Passmere is a private company, not a government agency. This guide is free information, not legal advice. Each fact links to the official source and shows the date we checked it.
Entry requirements
Vietnam entry requirements for U.S. citizens
What a U.S. tourist needs to enter Vietnam: the e-visa, the official site, the government fee, how long it can last and the passport rules, with sources.
What you need to enter Vietnam
Entry document for a tourist trip: under review — see the official source1. You request the e-visa online, on the official site, under review — see the official source2. A Vietnamese embassy or consulate can also issue visas; check the official source if you prefer that route.
How long the e-visa lasts
Vietnam's e-visa can be issued for up to under review — see the official source4, for one entry or for several. Choose your dates with care, because two rules apply once you are there:
Passport rules for Vietnam
under review — see the official source6 under review — see the official source8If your passport does not meet these rules, renew it before you apply for the e-visa. Routine processing takes under review — see the official source9, plus mailing time: see Renew your U.S. passport by mail. under review — see the official source10 Read Urgent travel: getting a passport fast.
At the border
under review — see the official source11Travel advisory
The U.S. Department of State currently rates Vietnam at under review — see the official source12. Advisory levels can change at any time. Read the current advisory before you book and again before you leave.
Step by step
- Check your passport against the validity and blank page rules above.
- Choose your travel dates and decide whether you need one entry or several.
- Apply for the e-visa yourself on the official site, under review — see the official source2.
- Pay the government fee shown on the official site.
- Wait for the decision, then print the e-visa.
- Carry the printed e-visa with your passport and show both at the border.
- Shortly before you leave, check the official site and the travel advisory again.
Checklist
Before you fly to Vietnam
- Passport that meets Vietnam's validity rule
- Blank visa pages, as Vietnam requires
- Approved e-visa with dates that cover your whole stay
- Printed copy of the e-visa, kept with your passport
- Current U.S. travel advisory read
- Official site checked again for rule changes
Do and don't
Do
- Apply on the official site, under review — see the official source2, and keep a copy of what you submit.
- Ask for e-visa dates that cover your whole stay. under review — see the official source5
- Keep the printed e-visa with your passport.
Don't
- Don't overstay your e-visa. under review — see the official source7
- Don't pay a website that only looks official. Check the address before you enter your passport details.
- Don't travel on a passport that misses Vietnam's validity rule.
Fees
This is a government fee, paid to the government of Vietnam. Passmere does not process visas and does not charge for this guide.
| What | Paid to | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Single-entry e-visa | Government of Vietnam | under review — see the official source3 |
A multiple-entry e-visa costs more. The official site, under review — see the official source2, shows the current fee for each type.
Frequently asked questions
Do U.S. citizens need a visa for Vietnam?
Yes, for tourism: under review — see the official source1. Apply on the official site, under review — see the official source2.
Can I extend my e-visa while I am in Vietnam?
No. under review — see the official source5 Ask for dates that cover your whole trip.
Do I need a printed copy of the e-visa?
Can Passmere apply for my e-visa?
No. Passmere is a private company that prepares U.S. passport paperwork. It does not process visas and is not part of any government. You apply for the e-visa yourself on the official site.
My situation is unusual. Where do I check?
Rules change often, and the government of Vietnam decides who enters. Check the official site before you travel. For work, study, long stays or a complex case, ask an immigration attorney.
Sources and verification
- Entry document for tourism — U.S. Department of State: Vietnam International Travel Information. under review — see the official source
- Official e-visa website — U.S. Department of State: Vietnam International Travel Information. under review — see the official source
- Government e-visa fee — Immigration Department, Ministry of Public Security of Viet Nam: Viet Nam National Electronic Visa system (e-Visa website). under review — see the official source
- Maximum e-visa period — Immigration Department, Ministry of Public Security of Viet Nam: Viet Nam National Electronic Visa system (e-Visa website). under review — see the official source
- E-visa extension inside Vietnam — U.S. Department of State: Vietnam International Travel Information. under review — see the official source
- Passport validity — U.S. Department of State: Vietnam International Travel Information. under review — see the official source
- Requirement to leave Vietnam — U.S. Department of State: Vietnam International Travel Information. under review — see the official source
- Blank passport pages — U.S. Department of State: Vietnam International Travel Information. under review — see the official source
- Routine processing time — U.S. Department of State: Get Your Processing Time. under review — see the official source
- Urgent travel: passport agency appointment — U.S. Department of State: Get Your Passport Fast. under review — see the official source
- E-visa at the port of entry — U.S. Department of State: Vietnam International Travel Information. under review — see the official source
- U.S. Travel Advisory level — U.S. Department of State: Vietnam Travel Advisory. under review — see the official source