🇻🇳 Vietnam visa requirements

Most passports need a visa for Vietnam, but there are exceptions for short stays. EU, UK, Australia, Canada, and US citizens get 45 days visa-free. Everyone else? You're likely looking at an e-visa or visa-on-arrival.

Who Gets In Free (and For How Long)

Let's cut to the chase. If you've got a passport from most EU countries, the UK, Australia, Canada, or the US, you're in luck. You get a 45-day visa exemption stamp in your passport. This is a big change from the old 15-day rule, so take note. It's usually single entry, though. Want to pop over to Cambodia and come back? You'll need a new entry permit.

Now, if your passport isn't on that list, you'll likely fall into one of two categories: visa-on-arrival (VOA) or needing a pre-arranged visa. Countries like South Korea, Japan, and some Nordic nations might also have specific short-stay agreements, often around 30 days, but always double-check the latest official list. For the vast majority of other nationalities, you'll need to apply for an e-visa before you travel. This process is usually straightforward and grants you a single entry for 30 or 90 days, depending on your nationality and the type of e-visa you get.

Vietnam Visa Lengths: It's Not Always What It Seems

That 45-day visa-free period sounds sweet, right? It is. But remember, it's usually a single entry. If you plan any island hopping or quick trips to neighbouring countries, you'll need to factor in applying for a new visa or e-visa upon your return. Don't assume you can just hop out for a day and hop back in to reset your clock.

For those on e-visas, the standard is typically 30 days for a single entry. There are also 90-day e-visas available for some nationalities, often with multiple entry options. The key here is to apply for the correct type. Getting caught overstaying is where things get sticky. While exact fines can vary, expect them to be hefty, and it can lead to deportation or future entry bans. For minor overstays, a common penalty is a fine of around $25-$50 USD per day, but don't rely on this. The immigration officers have the final say.

Working Remotely on a Tourist Stamp? A Legal Grey Area

So, you're a digital nomad. You've got your tourist visa or exemption. Can you legally work remotely from a cafe in Ho Chi Minh City? The official line is no. Tourist visas are for tourism. However, the reality on the ground is a bit more nuanced. Enforcement varies wildly. In popular nomad hubs like Da Nang or Hoi An, you'll see remote workers everywhere, and authorities generally don't hassle tourists for simply using a laptop.

The risk increases if you're seen to be actively working for a Vietnamese company, operating a business locally, or if your activities are particularly conspicuous. Don't expect to get a long-term remote work visa; that's not really a thing for most digital nomads in Vietnam right now. For most people, working quietly on a tourist stamp is a calculated risk that most take. Just don't advertise it.

What's New on the Vietnam Visa Front

Vietnam has been actively updating its visa policies. The biggest recent change was the expansion of the visa-free period to 45 days for citizens of the US, EU, UK, Canada, and Australia, effective from August 15, 2023. This was a game-changer. Alongside this, they've also introduced 90-day, multiple-entry e-visas for citizens of many countries, which is fantastic for longer stays.

Previously, the e-visa was often limited to 30 days and single entry. The fee for the e-visa has also seen adjustments, typically around $25 USD for a single entry, 30-day visa, and higher for the longer, multiple-entry options . Always check the official Vietnam Immigration Department website for the most current list of eligible countries and fees before you apply. They do tend to update these lists and programmes, so a quick check before booking is always wise.