Today, applying for a Vietnam visa for US citizens is much easier than before. With the right documents and guidance, you can obtain your visa quickly and start your journey stress-free.
If you are planning a trip to Vietnam, one of the first questions you might ask is: Do US citizens need a visa for Vietnam? The answer is yes. Different from some neighboring countries that enjoy visa exemptions, American passport holders must obtain a valid visa to enter Vietnam for tourism, business, or other short-term purposes. As of 2025, the maximum validity for a Vietnam visa for US citizens is up to 90 days, either single-entry or multiple-entry.
The Vietnam Immigration Department requires that your US passport:
Remains valid for at least 6 months from your intended arrival date.
Contains at least two blank pages for visa stamping.
Whether you are traveling for a short vacation, attending a business meeting, or exploring long-term opportunities, securing the right visa type in advance is essential to ensure a smooth entry into the country.
Multiple visa types available for US travelers visiting Vietnam.
Popular types of Vietnam visa for US citizens
When it comes to the Vietnam visa for us citizens, there are several options, each designed for different travel purposes. The most common categories include:
Visa Type
Details
Tourist Visa
Valid for up to 30 or 90 days.
Can be single-entry or multiple-entry.
Designed for leisure travel, sightseeing, or visiting friends and relatives.
Business Visa
Valid for up to 90 days.
Suitable for attending conferences, meetings, exhibitions, or negotiating contracts.
Multiple-entry options are available for frequent business travelers.
E-visa (Electronic visa)
Available for both tourism and business purposes.
Simple online application with processing time ranging from 3 to 7 business days.
Accepted at major international airports, seaports, and land border checkpoints.
Visa on Arrival (VOA)
Convenient for last-minute travel.
Requires a Vietnam visa approval letter before boarding your flight.
Stamping fee is paid upon arrival at designated international airports.
Note: As of now, a 1-year visa is no longer available for US passport holders. The longest validity is 90 days.
A detailed guide to applying for a Vietnam E-visa for US citizens
The most popular option today is the Vietnam E-visa for US citizens, thanks to its convenience and fully online process. Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Prepare your documents
A valid US passport (with more than 6 months validity).
A recent passport-sized digital photo (minimum 350×350 pixels, face clearly visible, plain background).
A scanned copy of your passport bio page.
Travel details (intended entry port, arrival date, exit date, and purpose of visit).
A valid email address for communication.
A debit/credit card for online payment.
Step 2: Submit your Vietnam visa application for US citizens
Go to the official Vietnam Immigration Department website, or apply via a trusted visa service provider like ours at Tân Văn Lang.
Complete the application form carefully. Double-check that all details match your passport.
$25 USD for a single-entry E-visa (valid up to 90 days).
$50 USD for a multiple-entry E-visa (valid up to 90 days).
Step 4: Wait for processing
Most applications are processed in 3-5 working days.
In some cases, approval may take up to 7 working days.
Step 5: Receive and print your E-visa
Once approved, your Vietnam E-visa will be sent to your email as a PDF file.
Print it out and present it upon arrival in Vietnam.
With this electronic visa, you can enter through 33 designated international checkpoints including airports (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Cam Ranh), seaports, and land borders.
Procedure for applying for a visa at the Embassy of Vietnam in the US
Another option is to apply for a visa directly at the Embassy of Vietnam in the US. This is suitable if you prefer having a physical visa sticker in your passport before departure.
Steps include:
Contact the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in your region (e.g., Washington D.C., Houston, San Francisco, New York).
Complete the visa application form.
Prepare the following documents:
Original passport (with 6 months validity).
Two passport-sized photos.
Completed application form.
Visa fee (varies depending on type and processing time).
Submit your application in person or by post.
Receive your passport back with the visa sticker attached.
Processing time at the embassy usually ranges from 3-7 business days, depending on workload and visa type.
Comparison between E-visa and visa sticker at the embassy
Feature
Vietnam E-visa
Visa via Embassy
Application method
Online (fully digital)
In-person/by post
Processing time
3-7 working days
3-7 working days
Validity
Up to 90 days
Up to 90 days
Entry type
Single or multiple
Single or multiple
Cost
$25-$50 (gov’t fee only)
Higher, varies by embassy
Convenience
Easy, quick, from home
More formal, requires mailing/passport drop-off
Approval certainty
95% success rate when documents are correct
Usually guaranteed if documents are valid
For most US travelers, the Vietnam E-visa for US citizens is the preferred choice, unless you need a visa sticker for specific purposes such as long-term business cooperation or special entry categories.
Complete checklist of documents for a Vietnam visa in 2025
When preparing your Vietnam visa application for US citizens, ensure you have the following documents ready:
Valid US passport (at least 6 months validity, 2 blank pages).
Completed visa application form (online or paper, depending on the method).
Recent passport-sized photos.
Visa approval letter (if applying for visa on arrival).
Proof of travel (flight ticket, accommodation booking).
Payment receipt for visa fee.
