How to Apply for a Vietnam eVisa from US, UK & Australia
Step-by-step guide to applying for a Vietnam eVisa if you hold a US, UK, or Australian passport. Includes required documents, common mistakes, and processing times.
If you hold a US, UK, or Australian passport and you're planning a trip to Vietnam, getting your eVisa is straightforward — but only if you know exactly what to do. This guide walks you through the entire process step by step.
We've helped over 155,000 travelers get their Vietnam visas, and these three nationalities are among the most common we assist. Here's everything you need to know.
Before You Start: Check Your Passport
Before anything else, check your passport:
- Validity: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned entry date into Vietnam
- Blank pages: You need at least one completely blank page for the entry stamp
- Condition: Damaged or heavily worn passports can cause issues at immigration
If your passport doesn't meet these requirements, renew it before applying for your visa.
What You Need to Apply
Gather these documents before starting your application:
For US Citizens
- Valid US passport (6+ months validity)
- Passport bio-data page scan (clear, all text readable)
- Passport-style photo (white background, face clearly visible, JPEG under 2MB)
- Travel dates (approximate is fine)
- First accommodation address in Vietnam
- Credit or debit card for payment
For Australian Citizens
- Valid US passport (6+ months validity)
- Passport bio-data page scan (clear, all text readable)
- Passport-style photo (white background, face clearly visible, JPEG under 2MB)
- Travel dates (approximate is fine)
- First accommodation address in Vietnam
- Credit or debit card for payment
For UK Citizens
Same standard requirements. Note: Australian citizens may qualify for visa-free entry for stays under 45 days under the current bilateral agreement. Check the current status before applying — if your stay is under 45 days, you may not need a visa at all.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Go to the Official Portal
The official Vietnam eVisa portal is: evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn
Be careful of unofficial websites that charge higher fees or collect your data. The official portal charges $25 USD.
Alternatively, use a trusted assistance service like Joey Visa Vietnam — we handle the entire process for you and offer urgent processing options. Visit our apply page with code DUONG-WK.
Step 2: Create an Account
On the government portal, you'll need to create an account with your email address. You'll receive a verification email — check your spam folder if you don't see it within a few minutes.
Step 3: Start Your Application
Select "Apply for e-Visa" and choose your nationality. The form will ask for:
- Personal information: Full name (exactly as in passport), date of birth, gender, nationality
- Passport details: Passport number, issue date, expiry date, issuing country
- Travel information: Intended entry date, exit date, entry checkpoint, purpose of visit
- Accommodation: First address in Vietnam
Critical: Every detail must exactly match your passport. A single typo can cause your visa to be rejected or create problems at immigration.
Step 4: Upload Your Documents
You'll need to upload:
-
Passport photo page: Take a clear photo or scan of the bio-data page. Make sure all text is readable and there's no glare.
-
Portrait photo: This must meet specific requirements:
- White or light background
- Face clearly visible, looking straight at camera
- No glasses, hats, or head coverings (unless for religious reasons)
- Taken within the last 6 months
- JPEG format, 4KB–2MB file size
- Minimum 400x600 pixels
The photo is the most common reason for application rejection. If in doubt, use a professional passport photo service.
Step 5: Select Entry Point
Choose your planned entry point from the dropdown list. For most US, UK, and Australian travelers flying in, this will be one of:
- Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi)
- Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City)
- Da Nang International Airport
- Phu Quoc International Airport
- Cam Ranh International Airport (Nha Trang)
If you're entering by land from Cambodia or Laos, select the appropriate land border crossing.
Step 6: Pay the Fee
The government fee is $25 USD for both single and multiple entry eVisas. Payment is by credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, UnionPay).
Keep your payment receipt — you'll need the transaction reference if you need to follow up on your application.
Step 7: Wait for Processing
Standard processing time is 3 business days. You'll receive an email when your visa is ready.
Log back into the portal to download your eVisa as a PDF. Print a copy or save it to your phone.
Processing Times by Nationality
| Nationality | Standard | Urgent (via assistance) |
|---|---|---|
| US | 3 business days | 1 hour – 3 days |
| UK | 3 business days | 1 hour – 3 days |
| Australia | 3 business days | 1 hour – 3 days |
For urgent processing options and current pricing, see our pricing page.
Common Mistakes US, UK & Australian Travelers Make
Mistake 1: Applying Too Late
Apply at least 7–10 days before travel. Standard processing is 3 business days, but weekends and Vietnamese public holidays don't count. Give yourself buffer time.
Mistake 2: Wrong Name Format
Your name must match your passport exactly. If your passport shows "JOHN MICHAEL SMITH," enter it exactly that way. Don't abbreviate middle names or swap the order.
Mistake 3: Incorrect Entry Point
If you book a flight to Hanoi but select Ho Chi Minh City as your entry point, you'll have a problem. Double-check your entry point matches your actual travel plans.
Mistake 4: Passport Photo Rejection
The government portal's photo checker is strict. A photo that looks fine to you might be rejected for subtle reasons (slight shadow, background not pure white, face angle). Use a professional photo if possible.
Mistake 5: Not Checking Visa-Free Options
Australian citizens may qualify for visa-free entry for short stays. UK citizens also have visa-free arrangements with Vietnam for stays under 45 days. Check current agreements — you might not need a visa at all.
What Happens at the Airport
When you arrive in Vietnam with your eVisa:
- Join the regular immigration queue (not the VOA desk)
- Present your passport and printed/digital eVisa
- The officer will scan your passport and verify the eVisa in the system
- You'll receive an entry stamp
- Proceed to baggage claim
The process is quick — usually 2–5 minutes per person at the immigration counter.
Need Help or Urgent Processing?
If you're short on time, made an error on your application, or just want peace of mind that everything is done correctly — our team at Joey Visa Vietnam is here to help.
We've processed visas for travelers from the US, UK, Australia, and 150+ other countries. Visit our apply page and use code DUONG-WK for priority service, or check our pricing page for urgent processing options starting from same-day delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need a visa for Vietnam? Yes, US citizens need a visa for Vietnam unless a visa-free agreement is in place (check current status). The eVisa is the easiest option — apply online for $25 and receive it within 3 business days.
Can I get a Vietnam eVisa if I have dual citizenship (US/UK or US/Australian)? Yes. Apply using the passport you'll use to enter Vietnam. Make sure all details on the application match that specific passport.
What if I need to change my travel dates after getting the eVisa? The eVisa is tied to specific entry and exit dates. If your dates change significantly, you may need to apply for a new eVisa. Minor date changes (a day or two) are usually fine at the discretion of the immigration officer.
Is the Vietnam eVisa valid for tourism and business? Yes, the standard eVisa covers both tourism and business purposes. Select the appropriate purpose when applying.
Can I extend my Vietnam eVisa once I'm in the country? Yes, eVisas can be extended once for up to 90 additional days. Apply for the extension through the immigration department before your current visa expires.
What if my eVisa application is rejected? Rejections are uncommon for US, UK, and Australian passport holders. If it happens, check the rejection reason, correct the issue, and reapply. Contact us if you need help troubleshooting.
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Written by
Andrew Duong — Joey Visa Vietnam
Content creator and writer sharing insights and stories.
