Vietnam visa and entry: e-visa, 45-day waiver and the documents you actually need

Since August 2023 Vietnam rolled out a 90-day multiple-entry e-visa open to citizens worldwide — a massive leap over the old tangled system. For Spanish and several European passports the 45-day waiver still also applies. But there are nuances: expired visas, passports under 6 months, mandatory onward-travel rules. This guide is the 2026 reality with no fluff.

The three entry options

• ✈Official e-visa 90 days, USD 25
• 🆓ES/FR/DE waiver 45 days, free
• 📅Passport 6-month minimum validity
• 🔗Official portal evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn

1. 45-day waiver (if it applies)

Eligible countries (2026): Spain, France, Germany, Italy, UK, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Russia, Belarus, Japan, South Korea.

Conditions:

• Max stay: 45 consecutive days.
• Passport valid at least 6 months from the entry date.
• Onward ticket (flight, boat, bus to neighbouring country) demonstrable.
• Only one entry under this system every 30 days (can’t exit and come back to reset).

Process: none. Show up at the airport, get stamped, walk in.

2. E-visa (the universal option)

Since August 2023, ALL countries can apply.

Features:

• 90-day stay.
• Multiple entries allowed.
• USD 25 official cost.
• 3-7 business days processing.

How to apply:

1. Official portal: evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn (do not fall for Google intermediaries charging USD 70-150).
2. Upload passport photo and passport scan (both JPG < 2MB).
3. Pay USD 25 by card.
4. Receive e-visa by email as PDF. Print 2 copies.

When to pick e-visa (even if you qualify for the 45-day waiver):

• You want to stay more than 45 days.
• You want to enter-leave-enter multiple times (Cambodia-Vietnam-Laos-Vietnam).

3. Visa on arrival (VOA)

Deprecated since August 2023. Previously the common route but e-visa has fully replaced it. Avoid VOA — usually an intermediary scam.

Mandatory documents at entry

1. Passport with at least 6 months validity from the entry date (not the exit date — important).
2. Printed e-visa (2 copies) or waiver stamp.
3. Onward ticket (flight, bus to Cambodia/Laos, boat to China) — often asked though not always.
4. First night hotel booking (sometimes requested).
5. Proof of funds: no official minimum, but a visible card is enough.

Extending your stay

If you need more time:

Option A — Visa run: leave to Cambodia (bus to Phnom Penh, 8 h) or Laos (bus to Vientiane) and re-enter. Only works with multiple-entry e-visa. With the 45-day waiver you must wait 30 days before re-entering.

Option B — Local office extension: USD 20-50 via agency, 3-7 days. Available in Hanoi and Saigon.

Option C — Leave the country for good: the safer option if you’ve already used your stay.

Land crossings

Vietnam has open borders with Cambodia, Laos and China for tourists with visa/e-visa. Main crossings:

With Cambodia (Phnom Penh → Saigon):

• Moc Bai - Bavet: the most common.
• Direct bus 8 h, USD 15-25.

With Laos (Vientiane → Hanoi):

• Cau Treo - Namphao.
• Lao Bao - Dansavanh.
• Direct bus 14-18 h, USD 25-35.

With China (Kunming → Hanoi):

• Lao Cai - Hekou (train/car).
• Huu Nghi - Youyiguan.
• Direct train Hanoi-Nanning 12 h.

E-visa is valid for any land crossing (verify your route is marked “permitted” on the application form).

Health: no mandatory vaccines

No vaccines are required to enter Vietnam. Recommended (consult your doctor):

• Hepatitis A + B.
• Tetanus (booster if >10 years).
• Typhoid (if going rural).
• Malaria prophylaxis: NOT needed in cities, only deep jungle (very rare on the tourist route).

Vietnam has good international hospitals in Hanoi and Saigon (Family Medical Practice, Vinmec). Travel insurance essential.

The complete Vietnam guide from Far Guides dedicates a section to paperwork with a step-by-step annotated e-visa form, a comparison of legitimate intermediaries and a land-crossing protocol.