Vietnam Visa for US Citizens (2026)
Yes, US citizens need a visa to enter Vietnam. The easiest option is the Vietnam e-visa: up to 90 days, single or multiple entry, 25 or 50 USD, applied for online at thithucdientu.gov.vn. For business trips or longer stays, use an approval letter or apply through a Vietnamese embassy. The only visa-free option is a stay of up to 30 days limited to Phu Quoc island.
| Option | Stay | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| E-visa | Up to 90 days | Tourism, short business trips |
| Approval letter / embassy visa | By purpose | Business, work, family, urgent |
| Phu Quoc visa-free | 30 days, Phu Quoc only | Island holidays |
On this page
- Do US citizens need a visa?
- E-visa
- Approval letter and visa on arrival
- Business, work and long stays
- Entry requirements
- FAQ
Do US citizens need a visa for Vietnam?
Yes. The United States is not on Vietnam’s visa exemption list (see visa-exempt countries).
Phu Quoc exception: foreigners of all nationalities may visit Phu Quoc island visa-free for up to 30 days, but only within Phu Quoc; travelling on to the mainland needs a visa or e-visa.
Vietnam e-visa for US citizens
All nationalities can apply for a Vietnam e-visa online at the official site thithucdientu.gov.vn: up to 90 days, single entry (25 USD) or multiple entry (50 USD), processed in 3 working days. You can enter through any of the 83 e-visa ports. Guides: how to apply, check your status.
1-year visa: since 2016 Vietnamese embassies have issued 1-year multiple-entry tourist and business visas to US citizens under a bilateral arrangement, with each stay limited to 90 days. Check current availability with the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate before applying.
Approval letter and visa on arrival
If you need a visa for a specific purpose (business, work, family) or in a hurry, a Vietnamese sponsor can obtain an approval letter and you collect the visa at the airport. See visa on arrival Vietnam and urgent visa.
Business, work and long stays
- Business trips: DN business visa (up to 12 months).
- Employment: work permit plus LD work visa, then a temporary residence card.
- Spouses of Vietnamese citizens: TT family visa.
- Already in Vietnam on the wrong visa? See changing visa purpose.
Entry requirements
- Passport valid for at least 6 months, with blank pages.
- Printed e-visa, approval letter or proof of visa exemption.
- Do not overstay: fines start at 0.5–2 million VND and rise sharply (overstay fines).
- Your accommodation must declare your stay to the police within 12 hours.
Government fees: Vietnam visa fees 2026.
FAQ
Can Americans get a visa on arrival?
Only with a pre-approved approval letter. There is no walk-up visa at the airport.
How long can US citizens stay on an e-visa?
Up to 90 days.
Is Vietnam visa-free for Americans?
No, except 30 days on Phu Quoc island only.
Need a Vietnam visa?
Info Travel handles e-visas, approval letters, extensions and residence cards. Contact us or call +84 327 828 822.
Sources: Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners (amended 2023); Circular 28/2026/TT-BTC; BAL news on 1-year visas for US travellers (2016).
