Vietnam E-Visa: Complete Guide to Applying Online in 2026

Thinking about moving to Vietnam or staying there for several months? Since 2023, applying for a Vietnam e-visa online has become the simplest option for stays longer than 45 days. No more lines at the embassy or sky-high agency fees: Vietnam's e-visa system lets you get your entry authorization in 3 business days, straight from your couch.

Yet applications are regularly rejected for avoidable mistakes: a non-compliant photo, a passport expiring too soon, or contradictory information. This complete guide walks you step by step through your online Vietnam e-visa application, with official 2026 prices and the pitfalls to avoid. Whether you're heading out for 30 days of sightseeing or preparing a long-term move to Vietnam, you'll know exactly what to do.

01What Is the Vietnam E-Visa and Who Can Get One?

The Vietnam e-visa (also called an electronic visa) is a paperless entry authorization issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department. Unlike the visa on arrival (VOA) or a traditional visa obtained at an embassy, the e-visa is applied for entirely online and printed before you leave.

E-visa duration and conditions in 2026:

• Validity: 90 days maximum (extended in August 2023, up from 30 days previously)
• Entries: single or multiple (to be specified when you apply)
• Official price: 25 USD for a single entry, 50 USD for multiple entries (Circular 28/2026/TT-BTC)
• Processing time: 3 business days, the legal time frame (Law 51/2019/QH14); allow extra time in high season
• Ports of entry: 33 authorized airports, seaports and land border crossings

Who can apply for a Vietnam e-visa?

Since August 15, 2023, the e-visa has been open to citizens of all countries and territories (Embassy of Vietnam in Japan), including France, Belgium, Switzerland and Canada. French citizens also benefit from a visa exemption for stays of up to 45 days, valid until March 14, 2028 (diplomatie.gouv.fr), but the e-visa is still necessary if you want to:

• Stay more than 45 consecutive days
• Work or study (a tourist e-visa isn't enough, see the dedicated section)

Tip: If you plan to travel between Vietnam and neighboring countries (Thailand, Cambodia), choose the multiple-entry e-visa from the start. That way you won't have to reapply for a visa every time you come back.

02Complete Process: Applying for a Vietnam E-Visa Step by Step

The online Vietnam e-visa application is done exclusively on the Vietnamese government's official portal. Watch out for fraudulent websites that charge 50 to 80€ for the exact same service: the official site is evisa.gov.vn (Embassy of Vietnam in Japan); the old address evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn is still active, and every official site ends in .gov.vn (check the URL before entering your information).

Step 1: Gather the Required Documents

Before starting your application, gather:

1. Valid passport: at least 6 months beyond your planned date of entry into Vietnam
2. Digital ID photo: 4x6 cm format, white background, taken within the last 6 months (JPEG or PNG, max 1 MB)
3. Scan of your passport's photo page: legible, no glare, JPEG/PNG format (max 2 MB)
4. International bank card: for online payment (Visa, Mastercard, JCB accepted)
5. Address in Vietnam: hotel, Airbnb or the address of a local contact (mandatory on the form)

Tip: For your address in Vietnam, if you don't yet know where you'll be staying, enter the address of a hotel in your arrival city (Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City). The authorities don't check whether you actually stay there, but the information must be consistent with your port of entry.

Step 2: Fill Out the Online Form

Go to evisa.gov.vn and click "Apply for e-visa". The form has 3 pages:

Page 1 - Personal information:

• Last name and first name (exactly as on your passport)
• Date and place of birth
• Nationality and passport number
• Passport issue and expiration dates

Page 2 - Trip details:

• Planned entry and exit dates
• Port of entry (Da Nang, Hanoi, HCMC airport, etc.)
• Temporary address in Vietnam
• E-visa type: single or multiple entry

Page 3 - Document upload:

• ID photo
• Passport scan
• Review of your information

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Swapping your last name and first name (follow the order on your passport)
• Forgetting about accents or special characters (write "DUPONT", not "Dupônt")
• Choosing a port of entry different from your actual flight (immigration officers check)
• Uploading files that are too large (compress them if they're over 2 MB)

Step 3: Payment and Submission

Once the form is complete, you receive an application code (format: XXXXXXXX) by email. Keep it safe: it lets you track the progress of your application.

