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Complete Guide • US Citizens • 2026 Vietnam Visa for US Citizens: The Complete 2026 GuideEverything you need before a US-to-Vietnam trip: visa types, real costs, the application process, and the mistakes that trip up American travelers most often. |
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Quick Answer Yes, US citizens need a visa for Vietnam — American passports are not visa-exempt. The e-visa is applied for entirely online, valid for either 30 or 90 days depending on what you select, and costs $25 (single-entry) or $50 (multiple-entry) — the fee depends on entry type, not the validity length you choose. Standard processing takes roughly 3–5 working days (per Vietnam Immigration's working schedule). Faster paid processing is available for travelers with less time. |
Visa Types for US Citizens
| Type | Validity | Entry | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist e-visa | 30 or 90 days (your choice) | Single or multiple | Vacation, general travel |
| Business e-visa | 30 or 90 days (your choice) | Single or multiple | Meetings, work trips |
Validity length (30 or 90 days) and entry type (single or multiple) are two separate choices on the application — the government fee depends only on entry type, not which validity length you pick.
How to Apply, Step by Step
Passport (6+ months valid), a passport-style photo, travel dates.
Directly on evisa.gov.vn, or through an agency if you need faster processing.
$25 single-entry / $50 multiple-entry via the official gateway (American Express not accepted).
Sent as a PDF by email — print it and keep a digital copy too.
Full document specifications, including exact photo requirements: complete checklist.
What It Costs
| Option | Timeline | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Official (self-applied) | 3–5 working days | $25 / $50 |
| Standard urgent | 3 business days | $90 all-in |
| Fastest urgent tier | ~1.5 hours | $185 all-in |
Need it faster? See the full speed comparison guide for every tier in between.
Common Mistakes US Applicants Make
| Swapping month and day due to the US date format (MM/DD vs. Vietnam's DD/MM) |
| A passport photo that doesn't meet the exact specifications |
| Assuming a submission confirmation means approval, rather than checking actual status |
Major Entry Airports
| ✈Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City) |
| ✈Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi) |
| ✈Da Nang International Airport |
| ✈Cam Ranh International Airport (Nha Trang) |
Confirm your specific arrival airport is listed as an accepted e-visa entry point when applying.
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Flight Coming Up Fast? See our full urgent visa speed guide if you haven't applied yet, or Speed Up Existing Visa if your application is already submitted and pending. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need a visa for Vietnam?Yes — American passports are not visa-exempt, and an approved e-visa is required before departure.
Roughly 3–5 business days. Faster paid tiers exist for tighter timelines.
Either 30 or 90 days, depending on which you select when applying — independent of whether you choose single-entry or multiple-entry.
$25 single-entry or $50 multiple-entry officially. Urgent tiers start around $90 all-in.
A valid passport, a passport data page scan, a separate portrait photo, and travel details.
Major international airports including Tan Son Nhat, Noi Bai, Da Nang, and Cam Ranh, among others.
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Ready to Apply?Standard from $90 • Fastest tier $185 • 100% online Apply Now WhatsApp +84 947 754 252support@vietnamvisaeasy.com |
Related Guides
Vietnam Visa Documents Required: Complete Checklist →
Arriving in Vietnam: Airport Immigration Guide →
Vietnam Urgent Visa: Full Speed Comparison →
VietnamVisaEasy.com is a private travel agency, not affiliated with the Vietnamese government. Last updated July 2026.