Planning a trip to Vietnam? Then you’re at the right place. US citizens, as of now, need a visa to visit Vietnam. US citizens are eligible for visa-on-arrival and e-visa. The purpose for travel, duration, and other factors differentiate the two visa types and which one is for you. Moreover, there are single-entry and multiple-entry visa options available as well.
Learn in this comprehensive guide about Vietnam e-visa from USA, including tourist and business e-visa. Find out about eligibility for e-Visa for US citizens, requirements, document checklist, application process and practical tips.
What is Vietnam e-Visa
The Vietnam eVisa (electronic visa) is an official travel document allowing foreign citizens to enter Vietnam. It is issued by Vietnam Immigration Department and permits the holder to stay in Vietnam for up to 90 days. It can be applied online through the Official Vietnam Electronic Visa Portal.
Key Details of Vietnam e-Visa
- Validity: It remains valid for a maximum of 90 days.
- Entry Type: Available as single-entry and multiple-entry type.
- Entry Points: Valid at designated international airports, land borders and seaports.
- Extension: E-visas are generally non-extendable.
Eligibility for Vietnam e-Visa for US Citizens
US citizens are eligible for Vietnam eVisa which allows a maximum stay of 90 days. The eligibility requirements are as follows:
- Passport Validity: Your US passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of your arrival. In addition, your passport must have at least 2 blank pages.
- Eligible Nationalities: Vietnam e-Visa is available for citizens of all nationalities. Therefore, foreign citizens in the US with a long-term visa or permanent residency can also apply. Similarly, Vietnam e-Visa for Indians in USA is also available.
- Purpose: Permitted for tourism, short-term visits, or business visits. However, it does not allow work rights in Vietnam.
Required Documents for Vietnam eVisa from the US
To apply for e-visa for Vietnam from USA, generally you need to compile the following documents:
- Passport: Your original passport with at least six months of validity from your planned date of entry to Vietnam.
- Photo: Recent passport sized photo.
- Travel Details: Intended dates of travel. Flight tickets, if available.
- Accommodation Details: Hotel reservations, host invitation, etc.
How to Apply for Vietnam eVisa from USA
To apply for Vietnam e-visa from USA follow the process given below:
- Visit the Official Portal: Visit the official Vietnam Electronic Visa Portal. Click on the ‘For Foreigners – Electronic Visa Application’ option.
- Upload Documents: Upload clear scanned copies of required documents, including passport photo and passport data page.
- Fill the Form: Provide correct details on the application form, including passport details, intended travel details, duration, and your designated entry/exit.
- Pay the Fee: Complete the non-refundable payment online via an international payment card.
- Approval: Once approved, download the e-Visa pdf and print it.
Processing Time for Vietnam e-Visa
- Standard Processing: After submitting the application and paying the fee, it takes around 3 working days for the Vietnam e-visa to process.
- Usual Deviations: While 3 working days is the official estimate, it can take around 5 working days to process the Vietnam eVisa from the US. During peak travel seasons, it can even stretch up to a few weeks.
- Recommended Application Window: You should apply at least 2 to 3 weeks before your intended date of departure.
Vietnam e-Visa Fees
| Visa Type | Fee |
| Single entry e-visa | $25 |
| Multiple entry e-visa | $50 |
e-Visa Vs Visa on Arrival: What’s the Difference
US citizens are eligible for eVisa as well as pre-approved visa on arrival. Know the difference between the two visa options to choose accordingly:
Approval Timing
- e-Visa: Generally applied before flying and approved in 1 to 3 days.
- Visa on Arrival: Issued at the border after you land.
Uncertainty and Risks
- e-Visa: Any mistakes in application form, inconsistency or missing documents happen while you are still at home. You can make corrections before flying.
- VOA: Risk of denial is huge as questioning and appraisal happens after you land.
Entry Restrictions
- e-Visa: Typically accepted across all international airports, seaports or land borders.
- VOA: Restricted to limited major airports and select entry points.
e-Visa or Visa on Arrival: Which is Better
As illustrated above, an e-visa is a much better and safer option for most travelers, providing the option to correct application, ignore long immigration queues and the risk of being turned away during immigration.
Practical Tips for Applying Vietnam e-Visa from USA
There are some points for you to consider as you apply for Vietnam eVisa from USA to make a successful application. Some of these are as follows:
- Proper Documentation: Compile the necessary documents before applying. This helps you to make a checklist of required documents and avoid last-minute rush.
- Consistency: Make sure that the information that you provide on the visa application correctly matches your documents.
- Apply Early: Apply at least 2 to 3 weeks before your intended date of departure to avoid delays and last-minute rush.
- Submit Clear Copies: Submit clear scanned, properly cropped copies of the documents.
- Take Professional Help: It is wise to apply with professionals, like the team at Documitra who has years of experience with documentation and visa application.
Need Help with Your Vietnam e-Visa Application?
Applying for a Vietnam e-Visa from the USA? Get expert guidance with your application, document requirements, and application process. Let Documitra help make your visa journey simpler.
Talk to a Visa Expert →Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, US citizens need a visa to visit Vietnam. US citizens can either apply for e-Visa for Vietnam online or get visa on arrival at the designated airport.
Out of the two, e-Visa is much better and safer option. Because you must apply for an e-visa for Vietnam before travelling, providing you time to correct the application. While visa on arrival poses the risk of denied entry during immigration along with long waiting queues and last-minute rush.
No, Vietnam e-visa does not grant the holder the permission to legally work in Vietnam. An e-Visa is generally granted for short-term tourism or business visits.
The cost for a single entry e-visa is $25 and for multiple entry e-visa is $50.
You can stay for a maximum of 90 days with a Vietnam e-Visa.
