Understanding the entry requirements for Vietnam will help you plan your trip effectively. Here's what you need to know.

Vietnam’s digital arrival card

As of April 15, 2026, Vietnam has introduced a new digital arrival registration requirement for incoming travellers, starting with Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. All foreign nationals, regardless of whether they need a visa to enter Vietnam, must now submit their personal details online via the official immigration portal before reaching the border. It’s important to note that this form does not replace the requirement for a visa or e-visa if your nationality requires one. 

The process is designed to be completed shortly before travel. Travellers can only select an arrival date within 72 hours of entry, meaning the form should be filled out in the three days leading up to departure rather than weeks in advance. 

Authorities warn that failing to complete the digital declaration ahead of time could lead to longer processing times on arrival, making pre-submission an important step for a smoother entry into Vietnam. 

While the current rollout focuses on Tan Son Nhat Airport, features within the portal such as options for air, land, and sea travel and multiple entry points suggest the system may soon expand nationwide, though no official timeline has been confirmed. The initiative is aimed at streamlining border processing and improving passenger flow, with travellers advised to complete the form shortly before departure and have their confirmation QR code ready on arrival. 

How to complete Vietnam’s digital arrival card

Vietnam’s Digital Arrival Card is filled out via an online form in four sections, free of charge. Visit Vietnam’s official pre arrival portal to fill out the Digital Arrival Card online and follow the steps below:

1. Click on 'Create & Submit Pre-arrival Information’ 

2. Fill out passenger information including: 

   • Expected arrival date, limited to arrivals within the next 72 hours

   • Passport details (passport image upload, type, number, expiration date)

   • Personal details (full name, gender, date of birth, nationality, phone number, email address)

   • Visa details if applicable (type of visa, visa or document number, date of issue, expiration date, place of issue) 

3. Fill out trip information including:

   • Country of departure before arrival in Vietnam

   • Purpose of travel (tourism, business, study, work, etc.)

   • Mode of transport (air, land, or sea)

   • Flight number for air arrivals, or vehicle identification number for land or sea arrivals

   • Point of entry

   • Type of accommodation in Vietnam (hotel, private residence, or other)

   • Province or city of accommodation

   • District or commune of accommodation

   • Accommodation address

   • Workplace information

   • Planned departure date from Vietnam

4. Review and submit: Before submitting the information for your Digital Arrival Card make sure to review the information provided and confirm your email address. You may receive a 6-digit One Time Password code via email which you must enter on the portal to confirm the declaration. 

5. Download your registration acknowledgment: Once you submit your information and the declaration has been validated, the system displays a confirmation message and assigns a file number. You will then be able to download the registration acknowledgment which has a QR code that you can present on arrival.

Vietnam’s visa exemption scheme

Australians are not eligible for visa-free entry into Vietnam, so applying for a visa is essential to enter the country.

Can I get a visa on arrival in Vietnam?

For those travelling to Vietnam from Australia, a visa on arrival is not automatically granted. You must arrange an approved Letter of Entry through a licensed visa agent before your trip. At the airport, present the letter along with your passport, required fee, and completed forms to immigration officials to obtain the visa. Learn more about applying for a visa on arrival in Vietnam below.

Arriving without the correct authorisation can result in refusal of entry. To avoid travel disruptions, organise your documentation and confirm the necessary steps well in advance.

Vietnam electronic visa (e-Visa)

Australians can obtain an electronic visa (e-Visa) for Vietnam for tourism, business or visiting relatives. The Vietnam e-Visa is valid for up to 90 days and allows single or multiple entries via international border gates designated by the Vietnamese government. Your passport must have at least 30 days more validity than the e-Visa. Learn more about applying for a Vietnam e-Visa below.

Vietnam visa requirements

Vietnam visas require the following documents be submitted with the visa application so make sure to prepare them in advance: 

• Visa application form: Completed visa application form, either online, in person or via post 

• Valid passport: With at least 6 months’ remaining validity and at least 2 blank pages 

• Passport photos: A recent passport-sized photo adhering to Vietnam passport photo requirements 

• Travel itinerary: Proof of arrangements for your trip including flight bookings, return travel tickets and accommodation bookings. 

