Welcome to your essential guide for navigating Vietnam visa requirements in 2025. Whether you’re planning a short vacation, a business trip, or a long-term stay, understanding the latest visa policies is crucial for a smooth journey. At OnwardFree, we help travelers secure proof of onward travel, a key component for many visa applications. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

Overview of Vietnam visa requirements in 2025

In 2025, Vietnam continues its open and welcoming tourism policy. The most significant development is the expansion of the e-visa program, and understanding the updated Vietnam Visa Requirements is key to a successful trip. The validity of this e-visa has been extended to 90 days with multiple entry options, making it easier than ever for travelers to explore the country’s diverse landscapes and rich culture. Visa exemption policies also remain in place for many nationalities, allowing for short, hassle-free visits.

Read more: Vietnam Digital Nomad Visa: Everything You Need to Know

Countries Exempted from Vietnam Visa in 2025

Vietnam offers visa exemptions to citizens of several countries. Checking your status is the first step in understanding the Vietnam Visa Requirements for your specific nationality. As of 2025, the list of visa-exempt countries includes:

• Up to 45 Days: Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Belarus.
• Up to 30 Days: Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Laos.
• Up to 21 Days: Philippines.
• Up to 14 Days: Brunei and Myanmar.

It’s important to note that your passport must be valid for at least six months from your entry date to be eligible for visa exemption.

Vietnam E-Visa 2025 (Available to All Nationalities)

The Vietnam e-visa is the most popular and convenient option for travelers planning a stay of up to 90 days. As a major update, it is now available to citizens of all countries and territories and allows for multiple entries within its validity period. The application process is entirely online, making it straightforward to secure your travel authorization before you depart.

How to Apply Step-by-Step

1. Access the Official Portal: It is crucial to use the official Vietnam Immigration Department’s e-visa website. Be wary of third-party sites that may charge extra fees or be fraudulent.
2. Upload Your Documents: You will be prompted to upload a digital copy of your passport’s biographical page and a recent passport-style photo.
3. Fill in Your Details: Complete the online application form with your personal information, travel dates, and intended ports of entry and exit. Ensure all details match your passport exactly to avoid delays or rejection.
4. Pay the Fee: The application fee must be paid online using a valid international credit or debit card. The fee is approximately $25 USD for a single-entry visa and $50 USD for a multiple-entry visa, though this is subject to change.
5. Receive Your Registration Code: After payment, you will receive a unique registration code. Keep this code safe as you will need it to check the status of your application.

Document Requirements in Detail

• Passport Scan: A clear, high-quality scan or photo of your passport’s main information page. The file should be in .jpg format.
• Digital Photo: A 4×6 cm digital photo in .jpg format, taken within the last six months. It must have a white background, and you should not be wearing glasses.

Processing and Approval

The official processing time is typically 3-5 working days, but it’s wise to apply at least one to two weeks before your intended travel date. Once your application is approved, the e-visa will be sent as a PDF to your email. You must print a copy of this e-visa and carry it with you to present to both the airline at check-in and the immigration officials upon arrival in Vietnam.

Vietnam Visa on Arrival (Air Travelers Only)

While the e-visa is now the most common choice, the Visa on Arrival (VOA) remains a viable option, but it is strictly for travelers arriving by air at one of Vietnam’s international airports. It’s a two-step process that requires some planning before your flight. It’s essential to follow these specific Vietnam Visa Requirements precisely.

Step 1: Obtaining the Visa Approval Letter

Before you travel, you must apply for a “Visa Approval Letter” through an accredited and registered travel agency in Vietnam. This is not a visa itself, but an official document from the Vietnam Immigration Department that permits you to board your flight and get the visa stamp upon arrival. The application is done online through the agency’s website and usually requires your passport details and travel dates. Processing can take a few days, but most agencies offer expedited services for an additional fee, sometimes delivering the letter in just a few hours.

Step 2: The Process at the Airport

Upon landing in Vietnam—and before you head to the main immigration line—you must go to the designated “Visa on Arrival” or “Landing Visa” counter.

