Visa & Entry Requirements

Visa Requirements Overview

🌟 Visa-Free Entry

Citizens from certain countries can enter Vietnam without a visa for short stays:

ASEAN Countries: Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar (14-30 days)
Other Countries: South Korea, Japan, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Russia, Belarus (14-45 days)

💻 E-Visa

Online visa application system for citizens of eligible countries:

Apply online at official government website
Processing time: 3 business days
Valid for 30 days, single entry
Fee: $25 USD

📋 Visa on Arrival

Available for citizens of all countries at Vietnam's international airports:

Must have pre-approval letter
Valid for 15 or 30 days
Single or multiple entry options
Processing fee: $25-50 USD

Entry Requirements

Essential Documents

Before traveling to Vietnam, make sure you have all required documents and meet entry requirements to ensure a smooth immigration process.

📖 Passport Requirements

Valid for at least 6 months from entry date
At least 2 blank pages for stamps
Must be in good condition

🎫 Return/Onward Ticket

Proof of departure from Vietnam
Flight, bus, or train ticket
May be requested at immigration

💰 Proof of Funds

Bank statements or cash
Approximately $500-1000 USD recommended
Credit cards accepted as proof

🏨 Accommodation Proof

Hotel booking confirmation
Address of where you'll stay
Contact information of host (if applicable)

Entry Points to Ho Chi Minh City

✈️ Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)

Main international gateway to Ho Chi Minh City

Located 7km from city center
Open 24/7 for international flights
Visa on arrival available
Immigration processing: 30-60 minutes

🚗 Land Borders

Entry from Cambodia via various border crossings:

Moc Bai - Bavet (most popular)
Xa Mat - Prek Chak
Tinh Bien - Phnom Den
Operating hours: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Health & Vaccination Requirements

💉 Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever: Required if arriving from infected areas
COVID-19: Check current requirements (subject to change)

🏥 Recommended Vaccinations

Hepatitis A and B
Typhoid
Japanese Encephalitis
Routine vaccines (MMR, DPT, flu)

🦟 Malaria Prevention

Low risk in Ho Chi Minh City
Higher risk in rural areas
Use insect repellent
Consider antimalarial medication for rural travel

Customs & Prohibited Items

✅ Duty-Free Allowances

Cigarettes: 200 sticks or 100 cigars
Alcohol: 1.5L spirits or 2L wine
Personal items and gifts up to $300 USD
Foreign currency: No limit (declare amounts over $5,000)

❌ Prohibited Items

Drugs and narcotics
Weapons and explosives
Pornographic materials
Anti-government publications
Endangered species products

Important Tips

📱 Arrival Preparation

Download offline maps
Exchange some cash at airport
Keep important documents handy
Have accommodation address written in Vietnamese

🕒 Processing Times

Immigration: 30-60 minutes during peak hours
Customs: 10-20 minutes
Airport to city: 30-45 minutes
Allow extra time during holidays

💡 Pro Tips

Keep passport copy separate from original
Register with your embassy upon arrival
Get local SIM card at airport
Use official airport transportation

🆘 Emergency Contacts

Police: 113
Fire: 114
Ambulance: 115
Tourist Hotline: 1080

Embassy & Consular Services

Need Help?

Contact your home country's embassy or consulate in Ho Chi Minh City for assistance with visa issues, emergency travel documents, or other consular services. Most major countries have diplomatic representation in the city.