Vietnam immigration policies regulated that all the United States citizens are required a visa to travel to Vietnam for purposes of tourism, business, family visit, or study. Those transiting at Vietnamese airports and not crossing the immigration area do not need a visa. Additionally, visitors traveling to Phu Quoc Island are exempt from a visa if they stay for no more than 30 days. This is just applicable for those who travel to Phu Quoc Island on a direct flight only, and they are not allowed to go to other parts of the Vietnam mainland.
Vietnam visa information for U.S. citizens
Available visa options
U.S. passport holders can choose from several visa types depending on the purpose and length of their trip:
Vietnam e-visa: The most commonly used option for tourism and short-term business travel.
Vietnam visa on arrival (VOA): It requires a pre-approved authorization letter issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department before departure.
Traditional visa (visa applied at the Vietnam Embassy or Consulates): generally used for long-term, diplomatic, work, or special-category visas
Vietnam e-visa overview
- Valid for up to 90 days;
- Available for single or multiple entries;
- Accepted at designated international airports, land crossings, and seaports.
Standard processing time
Most e-visa applications are processed within 3-5 working days, excluding weekends and Vietnamese public holidays.
Required documents
Applicants generally need:
- A passport valid for at least 6 months;
- A scanned copy of the passport information page;
- A recent 4×6 cm passport-style photo with a white background and no glasses;
- A valid credit or debit card for payment.
How to apply for a Vietnam visa for United States citizens?
From United States, the travelers can apply for Vietnam visa by 3 options:
1. Vietnam e-visa (recommended)
The e-visa system is the preferred option for most United States travelers because it is fully online and suitable for tourism and business visits.
The e-visa is valid for up to 90 days, allowing single or multiple entries.
Application process:
- 1. Complete the online application form
- 2. Upload the required passport scan and photograph
- 3. Pay the e-visa processing fee
- 4. Receive a registration code for tracking
- 5. Download and print the approved e-visa before travel
Travelers must present a printed copy of the approved e-visa upon arrival at an approved international entry points.
2. Apply for Vietnam visa on arrival
Vietnam visa on arrival is available only for travelers arriving by air and requires an approval letter obtained in advance through a travel or visa agency. Upon arrival at a Vietnamese international airport, travelers present the approval letter to receive the visa stamp. Learn more how visa on arrival works.
When applying for Vietnam visa on arrival, there is no extra documents or original passport required. The applicants just need to fill out the online application form, conduct payment and receive a letter of approval issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department. A visa sticker will be stamped on the applicants’ passport upon arrival airport.
3. Apply for Vietnam visa at the Vietnam Embassy in United States
Traditional embassy-issued visas are typically used for long-term stays, employment, diplomatic travel, or cases where an e-visa application cannot be approved.
Applications can be submitted through the Embassy of Vietnam in Washington, D.C. either in person or by mail. Applicants are generally required to provide:
- Their original passport;
- A completed visa application form;
- Passport photos;
- Applicable processing fees.
There are some differences between Vietnam e-visa, visa on arrival and traditional visa. However, once issued they have exactly same validity and condition of use:
| Description | Vietnam e-visa | Visa on arrival | Embassy visa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application | Online | Online | In person or by post |
| Processing time | 2 hours to 5 working days | 5-7 working days | 5-7 working days |
| Entry points | Airports, landports or sea ports | Airports | Airports, landports or sea ports |
| Passport required | No | No | Yes |
| Visa stamping fee | Not required | Required | Not required |
| Best for | Most travelers | Air travelers | Those near embassy |
Common Vietnam e-visa mistakes you should avoid
Many visa delays and rejections are caused by small but preventable errors. Paying close attention to the application details can significantly reduce processing issues.
Below are the most common problems:
Incorrect passport information
Misspellings, incorrect passport numbers, or missing middle names are among the leading causes of rejection. All details must exactly match the passport.
Insufficient passport validity
Passports must remain valid for at least 6 months beyond the planned entry date. Travelers with shorter validity periods may be denied boarding or entry.
Invalid photo submissions
Photos should be recent, clear, passport-style images with a plain white background. Edited, cropped, or low-quality images are often rejected.
Applying too late
Although processing commonly takes 3–5 working days, delays can occur during peak periods or public holidays. Applying at least 2 weeks before departure is strongly recommended.
Incorrect travel dates
Travelers cannot enter before the visa start date or remain after the approved expiration date. Many visitors choose the 90-day option for greater flexibility.
The children visa is shared with parents
Any child who holds an individual passport is required to obtain a separate Vietnam visa. If a child’s name is only included on a parent’s visa application, the child may be refused airline boarding or denied entry upon arrival in Vietnam.
To avoid travel disruptions, please ensure that each child traveling with their own passport has a valid and independent Vietnam visa before departure.