Vietnam Visa

Understanding Vietnam’s visa requirements is an important step in planning your dental treatment trip. Vietnam has significantly simplified its visa policies in recent years, making entry easier than ever for visitors from most countries. This guide covers the main visa options available and practical tips for dental tourists.

Visa Exemption (Visa-Free Entry)

Vietnam grants visa-free entry to citizens of a number of countries. As of the most recent policy updates, the following key exemptions apply:

45-day visa exemption for citizens of countries including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Belarus, Japan, and South Korea.
30-day visa exemption for citizens of ASEAN member states including Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar.
Other bilateral agreements grant visa-free entry for varying durations to citizens of additional countries.

Visa exemptions typically allow a single entry. If you plan to leave Vietnam and re-enter during your trip, check whether your exemption permits multiple entries or whether you will need a visa for re-entry.

Important: Visa exemption policies are subject to change. Always verify the current requirements for your nationality before traveling, as governments may adjust these policies with limited notice. For the latest updates, see Vietnam visa changes in 2026 and what travelers need to know.

E-Visa (Electronic Visa)

Vietnam’s e-visa system is the most convenient option for visitors who do not qualify for visa-free entry or who need a longer stay.

Key Details

Eligibility: Citizens of most countries worldwide
Duration: Up to 90 days
Entry type: Single or multiple entry
Processing time: Typically 3 to 5 business days
Cost: Approximately $25 USD
Application: Online through the Vietnam Immigration Department’s official website

How to Apply

Visit the official e-visa portal at https://evisa.gov.vn.
Complete the application form with your personal details and travel information.
Upload a passport-style photograph and a scan of your passport data page.
Pay the processing fee by credit or debit card.
Receive your e-visa approval via email. Print a copy to present at immigration upon arrival.

Tips for a Smooth Application

Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned entry date.
Use a clear, high-resolution photo with a white background.
Double-check all personal details against your passport before submitting.
Apply at least one week before your departure date to allow for processing time and any potential delays.

Visa on Arrival

Vietnam also offers visa on arrival at international airports. This option requires a pre-approved invitation letter obtained through a licensed travel agency or visa service.

How It Works

Apply for an invitation letter through an authorized agency (online services are widely available).
Receive the approval letter by email, typically within 1 to 2 business days.
Print the approval letter and bring it, along with passport photos and the stamping fee (approximately $25 for single entry, $50 for multiple entry), to the visa counter at your arrival airport.
The visa is stamped into your passport upon arrival.

Visa on arrival is available at the following international airports: Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), Da Nang, Cam Ranh (Nha Trang), and Phu Quoc.

Note: Visa on arrival is not available at land border crossings. If arriving by land, you must obtain your visa in advance via e-visa or through a Vietnamese embassy or consulate.

Embassy or Consulate Visa

For travelers who prefer to have their visa arranged before departure, applying through a Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your home country is a traditional and reliable option. This method is recommended for extended stays, work visas, or situations requiring special visa categories.

Which Visa Option Is Best for Dental Tourists?

For most dental tourists visiting Vietnam for one to two weeks, the following guidelines apply:

If your country qualifies for visa-free entry (up to 45 days), no visa is needed. Simply arrive with a valid passport.
If you do not qualify for visa-free entry, the e-visa is the most convenient option. It can be obtained entirely online, is affordable, and covers stays of up to 90 days.
If you plan multiple entries (for example, visiting neighboring countries during your dental treatment trip), ensure your visa or exemption permits multiple entries.

Most dental treatments at Serenity International Dental Clinic in Hanoi can be completed within 7 to 14 days, well within the duration covered by visa exemptions and e-visas.

Extending Your Stay

If your dental treatment requires a longer stay than your visa allows, extensions are possible through the Vietnam Immigration Department or through a licensed travel agency. Extensions typically take 5 to 7 business days to process and cost approximately $10 to $50 depending on the length of extension.

Practical Tips for Arriving in Vietnam

Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry.
Customs declaration: If carrying more than $5,000 USD (or equivalent) in cash, you must declare it upon arrival.
Arrival card: Most airports have switched to electronic processing, but some may still require a paper arrival card. Bring a pen just in case.
Immigration queues: Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi has dedicated lanes for e-visa holders, which typically move faster than the visa-on-arrival queue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I extend my visa-free stay in Vietnam?

