Last updated: October 2026

Are you looking for the information about Vietnam visa for US citizens? Here is the short answer: yes, Americans need a visa to enter Vietnam. Most travelers apply online for an e-visa that costs $25 or $50 and lets them stay up to 90 days.

This guide explains who needs a visa, which types are available (e-visa and visa on arrival), what documents you must prepare, and exactly how to apply on the official website without paying extra service fees. We checked the details against the official government portal and current 2026 guidance, so you can plan your trip with confidence.

Do US Citizens Need a Visa for Vietnam?

Yes, US citizens need a visa to enter Vietnam for tourism, business, family visits, or most other purposes. Vietnam grants visa-free entry to citizens of certain countries, but the United States is not on that list. You also cannot get a visa at the airport without arranging it beforehand, and airlines may refuse to let you board without an approved visa.

There is one notable exception. Foreign visitors who fly directly to Phu Quoc Island can usually stay up to 30 days without a visa. This rule applies only to that island and may change, so check the latest announcement before you book.

What you need before you apply

• A valid US passport with at least 6 months of validity from your date of entry, plus blank pages for stamps.
• A digital scan of your passport photo page (the page with your photo and personal details).
• A recent passport-style portrait photo with a plain background.
• A credit or debit card to pay the visa fee online.
• An email address to receive your approved e-visa.
• Your first-night accommodation address and your planned entry and exit dates.

If you are a US citizen of Vietnamese origin, you may qualify for a visa exemption certificate that can be valid for several years. Contact the Vietnamese embassy or consulate to check your eligibility.

Types of Vietnam Visa for US Citizens

American travelers have two main options for a short visit: the e-visa and the visa on arrival. For longer or specialized stays, such as work or long-term business, you may need an embassy-issued visa or a visa sponsored by a Vietnamese company. For tourism and short business trips, here is how the two main options compare:

	E-visa	Visa on arrival
How to apply	Online, through the official government portal	Pre-approval letter via a Vietnamese agency, then pay at the airport
Maximum stay	Up to 90 days	Depends on the approval letter (up to 30 days)
Entry type	Single or multiple	Single or multiple
Government fee	$25 (single) / $50 (multiple)	$25 / $50 stamping fee, paid at the airport
Extra costs	None if applied on the official site	Agency service fee for the approval letter
Where it works	Designated airports, land borders and seaports	International airports only
Best for	Most travelers	Travelers who prefer an agency to handle the process

Vietnam E Visa for US Citizens

The Vietnam e visa for US citizens is the easiest and most popular option. You apply online, pay by card, and receive an electronic approval by email. Since August 2023, the e-visa can be valid for up to 90 days, an increase from the previous 30-day limit.

• Single entry ($25): valid for one entry only. It ends once you leave Vietnam.
• Multiple entry ($50): lets you leave and re-enter during the validity period. It is worth the extra $25 if you plan side trips to Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, or China and then return to Vietnam.
• Processing time: officially about 3 working days. Apply at least 1 to 2 weeks before departure to leave a safety buffer.
• Port of entry: you must enter through the exact port you selected on your application.

The visa fee is not refunded if your application is rejected, so check every detail before paying.

Take note: Vietnam e visa can be applied by yourself directly from the official government website, or applied through the visa agency. The visa agency will charge service fee to simplify the process, documents checking, guarantee visa issuance and fast processing. If you are confident with online application, you can do it by yourself for cheaper price.

Vietnam Visa On Arrival

The Vietnam visa on arrival is often misunderstood. It does not mean you can simply show up at the airport and buy a visa. Americans must arrange it in advance in two steps:

1. Before you fly: a Vietnamese visa agency obtains an approval letter for you. The agency charges a service fee, which varies by provider and processing speed.
2. At the airport: you show the approval letter, submit your photo and entry form, and pay the stamping fee in cash (USD).

This option works only if you arrive by air at an international airport. For most travelers, the e-visa is cheaper and faster because it removes the agency fee and the paperwork at the airport counter. Visa on arrival can still make sense if you want an agency to manage the process.

How to Get a Visa for Vietnam for US Citizens

Follow these steps to apply for the e-visa. Use only the official government portal: evisa.gov.vn.

