Vietnam

Entry & Visa

Vietnam's entry requirements depend on your passport nationality, reason for travel and intended length of stay. Some visitors qualify for visa-free entry, while others need to obtain an electronic visa or another appropriate visa before travelling.

Vietnam offers electronic visas for eligible travel documents from all countries and territories, with single-entry and multiple-entry options valid for up to 90 days. Certain nationalities also benefit from visa exemptions of up to 45 days under current government policies.

Check the precise conditions for your passport before booking non-refundable travel. Ensure your visa or exemption covers the full journey, including any plans to leave Vietnam and re-enter. Immigration officers determine permission to enter and the authorised period of stay.

Visa overview

Vietnam has several visa-exemption arrangements. Under policies in effect until March 2028, ordinary eligible visitors from Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland can generally stay without a visa for up to 45 days, subject to entry conditions.

A separate tourism-related policy, effective until August 2028, grants qualifying 45-day visa exemptions to citizens of Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Switzerland. Other nationalities may have different exemptions under bilateral agreements.

Travellers without a suitable exemption can check Vietnam's official electronic visa system. Do not assume that a visa-free stay can automatically be extended or that a visa exemption is valid for every travel purpose.

Passport requirements

For ordinary visitor travel, plan to have a passport valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date, with at least two blank pages, and ensure it is undamaged. Confirm any nationality-specific requirements before departure.

Use the same passport for your visa application, entry and departure. If you renew or replace your passport after receiving an e-visa, seek official guidance before travelling rather than assuming the previous authorisation remains usable.

On arrival, check the authorised departure date shown in your immigration record or entry stamp. It may be different from the general maximum visa or exemption period.

eVisa / Visa on arrival

Vietnam's official electronic visa portal is evisa.gov.vn. E-visas can be issued for up to 90 days, with a single-entry or multiple-entry option. At the time of this review, official application fees are US$25 for single entry and US$50 for multiple entries. These application fees are non-refundable.

Apply well before departure and carefully check your name, passport number, dates and intended border crossings. An approved visa does not guarantee entry, and e-visa travel is restricted to authorised entry and exit points.

Do not assume that tourists can simply arrive at any Vietnamese airport and buy a visa. Visa issuance at the border is limited to circumstances permitted under Vietnamese law. Arrange the correct authorisation in advance unless an official exemption or specific border-visa procedure applies.

Arrival requirements

Vietnam introduced an online pre-arrival declaration system for foreign travellers entering through Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City in April 2026. As checked in October 2026, official travel advice describes this digital arrival card as encouraged, rather than a universal mandatory requirement, for arrivals through SGN. The system may expand or change with limited notice.

Travellers should check the official pre-arrival portal and their airline's latest instructions shortly before flying. A digital arrival declaration does not replace a visa or visa exemption.

Additional health declarations may be requested under current health-entry procedures. Carry your passport, applicable visa approval, accommodation details and onward travel information in an accessible form.

Official immigration information ↗

Money & Payments

Vietnam uses the Vietnamese dong (VND), and prices are commonly displayed in thousands or millions of dong. Large numbers can seem unfamiliar at first, so take a moment to check the total before paying.

Cash remains useful for street-food stalls, traditional markets, small shops and rural businesses. Cards are accepted at many hotels, larger restaurants, supermarkets and established attractions, particularly in major cities. However, card acceptance and foreign transaction fees vary, and some small vendors use local QR payment systems that may not accept overseas banking apps.

ATMs are available in cities and popular visitor destinations. Check any withdrawal fees and daily limits, and use machines attached to reputable banks where practical. When an ATM or payment terminal offers conversion into your home currency, paying in Vietnamese dong usually allows your card issuer to handle the exchange rate instead.

Carry smaller banknotes for everyday purchases, keep a backup payment method separate from your main wallet and check the final price of tours or transport before confirming a booking.

Language & Communication

Vietnamese is the official language and the main language used in everyday life. It is a tonal language written using the Latin alphabet with distinctive accent marks.

English is commonly spoken in many hotels, tourism businesses and popular visitor areas, but communication can be more limited in smaller towns and rural communities. A translation app with offline language support can be very useful for addresses, menus and transport arrangements.

Learning a few words makes everyday interactions friendlier. “Xin chào” is a greeting, “cảm ơn” means thank you and “bao nhiêu tiền?” asks how much something costs.

