from the approved port list
Step 3: Pay and submit
- Standard processing: $50 (3-5 business days)
- Expedited: $70 (1 business day)
- Super expedited: $95 (within 4 hours)
Step 4: Download your approval letter A PDF approval letter will be emailed to the address provided during application. Print this letter and present it to immigration officers upon arrival in Vietnam.
Complete List of Approved E-Visa Entry Ports (2026)
Vietnam e-Visas are valid only at designated ports of entry:
Airports (8): Hanoi Noi Bai (HAN), Ho Chi Minh City Tan Son Nhat (SGN), Da Nang (DAD), Nha Trang Cam Ranh (CXR), Dalat (DLI), Phu Quoc (PQC), Hue (HUI), Hai Phong (HPH)
Land borders (13): Mong Cai, Huu Nghi (Friendship Pass), Lao Cai, and others
Seaports (7): Hai Phong Port, Da Nang Port, Ho Chi Minh City Port, and others
Most popular routes for Chinese travelers: Overland via Nanning to Friendship Pass, or direct flights from Guangzhou/Shanghai/Beijing to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
Vietnam E-Visa vs Thailand VOAS vs Cambodia E-Visa Comparison
| Dimension | Vietnam E-Visa (45-day) | Thailand VOAS (15-day) | Cambodia E-Visa (30-day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passport | Mainland Chinese | Mainland Chinese | Mainland Chinese |
| Permitted stay | 45 days | 15 days (extendable 7 days) | 30 days |
| Application | 100% online, pre-apply | On-arrival at airport | Online pre-apply |
| Fee | $50 (standard) | 2,000 THB (~$55) | $30 standard / $40 expedited |
| Processing | 3-5 business days | 30-60 minutes on arrival | 3 business days |
| Extendable | No | Yes (7 days extra) | Yes (fees apply) |
| Pre-preparation | Mandatory | Optional (but recommended) | Mandatory |
| Arrival documents | Passport + approval letter | Passport + photo + return ticket + hotel | Passport + approval letter |
Entry Requirements and Common Rejection Reasons
Required arrival documents:
- Valid passport (6+ months)
- Printed Vietnam e-Visa approval letter
- Return flight confirmation (Chinese accepted)
- Hotel confirmation
- Cash (recommend $200+ or equivalent RMB; random spot checks occur)
Common rejection triggers:
- Passport information mismatch (most common cause): Name spelling errors, passport number errors, incorrect date of birth format
- Using unofficial application channels: Numerous fraudulent websites charge inflated fees and issue invalid “approval letters”
- Abnormal passport history: Immigration officers may question travelers with many blank pages and no travel history
- Insufficient cash: Some ports randomly check随身 cash; $200-500 recommended
- No return ticket: Immigration officers frequently request proof of onward travel from Vietnam
Vietnam 45-Day Itinerary Planning
Forty-five days provides ample time for a thorough Vietnam exploration. Here are three classic routes:
Route 1: South-to-North Traverse (30 days) Hanoi (5 days) → Halong Bay (2 days) → Hue/Da Nang (4 days) → Hoi An (3 days) → Nha Trang (4 days) → Dalat (3 days) → Mui Ne (2 days) → Ho Chi Minh City (5 days)
Route 2: Southern Deep Dive (20 days) Ho Chi Minh City (5 days) → Mekong Delta (3 days) → Phu Quoc (5 days) → Dalat (3 days) → Nha Trang (4 days)
Route 3: Northern Border (15 days) Nanning → Friendship Pass → Hanoi (3 days) → Halong Bay (2 days) → Sapa (4 days) → Hanoi (2 days)
FAQ: Vietnam E-Visa Questions
Q1: Can the Vietnam 45-day e-Visa be extended? No. The Vietnam e-Visa is single-entry and non-extendable. If you need to stay beyond 45 days, you must leave Vietnam before expiry and apply for a new e-Visa for re-entry. Each entry requires a separate e-Visa application and fee.
Q2: Can I apply for multiple Vietnam e-Visas? Yes. Each entry into Vietnam requires a separate e-Visa application. After exiting Vietnam at the end of 45 days, you can apply for a new e-Visa to re-enter. Each application requires the application fee again.
Q3: Can I use the e-Visa to enter Vietnam via Friendship Pass overland? Yes. Friendship Pass is one of the approved land border ports for e-Visa entry. Present your approval letter at the border crossing. Note: land border immigration officers typically conduct more thorough reviews than airport officers; ensure all documents are impeccable.
Q4: Can I appeal if my Vietnam e-Visa is rejected? Yes. Rejections typically result from incorrect form information or using unofficial portals. Resolution: check the rejection reason (notified by email), reapply through the official portal, and ensure 100% accurate information. Application fees are non-refundable.
Q5: From which ports can I exit Vietnam with an e-Visa? Vietnam e-Visa is valid for exit from any approved port, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Friendship Pass, Lao Cai, and Mong Cai. Exit is not restricted to the entry port.
Q6: Do children need separate e-Visa applications? Yes. Every passport holder, including children, must submit a separate e-Visa application. Children’s passport details must be completed individually; the fee is the same as for adults.
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