Vietnam e-Visa for US Citizens: Requirements, Fees & How to Apply

If you are an eligible US citizen planning a trip to Vietnam, securing a Vietnam e-Visa is much easier than many American travelers expect. 

There is no need for you to visit a physical embassy or consulate and deal with complicated paperwork. The entire process of your Vietnam e-Visa can be completed online through the Vietnam e-Visa official site i.e. https://evisa.gov.vn/.

Vietnam e-Visa Quick Facts for American Travelers 

Now let me walk you through everything in detail. First of all, here's how the official site looks, straightforward & secure!

Credits : Vietnam e-Visa Website

The fact that the portal is managed by Vietnam's Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security gave me confidence in its legitimacy. I'd also recommend being cautious of third-party websites that present themselves as official portals. Some of them can charge you additional fees whereas some can use your sensitive registration & payment details, eventually putting your privacy at risk.

Vietnam e-Visa Fee Structure

These fees are generally non-refundable once your e-Visa application has been submitted and processed, even if the e-visa application is declined, cancelled or you choose not to travel, you will not be able to get the refund back.

Travel Dates and Port of Entry: Important Rules to Know

During the application process many travelers overlook how important it is to select the correct port of entry. If the port of entry listed on your e-Visa does not match your flight itinerary, it may lead to complications.

Credits : Canva Design Application

Avoid selecting an exit date that is too close to your departure, as it leaves little room for unexpected changes.

Vietnam e-Visa Requirements : Quick Checklist

While reviewing the application requirements, I realized that having all documents prepared in advance can save a surprising amount of time and frustration during the application process. I would also recommend using a stable internet connection while completing the application.

Credits : Canva Design Application

Vietnam e-Visa Application Process : Step-by-Step Guide

Before starting the application myself, I'd want to have all of the above files prepared and easily accessible. Having everything ready beforehand can make the process significantly smoother. 

Here's a step-by-step breakdown of the entire process.

Step 1: Visit the Official Vietnam E-Visa Portal

Access the application form from the official Vietnam e-Visa portal, https://evisa.gov.vn/. Hover your cursor on the 'E-Visa' option near the 'Home' button. Now click on the option 'For Foreign Individuals.' Tick the confirmation box indicating that you have read and agreed to the relevant regulations before proceeding. Then click on 'Next.'

Step 2: Upload the mentioned document files

Before filling out the application form you will need to upload the required digital documents. As you have already kept the files ready on your device, you can just easily upload them as mentioned.

• Your Passport's Biographical page and Passport-Style Photograph.

Step 3: Complete Personal and Passport Information

• Fill out all remaining mandatory fields marked with a red asterisk.
• Provide a highly secure, active email.
• Your application updates will be tied to this address.
• Enter your first name, middle name, and last name exactly as they appear in the ICAO data strip at the bottom of your passport.
• Your first name, middle name, and last name should match the machine-readable zone (MRZ) of your passport.
• Make sure that each and every detail matches the details on your Passport.
• Leave the 'Identity Card Number' field blank unless you are a Vietnamese citizen.

Step 4: Specify Your Visa Type and Dates

• Select Visa Type and choose between Single Entry, 25 USD or Multiple Entry, 50 USD. Both types allow you to stay in Vietnam for up to 90 days.
• For Validity Dates, Input your planned entry date. Set your visa expiry date to the maximum 90 days allowed to maximize your travel flexibility.

Step 5: Enter Entry/Exit Checkpoints and Accommodation

• For Border Gates, select your exact Intended Port of Entry from the dropdown menu. Select your expected port of exit.
• For Temporary Address, enter your hotel or accommodation details. Select the Province/City first, which will unlock the specific District and Ward dropdown menus.

Step 6: Review your Application Form

If there is any one step that I would not rush, it will be this one! Many application delays can be avoided by taking a few minutes to review the form carefully. I would like to list here some common mistakes that you can easily avoid:

• Avoid reversing first name and last name or adding any nicknames.
• Avoid uploading blurry, cropped photos, and visible shadows in passport pages scans.
• Check if there are no incorrect letters in your passport number or spelling mistakes overall.

Step 7: Save Your Registration Code

Double-check your layout summary page. Enter the security captcha code displayed on the screen. A pop-up box will appear with a unique Registration Code. Copy and save this code immediately as you will need it to track your approval status.

If I were submitting this application for the first time, saving the registration code would be one of my top priorities. It's surprisingly important to track and retrieve your e-Visa later.

Step 8: Pay the e-Visa Fee

Click through to the integrated e-payment gateway. Select your international payment method, Visa, Mastercard, or JCB credit/debit cards are accepted. Enter card details, authorize via your bank's OTP code, and finalize the payment. 

This processing fee is entirely non-refundable, even if your application is rejected.

Vietnam e-Visa Processing Time

Most applications are processed fairly quickly, although processing times may vary depending on several factors. Personally, I would submit my e-Visa application at least two weeks before departure.

Credits : Canva Design Application

How to track your Vietnam e-Visa?

The government does not always send approval emails. So, checking the portal yourself is a good idea! Remember to print a couple of physical copies of this document to hand over to airport check-in desks and border agents, as digital phone copies are generally not accepted.

• Go to the Vietnam e-Visa portal's 'Search' section after 3 days of submitting the application.
• Input your saved Registration Code, email address, and date of birth.
• Once approved, download your e-Visa PDF document.

Credits : Vietnam e-Visa Website

In this guide, it is now clear that with Vietnam's e-Visa portal, securing an e-Visa has become quite hassle-free. The online application process and relatively affordable e-Visa fees have made it really convenient for American travelers to visit Vietnam. 

If there is one thing I'd encourage American travelers to do, it is to prioritize accuracy over speed when completing the application. So, now with this guide you can spend less time worrying about the status of your Vietnam e-Visa and more time in planning your Vietnam itinerary.