Along with passport requirements, below is a breakdown of the four key visas available for Australians depending on the purpose of travel, and their specific visa requirements. 

What are the passport requirements for Vietnam?

To meet the Vietnam passport requirements, Australian travellers must ensure their passport complies with the following requirements: 

• Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry. Renew your passport if needed before your trip. 

• Blank pages: Have at least two blank pages in your passport for entry and exit stamps. This is particularly important if you plan to apply for a visa on arrival. 

• Vietnam passport photo requirements: If you’re submitting a visa application, you’ll need passport-sized photos that meet the following criteria: 

  • Dimensions of 4x6 cm 

  • A light or white background 

  • No glasses or headwear unless needed for medical or religious reasons 

  • A clear and centred view of your face 

  • Straight face, no smiling 

  • Recent photo taken in the last 6 months 

  • For online visa applications, photos should be in jpg. or .jpeg format and under 2MB in file size 

Vietnam tourist visa

A Tourist Visa (also known as a DL visa) allows Australians to travel to Vietnam for up to 90 days for tourism and is suitable for short holidays, sightseeing and visiting family or friends. Applicants must meet the above visa requirements to be granted a tourist visa.

Vietnam business visa

Australians require a business visa (also known as a DN visa) for business related trips which allows foreigners to stay in Vietnam for a period of 1 month, 3 months, 6 months or up to 1 year.  

There are 2 business visas: 

• DN1: Working with entities having a legal status in Vietnam 

• DN2: Entering to promote services, establish commercial presence, or conduct activities according to Vietnam's international agreements 

Consider if you need travel insurance for a business trip to Vietnam.

What are the visa requirements for a Vietnam business visa?

There are 3 key steps to follow to meet the visa requirements for a Vietnam business visa.

Provide your sponsor with your details

Inform your sponsor or business partner of your following details: 

• Full name 

• Place and date of birth 

• Present and previous nationality 

• Passport details (number, type, date of issue, expiry) 

• Proposed dates of entry into and exit from Vietnam 

• Type of visa required (single or multiple entry) 

• The Vietnamese mission or consulate from where you would collect the visa 

Arrange an approved letter of entry

Your Vietnamese sponsor or business partner in Vietnam needs to arrange an approved Letter of Entry for you with Vietnamese Immigration.

The processing time is a minimum of 5 business days and may take longer. 

Business visa application

Once you receive Vietnam Immigration’s approved Letter of Entry from your Vietnamese sponsor or business partner, submit the following to the Vietnamese Embassy in Australia: 

• A completed visa application form with an attached passport-sized photo 

• Valid and original passport 

• A copy of the approved Letter of Entry 

• Visa fee in AUD 

• If applying by post, submit documents via a return self-addressed prepaid envelope 

Vietnam work visa

Australians aged 18 and over intending to work in Vietnam will likely need to obtain a work permit and meet specific visa requirements to be granted a work visa (also known as an LD visa) which allows foreigners to work in Vietnam for up to 2 years.  

There are 2 work visas: 

• LD1: Working in Vietnam with a work permit exemption certificate, unless otherwise provided for in international treaties to which Vietnam is a member 

• LD2: Granted to foreigners who must have a work permit to work in Vietnam 

A work visa, or employment visa, is typically arranged with the help of your employer in Vietnam. Employers file the application for a Work Permit and Letter of Sponsorship or Letter of Entry on your behalf.

Consider if you need travel insurance for a working holiday to Vietnam. 

Documents required for a Vietnam work permit

Provide the following documents to your employer in Vietnam so that they can apply for a Work Permit on your behalf: 

• Health certificate: Obtain a health certificate from Australia, confirming you are in good health and fit to work. 

• Criminal cackground certificate: Obtain a Police Check from Australia, issued within the last 6 months, that shows you have no criminal history. 

