Vietnam Visa RequirementsFor New Zealand passport holders
New Zealand citizens need an eVisa to visit Vietnam, available online for USD 25 with a 90-day stay. Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia's most rewarding destinations for NZ travellers.
New Zealand passport holders must apply for an electronic visa (eVisa) online before traveling to Vietnam.
NZ citizens must obtain an eVisa before arriving in Vietnam. Apply at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn (the official Vietnamese government portal). Cost: USD 25. The eVisa allows a single or multiple entry stay of up to 90 days. Processing takes 3-5 business days but is often faster. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay. Print the eVisa approval letter and present it at immigration alongside your 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
Valid New Zealand Passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure from Vietnam.
Vietnam eVisa
Apply online at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn before travel. Cost: USD 25. Up to 90 days. Processing: 3-5 business days. Print the eVisa approval letter to present at immigration.
Return or Onward Ticket
Proof of departure from Vietnam. Required by Vietnamese immigration.
Proof of Accommodation Recommended
Hotel or hostel booking confirmation for your first night.
Travel Insurance Recommended
Strongly recommended for Vietnam, particularly covering motorbike accidents if planning to hire one.
Current Travel Situation
New Zealand to Vietnam: What You Need to Know
Vietnam has rapidly become one of the most popular Southeast Asian destinations for New Zealand travellers. Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Hoi An, Ha Long Bay, the Mekong Delta, and the beaches of Da Nang and Phu Quoc all draw NZ visitors. The country offers extraordinary food, incredible history, stunning landscapes, and excellent value for money. NZ citizens require an eVisa, which is easily obtained online.
How to Get There
Hanoi (HAN) and Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) are the two main international airports. Air New Zealand and Vietnam Airlines both serve the route via Singapore or other connections. Flight time from Auckland is approximately 13-15 hours via Singapore. Within Vietnam, VietJet Air and Bamboo Airways offer very cheap domestic flights between cities. Overnight buses (sleeper buses) are popular for the Hanoi-Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh-Hoi An routes.
Money & Banking
Vietnam uses the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Currently around 14,000-15,000 VND per NZD. Vietnam is extremely affordable. Street pho costs VND 30,000-60,000. A beer at a local bar costs VND 15,000-30,000. Even mid-range hotels in Hoi An and Hanoi are very affordable. ATMs are widely available but charge fees; use Wise or Revolut cards to reduce costs. Bargaining is normal at markets but not in restaurants.
Practical Tips
Apply for the eVisa at least a week before travel to allow for processing delays. Double-check all passport details during the application as errors can cause entry problems. Vietnam's SIM cards are extremely cheap: buy at the airport arrivals hall (Viettel, Vinaphone). Grab works throughout Vietnam for ride-sharing. Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the currency and card acceptance outside hotels and malls is limited; carry cash for street food and smaller establishments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do NZ citizens need a visa for Vietnam?
Yes. NZ citizens must obtain an eVisa before arriving in Vietnam. The eVisa is applied for online at the official portal (evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn), costs USD 25, and allows stays of up to 90 days. Apply at least a week before travel.
How do I apply for a Vietnam eVisa as a NZ citizen?
Go to evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn (official Vietnamese government portal). Fill in the form with your passport details, travel dates, and entry point. Upload a passport photo. Pay USD 25 by credit card. Processing takes 3-5 business days. Download and print the eVisa approval letter to present at immigration alongside your passport.
What are the best destinations in Vietnam for NZ travellers?
Hanoi (Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum), Ha Long Bay (UNESCO limestone karst seascape, 3-4 hour drive from Hanoi), Hoi An (UNESCO ancient town, lanterns, tailors), Da Nang (beaches, marble mountains), Ho Chi Minh City (War Remnants Museum, Cu Chi Tunnels, Ben Thanh Market), and the Mekong Delta.
How safe is travelling in Vietnam for NZ visitors?
Vietnam is generally safe for tourists. Common concerns include: motorbike snatch thefts (wear bag on your body, hold bags away from roads), overcharging at unlicensed vendors, and traffic chaos in cities. Vietnam's traffic is extremely busy: cross streets slowly and confidently, let motorbikes flow around you. Petty theft is more common in tourist areas.
What is the best way to travel between cities in Vietnam?
Budget domestic flights (VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways) are cheap between major cities. Overnight sleeper buses connect Hanoi-Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh-Hoi An affordably. The Reunification Express train runs the full length of Vietnam (Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City: 35 hours) with scenic coastal sections. Book tickets via 12go.asia or baolau.vn.
Is Vietnamese food safe for NZ travellers?
Vietnamese street food is generally safe if the food is freshly cooked and hot. Stick to busy stalls with high turnover. Avoid raw salads and unpeeled fruits at street stalls. Drink only bottled water and avoid ice in non-tourist restaurants. The food (pho, banh mi, fresh spring rolls, com tam, cao lau) is extraordinary.
What is the best time to visit Vietnam?
Vietnam is long north-to-south so weather varies by region. Hanoi: March-April and October-November are best (pleasant, less rain). Hoi An and central Vietnam: February-July is dry season. Ho Chi Minh City and the south: December-April (dry season). The north has cold winters (December-February); bring layers for Hanoi in January.