A Vietnam visa for US citizens is required for all entry purposes and passport types. For most American travelers, an e-visa is the simplest option for visits of up to 90 days. Below, we explain the exemptions, application options, fees, and steps to take if your departure is approaching.
US citizens need visa to enter Vietnam (Source: Bao Dien Tu Chinh Phu)
No. US citizens are not covered by Vietnam’s general visa exemption policy for all passport types holders. Although the US passport holders have access to 179 destinations without a prior visa, this does not grant visa-free entry to Vietnam.
Special exemptions exist. Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs lists crew exemptions associated with Continental Airlines, Delta Airlines, Northwest Airlines, Federal Express Corporation, and United Airlines. These are arrangements for eligible crew members, not passengers traveling with those airlines.
Other exceptions include travelers holding a valid Vietnamese visa exemption certificate and visitors meeting the conditions for Phu Quoc’s separate 30-day visa exemption. The Phu Quoc exemption does not automatically allow travel elsewhere in Vietnam.
Map of USA overseas territories (Source: Burning Compass)
The general visa requirement also applies to US passport holders from US territories, including:
US citizens can have dual citizenship (Source: Reddit)
Yes, if you also hold a passport eligible for Vietnam’s visa exemption and meet the conditions attached to that exemption.
For example, a dual US-Philippine citizen entering Vietnam with an ordinary Philippine passport can qualify for a visa-free stay of up to 21 days. The permitted stay follows the passport used for entry, rather than the traveler’s US citizenship.
It is important to note that if an individual enters or exits a country using a passport other than their U.S. passport, the U.S. Embassy will not handle any issues they encounter outside U.S. territory. For instance, a person holding both U.S. and Philippine passports who uses their Philippine passport to fly to Vietnam would qualify for tourism or short-term business trips; however, should they encounter a situation requiring assistance while in Vietnam, they would need to contact the Philippine Embassy.
Spouses of Vietnamese are not exempted from Vietnam visa requirement (Source: VietnamNet)
Yes, unless you already hold a valid visa exemption certificate or qualify for another exemption. Marriage to a Vietnamese citizen does not automatically grant visa-free entry.
However, foreign spouses and children of Vietnamese citizens or overseas Vietnamese can apply for a visa exemption certificate, commonly called a “5-year visa.” This eligibility does not extend automatically to every family relationship.
For an application based on marriage, prepare:
Follow the receiving mission’s requirements for originals, copies, and certification. The certificate is valid for up to five years but must expire at least six months before your passport expires.
During its validity, you can make multiple eligible visits without applying for a separate visa each time. Each entry normally permits a stay of up to 180 days; if the certificate has less than six months remaining, the permitted stay is limited by its expiry date.
Related blog post: Vietnam 5-Year Visa Exemption Certificate Service: Eligibility, Fees & Process Procedure
Vietnam e-visa application portal
For most US travelers visiting Vietnam for up to 90 days, an e-visa is the simplest application route. It is available for single or multiple entries, and you can apply online through the official Vietnam e-visa portal.
Standard processing usually takes 3-5 working days after the authorities receive your completed application and payment. Allow additional time for corrections and public holidays.
If you need help preparing your application or resolving an e-visa problem, you can use a visa assistance agency. UrgentVisaToVietnam provides assistance with Vietnam visa applications, urgent requests, and e-visa issues. Contact us with your travel dates and application status to discuss the appropriate service.
Related blog post: Urgent Vietnam E-Visa For International Tourists - Complete Guide
Vietnam embassy in United States located in Washington D.C (Source: Thong Tin Doi Ngoai)
An embassy or consulate application is appropriate when you need a visa category or validity period beyond what an e-visa provides, such as certain employment, study, or longer-stay arrangements. Supporting approval documents depend on the purpose of your visit.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Washington, D.C., offers an online consular portal as well as in-person applications. Postal applications are also described in its visa guidance. Check the instructions for your chosen route before sending documents.