In most cases, yes. Extensions can be arranged through the immigration department or a licensed agency. Processing takes 5 to 7 business days, so apply well before your current authorized stay expires.

Do I need a return ticket to enter Vietnam?

Airlines may require proof of onward travel before allowing you to board. Having a return ticket or an onward booking to another destination is recommended, even if immigration officials in Vietnam do not always ask for it.

Is the e-visa accepted at all entry points?

Vietnam’s e-visa is accepted at all international airports, most major land border crossings, and several seaports. A full list of accepted checkpoints is available on the official e-visa portal.

What happens if my visa expires while I am in Vietnam?

Overstaying your visa can result in fines and complications when departing. If you realize your stay will exceed your visa duration, arrange an extension as early as possible to avoid penalties.

How much does a Vietnam visa cost in 2026?

Visa costs depend on the type and duration. The e-visa costs approximately $25 USD for processing. Visa on arrival requires the same $25 processing fee for a single-entry visa or $50 for multiple-entry, plus any agency fees for the invitation letter (typically $10 to $25). Embassy or consulate visas vary by country but generally cost $25 to $80 depending on the type and processing speed. Visa-free entry, of course, costs nothing. These fees are subject to change, so verify current pricing on the official Vietnam immigration website before applying.

Can I get a visa extension for dental treatment?

Yes. If your dental treatment at Serenity International Dental Clinic requires a longer stay than your current visa allows, extensions are available through the Vietnam Immigration Department or a licensed agency. Single extensions of up to 30 days are common, and the process takes five to seven business days. The cost is approximately $10 to $50 depending on the extension length. Your dental clinic’s patient coordinator can recommend a reliable visa extension service in Hanoi.

Do Australians need a visa for Vietnam?

Australian passport holders are eligible for the e-visa, which allows stays of up to 90 days with single or multiple entries. Australia does not currently qualify for visa-free entry to Vietnam. The e-visa application process is straightforward and completed entirely online, with processing taking three to five business days. Given that most dental treatment plans for Australian patients involve one to two weeks in Vietnam, the 90-day e-visa provides ample coverage.

Do Americans need a visa for Vietnam?

US passport holders are also eligible for the e-visa with stays of up to 90 days. The United States does not currently have a visa exemption agreement with Vietnam. American dental tourists should apply for the e-visa at least one week before departure. For patients visiting Vietnam for dental implants or other treatments requiring two trips, a multiple-entry e-visa is recommended so you can exit and re-enter Vietnam without applying for a new visa.

2026 E-Visa Updates and Changes

Vietnam’s e-visa system has undergone several improvements that make the process smoother for 2026 travelers:

Expanded eligibility: The e-visa is now available to citizens of virtually all countries, including nationalities that were previously excluded from the program.
Multiple-entry option: The e-visa now supports multiple entries within the 90-day validity period, which is particularly useful for dental tourists who may want to visit neighboring countries during their treatment stay.
Faster processing: Many applicants now receive their e-visa approval within one to two business days, though the official processing time remains three to five business days. Applying well in advance is still recommended.
More entry points: The list of border checkpoints accepting e-visas has been expanded to include additional land border crossings and seaports, in addition to all international airports.
Digital integration: Immigration counters at major airports including Noi Bai (Hanoi) and Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City) now have dedicated e-visa lanes with electronic verification, reducing wait times compared to the visa-on-arrival queue.

For the most current information on Vietnam’s visa policies, including any recent changes that may affect your travel plans, visit the Vietnam visa changes in 2026 guide.

Vietnam Fast Facts — Essential country information for visitors
Dental Work in Vietnam — Everything dental tourists need to know
Complete Dental Tourism Guide to Vietnam 2026 — Trip planning from flights to follow-up care
Best Dental Clinics in Vietnam for Americans 2026 — Visa tips specific to American travelers
Contact Us — Get help planning your dental trip to Vietnam
Vietnam Visa Changes 2026: What Travelers Need to Know
Medical Emergencies in Vietnam
Vietnam Airlines Launches Hanoi–Amsterdam Direct Flights 2026
Long Thanh International Airport Opens 2026
10 Reasons Hanoi Is Southeast Asia’s Best Dental Tourism Destination in 2026