Getting a Vietnam visa on arrival can seem like a complicated and daunting task. Do you apply through a local Vietnam embassy or consulate or use one of the shady looking online providers for an e-visa and risk being ripped off? The first time I visited Vietnam in 2007, I spent a week waiting in Sihanoukville, Cambodia for the Vietnamese consulate to re-open from vacation so I could get my visa. The next time, I overpaid drastically by getting a Visa through the Vietnamese consulate in Vancouver.
After visiting Vietnam 5 times, I’ve finally figured out the best and easiest way to get a Vietnam visa on arrival! Best yet as of 2024, the whole Vietnam visa process has gotten substantially easier and more affordable! If you’re struggling to figure out the process, follow these steps and you’ll be eating Bún chả and drinking Bia hơi, in no time!
How to get a 90 day e-visa to Vietnam Online as an E-Visa
Vietnam has made it’s e-visa process substantially easier over the last several years. The e-visa is the easiest and most affordable option and is available for 90 days trips with the option of both single and multiple entries. It’s also available to foreigners entering Vietnam via air, land or sea (just check the official application website below for the full list of entry ports)!
Steps to get the Vietnam e-visa online
- Go to the official Vietnamese government website.
- Complete the form and pay $25USD (single entry) or $50USD (multiple entries).
- Wait 3 business days and check back for your approval status.
- Obtain your E-Visa form and bring it along for your entry into Vietnam.
Total Visa Cost: $25 USD (single entry) or $50 USD (multiple entries)
Do I still need approval letters? What about the stamping fee?
No, since introducing the new e-visa process in 2023. The e-visa is all you need. Follow the steps above to get your visa. No more shady looking third party websites to navigate!
Is there a service I can use to do this for me?
The new Vietnam e-visa process is incredibly straightforward, but if you need help check out iVisa. For a few they’ll take care of everything. I personally don’t feel its necessary given how straightforward this process is, but their service is convenient for more countries with more challenging visa application processes.
Other considerations for your Vietnam trip
Whatever you do, don't forget this
Vietnam is a great country for adventure activities from diving to canyoning to motorbiking, unfortunately medical emergencies can and do happen. You need to be prepared! A friend of ours was medevaced to Bangkok from Cambodia and spent several weeks in the hospital there to the tune of $750,000. Fortunately, she had travel insurance!
If you don’t already have travel insurance, check out World Nomads* . Their coverage includes medical emergencies, luggage & gear and trip cancellation. Hopefully, you never need to make a claim, but if you do you’ll be beyond happy you were prepared!
Travel Gear for Vietnam:
From city exploration to beach time to hikes Vietnam throws every adventure at you in a full sensory overload. The perfect companion? A customizable everyday adventure backpack like our Kiri Collection.
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you click one of the links and make a purchase we’ll earn a small commission at no cost to you. Just like the travel backpacks we build, we’re very particular . So any products or services we suggest, we test and use ourselves before making any recommendations or endorsements.
Michael
