Vietnam eVisa for American citizens is the most straightforward and popular way for U.S. passport holders to visit Vietnam in 2026. American citizens must obtain a visa before traveling to Vietnam for tourism, business, family visits, or short-term activities — there is no general visa-free entry for U.S. nationals (except in very limited cases, detailed below).
Why Choose the Vietnam eVisa for American Citizens?
The eVisa eliminates embassy visits, paperwork, and long waits. It's ideal for most U.S. travelers because:
It offers up to 90 days of stay
Single or multiple-entry options available
Accepted at 83+ ports of entry (major airports like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang; many land borders; and select seaports for cruises)
Processing is quick and reliable
Apply Vietnam eVisa for American citizens
Key Details of the Vietnam eVisa for American Citizens
Maximum Validity & Stay: Up to 90 days from the entry date (single or multiple entries)
Purpose: Tourism, business meetings, conferences, family visits, and other non-employment short-term activities
Eligibility: All U.S. citizens qualify — the policy applies to citizens of all countries and territories since the 2023 expansion
Special Note on Phu Quoc Island — If your trip is exclusively to Phu Quoc Island (arriving directly by international flight or sea and departing the same way, without visiting the mainland), U.S. citizens can enjoy a 30-day visa exemption. However, any mainland travel requires a full visa like the eVisa.
Requirements for U.S. Citizens Applying for Vietnam eVisa
Gather these essentials before starting:
Valid U.S. passport — At least 6 months validity beyond your arrival date in Vietnam, with at least one blank page for stamps
Recent digital passport photo (4x6 cm or similar, white background, no glasses, full face clearly visible)
Clear scan/photo of your passport's personal data (bio) page
Valid email address to receive the eVisa approval
International credit/debit card for payment
Basic travel info: Planned entry/exit dates, entry port (you can still use any eligible port), and a temporary address in Vietnam (e.g., your first hotel)
No flight tickets, hotel bookings, or invitation letters are usually required.
Apply Vietnam eVisa for American citizens
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Vietnam eVisa for American Citizens
Visit the Official Portal Go to the current official Vietnam eVisa websites:
https://evisa.gov.vn/
Fill in the Application Form Select English, enter your personal details, passport info, travel purpose, dates, and port.
Upload Your Documents Submit a clear passport scan and photo (blurry uploads are a common cause of delays).
Pay the Official Fee
Single-entry: $25 USD
Multiple-entry: $50 USD Payment is non-refundable (even if denied).
Receive Your eVisa Standard processing takes 3 working days (often 3–7 business days). You'll get an email with the PDF approval — download and print at least one color copy (phones/digital versions are typically not accepted at immigration).
At Vietnam Immigration Present your printed eVisa, passport, and (if requested) onward ticket. Officers stamp your passport — no extra fees.
Processing Time & Tips for Success
Standard: 3 working days (apply 2–3 weeks before travel for safety)
Peak seasons or errors can extend to 7+ days
Double-check all details — even small typos can cause rejection
Use only official sites — third-party agencies add service fees for faster processing but aren't necessary for most travelers
Important Warnings for American Travelers
Print your eVisa — Immigration requires a physical copy
Overstaying results in fines, detention, or bans — plan exits carefully
The U.S. Embassy/Consulate in Vietnam cannot help with individual visa issues, extensions, or entry denials
For cruises: Confirm your seaports are eVisa-eligible (most major ones are)
If plans change, you can reapply or consider agency support for urgent cases
Should you extend your visa or leave the country? Get the latest regulations on Vietnam Visa Extension eligibility and the requirements (e-Visa) for Visa Run.
The best option for expats in Da Nang/Hanoi. See the required documents (e-Visa, photos), and costs for a fast and secure land border visa run to Laos.
Renew your Vietnam stay with the fastest land border run. Get the checklist for Moc Bai: e-Visa, photos, stamping fee, and step-by-step for the border crossing.