Guidelines for Applying for a Vietnam Electronic Visa (E-Visa): Step-by-Step Procedure – 2025 Update

The Vietnam electronic visa (e-visa) is a form of visa issued online by the Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security, allowing eligible foreign nationals to apply for and receive their visa entirely online, without the need to visit a diplomatic mission or complete visa-on-arrival procedures at border checkpoints.

Legal Basis:

• Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam No. 47/2014/QH13;
• Resolution No. 127/NQ-CP dated August 15, 2023, of the Government on the expansion of eligible applicants and the duration of electronic visas for foreigners;
• Official website of the Immigration Department: https://evisa.gov.vn/

Overview of Vietnam Electronic Visa (E-Visa):

An electronic visa (e-visa) is a type of entry visa issued by the competent authority of Vietnam to foreigners via an electronic transaction system. It permits single or multiple entries into the territory of Vietnam. Pursuant to Clause 2, Article 9 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, the maximum validity of an e-visa is 90 days and is applicable to citizens of all countries and territories worldwide.

The expansion of the scope and duration of electronic visas demonstrates Vietnam’s ongoing efforts to reform administrative procedures and create more favorable conditions for foreigners to enter Vietnam for tourism, business, research, investment, and other lawful purposes.

Overview of the Vietnam Electronic Visa (E-Visa)

The electronic visa (e-visa) is a type of entry visa issued by the competent Vietnamese authority to foreign nationals through an electronic transaction system. It allows for either single or multiple entries into the territory of Vietnam. Pursuant to Clause 2, Article 9 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, the maximum validity of an e-visa is 90 days and it is applicable to citizens of all countries and territories worldwide.

The expansion of the scope and duration of the electronic visa reflects Vietnam’s efforts in administrative reform and in facilitating more favorable conditions for international visitors to enter Vietnam for purposes such as tourism, business, research, investment, and other lawful activities.

Key Benefits of Vietnam’s Electronic Visa (E-Visa)

The use of an electronic visa offers multiple advantages for foreign nationals entering Vietnam, especially for short-term purposes such as tourism, business, or commercial activities. Specifically:

• Simplified online application procedure: The entire application process is carried out via the official electronic portal of the Vietnam Immigration Department, with no requirement to submit physical documents in person;
• Expedited processing time: Under current regulations, the e-visa is issued within 03 working days from the date of receipt of a complete and valid application dossier;
• No requirement to submit original passport: Unlike traditional visa procedures, the e-visa process does not require the applicant to submit or mail their original passport to a diplomatic mission;
• Visa issued in electronic format: The visa result will be sent to the applicant’s registered email address and may be printed out for presentation at the port of entry.

See also: How Can Foreign Nationals Enter Vietnam Using an E-Visa?

Required Documents for Applying for a Vietnamese Electronic Visa (E-Visa)

According to the regulations of the Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security, foreign nationals applying for an electronic visa (e-visa) to Vietnam must prepare the following documents:

1. Valid Passport

• The passport must be valid for at least 06 months from the expected date of entry into Vietnam;
• The passport must contain at least one blank page for the entry stamp at the border checkpoint.

2. Digital Portrait Photograph

• A recent color photograph, frontal view, with white background, without hats or glasses;
• The photo must be 4×6 cm in size, in .jpg or .jpeg format, and under 2MB in file size;
• The photograph must have been taken within the last 6 months.

3. Scanned Image of the Passport Information Page

• A clear image of the passport page showing the applicant’s photo and personal details (full name, date of birth, passport number, nationality, etc.);
• The file must be in .jpg/.jpeg format; only one page (the personal data page) should be uploaded;
• The uploaded image must be clear, uncropped, and fully visible.

4. Payment Method for Visa Fees

• Visa fees must be paid online using an international credit or debit card that supports online transactions;
• Pursuant to Circular No. 25/2021/TT-BTC, the e-visa fee is USD 25 for single-entry visas and USD 50 for multiple-entry visas.

Detailed Procedure for Submitting an E-Visa Application

Step 1: Access the Official Immigration Portal

Visit the official website of the Vietnam Immigration Department: https://evisa.gov.vn/

Select the section:
“For foreigners – Electronic visa application”

Warning: Avoid using unverified websites or third-party services. The portal above is the only official government site. Submissions via unofficial channels may result in denial, and the visa fee is non-refundable.

