Current Vietnam visa rule
In many cases, a Vietnam visa is need to travel there. These are the current rules for entering Vietnam, with and without a visa.
You generally need a Vietnam visa to enter the country. However, travellers from some countries can visit Vietnam for a short period without applying for a visa. Find out more about visa regulations for Vietnam and how best to apply for one.
Visa-free entry Vietnam
Vietnam has introduced a regulation allowing travellers with passports from a limited number of countries to travel to Vietnam without a visa. This applies to some countries in East and Southeast Asia, as well as some European countries. Travellers with passports from Germany, France, Spain, Italy, the UK, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Russia or Belarus are allowed to enter Vietnam without having to apply for a visa first. In this case, you may stay in Vietnam for up to 15 days. After leaving the country, you must stay abroad for at least 30 days before you can re-enter Vietnam without a visa.
Many travellers ask whether you can make several trips to Vietnam while taking advantage of this visa-free rule. While it is possible, it is smart to make sure that you plan the trip properly, and know when it is simply is better to just get a multiple entry visa from an embassy.
If you intend to fly into Vietnam, then visiting a neighbouring country such as Thailand or Cambodia, it is technically possible to take advantage of the visa-free travel at least once. One of the rules for travelling visa free to Vietnam is that if you do travel visa free, your next entrance must be 30 days later. If you are only visiting any other country for a few days or a few weeks, it is advisable to fly in first with a regular tourist Vietnam visa, which you can apply for online, then returning afterwards using the visa exemption.
The visa-free waiver for Vietnam is temporarily applicable until 14 March 2025. Travellers who do not have a passport from one of the mentioned countries must apply for a paper visa at the embassy or an online Vietnam visa before departure. Extending the authorised duration of stay locally is not recommended.
Online version of Vietnam visa
If you need a visa to travel to Vietnam, there are several ways to get one. On the one hand, you can go to the embassy of Vietnam, make an appointment there and have the visa affixed to your passport as a label. On the other hand, you can also simply apply for the visa via a digital form. The
online version of the Vietnam visa costs less, is granted faster, and is valid for up to a 30-day holiday in Vietnam. The e-visa was launched in 2018 and has proved to be a great success, greatly simplifying the visa application process.
Visa on Arrival
In special emergencies, it is also possible to obtain a visa on arrival in Vietnam. However, an "approval letter" must be obtained from the embassy before departure. This is issued only in emergencies and never for holidays or business trips to Vietnam. Many travel companies claim they can get the "approval letter" for clients. However, there have been frequent reports of visa-on-arrival fraud in the past and currently the approval letter seems to be issued only in exceptional cases, so it is not recommended to use this type of visa for Vietnam.
Travel to Vietnam and coronavirus (Covid-19)
It is generally possible to travel to Vietnam again, but travellers should still be aware of the current coronavirus measures for travel to Vietnam. Proof of vaccination or testing for Covid-19 is no longer required for entry. However, you must download the PC Covid app download the PC Covid app and purchase health insurance to cover the cost of possible Covid-19 treatment i