Flight time from the US to Vietnam 2026: Duration, time difference & visa requirements

Flight time from the US to Vietnam usually ranges from 18 to 30 hours or longer, depending on the departure city, airline, and number of transit stops. Most flights require one or more layovers in major hubs such as Tokyo, Seoul, or Taipei, although limited direct flights are available. In addition, travelers should consider the 11–15 hour time difference between the US and Vietnam when planning their journey. Proper flight selection helps reduce fatigue, save time, and ensure a smoother trip to Vietnam.

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How long is the flight from the US to Vietnam?

The flight time from the US to Vietnam usually ranges from 18 to 30 hours or longer, depending on several factors such as the departure city, airline, transit stops, and weather conditions.

Because of the long travel duration, passengers are advised to carefully choose flight routes with reasonable layover times to maintain health, reduce fatigue, and manage travel costs effectively.

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Time difference between the US and Vietnam

Vietnam operates under one single time zone: GMT+7, while the United States spans multiple time zones. As a result, the time difference between the US and Vietnam ranges from 11 to 15 hours, depending on your location in the US and the time of year.

Time difference by major US cities

US city	Time difference vs Vietnam
New York	Vietnam is +12 hours
Chicago	Vietnam is +13 hours
Denver	Vietnam is +14 hours
Los Angeles	Vietnam is +15 hours

Daylight Saving Time (DST):

The US observes daylight saving time, which creates a 1-hour difference between summer and winter. This can slightly change the time gap with Vietnam.

To check the exact current US time, travelers can visit the official website: time.gov

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Is there a direct flight from the US to Vietnam?

Yes, direct flights from the US to Vietnam do exist, but they are not available from all US states or cities. In many cases, travelers will need to take connecting flights with 1–3 layovers.

Common transit cities

Tokyo

Taipei

Seoul

Hong Kong

Singapore

Transit examples by airline

EVA Air: transit in Taipei

United Airlines (from Boston): transit in Tokyo or Hong Kong

Flights from Los Angeles: transit in Guangzhou, Hong Kong, or Tokyo

Flights from New York: transit in Hong Kong, Beijing, or Taipei

Travelers should always review their flight itinerary carefully, including layover duration and airport transfers, before booking.

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Estimated flight time from major US cities to Vietnam

Departure city	Estimated flight time
Los Angeles	31 hours 10 minutes
San Francisco	19 hours 35 minutes
New York	22 hours
Chicago	28 hours 20 minutes
Washington, D.C.	20 hours 55 minutes
Seattle	Varies by route
Houston	Varies by route

These times are estimates and may change depending on airline schedules and transit duration.

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Airlines operating flights from the US to Vietnam

Several international and national airlines operate routes between the US and Vietnam, including:

Vietnam Airlines

United Airlines

Qatar Airways

EVA Air

ANA (All Nippon Airways)

Korean Air

Japan Airlines

Emirates

Passengers should compare flight duration, transit points, baggage policies, and pricing before making a decision.

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Important travel tips when flying from the US to Vietnam

Before traveling, make sure to:

Carry all required documents: a valid passport, visa (if applicable), flight ticket, and supporting papers

Review Vietnam’s entry and exit regulations in advance

Double-check flight schedules and layover times

Confirm airline baggage policies to avoid extra charges

Prepare cash or international credit cards for use upon arrival in Vietnam

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Do US citizens need a visa to enter Vietnam?

Yes. US passport holders are NOT eligible for Vietnam visa exemption.

This means American citizens must obtain a valid Vietnam visa before entering the country, unless they hold:

A valid temporary residence card, or

A 5-year visa exemption certificate

Visa exemption for airline crew members

Visa exemption applies only to crew members of specific airlines, including:

United Airlines

Delta Airlines

Continental Airlines

FedEx (subject to official agreements and effective dates)

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Vietnam visa options for US citizens

US citizens traveling to Vietnam may apply for the following visa types:

Visa type	Validity	Purpose / notes
Vietnam Tourist visa (DL)	Up to 3 months	Suitable for tourism and short-term visits
Vietnam Business visa (DN1, DN2)	Varies by case	For business meetings and commercial activities
Vietnam Work visa (LD1, LD2)	Up to 2 years	For employment in Vietnam
Vietnam Family visit visa (TT)	Varies by case	For spouses, children, or close relatives of Vietnamese citizens
Vietnam Investor visa (DT1–DT4)	Up to 5 years	For investment activities in Vietnam
Vietnam e-visa	Up to 90 days	Available online; single or multiple entry

Professional Vietnam visa support from Tân Văn Lang

With over 20 years of experience in immigration and visa consulting, Tân Văn Lang provides reliable assistance for:

Vietnam visa applications for US citizens

Vietnam e-visa processing

Business, work, and long-term visas

Entry requirement consultation

Hotline: 08.666.000.63 (WhatsApp)

Understanding the flight time from the US to Vietnam, time difference, transit routes, and visa requirements will help you plan your trip more efficiently. If you need professional support with your Vietnam visa application, Tân Văn Lang is ready to assist you every step of the way.