Step 2: Complete the Online Application Form

Applicants must accurately fill in the following details:

Personal Information (must match the passport):Full name

• Gender
• Date of birth
• Nationality
• Passport number, date of issue, and expiration date

Entry Information:

• Purpose of entry (e.g., tourism, business, etc.)
• Expected date of arrival
• Port of entry
• Place of stay in Vietnam

Upload the following documents:

• 1 portrait photo (4×6 cm, white background, no hat, no glasses)
• Scanned image of the passport information page

Step 3: Pay the Visa Processing Fee

• Fee: USD 25 for single-entry e-visa
• Payment method: Online via Visa, MasterCard, JCB, or other international payment cards

After payment, the system will issue an Application Code. Save this code to check your application status later.

Step 4: Track the Result and Download the Visa

Within 3–6 working days (under normal circumstances), check your application status at: https://evisa.gov.vn/e-visa/search

To view the result, enter:

• Application Code
• Email address
• Date of birth

If approved:

• Download the e-visa in PDF format
• Print a hard copy of the visa to present upon arrival in Vietnam

The printed e-visa must be presented together with your original passport at the port of entry.

See more articles on Instructions for Applying for a Vietnamese Business Visa in 2025

Processing Time and E-visa Application Status Tracking

1. Standard Processing Time

The procedure for granting electronic visas to foreigners entering Vietnam provides that the standard processing time for an e-visa application is 03 working days from the date of receipt of a complete and valid application and the prescribed fee.

Practical Note: Although the official processing time is 3 working days, the Immigration Department recommends that applicants submit their e-visa applications at least 10 days prior to their intended date of entry to mitigate potential delays due to requests for additional information, high system traffic, technical errors, or other unforeseen issues.

2. Tracking the Application Status

After submitting an e-visa application, the applicant can proactively track the processing progress by following these steps:

a. Online inquiry using the application code

Access the official website: https://evisa.gov.vn/

Enter the required information:

• Application code
• Registered email address
• Date of birth

The system will display the current status as one of the following:

• “Under processing”
• “Approved”
• “Rejected” or may request additional information, if necessary.

b. Regularly check your email

During the processing period, the system may send emails requesting verification or providing updates on the application status.

Once the visa is approved, an approval notification email and the e-visa file (in PDF format) will be sent to the registered email.

3. Receiving and Printing the E-visa

After approval, the applicant may download the e-visa file via the link provided in the email or directly from the status inquiry portal.
Print a hard copy of the e-visa and carry it along with the original passport when completing immigration procedures at the port of entry.

Note: Immigration officers at the port of entry may deny entry if the printed e-visa is not presented or if the information on the visa does not match the passport.

Important Notes and Common Issues in the Vietnamese E-visa Application Process

1. Important Legal Note

Always retain both a digital copy and a printed copy of the e-visa. This is a practical requirement, as immigration officers at the port of entry may request to inspect either the printed or digital version for verification against your passport. Failure to present the e-visa may result in denial of entry.

2. Common Issues and Suggested Solutions

a. Application rejected due to non-compliant photo

Common reasons:

• The photo does not have a white background or contains shadows
• The applicant’s face is unclear, or the applicant is wearing glasses or a hat
• The photo does not meet the required dimensions (as specified on the official e-visa portal)

Suggested solution:

• Take a new photo that meets ICAO standards: white background, front-facing, no glasses or hats
• Carefully check the file format and size requirements on the official website before uploading

b. System Technical Issues

Common issues:

• Unable to upload application documents
• No confirmation email received
• Website overload during peak seasons

Suggested solutions:

• Ensure a stable internet connection
• If technical errors persist, submit a support request via the “Contact” section at: https://evisa.gov.vn/support

c. Payment Errors or Unconfirmed Transactions

Common causes:

• Credit/debit card not accepted
• Incorrect card information entered
• Interruptions in the international payment system

Suggested solutions:

• Use a valid international card (Visa/Mastercard)
• Try completing the payment at a different time or use another card
• If your card was charged but you did not receive an application code, immediately contact the support team to verify the transaction

See more articles on Visa procedures for foreign workers in Vietnam

Expert Recommendations: Key Tips for Applying for a Vietnam E-Visa

Based on practical experience and feedback from international applicants, the following recommendations aim to improve approval rates and minimize risks during the Vietnam e-visa application process:

1. Submit your application early to avoid delays

Recommendation: Apply at least 10 days before your intended date of entry, especially during peak travel seasons or national holidays (e.g. Tet).