Payment (25 USD for a single entry, 50 USD for multiple entries) is made online by bank card. Heads-up: some French banks block payments to Vietnam on suspicion of fraud. If your payment fails:

1. Contact your bank to authorize the transaction
2. Use an N26, Revolut or Wise card
3. Try again within 24 hours with the same application code

Step 4: Tracking and Receiving Your E-Visa

The standard processing time is 3 business days (excluding weekends and Vietnamese public holidays). You can check the status of your application on the official portal by entering your application code and email.

Possible statuses:

Once approved, download your e-visa as a PDF and print 2 copies: one for immigration on arrival, and a backup in your luggage. The electronic visa includes a QR code that immigration officers can scan.

Tip: Also take a photo of your e-visa on your phone. If you lose the paper copy, you'll be able to show the digital version (although a printout is officially required).

03Real Prices and Comparison: E-Visa vs Other Options

The cost of your Vietnam visa varies considerably depending on the method you choose. Here's a transparent comparison based on 2026 rates:

Our recommendation: In most cases, the official e-visa at 25 USD offers the best value for money. Agencies charging 50-80€ simply provide a "form-filling" service that you can do yourself in 15 minutes.

Special cases where an agency can be useful:

• You're leaving in less than 48 hours (some agencies offer unofficial express processing)
• You have a criminal record or a history of visa refusals
• You're applying for a work or student visa (different procedure, see the next section)

For a detailed comparison of the official portal and private services (what they offer, what they cost, how to spot a fake site), see our guide official site or agency: which to choose for your Vietnam visa.

If you're preparing a long-term move to Vietnam, the tourist e-visa will only be a first step.

04Tourist E-Visa vs Work Visa: What's the Difference?

This is a very common question: "Can I work remotely on a tourist e-visa?" The legal answer is clear, but the reality on the ground is more nuanced.

What the Tourist E-Visa Allows

• Staying in Vietnam for up to 90 days
• Traveling freely around the country
• Taking language or cooking classes (unpaid activities)
• Working remotely for a company based OUTSIDE Vietnam (legal gray area)

What the Tourist E-Visa Does NOT Allow

• Working for a Vietnamese company
• Setting up a local business
• Receiving a salary from a Vietnamese source
• Staying more than 90 consecutive days

The reality of digital nomad life in Vietnam:

Thousands of digital nomads work remotely from Da Nang, Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City on a simple tourist e-visa. As long as your activity doesn't compete with the local market and your income comes from abroad, the authorities generally turn a blind eye. However, it isn't legal in the strict sense.

If you want a fully compliant status:

1. Work visa (LD): requires a sponsor (Vietnamese employer), valid for 1-2 years, lets you work legally. Cost: 200-400€ depending on the duration.
2. Business visa (DN): for entrepreneurs and freelancers, requires an invitation from a Vietnamese company, 1-3 months, renewable. Cost: 100-200€.
3. Temporary residence card (TRC): after 1 year on a work visa, lets you stay for 5 years. Official fees: 145 to 165 USD depending on the duration (Circular 28/2026/TT-BTC).

Tip: For stays of 3-6 months, the most common strategy is to chain 2 90-day e-visas with a trip out of the country in between (a weekend in Bangkok, Siem Reap or Singapore). Total cost: 50€ + 100-200€ for the flight, far cheaper than a work visa.

05Pitfalls to Avoid and Common Mistakes

Here are the mistakes that come up most often in e-visa refusals, and how to avoid them:

1. Photo That Doesn't Meet the Requirements

Official requirements:

• 4x6 cm format (2:3 ratio)
• Plain white or light blue background
• Face uncovered, no glasses or headwear (except for religious reasons)
• Recent (less than 6 months old)
• Neutral expression, mouth closed

Common mistake: Using a passport photo that's several years old, or a selfie with an unsuitable background. Result: automatic refusal.