Vietnamese diplomatic and consular offices in the United States include:
|
Office |
Address |
|
Embassy of Vietnam in Washington, D.C. |
1233 20th Street NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20036 |
|
Consulate General of Vietnam in San Francisco |
1700 California Street, Suite 580, San Francisco, CA 94109 |
|
Consulate General of Vietnam in Houston |
5251 Westheimer Road, Suite 1100, Houston, TX 77056 |
|
Consulate of Vietnam in New York |
866 United Nations Plaza, Suite 435, New York, NY 10017 |
These addresses are listed by the relevant missions or government directories. Contact your selected office before visiting or mailing an application. The New York Consulate currently states that it does not handle tourist visas, so do not assume every office offers the same visa services.
For applications through the Washington embassy’s online portal, the visa is issued as a loose-leaf document and mailed to the applicant. Keep this document with your passport and present both during airline check-in and immigration procedures. Other application routes can involve a sticker visa or a loose-leaf visa, depending on the request and supporting documents.
You can get Vietnam visa on arrival at airports only (Source: collected)
Travelers who do not live near a Vietnamese embassy or consulate may apply for a visa on arrival (or landing visa) at a Vietnamese airport. However, to board their flight, they must present a pre-approval letter. Depending on the purpose of entry, you will need supporting documentation to obtain this visa approval letter; for instance, a business trip requires sponsorship from a legal entity in Vietnam. Please note that the visa fee must be paid in cash (USD) upon arrival in Vietnam-card payments and mobile banking transfers are not accepted-so you should come prepared with cash. Although ATMs are available at Vietnamese airports, you may face long queues if multiple flights land simultaneously.
Related blog post: How to Apply for Vietnam Visa On Arrival
For US citizens, the government e-visa fee is $25 for single entry or $50 for multiple entry, for a validity period of up to 90 days.
Business and longer-stay arrangements can cost more overall because of their duration, number of entries, and supporting procedures. Vietnam’s standard immigration visa issuance fees are listed below.
|
Visa type |
Validity |
Government fee |
|
Single entry |
Any permitted validity |
$25 |
|
Multiple entry |
Up to 90 days |
$50 |
|
Multiple entry |
Over 90 days to 180 days |
$95 |
|
Multiple entry |
Over 180 days to 1 year |
$135 |
|
Multiple entry |
Over 1 year to 2 years |
$145 |
|
Multiple entry |
Over 2 years to 5 years |
$155 |
The table above cover visa issuance only. They exclude expedited services, postage, and any separate costs for document legalization, notarization, work permit applications, or sponsorship arrangements. For an embassy or consulate application, request the total payable amount directly from the receiving office.
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UrgentVisaToVietnam offers helpful visa expedition service
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Contact UrgentVisaToVietnam with:
This information helps us assess your case and explain the available urgent assistance, expected processing time, and total cost before you proceed. We can help you get an urgent Vietnam visa or urgent visa approval letter within as fast as 1 hour.
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Email: [email protected]
Do US citizens need a visa for a short trip to Vietnam?
Yes. US passport holders need a visa even for a short visit, unless they qualify for a specific exemption, such as the Phu Quoc visa exemption or being a cabin crew member.
Can Americans get a Vietnam visa online?
Yes. US citizens can apply through the official portal at evisa.gov.vn. Vietnam e-visas allow single or multiple entries and are valid for up to 90 days.
Can I get a Vietnam visa when I arrive at the airport?
Yes, but you must obtain the required approval letter before boarding your flight. You cannot simply arrive in Vietnam with your US passport and apply without prior approval.
Can US citizens get a 5-year Vietnam visa?
Eligible Americans of Vietnamese origin, as well as spouses and children of Vietnamese citizens or overseas Vietnamese, can apply for a 5-year visa . It permits multiple visits, with stays of up to 180 days per entry.
Are Vietnamese spouses exempted from Vietnam visa requirements?
No. Spouses and children of Vietnamese without a Vietnamese passport or ID card still have to apply for a proper Vietnam visa.
Can I leave Vietnam and return using the same e-visa?
Yes, if you have a multiple-entry e-visa and return within its validity period. A single-entry e-visa cannot be reused after you leave Vietnam.
What should I do if my Vietnam e-visa is still processing before my flight?
Check your application status and any requests for corrections. If your departure is approaching, contact UrgentVisaToVietnam with your application reference and flight details to discuss available urgent assistance.
Can I fly to Phu Quoc island without a visa and proceed to Vietnam mainland?
No. It’s illegal to enter Vietnam without a visa or visa exemption.