Is Vietnam issuing visas now?

Is Vietnam issuing visas now? $25 vs $50 fees

Is Vietnam issuing visas now is a vital question for travelers planning trips to Southeast Asia. Understanding the current entry status prevents travel disruptions and protects tourists from expensive third-party scams. Knowing the official application process ensures a smooth journey while avoiding unnecessary financial losses from unauthorized websites.

Yes, Vietnam is Processing E-Visas (2026 Updates)

Yes, Vietnam is currently issuing visas. As of 2026, citizens of all countries can apply for an electronic visa (e-visa) valid for up to 90 days, available in both single and multiple-entry formats.

Most tutorials teach you how to fill out the basic application - and they are not wrong - but there is one critical new requirement added in April 2026 that causes hundreds of tourists to get stuck at immigration every day. I will show you exactly how to avoid this trap in the border control section below. The current online system replaces the old paper-heavy processes for almost all tourists. Lets be honest: the official Vietnam e-visa website is clunky and confusing. I have never seen anyone navigate it perfectly on their first try without guidance.

Processing Times: How Long Does It Actually Take?

The official timeline states that approvals take three working days. In reality, about 70% of 90-day tourist visa applications are processed in 4-6 working days. ^[1]

During peak travel months or national holidays like Tet, this stretches significantly. Your application might sit in a queue for over a week before anyone even looks at it. Seldom does the system update your status during these blackout periods, leaving travelers anxious and constantly refreshing the page. The lack of transparency during these delays is incredibly frustrating, especially if you have already booked non-refundable flights.

When I first applied for my multiple-entry visa, I entered my middle name in the wrong field. A tiny typo. It took a full nine days of back-and-forth emails to fix the issue and get my approval. My advice? Apply at least 15 days before your flight. Do not trust the best-case scenarios you read online.

The Visa Exemption List

Before paying for an application, check if you actually need one. Citizens of 39 countries currently qualify for visa-free entry. ^[2] This policy shift has transformed regional travel dynamics, making the country much more accessible.

This includes a generous 45-day unilateral exemption for passport holders from the UK, Japan, South Korea, and 24 European Union nations. You simply show up with a passport valid for six months and receive your entry stamp.

Everyone assumes you only need to worry about immigration officers at the border. But here is the thing. Airlines are almost always stricter than immigration. If you do not have proof of an onward flight out of Vietnam within that 45-day window, the airline check-in agent usually will not let you board the plane. Book a cheap, fully refundable bus ticket to Cambodia if you have not finalized your exit plans yet.

The New 2026 Digital Arrival Card (Do Not Skip This)

Here is that critical mistake I mentioned earlier: assuming your approved e-visa is the only document you need.

As of April 15, 2026, passengers arriving at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City must complete a Vietnam digital arrival card 2026 online.^[3] This electronic declaration must be submitted up to three days before your arrival.

The system generates a QR code that you present at the immigration desk alongside your passport. Ignore this step. Game over. You will be sent to the back of a very long, very frustrating line to fill it out on your phone using spotty airport Wi-Fi. The form is completely free and takes five minutes to complete on the official pre-arrival portal.

Step-by-Step Application Guide

1. Use the Official Portal

Only use the official evisa.gov.vn website. Scam sites are everywhere, heavily optimized on search engines, and regularly charge tourists up to four times the actual cost. The actual government fee is strictly $25 for a single entry and $50 for multiple entries. ^[4]

2. The Intended Address Trap

The application requires you to provide an accommodation address in Vietnam. If you are backpacking and have not booked anything, just enter the address of any major hotel in your arrival city. They rarely verify this specific detail. Leaving the field blank, however, triggers an automatic rejection.

3. Photo Requirements

Your passport photo must have a white background, and you cannot wear glasses (a rule that surprises many applicants). Sounds simple? It is the number one reason applications get kicked back for correction.

Choosing Your Entry Strategy

Depending on your passport and travel plans, you generally have three ways to enter Vietnam legally.

45-Day Visa Exemption

• Single entry only; must exit the country to reset
• Free
• Short vacations or business trips for eligible European and Asian passport holders

90-Day E-Visa (Recommended)

• Maximum freedom to enter and exit through any official border crossing
• $25 (single entry) or $50 (multiple entry)
• Digital nomads, long-term travelers, and those doing regional border hops

Navigating the New SGN Arrival Process

David, a tourist from Chicago, arrived at Ho Chi Minh City airport in late April 2026. He had his approved e-visa printed and was exhausted from the 20-hour transit.

He joined the massive immigration line, confident he had everything ready. Forty-five minutes later, he reached the desk. The officer asked for his QR code. David was confused - he thought the e-visa was the final step.

He was directed out of the line to a crowded corner where dozens of frustrated travelers were trying to connect to the airport network to fill out the newly mandated Digital Arrival Card. The portal timed out twice on his phone.

After finally generating the QR code, he had to queue up all over again. A process that usually takes twenty minutes took almost two hours. He learned the hard way that immigration rules change fast, and preparation is non-negotiable.