Vietnam Visa RequirementsFor Ireland passport holders
Irish citizens can visit Vietnam by applying for an e-Visa online before departure. The e-Visa costs $25 USD, is valid for 90 days from the date of issue, and can be issued for single or multiple entries. It covers tourism, business, and other visit purposes.
Ireland passport holders must apply for an electronic visa (eVisa) online before traveling to Vietnam.
Apply at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn at least 3 to 5 days before travel. Upload a passport photo and passport scan. The $25 USD fee is payable by card. Processing takes 3 business days. On arrival at Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat), Hanoi (Noi Bai), Da Nang, or other international airports, present your e-Visa approval and Irish passport.
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
Vietnam e-Visa Approval Letter
Apply online at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn at least 3 to 5 business days before travel. Save or print the approval letter with the e-Visa reference number.
Digital Passport-Size Photograph
Required for the online e-Visa application. White background, recent photograph meeting the specified format.
Credit or Debit Card for Payment
Required to pay the $25 USD e-Visa fee online.
Required at Entry
Valid Passport
Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay.
Vietnam eVisa Approval
Printed or digital copy of your eVisa approval from the Vietnam immigration portal.
Valid Irish Passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of entry into Vietnam.
Return or Onward Ticket
Proof of departure from Vietnam within the visa validity period.
Proof of Accommodation Recommended
Hotel bookings or address for at least the first night in Vietnam.
Return or Onward Ticket Recommended
Proof of departure from Vietnam. Some airlines and immigration check for this.
Current Travel Situation
Ireland to Vietnam: What You Need to Know
Vietnam introduced the e-Visa system and has progressively improved it for most nationalities including Irish citizens. The current e-Visa allows 90 days of stay on a single or multiple entry basis, making it very generous for travel purposes. The e-Visa replaced the previous cumbersome visa-on-arrival letter system and allows Irish citizens to arrive at any of Vietnam's international ports without pre-arrangement. Vietnam is consistently rated one of the best value and most rewarding travel destinations in Southeast Asia.
How to Get There
Vietnam shares land borders with Cambodia, Laos, and China. The Moc Bai/Bavet crossing between Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh in Cambodia is a common overland route. The Saigon to Phnom Penh bus journey takes about 6 hours. Budget airlines from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City reach Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and other Southeast Asian hubs.
Money & Banking
Vietnam uses the Vietnamese Dong (VND). The denominations are very large (100,000 VND is about EUR 3.70). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Cards are accepted in mid-range and upscale restaurants, hotels, and tour companies. Cash is essential for street food, local markets, and smaller accommodation.
Practical Tips
Vietnam is a long country best traveled north to south or vice versa. The classic route from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City passes through Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, Hue, and Da Nang. Budget airlines including VietJet, Bamboo Airways, and Vietnam Airlines make internal flights very affordable. Ha Long Bay cruises are popular but quality varies enormously: choose a reputable mid-range or luxury operator. The Vietnamese Dong (VND) comes in very high denominations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Irish citizens need a visa for Vietnam?
Yes. Irish citizens need a Vietnam e-Visa before travel. Cost is $25 USD.
How do I apply for the Vietnam e-Visa?
Apply at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn at least 3 to 5 business days before departure. Pay $25 USD by card. Processing takes up to 3 working days. Save or print the approval letter.
How do I apply for a Vietnam eVisa as an Irish citizen?
Apply online at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn before travel. Pay USD 25 by credit or debit card. Processing typically takes 3 working days; apply at least a week before departure. Download or print the eVisa approval.
How long does the Vietnam e-Visa allow?
The Vietnam e-Visa allows up to 90 days stay from date of issue and can be issued for single or multiple entries.
How long can I stay in Vietnam on an eVisa?
The Vietnam eVisa allows stays of up to 90 days, either single or multiple entry. This is a very generous allowance compared to many Asian destinations.
Is a return ticket required for Vietnam?
While not always strictly enforced, immigration officers may ask for proof of an onward or return ticket. Having a booking ready is advisable.
What currency does Vietnam use?
Vietnam uses the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Denominations are very large; carry small notes for street food and local transport. ATMs are widely available in cities.
What are the top destinations in Vietnam?
Hanoi (north), Ha Long Bay (north coast), Hoi An (central coast), Hue (central), Ho Chi Minh City (south), and the Mekong Delta are the main highlights.
Is Vietnam affordable for Irish travellers?
Yes. Vietnam is a very affordable destination. Accommodation, street food, and local transport are significantly cheaper than in Ireland. A comfortable daily budget of EUR 40-60 goes a long way.
What is the best time to visit Vietnam?
Vietnam is a long country with varied weather patterns. Generally, the dry season in northern Vietnam is October to April, while central Vietnam is best March to August, and the south is best November to April.
Can I apply for a Vietnam visa on arrival instead of an eVisa?
Visa on arrival at Vietnamese airports requires a pre-approved letter arranged through a Vietnamese travel agency before departure. The eVisa system is more straightforward and is recommended.
Are there direct flights from Ireland to Vietnam?
No. Connections via London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Doha, or Asian hubs are needed. Total journey time to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City is approximately 14 to 18 hours.