Solution: Use an online service like iVisa Photo (5€) or Passport Photo Online, which automatically crops and adjusts your photo to Vietnamese standards.

2. Passport Expiring Too Soon

Vietnam requires at least 6 months of validity beyond your planned date of entry. If your passport expires in September 2026 and you apply for an e-visa for March 2026, your application will be rejected.

Solution: Check your passport's expiration date BEFORE you apply. If needed, renew it in France (processing time: 3-6 weeks depending on the prefecture).

3. Inconsistencies Between Documents

The immigration system's algorithms automatically detect inconsistencies:

• A different name on the form and on the scanned passport
• A date of birth that doesn't match
• A declared port of entry that differs from the booked flight

Solution: Proofread your form THREE TIMES before submitting. A typo can cost you 25€ and 3 extra days of processing.

4. Forgetting to Print Your E-Visa

Every month, travelers show up at Da Nang immigration with their e-visa only on their smartphone. Result: denied boarding or having to buy a visa on arrival (25 USD + 1-2 hours of waiting).

Solution: Print 2 copies of your e-visa and slip one into your carry-on and the other into your checked suitcase.

5. Applying Too Early or Too Late

Too early: The e-visa is valid from the entry date you specify. If you apply 2 months in advance but your plans change, you'll have to apply again.

Too late: In high season (December-February, July-August), processing can take up to 5 business days. Applying for an e-visa 2 days before departure is risky.

Solution: Apply 10-15 days before departure. That leaves a safety margin while limiting the risk of your plans changing.

Tip: If you need to change your entry date after your e-visa has been approved, contact the Embassy of Vietnam in Paris immediately (+33 1 44 14 64 00). In some cases, they can adjust the date without a new application.

06Authorized Ports of Entry for the Vietnam E-Visa in 2026

The Vietnam e-visa is valid at 33 ports of entry across the country. Here are the main ones for French expats:

International airports (most used):

• Noi Bai (Hanoi): the main hub in the north, direct flights from Paris with Vietnam Airlines
• Da Nang: ideal for central Vietnam, well served from Bangkok, Singapore, Seoul
• Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City): the country's largest airport, many international flights
• Cam Ranh (Nha Trang): beach destination, charter flights from Moscow and Seoul
• Phu Quoc: island paradise, flights from Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur

Land border crossings (for multi-country travelers):

• Moc Bai (Cambodian border): Phnom Penh - Ho Chi Minh City route
• Lao Bao (Laotian border): Savannakhet - Hue route
• Mong Cai (Chinese border): Dongxing - Quang Ninh route

Seaports (cruises):

• Port of Da Nang: Asian cruise stopovers
• Port of Ho Chi Minh City: Mekong cruises
• Port of Nha Trang: coastal cruises

IMPORTANT: You MUST enter through the port of entry listed on your e-visa. If you declare "Da Nang" but land in Hanoi, immigration will deny you entry. If your flight changes, reapply for an e-visa with the correct port of entry.

Tip: If you're planning a multi-destination trip (for example, arriving in Hanoi and leaving from Da Nang), choose the multiple-entry e-visa. You'll be able to leave and re-enter Vietnam through any authorized port for 90 days.

07Renewing and Extending Your E-Visa

Here's something few guides mention: the Vietnam e-visa CANNOT be renewed from inside Vietnam. Unlike Thailand, where you can extend your tourist visa at the local immigration office, Vietnam requires you to leave the country.

Options for staying longer than 90 days:

Option 1: Visa Run (Exit and Re-Entry)

The most common method among digital nomads:

1. Apply for a first 90-day e-visa (multiple entry)
2. Before it expires, leave Vietnam for 24-48 hours (Bangkok, Siem Reap, Singapore)
3. Apply for a second e-visa while you're abroad
4. Re-enter Vietnam with the new visa

Total cost: 50€ (2 e-visas) + 100-200€ (budget flight) + 50-100€ (hotel) = about 250€ for 180 days.