Practical basis: Although the official processing time is 03 working days, the e-visa system may experience delays or technical disruptions. According to Vietnam Government Portal, under the Master Plan for Tourism Development (2021–2030, vision to 2045), Vietnam aims to attract 25–28 million international visitors by 2025 and 35 million by 2030, increasing the load on the system.

2. Carefully review all information before submission

Critical requirement: Details in the e-visa application (full name, passport number, nationality, date of birth) must exactly match the information in your passport.

Note: Even minor errors (e.g. missing letters in your name or incorrect passport number) may result in denial of entry at the border checkpoint.

3. Retain all confirmation emails and your application code

Your Registration Code is the only reference for:

Tracking application status at https://evisa.gov.vn/e-visa/search
Downloading the approved visa

4. Keep both digital and printed copies of your e-visa

Border control practice: Some international checkpoints require a printed A4 copy of the e-visa for quick verification.

Recommendation: Print at least two copies of your e-visa and store a digital version on your phone or tablet for presentation upon request.

Compliance with Vietnamese Law and Emergency Contacts When Using an E-Visa

1. Legal Compliance When Declaring Information

Pursuant to Article 21 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, foreigners are obligated to provide truthful and complete information in their visa applications.
Submitting false declarations, forged documents, or using a visa for improper purposes may result in legal consequences, including but not limited to:

• Denial of visa issuance;
• Denial of entry at the border checkpoint;
• Expulsion from Vietnam;
• Entry ban for a certain period depending on the nature and severity of the violation.

2. Emergency Contact in Case of E-Visa Issues

In the event of technical problems, visa-related incidents, or legal concerns during application processing or upon entry into Vietnam, foreigners should immediately contact the following authorities:

(a) Vietnam Immigration Department Hotline (VID)
Official website: https://dichvucong.bocongan.gov.vn/bocongan/tintuc/chitiet?matin=101

(b) Your Embassy or Consulate in Vietnam
In case of entry refusal, loss of passport, or emergency legal or medical assistance, you should immediately contact the diplomatic mission of your home country in Vietnam for consular protection and support.

(c) Local Immigration Office
During your stay in Vietnam, if you encounter issues related to residence, visa overstay, or other irregular situations, you are advised to visit the Immigration Division of the provincial or municipal Public Security Department where you are residing for proper legal guidance and resolution.

Frequently Asked Questions on Vietnam’s Electronic Visa (e-Visa)

1. Can I extend my e-visa while in Vietnam?
No. Under current regulations, an electronic visa (e-visa) is valid for a maximum of 90 days and cannot be extended from within Vietnam. If a foreign national wishes to remain in the country beyond the permitted period, they must exit Vietnam and submit a new e-visa application from the beginning.

2. What should I do if I submitted incorrect information in my application?
You must re-submit a new application via the official portal of the Vietnam Immigration Department at: https://evisa.gov.vn/.
Please note: The visa application fee (currently USD 25) for the previous submission is non-refundable, regardless of whether the application is approved or rejected.

3. Can I enter Vietnam through any border gate?
No. The e-visa is only valid for entry at 42 designated international border gates, which include:

• 16 land checkpoints
• 13 international airports
• 13 seaports

The official and updated list of eligible border checkpoints is published by the Ministry of Public Security and the Vietnam Immigration Department.
Legal note: You must verify the designated point of entry before booking your flight or travel itinerary, as using an unauthorized entry point may result in denial of entry.

Important Legal Notice

This guidance is updated in accordance with Vietnamese immigration laws effective as of 2025. However, Vietnam’s visa policies are subject to change at the discretion of the Government. To ensure accuracy, you are advised to:

• Check the official portal of the Vietnam Immigration Department: https://evisa.gov.vn/
• Consult a qualified legal advisor, such as Harvey Miller Law Firm or a licensed immigration lawyer registered to practice in Vietnam.

Harley Miller Law Firm

Email: info@luatminhnguyen.com / miller@hmlf.vn
Website: luatminhnguyen.com or hmlf.vn
Hotline: +84 9372 15585