Vietnam Visa Guide for Hanoi: Entry Requirements (2026)

Vietnam’s visa policy has dramatically improved for tourists in recent years — many nationalities can now enter visa-free for up to 90 days, while others can apply online for an e-visa in days. But entry rules vary by passport, length of stay, and purpose. Getting your Vietnam visa right before flying to Hanoi prevents stress, denied boarding, or expensive emergency processing. This complete Vietnam visa guide for Hanoi for 2026 covers visa-free countries, e-visa application, visa on arrival options, fees, and entry requirements.

Quick Visa Summary by Country

Visa-Free Entry (Most Generous – 90 Days)

• Countries: ASEAN nations, plus selected others.

Visa-Free Entry (45 Days, Multiple Entry)

• UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Russia, Belarus.
• Japan, South Korea (45 days as of 2024).
• Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland.
• Hungary, Italy.

Visa-Free Entry (15-30 Days)

• Most ASEAN countries.
• Several European and selected others.

E-Visa Required (90 Days, Multiple Entry)

• Most other nationalities including USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India.

Embassy Visa Required

• A small number of countries needing embassy application.

Verify Your Country

Visa rules change frequently. Always verify on official Vietnam Immigration website (xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn) before travel.

E-Visa Application Process

Eligibility (As of 2026)

• Citizens of nearly all countries (~80+ eligible).
• Valid passport with 6+ months remaining.
• Tourism, business, or work intent.

Step-by-Step

1. Visit official Vietnam E-Visa portal: evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn
2. Click “Apply” for E-Visa.
3. Fill in personal details (matches passport).
4. Upload passport scan and recent photo.
5. Specify entry/exit dates and ports.
6. Choose single or multiple entry.
7. Pay $25-50 fee online.
8. Receive application code via email.
9. Check status using application code (3-5 business days typically).
10. Download approved e-visa as PDF.
11. Print 2 copies (one for travel, one backup).

E-Visa Cost (2026)

• Single entry (90 days): $25.
• Multiple entry (90 days): $50.

E-Visa Processing Time

• Standard: 3-5 business days.
• Express: 1-2 days (extra fee).
• Apply at least 1-2 weeks before travel.

Visa on Arrival (VOA)

Process

1. Apply for “visa approval letter” through agency online.
2. Pay agency fee + visa fee.
3. Receive approval letter via email.
4. Print and bring to airport.
5. Submit at Vietnam immigration arrival counter.
6. Receive visa stamp in passport.

Cost (2026)

• Service fee (online agency): $20-50.
• Stamping fee at airport: $25 (single entry) or $50 (multiple entry).
• Total: $45-100.

Limitations

• Only valid for arrivals at Hanoi (HAN), HCMC (SGN), Da Nang (DAD).
• NOT for land border crossings.
• Slower than e-visa.
• Only certain nationalities eligible.

Visa-Free Entry Procedures

Required Documents

• Valid passport (6+ months remaining).
• Onward/return ticket (sometimes asked).
• Sufficient funds proof (rarely asked).

Process

1. Arrive at Vietnam port of entry.
2. Submit passport at immigration.
3. Officer stamps passport with entry date and exit deadline.
4. Continue through customs.

Maximum Stay

• UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy: 45 days.
• Most ASEAN: 30 days.
• Various others: 15-90 days.
• Multiple entry: Each entry = full visa-free period.

Visa Types & Validity

Tourist Visa (DL)

• Up to 90 days.
• Tourism activities only.
• Most common for visitors.

Business Visa (DN)

• Up to 12 months.
• For business meetings, conferences.
• Requires sponsoring company.

Work Visa (LD)

• Up to 2 years.
• Requires Vietnamese employer.
• Also requires work permit.

Student Visa (DH)

• Up to 1 year (extendable).
• Requires Vietnamese university acceptance.

Investor Visa (DT)

• 5-year multiple entry.
• Requires Vietnamese investment registration.

Visa Extensions

Tourist Extension

• Up to 3 extensions of 30 days each.
• Apply at Hanoi Immigration Office before current visa expires.
• Cost: 1,000,000-2,000,000 VND ($40-80) per extension.
• Processing: 3-5 business days.
• Bring: Passport, visa copy, accommodation address.

Or: Visa Run

• Exit Vietnam (Cambodia is closest), then re-enter.
• Reset visa-free period if applicable.
• Cost: $30-100 depending on transport.

Entry Requirements at Noi Bai Airport

Required Documents

• Valid passport (6+ months remaining).
• Visa or e-visa (if required).
• Onward/return flight ticket.
• Hotel reservation (sometimes asked).

Optional but Helpful

• Travel insurance documents.
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if from endemic country).
• Address in Vietnamese.

Customs

• Cash declaration: Required if carrying $5,000+ USD or 15+ million VND.
• Liquor: 1.5L spirits, 2L wine.
• Cigarettes: 200 cigarettes/50 cigars/250g tobacco.
• No firearms, drugs, pornography, or pirated content.

Visa Fees Comparison

E-Visa (Recommended)

• Cheapest official route.
• $25 single, $50 multiple.

Visa on Arrival

• $45-100 total.
• More expensive than e-visa.
• Can use if e-visa unavailable.

Embassy Visa

• $50-150 depending on country.
• Slower processing.
• Required for some nationalities.

Common Visa Mistakes

• Passport expiring soon — need 6+ months remaining.
• Misspelled name on visa application.
• Wrong arrival airport listed for e-visa.
• Date errors — arriving before listed date.
• Unauthorized photos not meeting requirements.
• Applying through unofficial agencies with hidden fees.
• Not checking visa-free status for your country.

What to Do If Visa Is Refused

• Reapply with corrected information.
• Contact Vietnam Embassy in your country.
• Consider visa on arrival if eligible.
• Don’t fly without confirmed entry — airline will refuse boarding.

Special Visa Situations

Multiple-Entry Travelers

Apply for multiple-entry e-visa or business visa. Easier than visa runs.

Long-Term Stays

Consider 3-month tourist visa, then extend twice (9 months total).

Working Remotely (Digital Nomads)

Tourist visa allowed for short stays. For 6+ months, consider business visa.

Family Travelers

Each family member needs separate visa. Process all together.

Visa Renewal in Hanoi

Hanoi Immigration Office

• Address: 44-46 Tran Phu Street, Ba Dinh District.
• Hours: 8 AM – 11:30 AM and 1 PM – 4:30 PM, Monday-Friday.
• Bring: Passport, current visa, completed application form, photos.
• Processing: 3-5 business days.
• Cost: 1,000,000-2,000,000 VND ($40-80).

Vietnam Visa FAQs

Do I need a visa for Hanoi?

Depends on passport. Many countries visa-free for 15-90 days.

How do I get an e-visa?

Apply at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn. Pay $25-50. Receive in 3-5 days.

How long can I stay?

Visa-free: 15-90 days depending on country. E-visa: up to 90 days.

Can I extend my visa in Hanoi?

Yes — up to 3 extensions of 30 days each.

What happens if I overstay?

$10-15/day fine. Possible deportation. Don’t risk it.

Do I need a return ticket?

Sometimes asked. Reasonable to have onward ticket.

Is e-visa accepted at all entry points?

Most international airports and many border crossings yes. Verify on official site.

Can I work on tourist visa?

Officially no. Many digital nomads work remotely on tourist visas.

Plan Your Vietnam Visa

Get your visa right before booking flights. Pair this guide with our safety pillar, first-time visit guide, airport guide, and money guide.