Planning a trip to Vietnam? This guide covers exactly who needs a visa, what it costs, how long it takes and where to apply — using figures from Vietnam's official immigration authorities.
Quick answer
Most visitors to Vietnam need vietnam e-visa, with an official government fee of US$25 single entry; US$50 multiple entry (government fee, non-refundable).
Vietnam visa at a glance
| Visa required? | Yes, for many nationalities |
|---|---|
| Main visa type | Vietnam e-Visa |
| Government fee | US$25 single entry; US$50 multiple entry (government fee, non-refundable) |
| Processing time | Approx 3 working days (apply 5-7 days before travel) |
| Validity | Up to 90 days from the requested entry date |
| Permitted stay | 90 days |
| Where to apply | https://evisa.gov.vn |
| HolidaySG assistance fee | S$50 per applicant (usually S$100) |
Who needs a visa for Vietnam?
Vietnam e-Visa: All countries/territories worldwide including India; passport valid 6+ months with at least 2 blank pages
Visa Exemption (Singapore nationals): Singapore passport holders; passport valid 6+ months with 2+ blank pages
Transit / airport transit: Travellers passing through Vietnam
Vietnam visa options, fees and processing times
| Option | Official fee | Max stay | Processing | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vietnam e-Visa | US$25 single entry; US$50 multiple entry (government fee, non-refundable) | 90 days | Approx 3 working days (apply 5-7 days before travel) | https://evisa.gov.vn |
| Visa Exemption (Singapore nationals) | Free (S$0) | 30 days | Immediate on arrival | N/A (on arrival) |
| Transit / airport transit | — | — | N/A | https://evisa.gov.vn |
Documents required
For the Vietnam e-Visa:
- Passport valid 6+ months with 2+ blank pages
- Colour scan of passport bio-data page (JPG under 2048KB)
- Digital portrait photo 4x6cm / min 350x350px, JPG under 1024KB, white background, no glasses, taken within 6 months
- Valid credit/debit card
- Temporary address in Vietnam and entry/exit port
How to apply
- Check your requirement by nationality (table below) or use our checker.
- Vietnam e-Visa: https://evisa.gov.vn — allow Approx 3 working days (apply 5-7 days before travel).
- Visa Exemption (Singapore nationals): N/A (on arrival) — allow Immediate on arrival.
- Transit / airport transit: https://evisa.gov.vn — allow N/A.
- Keep your approval/receipt with your passport; carry proof of accommodation, onward travel and funds.
Vietnam visa for children and families
Children usually need their own visa or entry authorisation, even infants. For family applications, prepare each traveller's passport and photo, and add birth certificates for minors and, where a child travels with one parent or a guardian, a consent letter. Applying for the whole family together keeps travel dates and reference numbers consistent.
Common mistakes, delays and rejection reasons
From handling Vietnam visa applications, these are the issues that most often cause delays or refusals. Avoiding them is the single biggest thing you can control:
- Passport validity: many countries require at least six months' validity beyond your travel dates — renew early if yours is close.
- Insufficient proof of funds: bank statements that are too thin, too new, or not in your name are a common reason for delays. Show a stable balance over the last 3–6 months.
- Photo specification errors: wrong size, background colour, glasses or a smile can bounce an application. Follow the exact spec for Vietnam.
- Applying too late: submit well before departure — allow the full processing window plus a buffer, not the minimum.
- Mismatched documents: names, dates and passport numbers must match exactly across your form, flight and hotel bookings.
- Weak ties to your home country: employment letters, leave approval and return bookings help show you intend to return.
- Prior overstays or refusals: declare them honestly; hiding history causes more problems than the history itself.
Practical timeline: application → approval → travel
- 6–8 weeks before travel: check your passport validity, confirm your requirement, and start gathering documents.
- 3–4 weeks before: book refundable flights and accommodation (immigration may ask for these), then submit your Vietnam application.
- Processing: allow Approx 3 working days (apply 5-7 days before travel). Do not make non-refundable bookings until approved.
- On approval: print/save the approval, keep it with your passport, and complete any arrival card before you fly.
Before you travel to Vietnam
- Onward or return ticket: carry proof — airlines and immigration can ask for it.
- Funds: have evidence of enough money for your stay (card and some VND).
- Travel insurance: strongly recommended, and mandatory for some destinations.
- Copies: keep a digital and paper copy of your visa/approval and passport photo page.
Good to know
- Fee non-refundable if refused. Enter via the port stated on the e-Visa.
Vietnam visa requirements by nationality
| Passport | Requirement | Max stay |
|---|
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Vietnam visa?
Vietnam e-Visa: US$25 single entry; US$50 multiple entry (government fee, non-refundable). HolidaySG's assistance fee is a separate flat S$50.
How long does it take?
Vietnam e-Visa: Approx 3 working days (apply 5-7 days before travel).
Apply for your Vietnam visa with HolidaySG
Flat S$50 assistance fee per applicant (usually S$100) — official government fee: Free (exempt) · e-Visa: US$25 single entry. We check your eligibility, send a personalised document checklist, complete the forms and track your application until the outcome.
Things to do once your Vietnam visa is sorted
- One Day Medi Hue In Peace - “Let's Go Back To The Origin” — from VND 1,976,800
- One Day Snorkeling And Fishing In South Of Phu Quoc Island — from VND 360,000
- One Day Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda And Trang An Boat From Hanoi — from VND 600,000
- Cam Kim Island Bike Tour — from VND 672,000
- Orchid Island Ticket in Nha Trang — from VND 98,560
- Cam Thanh Coconut Basket Boat in Hoi An — from VND 65,000
Official sources
- Vietnam Immigration Department — verified 19 August 2026
Last updated 20 August 2026. Written and reviewed by the HolidaySG visa team and checked against the official sources above (facts verified 19 August 2026). Visa rules change and depend on your passport, residence and purpose of travel — always confirm with the official source before booking, or use our visa checker. HolidaySG re-confirms current requirements at the time of your application.