vietnam visa for u.s. citizens 2026 | e-visa requirements, fees & how to apply

Planning Vietnam in 2026 from the United States? Great choice. From the karst cliffs of Ha Long Bay to lantern-lit Hoi An and the food meccas of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam is endlessly rewarding. This guide gives American travelers everything needed to get a Vietnam visa the right way—updated rules, e-Visa options, documents, fees, timelines, and a clear step-by-step process.

At-a-Glance: Can U.S. Citizens Visit Vietnam in 2026?

Yes. Vietnam is fully open to international tourism in 2026. U.S. passport holders typically use the Vietnam e-Visa (the fastest, most convenient route) for short visits for tourism or business.

You’ll need:

• A valid U.S. passport (at least 6 months’ validity from entry date, 1+ blank page).

• An approved Vietnam visa (most travelers choose e-Visa).

• Printed copy of your e-Visa to present at immigration.

Vietnam Visa Options for U.S. Passport Holders

Vietnam e-Visa (Tourist/Business) – Validity & Entries

• Designed for short, planned trips.

• Validity: up to 90 days.

• Entries: available as single-entry or multiple-entry (choose what matches your itinerary).

• Purpose: tourism, business meetings, visiting friends/family, or transit.

• Where it’s accepted: major international airports, seaports, and land borders that support e-Visa entries.

Who it suits: Most U.S. travelers (vacations, business visits, side trips across Southeast Asia with re-entry on multiple-entry).

Visa on Arrival (VOA) vs. Pre-Approval Letters

• Traditional VOA requires a pre-approval letter issued before travel and is generally not needed if you’re eligible for the e-Visa.

• If your itinerary is complex (e.g., specific long-term business needs), consult before you book flights.

Embassy/Consulate Visa (When You Might Need It)

• Useful when you need a special category, longer stay, or your situation doesn’t fit e-Visa parameters.

• Apply via the nearest Vietnamese embassy/consulate if directed by policy or your employer.

Vietnam e-Visa Requirements for Americans

Documents Checklist

• U.S. passport (valid 6+ months from entry; clear color scan of bio page).

• Recent color photo (passport-style, front-facing, plain background).

• Travel details (intended entry point, tentative dates).

• Accommodation details (hotel booking or host info).

• Payment card for secure online fee payment.

• Active email to receive updates and the approved e-Visa PDF.

Photo & Passport Scan Specifications

• Photo: neutral expression, no headwear (unless religious), no glasses glare, even lighting.

• Passport scan: full bio page, sharp focus, readable MRZ (the code lines at the bottom), no cropping of edges.

Fees, Processing Time & Validity Rules

• Government fee: depends on entry type (single vs multiple) and duration selected.

• Processing time: standard applications typically 3–5 working days; expedited options may be available for urgent travel.

• Validity starts from the approved entry date printed on your e-Visa—plan your flight accordingly.

• Overstays incur fines and can impact future entries—mark your calendar and comply with exit dates.

How to Apply for a Vietnam e-Visa Online – Step-by-Step

Step 1: Choose Visa Type & Travel Dates

Decide between single or multiple entry, and pick dates that match your flights. Multiple entry is best if you’ll hop to neighboring countries and return.

Step 2: Complete the Secure Application

Provide exact passport details (name, number, issue/expiry) and entry point. Consistency with your passport is critical.

Step 3: Upload Documents & Pay Online

Upload your photo and passport bio page. Pay the visa fee via secure online methods. You’ll get a confirmation email.

Step 4: Track, Receive & Print Your e-Visa

When approved, your e-Visa PDF arrives by email. Print it (carry a paper copy) and keep a digital backup on your phone.

Entry, Extensions & Compliance Tips in 2026

• Bring the printed e-Visa and your passport to the e-Visa counter at your chosen entry point.

• Extensions/changes: Some travelers can extend or convert visas from within Vietnam through authorized channels; eligibility and fees vary—plan ahead.

• Keep copies of your passport, e-Visa, and travel insurance.

• Accommodation registration: Most hotels automatically register your stay with local authorities; if staying with friends/family, confirm local registration steps.

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Visa Rejection

• Typos in passport number, name order, or dates.

• Wrong entry point listed on the application.

• Low-quality scans (blurry passport page / incorrect photo).

• Cutting it too close—apply at least 7–10 days before departure (earlier is better during peak seasons).

• Ignoring validity—overstaying can cause fines and future entry problems.

Why Apply with evisa-vietnams.com

• Expert review of your application to reduce mistakes and rejections.

• Faster turnaround with priority handling options for urgent trips.

• Secure payments and 24/7 customer support.

• Clear guidance on documents, photos, and entry points—no guesswork.

CTA: Make your 2026 Vietnam trip effortless—apply for your Vietnam e-Visa through our website today.

Risks of Using Unverified Third-Party Sites

• Fake portals that disappear after payment.

• Data leaks from insecure uploads.

• Incorrect visa types leading to denied boarding or entry.

• Hidden fees and no customer support when things go wrong.

Choose a professional, reputable service to safeguard your trip and personal data.

Best Time to Visit Vietnam in 2026

• North (Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Long): Sept–Dec and Mar–Apr are coolest and clearest.

• Central (Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An): Feb–May offers sunny, beach-friendly weather.

• South (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta): Dry season Dec–Apr is ideal; expect brief showers the rest of the year.

Conclusion & CTA – Apply for Your Vietnam e-Visa Today

The Vietnam e-Visa makes visiting Vietnam in 2026 simple for U.S. citizens. Choose the right entry type, prepare clean documents, and apply early for peace of mind. Our team keeps the process smooth—from application to approval—so you can focus on the fun part: planning your itinerary.

Apply now for your Vietnam e-Visa through our website and start your Vietnam adventure with confidence.