For taxis or private transfers, showing your destination in Vietnamese on your phone is often more effective than relying on spoken pronunciation. Names with missing accent marks or similar spellings can refer to different places.

SIM, Internet & Connectivity

Mobile data is useful throughout Vietnam, particularly for navigation, transport bookings and translating unfamiliar signs. Coverage is generally good in major cities and established tourist destinations, but signal quality can vary in remote mountain areas, islands and rural valleys.

Travellers can compare international roaming, local prepaid SIM cards and travel eSIMs. Local mobile providers include Viettel, VNPT/VinaPhone and MobiFone. A local SIM purchase may require passport-based identity registration, so buy through an authorised provider or reputable outlet.

Before purchasing an eSIM, check that your phone supports eSIM technology, is network-unlocked and can use the selected plan. Some travel eSIMs provide data only, without a Vietnamese telephone number.

Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafés and many public venues. Download offline maps, save accommodation addresses and keep essential booking information accessible without an internet connection.

Use normal precautions on public Wi-Fi, particularly when accessing financial accounts, and remember that access to certain online services may be restricted locally.

Electricity & Plugs

Getting Around

Vietnam is a long country, so the distance between destinations deserves careful consideration when planning a trip.

Domestic flights are useful for travelling between distant regions, particularly between Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City. Trains offer a more relaxed way to experience the countryside, with the north–south railway linking important cities along the coast. Overnight trains can be convenient, but journey times, sleeper classes and comfort vary.

Long-distance coaches connect many destinations beyond the railway network. For mountain regions such as Sa Pa or Ha Giang, road journeys are often necessary. Check the operator, pickup location, luggage arrangements and road conditions, especially when travelling overnight.

In cities, ride-hailing services and established taxi operators are often easier for visitors than negotiating with drivers on the street. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City also have expanding urban rail services, although neither city's rail network reaches every visitor destination.

Road traffic can be intense, and motorbike accidents are a significant risk. Unless you are appropriately licensed, experienced and insured, consider public transport or a properly booked car instead of renting a scooter.

For a first trip, combining two or three regions is usually more comfortable than attempting to visit the entire country in a short holiday. Allow additional time for island boats, mountain roads and connections affected by severe weather.

Safety & Emergency

Vietnam is a popular destination for independent travellers, but ordinary precautions make a meaningful difference.

Petty theft, pickpocketing and bag-snatching can occur in busy streets, markets and tourist areas. Keep phones and handbags away from the road-facing side when walking near traffic, particularly where motorcycles pass close to the pavement. Use established taxi companies or app-booked transport, and check the vehicle details before entering.

Road safety is a more serious concern than many visitors expect. Traffic can be unpredictable, and crossing a busy road requires patience and attention. Never assume that vehicles will stop simply because you have stepped onto a crossing.

Adventure activities, mountain roads and boat excursions require additional care. Choose reputable operators, check safety equipment and review weather warnings before travelling. Do not continue with an excursion if flooding, landslides or rough seas make conditions unsafe.

Penalties for illegal drugs are severe, and vaping products are prohibited. Follow local regulations and avoid photographing military facilities or entering restricted areas.

Save these emergency numbers: police 113, ambulance 115 and fire 114. National search and rescue assistance is available on 112. Emergency call centres may operate in Vietnamese, so keep your hotel address and a translation app accessible.

Emergency numbers: Police: 113; Ambulance: 115; Fire: 114

Health & Practical Information

Arrange suitable travel medical insurance before departure, including coverage for the activities you plan to undertake. Medical care is available in Vietnam's major cities, but specialist treatment and English-speaking assistance may be less accessible in remote areas. Some private facilities require payment or a financial guarantee before treatment.

Consult a qualified travel-health professional ideally four to six weeks before travelling. Recommended vaccinations depend on your medical history, destinations, length of stay and activities. Routine vaccinations should be up to date, while hepatitis A and other travel-related vaccinations may be advised.

Mosquito-borne illnesses, including dengue, occur in Vietnam. Use effective insect repellent, wear protective clothing where practical and take care in mosquito-prone areas. Travellers planning longer rural stays or animal-related activities may need additional advice about Japanese encephalitis or rabies.

Drink safe water, choose food prepared hygienically and wash your hands regularly. Bottled or properly treated water is generally a safer choice than drinking untreated tap water.