Optional documents (may be requested in certain cases):
Invitation letter from a Vietnamese company (for business visa).
Proof of financial stability (bank statement, if required).
Fast and simple process for US citizens to obtain a Vietnam visa online.
Updated Vietnam visa fees for US citizens
When planning your trip, it’s important to understand the Vietnam visa cost for us citizens. The fee depends on the type of visa, processing speed, and whether you apply directly via the Vietnam Immigration Department, through the Embassy of Vietnam in the US, or with a professional visa consultancy like ours at Tân Văn Lang.
Official Government Fees (when applying yourself online)[2] :
Single-entry visa (valid up to 90 days): $25 USD
Multiple-entry visa (valid up to 90 days): $50 USD
Service fees (if applying through a visa consultant): These vary depending on urgency and support level. Many travelers prefer this option because:
The application form is double-checked for errors.
Support is available in case of delays.
Emergency processing (2-3 days) is possible.
Assistance with airport fast-track service is included if needed.
Sample Fee Range with Full Service (including government fee):
30-day single entry: from $48 USD (standard 5-7 days)
90-day multiple entry: from $76 USD (standard 5-7 days)
Urgent 2-3 days: $77-105 USD depending on type
By choosing professional support, you avoid common mistakes that could cause delays or rejection.
Processing time and important notes
Processing time for the Vietnam visa for US citizens can vary:
Standard processing: 5-7 business days.
Regular expedited: 3-4 business days.
Urgent service: 2 working days.
Emergency cases: Same-day approval is possible through visa on arrival with consultant assistance.
Important notes:
Apply at least two weeks before your departure to avoid stress.
Check your passport details carefully before submitting (name, date of birth, passport number).
Always keep a printed copy of your E-visa or visa approval letter with you when you travel.
Common reasons for Vietnam visa rejection
While most applications are approved, there are situations where a Vietnam visa application for US citizens may be rejected. Common reasons include:
Incorrect or inconsistent details: Passport number, spelling errors, or mismatched information.
Invalid passport: Less than 6 months validity or damaged passport.
Suspicious travel history: Overstays or multiple short-term entries may raise red flags.
Unclear purpose of visit: Applying for a tourist visa but providing documents suggesting business.
Submitting blurred or poor-quality photos/scans. Unpaid or incomplete visa fee.
If rejected, the visa fee is generally non-refundable. This is why many US travelers use a trusted consultant to ensure accuracy. Essential tips for entering Vietnam
Securing a visa is only part of the journey. To make your entry into Vietnam smooth, keep these practical tips in mind:
Print and carry all documents: E-visa PDF, approval letter, flight ticket, hotel booking. Choose the correct entry port: E-visas are only valid at specific airports, land borders, and seaports.
Bring cash for stamping fee (if using visa on arrival).
Plan your trip around visa dates: You cannot arrive before the entry date or stay beyond the exit date.
Respect Vietnam visa policy: Overstaying can result in fines or bans.
Health & insurance: Although not mandatory, having travel insurance is strongly recommended.
By following these guidelines, your travel to Vietnam will be hassle-free.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does it take to process a Vietnam E-visa for US citizens?
Most E-visas are processed in 3-5 business days. However, during peak travel seasons or public holidays, it may take up to 7 days. With consultant support, urgent processing (2-3 days) is available.
Can I get a visa on arrival at the airport?
Yes. Vietnam visa on arrival is possible, but you must obtain a visa approval letter before boarding. Without it, airlines may deny you boarding.
What is the maximum stay allowed with a Vietnam E-visa?
Currently, the maximum stay for US citizens is 90 days. You can choose either single-entry or multiple-entry.
If my E-visa application is rejected, will I get a refund?
No. The Vietnam Immigration Department does not refund fees for rejected applications. This is why applying through a reliable consultant minimizes risks.
Do I need to provide proof of financial status for the visa application?
For tourist visas, generally no. For certain business or long-term visa categories, you may be asked to provide bank statements or employer letters.
Do I need to book a round-trip flight ticket before applying for a visa?
While not always required during the application stage, immigration officers may ask for proof of onward travel upon arrival. A round-trip ticket is recommended.
What is the difference between a single-entry and a multiple-entry visa?
Single-entry visa: Allows you to enter Vietnam once. If you leave, you need a new visa to re-enter.
Multiple-entry visa: Lets you travel in and out of Vietnam multiple times during the visa’s validity (30 or 90 days).
Securing a vietnam visa for us citizens may seem complicated at first, but with the right preparation, it’s a straightforward process. The key is to choose the visa type that fits your travel purpose, prepare the documents carefully, and apply through the correct channel.
Thousands of American travelers each year rely on professional visa services like ours not just for accuracy, but also for peace of mind. We handle the paperwork, monitor the progress, and provide 24/7 support – even for urgent last-minute cases.
If you’re planning your trip, I highly encourage you to start your Vietnam visa application for US citizens as early as possible. That way, your journey to Vietnam will be smooth, stress-free, and filled with memorable experiences.