• Proof of professional background: Submit documents from former employers proving you worked there. 

• Proof of qualifications: Submit copies of your education, qualifications or degrees. 

• Photo: Submit a recent passport-sized photo that complies with Vietnam’s visa photo requirements.  

Provide your employer with your details

Your employer in Vietnam will submit the following documents for the Work Permit: 

• Vietnam Work Permit application form 

• Your work contract or employment agreement 

• Approval from the committee which allows them to employ foreign workers 

• Their business registration certificate 

• Letter of Sponsorship or Letter of Entry 

Your employer applies for a work permit

Your employer in Vietnam will submit the following documents for the Work Permit:

• Full name 

• Place and date of birth 

• Present and previous nationality 

• Passport details (number, type, date of issue, expiry) 

• Proposed dates of entry into and exit from Vietnam 

• Type of visa required (single or multiple entry) 

• The Vietnamese mission or consulate from where you would collect the visa 

Work visa application

Once you receive the Work Permit and the approved Letter of Entry from your Vietnamese employer, submit the following documents to the Vietnamese Embassy in Australia to apply for a work visa: 

• A completed visa application form with an attached passport-sized photo 

• Valid and original passport 

• A copy of the approved Letter of Entry 

• A copy of the Work Permit 

• Visa fee in AUD 

• If applying by post, submit documents via a return self-addressed prepaid envelope 

Vietnam student visa

Australians wishing to study or intern in Vietnam must obtain a student visa (also known as a DH visa) valid for a stay of up to 1 year. Your passport must have at least 30 days more validity than the student visa.

Consider if you need travel insurnace for a student trip to Vietnam.

What are the visa requirements for a Vietnam student visa?

There are 3 key steps to follow to meet the visa requirements for a Vietnam student visa.

Provide your sponsor with your details

Inform your sponsor or inviting agency of your following details:

• Full name 

• Place and date of birth 

• Present and previous nationality 

• Passport details (number, type, date of issue, expiry) 

• Proposed dates of entry into and exit from Vietnam 

• A written admission document or acceptance letter from a recognised Vietnam school or educational institution in Vietnam 

• The Vietnamese mission or consulate from where you would collect the visa 

Arrange an approved letter of entry

Your Vietnamese sponsor or inviting agency in Vietnam needs to arrange an Approval Entry Letter for you with Vietnamese Immigration to prove that your entry to Vietnam is for study or interning purposes.

The processing time is a minimum of 5 business days and may take longer. 

Student visa application

Once you receive Vietnam Immigration’s approved Letter of Entry from your Vietnamese sponsor or inviting agency, submit the following to the Vietnamese Embassy in Australia: 

• A completed visa application form with an attached passport-sized photo 

• Valid and original passport 

• A copy of the approved Letter of Entry 

• Visa fee in AUD 

• If applying by post, submit documents via a return self-addressed prepaid envelope. 

Do I need to apply for a visa for Vietnam?

There are 3 main ways Australian citizens can apply for a visa for Vietnam. Before travelling to Vietnam from Australia, citizens can apply online for an e-Visa, or submit a visa application with the Vietnamese Embassy in person or by post. Alternatively, Australian’s can also apply for a visa on arrival when they land in Vietnam.  

Below are the step-by-step processes for applying for a visa for Vietnam. 

Online application for a Vietnam e-Visa

Australian travellers can apply for an e-Visa for tourism and business purposes for up to 90 days. 

Visit the, Vietnam National Electronic Visa system website, read their e-Visa application instructions or follow the steps below to submit a visa application online: 

• Visit the official Vietnam e-Visa website 

• Fill out the visa application form 

• Upload any required supporting documents  

• Pay the visa fee  

• Wait for the visa to be processed  

• Receive your e-Visa confirmation document via email  

The processing time for online e-Visa applications is usually four working days and may take longer during busy periods or if the Vietnam Immigration Department requires an update to the application. 

It is important to note that travellers have been scammed by private online visa services and travel agents. Make sure to use the official Vietnam National Electronic Visa system provided on the Vietnamese Embassy’s website. 

