Places
Every card answers three questions: why go, what to know, and where to be careful.
Visa-free entry — 45 days must
Russia · Korea · UK · most of the EU
—
checked
Russia, South Korea, the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Japan all get 45 days visa-free for any purpose, valid to March 2028.
Worth knowing. Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Hungary, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Switzerland also get 45 days, but for tourism purposes only — a real difference if you are coming to work.
Careful. The USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, China and India are NOT exempt and need an e-visa. Several travel sites list them wrongly. This is information, not legal advice — verify at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn.
E-visa — up to 90 days
evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn
$25–50
checked
Open to every nationality since 2023, up to 90 days. Multiple entry at $50 is usually the sensible buy if you plan any regional travel.
Worth knowing. Processing takes about three working days; apply at least a week ahead. The entry port on the visa must match where you actually arrive.
Careful. The e-visa cannot be extended from inside Vietnam. The fee is non-refundable even if you are refused. There is no retirement visa in Vietnam.