• Prepare your documents. Scan your passport photo page and take a passport-style portrait photo with a plain background (white background is recommended)
• Open the official portal and choose the option for foreigners applying personally from outside Vietnam.
• Fill in the application form. The system will scan you ICAO line on your passport upload and extract information to the form, but you still need to recheck your name, passport number, and date of birth exactly as printed on your passport. Even a small mismatch is one of the most common causes of delays.
• Choose your trip details. Select single or multiple entry, your entry and exit dates, and your port of entry.
• Pay the fee by card. The fee is $25 for single entry and $50 for multiple entry.
• Save your registration code. You will need it to check your application status online.
• Download and print your e-visa. Once approved, it arrives by email. Carry a printed copy and show it to your airline and at immigration.

Need help for Vietnam visa application?

If you are not familiar with online visa application and need a professional visa agent to handle it for you, you can use our visa service. We charge US $55 extra fee for a single entry e visa 30 days validity, with below benefits:

• Simplify the process with simple application form
• Check the passport and photo to make sure all meet the requirements
• Submit and follow the result visa for you, making sure all visa information is correct
• Guarantee visa approval 100% or refund money back
• Provide fast e visa processing in case you need emergency visa

Tips for a smooth application

• Apply early around public holidays such as Tet (Lunar New Year), when processing can slow down.
• Double-check your port of entry, because you must enter through the one on your e-visa.
• Do not overstay. Fines and problems with future entries can follow.
• Need more time? You can request an extension while in Vietnam, usually through an authorized agency. Fees and approval vary.
• Check for new entry rules on the official portal or with the Vietnamese embassy before you travel, because requirements change from time to time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vietnam Visa for US Citizens

Do US citizens need a visa to visit Vietnam?

Yes. US passport holders must have an approved visa before entering Vietnam for tourism, business, or family visits. The easiest option is the e-visa, which you can apply for online through the official government portal.

How much is a Vietnam visa for US citizens?

The official e-visa fee is $25 for a single entry and $50 for multiple entries. You pay online by card, and the fee is not refunded if your application is rejected. Third-party websites often charge $50 to $100 or more for the same visa.

How long can US citizens stay in Vietnam with an e-visa?

The e-visa can be valid for up to 90 days. Your stay must fall within the entry and exit dates on your approved visa, so check these dates carefully before you travel.

How long does it take to get a Vietnam e-visa?

Processing officially takes about 3 working days. It can take longer around public holidays such as Tet. Apply at least 1 to 2 weeks before your flight to leave a safety buffer.

Can US citizens get a Vietnam visa on arrival?

Not without preparation. You must first obtain a pre-approval letter through a Vietnamese visa agency. At the airport, you show the letter and pay the stamping fee ($25 for single entry, $50 for multiple entry). This option works only when you arrive by air.

Is the e-visa valid at land borders and seaports?

Yes, but only at the entry points Vietnam accepts for e-visas, which include many airports, land crossings, and seaports. You must enter through the exact port you selected on your application. Check the official portal for the current list.

What should I do if I make a mistake on my e-visa application?

Contact the Vietnam immigration authorities through the official portal. If your application is rejected, you must reapply and pay the fee again. To avoid this, enter your name, passport number, and date of birth exactly as printed on your passport.

Do children need their own Vietnam visa?

Yes. Every traveler needs a visa, including children. Children who hold their own passport should apply separately. Check the portal’s current instructions for minors before you submit.

Can I extend my Vietnam visa?

Yes, you can request an extension while you are in Vietnam, usually through an authorized agency. But please note that e visa cannot be extended at this period. Only other types of visa can be extended. Fees and conditions vary, and approval is not guaranteed. Do not overstay, because fines and entry problems can follow.

Is evisa.gov.vn the official website?

Yes. The official e-visa portal is evisa.gov.vn, run by the Vietnam Immigration Department. Many fake sites imitate it and add extra service fees, so always verify the web address before entering personal details or paying.

Conclusion

US citizens need a visa to visit Vietnam, and the e-visa is the best choice for most travelers: it costs $25 or $50, covers up to 90 days, and takes only a few working days to process. The visa on arrival is still possible, but it requires a pre-approval letter and works only at international airports.

To get your Vietnam visa for US citizens without stress, apply through the official portal, match your passport details exactly, and carry a printed copy of your approved visa. Once that is done, you can focus on the fun part: planning your trip to Vietnam.