Popular visa run destinations from Da Nang:

• Bangkok: 2-hour flight, 60-120€ round trip with VietJet or AirAsia
• Siem Reap: 1.5-hour flight, 80-150€ round trip, a chance to visit Angkor Wat
• Singapore: 2.5-hour flight, 100-180€ round trip, shopping weekend
• Kuala Lumpur: 2-hour flight, 70-130€ round trip, visa-free for French citizens

Option 2: Switch to a Work Visa

If you want to stay 6-12 months without interruption, the work visa (LD) becomes more cost-effective:

• Cost: 300-500€ depending on the duration (1 or 2 years)
• Pros: no exits required, you can work legally, access to the temporary residence card after 1 year
• Con: requires a sponsor (Vietnamese employer or setting up a company)

Option 3: Alternate the Visa Exemption and the E-Visa

A lesser-known but legal strategy:

1. Enter Vietnam without a visa (45-day exemption)
2. Leave the country before day 45
3. Apply for a 90-day e-visa
4. Re-enter with the e-visa

Total: 135 days for the price of a single e-visa (25€) + a flight.

Limit: This method works once or twice, but frequent repeated entries and exits draw the attention of immigration officers. After 3-4 visa runs in 12 months, you risk questioning or being denied entry.

08What to Do If Your E-Visa Is Refused

E-visa refusals are still uncommon, but they do happen. Here's the procedure to follow:

Step 1: Identify the Reason for the Refusal

The Vietnamese system sends a refusal email with an error code:

• Code 01: Non-compliant photo
• Code 02: Invalid passport or passport expiring too soon
• Code 03: Inconsistent information
• Code 04: Immigration history (overstay, deportation)
• Code 99: Unspecified reason (security, blacklist)

Step 2: Correct and Reapply

For codes 01-03, you can simply reapply after correcting the error. Note: the 25 USD for the first application is NOT refunded.

Step 3: Contact the Embassy (Codes 04 and 99)

If the refusal is related to your history or to a security reason, contact the Embassy of Vietnam in Paris:

• Address: 62-66 rue Boileau, 75016 Paris
• Phone: +33 1 44 14 64 00
• Email: consulat@ambvietnam.com
• Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-12pm and 2pm-5pm

You'll need to provide:

• A copy of your passport
• Proof of a hotel booking in Vietnam
• A letter of explanation (in French or English)
• Proof of income (to show you're not looking to work illegally)

Processing time: 5-10 business days. Cost: 60-80€ for a traditional visa issued by the embassy.

Tip: If you have a history of overstaying a visa in Vietnam, wait at least 6 months before applying for a visa again. The authorities keep a record and may systematically refuse applications during that period.

09Vietnam E-Visa: Complete Pre-Departure Checklist

Before booking your plane ticket to Da Nang or Hanoi, make sure you've checked off all of these points:

15 days before departure:

• Check your passport's validity (at least 6 months after entry)
• Prepare a compliant ID photo (4x6 cm, white background)
• Scan your passport's photo page (JPEG, max 2 MB)
• Apply for the e-visa on the official site (evisa.gov.vn)
• Pay the fees by bank card (25 USD single entry, 50 USD multiple entries)
• Write down your application code somewhere safe

3 days before departure:

• Check the e-visa status on the official portal
• Download the PDF of the approved e-visa
• Print 2 copies (1 carry-on + 1 suitcase)
• Take a photo of the e-visa on your smartphone (backup)
• Check that the port of entry matches your flight

Departure day:

• Printed e-visa in your carry-on
• Valid passport
• Return plane ticket (or proof of sufficient funds)
• Travel insurance covering Vietnam (see our health insurance guide)

On arrival in Vietnam:

• Present your printed e-visa + passport at immigration control
• Fill out the customs declaration form (handed out on the plane)
• Collect your luggage
• Go through customs (nothing to declare for personal belongings)

If you're preparing a full move to Vietnam, this checklist is only a first step. See our complete 47-step moving checklist so you don't forget anything (bank account, health insurance, housing, etc.).

