Vietnam Visa Step 1: Do you need a visa?
Citizens of the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland can stay 45 days visa-free. Some Southeast Asian countries get 14–30 days. Flying directly to Phu Quoc and staying on the island? Up to 30 days visa-free for any nationality. Check your country on the visa by nationality page.
Americans, Australians, Canadians, Indians, New Zealanders and most other nationalities need an e-visa, and there is no visa at the airport without pre-approval.
Step 2: Pick the option by when you fly
Vietnam time (GMT+7). Totals for a single entry, government fee included.
| Your situation | Best option | Total |
|---|---|---|
| It's a working day, before 10:30 in Vietnam | Emergency 1 hour: result 1 hour after you apply | $224 |
| It's a working day, before 14:00, flight tonight or tomorrow | Urgent 4 hours: result by 18:00 | $104 |
| Flight in 2 days or more (working days) | Urgent 1 day: result by 18:00 the next working day | $94 |
| It's Friday evening, Saturday or Sunday | Weekend emergency: result by 18:00 Saturday or Sunday (weekends: apply before 14:00) | $224 |
| Already applied on evisa.gov.vn, still "processing" | Speed up the same application | service fee only |
Not sure what time it is in Vietnam? Vietnam is 7 hours ahead of London (6 in summer), 11–12 hours ahead of New York and 3–4 hours behind Sydney.
Step 3: Send these now
- Photo of your passport information page (all corners, bottom lines readable)
- Portrait photo, white background, no glasses
- Flight time and arrival airport
Enter the code PAUL in "Add Your Coupon" on the application form, so I follow your file personally and keep you updated on WhatsApp until the e-visa arrives.
Good to know
- The e-visa arrives as a PDF by email. Print it or keep it on your phone for check-in.
- Your entry date on the e-visa must be on or before your arrival date, and you must enter through the airport you chose (list of e-visa airports).
- Nobody can guarantee approval: urgent services guarantee when you get the answer. Don't board on a payment receipt alone.
FAQ
Can I get a Vietnam visa in one day?
Yes. On working days the Emergency 1 hour option gives a result one hour after you apply (apply 8:00–10:30 Vietnam time), and Urgent 4 hours gives a result the same afternoon.
Can I get a visa on arrival in Vietnam without applying?
No. Without an e-visa or a pre-approved visa-on-arrival letter, airlines will not let you board, unless your nationality is visa-exempt.
My flight is tomorrow and it's Saturday. What can I do?
Use the weekend emergency option: apply before 14:00 Vietnam time and get the result by 18:00 the same day.
What if I land before the e-visa is approved?
Don't fly. Airlines check your e-visa at check-in, and you can be refused boarding or sent back on arrival.
I already applied myself and it's still pending. Can it be ready by tomorrow?
Usually yes on a working day. Send me your e-visa code (starts with E) and the email you used, and I can speed up the same application.
Related: Urgent Vietnam visa · Weekend visa · Still processing? · Do I need a visa?