Can I extend my tourist visa in Vietnam?

Tourist visas can be extended once for 30 days through travel agencies in major cities. Costs $45-65 and takes 2-3 days. You cannot extend e-visas or visa-on-arrival beyond the single 30-day extension.

What if the e-visa website doesn't work?

The official site evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn sometimes loads slowly. Try different browsers or times of day. If it's completely down, use visa on arrival for flights or apply at Vietnamese embassy/consulate.

Do I need proof of accommodation for the visa application?

E-visa application asks for hotel address but doesn't verify it. Any hotel name and address works. Visa on arrival and embassy applications typically don't require accommodation proof.

Can I use a damaged passport for Vietnam visa?

Passport must be in good condition with machine-readable zone intact. Minor wear is usually okay, but significant damage, missing corners, or unreadable information will cause visa rejection.

How to Get a Tourist Visa for Vietnam

Most travelers need a visa for Vietnam, obtained either through an e-visa online ($25, 3 days processing), visa on arrival (for flights only, $25-50 depending on duration), or embassy application ($80-160, 5-10 days). E-visa is fastest and works for all entry points.

Check if you need a visa. Citizens of 24 countries get 15-45 days visa-free (including UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain). Citizens of Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore get 30 days visa-free. Everyone else needs a visa. US, Canada, Australia citizens always need a visa.
Choose your visa type. E-visa: $25, valid 30 days single entry, apply online, works for all entry points. Visa on arrival: $25-50, only for airports, requires pre-approval letter. Embassy visa: $80-160, up to 90 days possible, apply in person or by mail.
Apply for e-visa online. Go to evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn (official site). Fill out form with passport details, upload passport photo page and headshot photo. Pay $25 by credit card. Receive visa in 3 working days via email.
Alternative: Get visa on arrival. Only works if flying into Vietnam. Get pre-approval letter from visa agent ($15-20). Print letter and bring passport photos. Pay stamping fee at airport ($25 single entry, $50 multiple entry). Expect 30-60 minute queue.
Print and travel. Print your e-visa approval or pre-approval letter. Bring original passport with 6+ months validity and 2 blank pages. Immigration will stamp you in for 30 days from entry date.

Can I extend my tourist visa in Vietnam?: Tourist visas can be extended once for 30 days through travel agencies in major cities. Costs $45-65 and takes 2-3 days. You cannot extend e-visas or visa-on-arrival beyond the single 30-day extension.
What if the e-visa website doesn't work?: The official site evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn sometimes loads slowly. Try different browsers or times of day. If it's completely down, use visa on arrival for flights or apply at Vietnamese embassy/consulate.
Do I need proof of accommodation for the visa application?: E-visa application asks for hotel address but doesn't verify it. Any hotel name and address works. Visa on arrival and embassy applications typically don't require accommodation proof.
Can I use a damaged passport for Vietnam visa?: Passport must be in good condition with machine-readable zone intact. Minor wear is usually okay, but significant damage, missing corners, or unreadable information will cause visa rejection.