Applying for a visa at the Vietnamese embassy

Applicants can visit the Vietnamese Embassy or their local Vietnamese Consulate to apply for a visa in person, or in some cases via post. Follow the steps below to apply: 

• Identify the visa type: Determine the type of visa you need based on your travel purpose. 

• Gather supporting documents: Ensure you prepare all required documents to avoid delays.    

• Pay the visa fee: Pay the visa fee when you submit the application 

• Wait for processing: It usually takes 10-15 business days for visa applications to be processed but it may take longer during peak periods. 

Applying for a visa on arrival in Vietnam

Australians travelling to Vietnam by air can apply for a visa on arrival at the airport once they land in Vietnam, provided they have an approved Letter of Entry from a licenced visa agent, arranged before the trip. Upon arrival in Vietnam, submit the letter along with your passport and visa fee, and complete any required forms at the visa on arrival counter to obtain the visa.

How much does a Vietnam visa cost?

The cost of a visa for Vietnam depends on the visa type, duration and entries. A single entry visa might be less expensive than options allowing multiple entries or longer stays. Here’s a general breakdown of approximate visa costs for Australians: 

Visa fees can change over time and additional service fees may apply depending on the processing time and method, so make sure to check the current visa application fees with the Vietnamese Embassy and take currency exchange rates into consideration as this will impact visa fees. 

How long can I stay in Vietnam with a visa?

The length of your stay in Vietnam depends on the type of visa you hold and the purpose of your visit. Below is a breakdown of different visa options in Vietnam and their period of validity.

Extending your visa for Vietnam

If you wish to stay in Vietnam beyond the initial validity of your visa, you may apply for an extension with the Vietnam Immigration Department or consult with a local travel agency specialising in Vietnamese visas or immigration services to simplify the process.  

Extensions are typically granted for 15, 30 or 90 day periods, depending on your visa type. Extension durations may change over time so make sure to verify visa extension details with the Vietnamese Immigration Department and apply well before your current visa expires to avoid penalties.

Documents required for visa extension

• Certified copy of the travel agency's travel license 

• Confirmation that foreigners are temporarily staying at tourist accommodation establishments 

• Valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity and 2 blank pages for stamps 

• Visa application form for visa issuance and stay extension (Form NA5) 

• Temporary residence card (if any) or an online temporary residence registration or temporary residence registration certified by the police 

• A certified copy of legal documents of the guaranteeing enterprise (business license, seal certificate) (for business visas) 

How to apply for a visa extension

The process for applying for a visa extension in Vietnam involves the following steps: 

• Submit documents outlined above with the application to extend your visa to the Vietnam Immigration Department, or alternatively have a guaranteed travel agency submit the documents on your behalf 

• Pay the visa extension fee 

• Wait for the processing to review the visa extension which may take up to 8 business days 

• Receive your passport back with the visa extension stamped 

What happens if I overstay my visa in Vietnam?

Overstaying your visa in Vietnam can lead to fines, detention, or even deportation. The penalty depends on how long you have overstayed, with stricter consequences for longer durations. For example, overstaying by a few days may incur a fine, while staying much longer could result in being banned from future entry into Vietnam. 

If you realise you’re likely to overstay, contact local immigration authorities immediately. They may offer guidance on paying overstay fines and clarify next steps. 

Travel insurance for your trip to Vietnam

When planning your trip to Vietnam, it’s important to consider travel insurance to help protect against unexpected situations, such as medical emergencies or trip cancellations. With Fast Cover, you can customise your travel insurance policy for Vietnam to suit your travel plans.    

It is important to note that your travel insurance policy may not provide cover if you do not comply with Vietnam’s visa or other entry requirements. To help ensure you are prepared for your trip, you should research and understand the relevant entry conditions before you travel to Vietnam.  

Eligibility criteria, policy terms, conditions, exclusions and limits apply. Consider the PDS prior to deciding on which policy is right for you and your needs.