Vietnam Visa RequirementsFor Costa Rica passport holders
Costa Ricans can obtain a Vietnamese eVisa online before traveling. The eVisa costs USD 25, allows stays of up to 90 days, and is available for single or multiple entries. The entire process is online with approval typically within 3 business days.
Costa Rica passport holders must apply for an electronic visa (eVisa) online before traveling to Vietnam.
Apply online at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn. The fee is USD 25 for single entry (USD 50 for multiple entry - verify current pricing). Upload your passport data page and photo. Processing takes 3 working days. Print your approved e-Visa to carry when traveling.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
For Your Visa Application
Valid Passport
Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay.
Valid passport
Passport with at least 6 months validity beyond intended departure from Vietnam
Digital Passport Photo
Recent color photo in JPEG format.
Digital passport photo
Recent photograph in JPEG format meeting Vietnamese e-Visa specifications
eVisa Application
Completed online form at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn.
Passport bio page scan
Scanned copy of passport biographical data page
eVisa Fee Payment
Payment of USD 25 online.
Credit or debit card
For online payment of the USD 25 e-Visa fee
Email address
Valid email address to receive the e-Visa approval
Required at Entry
Passport
Original passport matching the eVisa.
Printed eVisa
Printed copy of Vietnam eVisa approval to present at immigration.
Return or Onward Ticket Recommended
Proof of departure from Vietnam within the authorized stay.
Current Travel Situation
Costa Rica to Vietnam: What You Need to Know
Vietnam introduced its eVisa system in 2017 and expanded it to include most nationalities. Costa Rican passport holders can apply online for the eVisa at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn without visiting an embassy.
How to Get There
Cambodia is accessible by bus from Ho Chi Minh City (about 6 hours to Phnom Penh, with visa on arrival available). Thailand and Laos are also neighboring countries with their own visa requirements for Costa Ricans.
Money & Banking
Costa Rica uses the Colon (CRC). Vietnam uses the Vietnamese Dong (VND). The Dong comes in large denominations - one million Dong equals about USD 40. ATMs are widely available. Cash is king in Vietnam especially at local restaurants and markets. Credit cards accepted in hotels and tourist-oriented businesses.
Practical Tips
Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia's most rewarding destinations. Hanoi's Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake, Ha Long Bay (UNESCO), Hoi An's ancient town (UNESCO), Ho Chi Minh City's war history, and the Mekong Delta are iconic. Overnight sleeper trains connect cities affordably. Street food (pho, banh mi, fresh spring rolls) is extraordinary and very affordable. Traffic in cities is intense - pedestrian skills required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Costa Ricans need a visa to visit Vietnam?
Costa Ricans can easily apply for a Vietnam eVisa online at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn. The eVisa costs USD 25 and is approved within 3 business days.
How long can Costa Ricans stay in Vietnam?
The Vietnam eVisa allows stays of up to 90 days per visit. Multiple-entry options are available.
What are the top destinations in Vietnam?
Hanoi (Old Quarter, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum), Ha Long Bay (UNESCO, overnight cruises), Hoi An (ancient lantern-lit town), Hue (imperial city), Da Nang (beaches), and Ho Chi Minh City (war history, Cu Chi tunnels, Mekong Delta day trips).
How affordable is Vietnam for travelers?
Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia's most affordable destinations. Street food meals cost USD 1-3, budget guesthouses start at USD 8-15/night, and local transport is very cheap.
What currency is used in Vietnam?
Vietnam uses the Vietnamese Dong (VND). The large denominations can be confusing - take time to familiarize yourself. USD is also accepted at many tourist businesses.
Is Ha Long Bay worth visiting from Costa Rica?
Yes. Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Southeast Asia's most spectacular natural landscapes - thousands of limestone karsts rising from emerald waters. Overnight cruises are the best way to experience it.
Do I need to print the Vietnam eVisa?
Yes. Print your eVisa approval and carry it with your passport. Present it at the check-in counter and Vietnamese immigration.