Vietnam Visa for US Citizens
E-Visa for US Citizens
| Type | Cost | Validity | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Entry | $25 USD | Up to 90 days | 3-5 working days |
| Multiple Entry | $50 USD | Up to 90 days | 3-5 working days |
Sources: Vietnam Tourism, Vietnam Travel FAQs
How to Apply for Vietnam E-Visa
Step 1: Apply Online
- Go to the official site: evisa.gov.vn
- Warning: Many third-party sites charge $50-100+ for the same visa. Use only the official Vietnamese government portal.
Step 2: Required Documents
- Valid US passport (6+ months remaining)
- Digital passport photo (recent, 4x6 cm)
- Entry/exit dates and port of entry (select the airport where you first land in Vietnam: Tan Son Nhat (SGN) or Noi Bai (HAN). Choose Phu Cat (UIH) only if an international flight lands there directly. As of Nov 2026, none do (FlightConnections))
- Vietnam address (hotel name is sufficient)
Step 3: Pay and Wait
- Pay $25 (single) or $50 (multiple) online via credit card
- Processing takes 3-5 working days
- Check your application status with the reference code provided
- Download and print your e-visa approval letter
Step 4: Arrive in Vietnam
- Print your e-visa or have it accessible on your phone
- Present it at immigration with your passport
- No additional fees at the airport
Single vs Multiple Entry
Single Entry ($25): Best for one trip to Vietnam. You cannot leave and re-enter, even for a weekend in Cambodia or Thailand, without a new visa.
Multiple Entry ($50): Allows you to exit and re-enter Vietnam multiple times within 90 days. Worth it if you plan to visit neighboring countries or need flexibility.
Can I Extend My E-Visa?
Vietnam e-visas cannot be extended. If you want to stay longer than 90 days, you have two options:
- Visa run: Leave Vietnam before your 90 days expire, then apply for a new e-visa from a neighboring country (Thailand, Cambodia, etc.) and re-enter.
- Temporary Residence Card (TRC): For long-term stays (6 months to 5 years), requires a Vietnamese sponsor (employer, spouse, or business). See our long-stay visa guide.
Entry Points for Quy Nhon
When applying for your e-visa, select your entry point:
- Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) if landing in Ho Chi Minh City first (most US travelers)
- Noi Bai Airport (HAN) if landing in Hanoi
- Phu Cat Airport (UIH) only if an international flight lands there directly. As of Nov 2026, Phu Cat has domestic flights only (FlightConnections)
You can exit from a different port than you entered.
What About Visa on Arrival?
Visa on arrival is NOT available for US citizens at Phu Cat Airport. You must have an approved e-visa before boarding your flight to Vietnam. Airlines will check.
Do I Need a Visa for a Layover?
Yes. Connecting to a domestic flight (e.g., SGN → Phu Cat) means you clear immigration at your first Vietnamese airport, so you need a valid e-visa. Only passengers who stay airside on an international-to-international connection skip immigration (Vietnam Airlines).
How Long Does It Really Take?
Official processing time is 3-5 working days. Apply at least 1-2 weeks before your departure to account for weekends, Vietnamese holidays, or processing delays. The system occasionally experiences technical issues, so don't wait until the last minute.
Quick Checklist
- ✅ Apply at evisa.gov.vn (official site only)
- ✅ Cost: $25 single entry, $50 multiple entry
- ✅ Valid up to 90 days
- ✅ Processing: 3-5 working days
- ✅ Print or save your e-visa approval letter
- ✅ Cannot be extended—plan ahead for longer stays
Next Step: Once you have your visa, check the best time to visit Quy Nhon and book your flights.