Vietnam arrival: frequently asked questions
Short, direct answers. Visa rules change, so always confirm your own case on the Vietnamese government portals before you fly.
Visa rules last checked: 2026-10-22
Do I need a visa to visit Vietnam?
Not always. Citizens of 12 countries can visit visa-free for up to 45 days until 14 March 2028 (Resolution 44/NQ-CP): Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the UK, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland. Ordinary passports from 27 countries have a visa-free stay of 14, 21, 30, 45 or 90 days. Everyone else, and anyone staying longer than their visa-free days, needs a visa or e-visa.
How much is the Vietnam e-visa government fee?
US$25 for a single-entry e-visa (Circular 25/2021/TT-BTC) and US$50 for a multiple-entry e-visa of up to 90 days (Circular 62/2023/TT-BTC). This fee goes to Vietnam Immigration. Our service fee is separate and shown before you pay.
Can I apply for the e-visa myself?
Yes. You can apply on the government e-visa portal (evisa.gov.vn) and pay only the government fee. Travelers use our service when they want someone to check the application, submit it and follow up for them.
Can you make sure my e-visa is approved?
No one outside Vietnam Immigration can. We are a private service provider, not a government agency. What we do is check your application carefully to avoid the common mistakes that cause delays or refusals. Approval is decided only by Vietnam Immigration.
How long does the e-visa take?
The government says normally within 3 working days. Approval is decided only by Vietnam Immigration. Apply early, especially before public holidays.
What is airport fast-track in Vietnam?
A meet-and-assist service: a partner staff member meets you after you leave the plane and accompanies you through arrival formalities, using priority lanes where the airport offers them. It does not replace a valid visa or visa exemption.
Do I need to fill in a pre-arrival declaration?
International passengers arriving by air without a Vietnamese passport now fill in a free online pre-arrival declaration and show the QR code at immigration. You can submit it up to about 3 days before arrival on prearrival.immigration.gov.vn. It is free; we never charge for it and we'll remind you before your trip.
Do I need to verify or register the SIM myself?
No. There is no passport registration. An eSIM arrives as a QR code by email: scan it, and it is data only once your phone joins a Vietnamese network. A physical SIM is handed over ready to use, and staff can insert it. Neither plan has a phone number, calls or SMS, and bank or app verification codes do not arrive.
Is the data really unlimited?
The Vinaphone unlimited eSIM and the physical SIM have no daily cap and are not throttled. Every plan is data only, with no phone number, calls or SMS. Your phone should be unlocked.
How long can I stay in Vietnam?
It depends on your visa or exemption: up to 45 days for visa-exempt nationalities, or the dates printed on your e-visa (up to 90 days). Staying longer is your responsibility. Since 15 December 2025, overstay fines can reach VND 40 million and deportation is possible (Decree 282/2025/ND-CP).
I'm visa-exempt. Can I still book?
Yes. Book fast-track, SIM and pickup without the e-visa. We'll tell you honestly if you don't need a visa for your trip.