Carry essential prescription medicines in their original packaging, along with supporting prescription documents, and check Vietnamese import restrictions for controlled medicines.

If an animal bites or scratches you, wash the wound thoroughly and seek urgent medical assessment because rabies exposure requires prompt attention.

Travel Costs

Low

Vietnam can offer very good value for travellers, particularly when using locally run accommodation, casual restaurants and ordinary transport services. However, costs differ considerably by destination and travel style.

Street-food meals and local cafés are generally more affordable than restaurants in major hotels or heavily visited districts. Simple guesthouses and comfortable mid-range hotels are available in many cities, while luxury accommodation, private tours and premium cruises can increase a holiday budget quickly.

Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City offer choices across a wide range of budgets. Hoi An, coastal resorts and popular island destinations may be more expensive during busy travel periods, especially around holidays. Ha Long Bay cruises also vary substantially in price depending on vessel quality, itinerary, meals and inclusions.

Domestic flights, overnight rail cabins and private transfers can become major expenses on a multi-region trip. Remember to include airport transport, baggage charges, attraction tickets and the cost of moving between destinations.

Rather than relying on a fixed daily-spending figure, build your budget around the specific places you intend to visit. Compare current accommodation and transport prices for your actual dates, allow for currency conversion fees and keep a small reserve for disruptions or unexpected expenses.

Culture & Etiquette

Vietnamese culture places importance on family, hospitality, shared meals and respect for elders. Customs vary across regions and communities, so it is worth observing how people behave rather than assuming every situation follows the same rules.

When entering temples, pagodas and religious sites, dress respectfully, follow signs and remove shoes where required. Always ask before photographing people in private settings, particularly in rural villages or during religious activities.

Food is an important part of travelling in Vietnam. Regional dishes offer different flavours and traditions, from Hanoi's phở and bún chả to central Vietnamese specialities and the many street-food dishes of the south. Visiting a local market or family-run restaurant can be just as memorable as seeing a famous landmark.

Bargaining may be normal at some markets, but it is not appropriate everywhere. Keep negotiations friendly, and agree on prices before purchasing goods or services when prices are not displayed.

Tết, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is the country's most significant annual celebration. It brings family gatherings, decorations, traditional foods and changes to business and transport schedules.

Other important dates include Reunification Day on 30 April, International Workers' Day on 1 May, National Day on 2 September and the lunar-calendar Hùng Kings Commemoration Day. Vietnam also introduced a national Culture Day public holiday on 24 November in 2026.

For 2027 travel planning, the government-announced Tết public-sector holiday period is 4–10 February, while National Day arrangements cover 2–5 September. Private-sector schedules can differ. Travellers visiting around major holidays should reserve transport and accommodation early and expect some businesses to operate reduced hours.

Climate / When to Visit

Vietnam's weather varies considerably from north to south, so there is no single ideal month for every destination.

Northern Vietnam, including Hanoi and Ha Long Bay, has cooler winters and hot, humid summers. Autumn is often pleasant for city walks and mountain scenery, while higher-elevation destinations such as Sa Pa can become genuinely cold during winter.

Central Vietnam, including Hue, Da Nang and Hoi An, generally experiences warm, sunny conditions during much of the first half of the year. Heavy rain, tropical storms and flooding can affect parts of the central coast later in the year, particularly around September to November. Coastal conditions differ from those in the Central Highlands.

Southern Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta, stays warm throughout the year. The drier season generally runs from about December to April, while May to November brings more frequent rain, often in heavy afternoon showers.

Phu Quoc has its own island weather considerations, including rougher sea conditions during the wetter months.

For a journey covering several regions, March to May can provide a useful compromise, but individual destinations still need their own weather check. Monitor official forecasts before booking boat trips, mountain excursions or travel during periods of tropical-storm risk. Leave flexibility in your itinerary when conditions could affect transport.

Useful Links

Guides to Vietnam

Vietnam

Vietnam in 10–14 Days: Planning a Realistic Route

Planning a trip to Vietnam but unsure how much you can see in 10 or 14 days? This practical guide helps you choose a realistic route through northern, central and southern Vietnam, with sample itineraries covering Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City. Learn which journeys take time, when flying makes sense and how to adjust your plans for different interests and seasons.

Read Guide

Frequently Asked Questions