Visiting Vietnam requires a visa. In recent years, the authorities have made procedures more flexible or even lengthened the duration. The latest law published Aug. 15th, 2023, is significant of this opening, with a 90-day e-visa and a 45-day visa exemption for some nationals. Focus.

In June 2023, the Vietnamese government approved the extension of the electronic visa (or e-visa), as well as the visa exemption for certain nationals.
On August 15 this year, local authorities decided to open the territory to everyone, whereas previously only nationals of 80 countries could enter Vietnam. At the same time, the visa exemption period was brought to 45 days (instead of 15 previously).
Note that Vietnam still offers the possibility of exemption of variable duration depending on the country, which can range from 14 days to 90 days for citizens of Myanmar, Brunei, The Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Laos, Kyrgyzstan, Indonesia, Cambodia, Panama, and Chile. If things are still a bit confusing for you, do not hesitate to contact your embassy.
 

Young woman walking on Hanoi's street during Tet   © Mr Linh's adventure

Pedicab in Hanoi's old quarter   © Mr Linh's adventure

Processing time: 5 – 7 working days
Original passport required.

Please apply for e-visa only on the OFFICIAL WEBSITE of the National Web Portal on Immigration !  Choose “For Foreigners” tab and you will be routed to a screen showing rough guidelines including 3 steps of submission. Just ensure that you read it thoroughly before checking the text box and go “Next” to the application form. Then, just follow the on-screen instructions.
Please note that the fees are 25 or 50 USD, depending on the stay duration, and the application is generally processed in 3 working days.
A list of countries that are exempted of visa to Vietnam can be found here.

If you are not from one of these countries or you wish to apply for a longer visa or a multiple entry visa, you will have to apply through the traditional method of contacting the embassy or through a third party.
Mr Linh’s Adventures can help you to arrange visas at a reduced cost for visitors who book one of our tours. Applications must be made to us no later than 14 days before travel. You can contact us via email  and after a quick chat and a couple of mails, your request will be processed.
Please note that either the 25 USD fee and the 50 USD fee processing are non-refundable under any circumstance, regardless of the outcome.
 

Halong bay, unmissable emblem of Vietnam   © Mr Linh's adventure

Only basic information is required to obtain a Visa:
Your complete name as written on your passport (check carefully what is written between the <<…<). Please make sure to write your name properly (the usual mistake people do) : first name, middle, and last name
Fill out the intended temporary residential address, as it’s a requirement (you may be asked to provide information if you leave it empty.) For examp[le, you can use the address of your first hotel.
Photo of passport personal data page
Photo of yourself (facing forward, no glasses, white background – 4x6 cm)
Ability to pay online with a credit or debit card
Double or even triple-check all the information!
After having paid the fees, just wait for the result (you will receive an email and you can track your process online). If everything is okay, you can download the e-Visa and print 2 copies of it.
Travelers with an e-Visa can go directly to immigration counters at their point of entry, and do not need to queue at Visa on Arrival counters. 

As said, usually you will get your Vietnam e-Visa in 3 working days, but it is recommend applying for your Vietnam e-Visa at least 10 to 14 days before your planned arrival, so you have enough time if it takes longer.
please note that Vietnam Immigration does not process e-Visa applications during the weekend (Saturday, Sunday) and public Vietnam holidays.