1. What is the 90-Day Vietnam E-visa and Who is it For?
The E-visa is an electronic visa issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department, permitting foreign nationals to enter and stay in Vietnam for a maximum of 90 days, with options for single or multiple entries.
This visa is designed for individuals visiting Vietnam for legitimate purposes such as tourism, business, trade, or visiting relatives. It is especially beneficial for citizens of countries not eligible for visa exemption.
The key advantage of the 90-day E-visa is its fully online application process, which is quick, cost-effective, and user-friendly for foreign nationals.
2. Eligibility Requirements for the 90-Day Vietnam E-visa
According to an announcement from the Vietnam Immigration Department, as of August 15, 2023, Vietnam has expanded its E-visa policy to citizens of all countries and territories worldwide. This means that citizens from any nation can now apply for an E-visa to enter Vietnam.
To be eligible for the 90-day E-visa, you simply need to meet the following basic requirements:
- Valid Passport: Your passport must have at least six months of validity from your intended date of entry into Vietnam.
- No Entry Restrictions: You must not be on the list of individuals prohibited or restricted from entering Vietnam under Vietnamese law.
Important Note on Ports of Entry: Although the nationality policy has been expanded, you must enter and exit Vietnam through international ports of entry that accept E-visas. Choosing the wrong port of entry may result in being denied entry.
To ensure a smooth journey, please carefully check the list of applicable airports, land borders, and seaports below:
3. Comparing the 90-Day E-visa with Other Options
Previously, Vietnam’s E-visa was only valid for 30 days, which was inconvenient for those needing a longer stay. The introduction of the 90-day E-visa offers foreign nationals much more flexibility. Here’s a comparison:
- 30-Day E-visa: Allows a single entry and a maximum stay of 30 days. It cannot be extended.
- 90-Day E-visa (Single Entry): Allows a stay of up to 90 days but with only one entry.
- 90-Day E-visa (Multiple Entry): Allows you to enter and exit Vietnam multiple times within the 90-day period, which is ideal for those who travel frequently within the region.
- Visa Issued at an Embassy/Consulate: Suitable for long-term purposes such as employment, formal education, or residency.
The 90-day E-visa effectively bridges the gap between short-term and long-term visas, offering maximum convenience for tourists and short-term business travelers.
4. Application Checklist: What to Prepare Before You Apply
Before starting the online application, ensure you have all the necessary documents and information ready. Thorough preparation will not only speed up the process but also minimize the risk of rejection. Here is a detailed checklist:
Required Digital Files:
- 4x6cm Portrait Photo: Must have a white background, show your full face clearly without hats or colored glasses, and be under 2MB. The photo should be recent and not heavily edited to ensure authenticity.
- Photo of Your Passport’s Data Page: Must clearly display all personal information without blur, cut-off corners, or glare. The ICAO lines (the machine-readable zone at the bottom) must be fully visible for the system to scan it automatically.
Personal and Travel Information:
- Valid Passport: With at least 6 months of validity from your intended entry date.
- Active Email Address: All notifications and the final E-visa will be sent to this email.
- Travel Itinerary: Including your intended date of entry, port of entry, and your first temporary address in Vietnam (e.g., hotel, relative’s house).
- Additional Information (for business trips): You may be asked to provide an invitation letter or confirmation from your partner company in Vietnam to verify the purpose of your entry.
5. Detailed Step-by-Step Online E-visa Application Process
Step 1: Access the Official E-visa Portal
Open your web browser and go to https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn – the only official portal recognized by the Vietnamese government. Starting here ensures your application is secure, transparent, and processed correctly.
Step 2: Complete the Application Form and Pay the Fee
Personal & Itinerary Details: Accurately fill in your full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, and travel details. Ensuring this information matches your documents is crucial for a smooth approval.
Upload Photos: Upload your 4x6cm portrait photo (white background) and the scanned image of your passport’s data page.
Select Visa Type: Choose between a 30-day (single entry) or a 90-day (single or multiple entry) visa.
Pay the Fee: The standard fee is $25 USD for a single-entry visa and $50 USD for a multiple-entry visa. Payment can be made with an international card (Visa, MasterCard, etc.).
Step 3: Track Your Application and Prepare for Your Trip
- Processing Time: The standard processing time is 5–7 working days, but it can extend to 15 days during peak seasons.
- Receive Your Result: The E-visa will be sent to your email as a PDF file. You can also check your application status directly on the website using your registration code.
Important Tip: Complete your application at least 1–2 weeks before your departure date to allow for any necessary adjustments and ensure a stress-free journey.
6. Common Mistakes That Lead to Rejection and How to Fix Them
Even minor errors can lead to a rejected E-visa application. Identifying these common mistakes beforehand will help you prepare a flawless application and avoid unnecessary complications.
Non-Compliant Portrait Photo
- Reason: The background is not white, lighting is poor, or the face is covered by shadows or tilted.
- Solution: Retake a 4x6cm photo with a plain white background, even lighting, and a forward-facing posture.
Blurry or Incomplete Passport Photo
- Reason: The scan is unclear, the image is cropped, or important information is missing.
- Solution: Re-scan your passport’s data page at a high resolution, ensuring all four corners and all details are sharp and legible.
Incorrect Personal Information
- Reason: Typos in your name, date of birth, passport number, or nationality.
- Solution: Submitted information cannot be edited. You must submit a new application, ensuring every detail perfectly matches your official documents.
Wrong Port of Entry Selected
- Reason: You entered an intended port of entry that is not on the approved list, which can lead to being denied entry upon arrival.
- Solution: Double-check the official list of E-visa-approved ports and select the exact one you plan to use.
Payment Failure
- Reason: Insufficient funds, connection errors, or issues with the payment gateway.
- Solution: Check your card’s balance and expiry date. If the error persists, try making the payment at a different time or use a different card.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the 90-Day E-visa
Can the 90-day E-visa be extended?
Answer: No. Once the 90-day visa expires, visitors must exit the country. To re-enter, you must apply for a new E-visa. This regulation helps immigration authorities manage stays effectively and ensures all procedures remain current and lawful.
Can I enter Vietnam multiple times while my visa is valid?
Answer: Yes, but only with a multiple-entry visa. This type allows you to exit and re-enter Vietnam as many times as you wish within the 90-day validity period, making it highly convenient for business trips or multi-destination travel. The single-entry visa, however, is valid for one entry only.
If my application is rejected, will I get a refund?
Answer: No. The E-visa application fee is non-refundable, even in the case of rejection. Therefore, it is crucial to prepare your application accurately and follow all instructions carefully to avoid financial loss.
Pro Tips:
- Triple-check all personal information, passport details, and photos before submission.
- Choose the visa type that best suits your travel needs.
- Apply at least 1–2 weeks before your trip to allow sufficient time for processing and any potential corrections.
With this detailed guide, we hope you now have a comprehensive understanding and feel confident in applying for your 90-day Vietnam E-visa. Proper preparation not only saves you time and money but also ensures a smooth start to your journey in Vietnam. Compared to traditional methods, the e-visa is a significant advancement, offering maximum convenience for international citizens.
This article is part of Quang Huy Law Firm’s series of guides on e-visa applications and other legal procedures for foreigners. If you encounter any difficulties during the process or require expert consultation for more complex cases, such as work permits or temporary residence cards, do not hesitate to contact us for timely and professional legal support.
We wish you a successful visa application and a memorable trip to Vietnam!