10Alternatives to the E-Visa: Exemption and Visa on Arrival

Although the e-visa is the most flexible option, two alternatives exist depending on your situation:

45-Day Visa Exemption (Free)

Conditions:

• French, German, Spanish, Italian or British citizen
• Maximum stay of 45 days
• Multiple entries possible, each stay limited to 45 days, until March 14, 2028 (diplomatie.gouv.fr)
• Passport valid for 6 months

Pros:

• Free
• No prior paperwork
• Ideal for a first exploratory trip

Cons:

• Limited to 45 days (cannot be extended)
• Not suitable for digital nomads or expats

Use case: Coming to visit Da Nang for 3 weeks to size up the city before a move? The visa exemption is enough. You can then apply for an e-visa from France if you decide to come back.

Visa on Arrival (VOA)

The visa on arrival was popular before 2023, but the e-visa has largely replaced it. It requires:

1. Getting an "approval letter" through an agency (15-25€, 2-day turnaround)
2. Paying the stamping fee at the airport (25 USD)
3. Waiting in line at the "Visa on Arrival" counter (30 minutes to 2 hours depending on crowds)

Total cost: 40-50€ + waiting time.

Pros:

• Useful if you forgot to apply for the e-visa
• 1-, 3- or 6-month visas available (more expensive)

Cons:

• More expensive than the e-visa
• Waiting in line on arrival
• Only available at airports (not at land borders)

Our recommendation: The VOA no longer has any real advantage since the 90-day e-visa was introduced. Always go with the e-visa unless it's an absolute emergency.

11Useful Resources and Contacts

Official websites:

• Vietnam e-visa portal: evisa.gov.vn (main address; the old address evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn is still active; beware of imitations, every official site ends in .gov.vn)
• Embassy of Vietnam in France: ambvietnam.com
• Consulate in Paris: +33 1 44 14 64 00
• Vietnam Immigration Department: xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn

Useful mobile apps:

• Vietnam Immigration (official): real-time visa tracking
• iVisa: application assistant (paid, not required)
• Google Translate: to understand documents in Vietnamese

Facebook groups for French-speaking expats:

• "Français au Vietnam" (12,000 members)
• "Expats Da Nang" (8,000 members)
• "Digital Nomads Vietnam" (15,000 members)

These communities regularly share firsthand experiences with visa procedures. Also see our guide on the French community in Vietnam to find local support.

Emergency numbers in Vietnam:

• Police: 113
• Ambulance: 115
• French Embassy in Hanoi: +84 24 3944 5700
• French Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City: +84 28 3520 6800

Tip: Save these contacts in your phone BEFORE you leave. If you run into an immigration problem on arrival, you'll be able to contact the French Embassy right away.

12Conclusion: Getting Your Vietnam E-Visa Application Right in 2026

In 2026, applying for a Vietnam e-visa online has become the simplest, fastest and most affordable way to stay up to 90 days in the land of the dragon. For just 25 USD and 15 minutes of your time, you get an entry authorization valid at 33 ports of entry, with the option of multiple entries.

The keys to success:

1. Plan ahead: apply 10-15 days before departure to avoid stress
2. Be meticulous: check your information 3 times before submitting
3. Use the official site: evisa.gov.vn (no intermediary agency)
4. Print your e-visa: 2 copies minimum, don't rely only on the digital version
5. Respect the conditions: the tourist e-visa doesn't allow you to work for a Vietnamese company

If you're preparing to live in Vietnam beyond 90 days, the e-visa is only a first step. You'll then need to consider a work visa, setting up a local company, or regular visa runs. Every situation is unique, and the paperwork can quickly get complicated.

For these longer processes, check with your employer or sponsor in Vietnam, or with the Immigration Department.

Have a great trip to Vietnam.