You will need to submit the following documents to the officer:

• Your original passport (with at least six months of validity).
• The printed Visa Approval Letter.
• A completed entry and exit form (this is often sent by the agency with your approval letter, or you can get one at the counter).
• Two recent passport-sized photos (4×6 cm with a white background).
• Cash for the visa stamping fee. This fee is paid directly to the immigration officer. It is $25 USD for a single-entry visa and $50 USD for a multiple-entry visa. It is crucial to have the exact amount in USD, as other currencies may not be accepted and change is often unavailable.

After submitting your paperwork, you will wait for your name to be called. The officer will return your passport with the official visa sticker inside. Only then can you proceed to the regular immigration counters for entry. The VOA is a good backup for last-minute or urgent travel, but be prepared for potential waiting times at the airport, which can range from 15 minutes to over an hour during peak seasons.

Vietnam Business and Long-Term Visas in 2025

For those planning to work, invest, or stay in Vietnam for an extended period, a business visa (DN visa) or other long-term visas are required. A business visa typically requires a sponsorship letter from a company based in Vietnam. These visas can be obtained through a Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your home country or via a pre-arranged approval letter for a visa on arrival. For stays longer than one year, options like a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) may be available, often tied to a work permit or investment.

Why Proof of Onward Travel Is Required

Vietnamese immigration authorities and airlines operating flights to Vietnam often require travelers to show proof that they intend to leave the country before their visa or visa exemption expires. This policy is in place to ensure visitors comply with immigration laws and do not overstay their permitted time in the country. For travelers who want to keep their plans flexible, purchasing a fully refundable ticket or a cheap, throwaway flight can be an option. However, a more convenient and cost-effective solution is an onward ticket from a service like OnwardFree.com, which provides a verifiable flight reservation for visa application purposes for just $9—the best price on the market.

Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Onward Ticket for Vietnam

Securing your proof of onward travel is a quick and straightforward process with OnwardFree.com. Here’s a more detailed look at how it works:

1. Visit our Website: Navigate to OnwardFree.com. Our user-friendly homepage will guide you directly to the onward ticket service.
2. Provide Your Travel Information: You’ll be asked to fill out a simple form. Be sure to enter your full name exactly as it appears on your passport, your desired departure date from Vietnam (this should be within your visa’s validity period), and the departure airport.
3. Receive Your Ticket: After a small service fee, your request is processed. Within minutes, you’ll receive an email containing a PDF of your flight reservation. This document includes a real, verifiable booking reference (PNR) that can be checked on the airline’s website, confirming its legitimacy.
4. Present Your Proof When Required: Keep a digital copy of the ticket on your phone and consider printing a hard copy as a backup. When asked for proof of onward travel by airline staff at check-in or by an immigration officer upon arrival, simply present this document. It serves as valid proof that you have a booked flight to leave the country.

FAQs About Vietnam Visa Requirements 2025

Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Vietnam Visa Requirements to help you plan your trip with confidence.

Can I enter Vietnam on a one-way ticket?

While some travelers successfully enter on a one-way ticket, it is not recommended. This is a frequently enforced part of the Vietnam Visa Requirements by airlines, which may deny boarding without proof of onward travel.

Is proof of onward travel mandatory for all visitors?

Officially, it is a requirement for those entering on a visa exemption. For e-visa holders, it is highly recommended as immigration officers have the discretion to ask for it. The final decision rests with the airline and the immigration officer.

Can I extend my Vietnam e-visa after 90 days?

E-visa extensions are generally not possible within Vietnam. The most common method to extend your stay is to leave the country and re-enter on a new e-visa, a process often referred to as a “visa run.”

Which airports accept e-visa entries?

You can enter Vietnam with an e-visa through major international airports such as Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), and Da Nang, as well as several land and sea border crossings. A full list is available on the official e-visa portal.

Is visa on arrival still available in 2025?

Yes, visa on arrival is still available for travelers arriving by air who have obtained a pre-approval letter. However, with the universal availability and convenience of the 90-day e-visa, VОA is now a less common choice.

Conclusion

Vietnam’s visa policies in 2025, and the broader Vietnam Visa Requirements, are designed to be traveler-friendly. By ensuring you meet all Vietnam Visa Requirements for your nationality, including securing proof