Planning a trip to Vietnam from the United States? Before you book flights, make sure you answer one question first: do Americans need a visa for Vietnam?

Yes. US citizens need a visa to enter Vietnam, and the simplest option for most travellers is the Vietnam eVisa, which you apply for online. In this guide we explain the requirements, the cost, how long it takes, how the US time difference affects your application, and what to do if you need a visa urgently.

Do US Citizens Need a Visa for Vietnam?

Yes. The United States is not on Vietnam's visa-exemption list, so American passport holders need an approved visa before they travel, whether the trip is for tourism, business or visiting family.

Be careful with websites claiming Americans can enter Vietnam visa-free for a number of days. Rules change, so always rely on the official portal and current government information.

There is one special case:

• Vietnamese-origin Americans and their families: Some people, such as Vietnamese people living overseas and their spouses and children, may qualify for a visa exemption certificate. Check eligibility with the Vietnamese embassy or immigration authorities.

For most American tourists and business visitors, the eVisa is the right choice.

Vietnam eVisa for US Citizens: Key Facts

Feature	Details
Validity	Up to 90 days
Entry type	Single entry or multiple entry
Official government fee	US$25 (single entry) or US$50 (multiple entry)
Official processing time	Usually about 3 to 5 working days
How you receive it	PDF by email
Official portal	evisa.gov.vn

Fees, rules and processing times can change, so confirm the latest details on the official portal before you apply.

Vietnam Visa Cost for Americans

The government fee is paid online in US dollars:

• Single-entry eVisa: US$25
• Multiple-entry eVisa: US$50

Choose multiple entry if you plan to leave Vietnam and return, for example on a side trip to Cambodia, Laos or Thailand.

If you use a visa assistance service instead of applying yourself, you will pay a service fee on top of the government fee. Ask for the total price in writing before you pay. Also remember that the government fee is generally not refunded if an application is rejected, so check your details carefully.

What You Need to Apply

• A valid US passport. It should be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date and have blank pages.
• A passport-style photo. Clear, recent, front-facing, with a plain background.
• A scan of your passport information page. Sharp, with all four corners visible.
• A valid email address. Your eVisa will be sent here.
• Your travel details. Intended arrival date and the airport or border gate where you will enter Vietnam.
• A credit or debit card. To pay the fee online.

How to Apply for a Vietnam eVisa From the US (Step by Step)

Step 1: Check your passport

Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date. If it is close to expiring, renew it before applying.

Step 2: Prepare your photo and passport scan

Use clear, well-lit images. Blurry or cropped files are a common cause of delays.

Step 3: Fill in the online application

Go to the official eVisa portal and enter your details exactly as they appear in your passport. Select single entry or multiple entry, your arrival date and your entry airport.

Step 4: Pay the government fee

Pay online by card. Save your payment confirmation and your application code. You will need the code to check your status.

Step 5: Wait for approval

Processing usually takes about 3 to 5 working days, but weekends and Vietnamese public holidays can add time. Check your status on the portal with your application code.

Step 6: Download and check your eVisa

When approved, download and print your eVisa. Check that your name, date of birth, passport number and validity dates are all correct.

Step 7: Carry it when you travel

Bring a printed copy of your eVisa with your passport. Airlines and immigration officers may ask to see it.

US Time Zones and Your Application

Vietnam is about 11 to 15 hours ahead of the US, depending on your time zone and daylight saving time. This matters because processing follows Vietnam's working days.

• An application you submit on a Friday afternoon in the US arrives on Saturday morning in Vietnam, so processing may not start until Monday.
• Apply early in the week, ideally Monday or Tuesday, to avoid losing days to the weekend.
• Allow extra time if your trip falls near Tet (Lunar New Year), National Day or other Vietnamese public holidays.

Which Airports Can You Enter With an eVisa?

eVisa holders must enter through an approved border gate. Popular international airports include:

Airport	Code	City or area
Noi Bai International Airport	HAN	Hanoi
Tan Son Nhat International Airport	SGN	Ho Chi Minh City
Da Nang International Airport	DAD	Da Nang and Hoi An
Cam Ranh International Airport	CXR	Nha Trang
Phu Quoc International Airport	PQC	Phu Quoc Island

This is not a full list. The entry point on your application should match the one you actually use.

Common Mistakes Americans Make

• Assuming the US is visa-free. It is not. Apply before you fly.
• Using unofficial websites. Fake sites imitate the government portal and may charge extra. Check the web address carefully.
• Typing details that do not match the passport. Even a small spelling difference can cause problems.
• Uploading a poor photo or scan. Use clear, well-lit images.
• Applying too late. Apply at least 1 to 2 weeks before departure, and earlier around holidays.
• Not checking the approved visa. Confirm names, dates and entry details before you travel.

What If You Need a Vietnam Visa Urgently?

Sometimes plans change quickly: a family emergency, a last-minute business trip, or you simply forgot to apply and your flight leaves in a few days. If your eVisa is delayed or you need it faster than the standard timeline, you may have options.

• Read our guide to the emergency Vietnam visa to understand urgent processing, weekend and holiday assistance, typical costs and what to ask before you pay.
• Visit our urgent visa page if you want help with a tight departure date.

Keep in mind that no service can guarantee approval or an exact processing time, because the final decision belongs to Vietnamese immigration authorities. Never travel before you have received your approved visa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do US citizens need a visa for Vietnam?

Yes. US passport holders need a visa to enter Vietnam, apart from limited special cases such as certain exemption certificates for Vietnamese-origin travellers and their families.

How much is the Vietnam eVisa for Americans?

The official government fee is US$25 for a single-entry eVisa and US$50 for a multiple-entry eVisa. Agencies may add a service fee.

How long does the Vietnam eVisa take?

Official processing usually takes about 3 to 5 working days. It can take longer around weekends and public holidays, so apply early.

How long can Americans stay in Vietnam with an eVisa?

The eVisa is valid for up to 90 days. Your exact permitted stay follows the dates shown on your approved visa.

Can I get a Vietnam visa at the airport?

Do not plan to simply arrive and buy a visa. Apply for your eVisa before you travel and carry the approved copy with you.

What if my eVisa has not arrived and I fly soon?

First check your application status on the official portal and confirm your details are correct. If your flight is close, read our emergency Vietnam visa guide or contact us through the urgent visa page.

Is single entry or multiple entry better?

Choose single entry if you will enter Vietnam once. Choose multiple entry if you will leave and re-enter, for example for side trips to neighbouring countries.

What passport validity do I need?

Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date and have blank pages.

Need Help With Your Vietnam Visa?

Applying yourself is straightforward, but small mistakes can cost you time and money. If you would like a person to check your details before submission, you can apply for an eVisa with our team or contact us on WhatsApp.

Important: Visa rules, fees and processing times can change. Always confirm the latest information with the Vietnam Immigration Department's official portal before you apply. Vietnam Visa Guides is a private assistance service and is not affiliated with the Government of Vietnam.