Vietnam Visa RequirementsFor Saudi Arabia passport holders
Saudi passport holders are eligible for Vietnam's e-Visa program, allowing stays of up to 90 days with a single entry for $25. The e-Visa is applied for entirely online and processed within 3 business days. Vietnam has emerged as a popular destination for Gulf travelers seeking exotic Southeast Asian experiences with good halal food options.
Saudi Arabia passport holders must apply for an electronic visa (eVisa) online before traveling to Vietnam.
Apply online at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn. Select Saudi Arabia as nationality. Upload a passport photo and passport bio page scan. Pay $25 via Visa or Mastercard. Processing takes 3 business days. Print the approved e-Visa and present it with your passport at immigration. The e-Visa specifies the entry port; ensure you enter through a designated checkpoint.
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
Passport Photo
Digital photo uploaded during the online application (portrait, white background, JPG format).
Payment Card
Credit or debit card for USD 25 e-Visa fee at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn.
Required at Entry
Vietnam e-Visa Approval Letter
Printed or digital copy of the approved e-Visa from evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn. Present at the port of entry.
Valid Saudi Passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay. Passport number must match the e-Visa.
Return or Onward Ticket
Confirmed booking showing departure from Vietnam within the authorized stay period.
Current Travel Situation
Saudi Arabia to Vietnam: What You Need to Know
Vietnam introduced a simplified e-Visa system for most nationalities including Saudi Arabia, allowing stays of up to 90 days (previously limited to 30 days). The e-Visa costs $25 USD, is processed online, and grants entry to most major ports including Hanoi Noi Bai (HAN), Ho Chi Minh City Tan Son Nhat (SGN), Da Nang (DAD), and Phu Quoc (PQC).
Vietnam has become increasingly popular among Gulf travelers. The country offers diverse experiences: Hanoi's historic Old Quarter, Ha Long Bay's dramatic limestone karsts, Hoi An's ancient lantern-lit streets, and Phu Quoc's beach resorts. The climate varies significantly by region and season.
A growing halal food scene in Ho Chi Minh City and tourist areas caters to Muslim travelers. Mosques are present in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and some coastal towns.
How to Get There
Riyadh (RUH) to Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) or Hanoi (HAN) typically requires a connection, often via Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, or Singapore. Total travel time is approximately 10 to 12 hours. Vietnam Airlines, Thai Airways, Malaysia Airlines, and Singapore Airlines all serve Saudi-Vietnam connections. Some charter flights operate during peak season from Jeddah to Da Nang.
Money & Banking
Vietnam uses the Vietnamese Dong (VND). As of 2024, approximately 25,000 VND per USD. Vietnam is very affordable for Saudi travelers. A good hotel in Ho Chi Minh City runs $50 to $150 per night. Street food is incredibly cheap. Bring USD to exchange at official bureaux; airport rates are poor. Credit cards accepted at hotels and larger restaurants. ATMs widely available.
Practical Tips
Apply at least 5 business days before departure to allow buffer time for any processing issues. The e-Visa is single-entry; if you plan to visit nearby countries (Cambodia, Laos, Thailand) and return to Vietnam, apply for a new e-Visa or consider a multi-entry visa through the Vietnamese embassy.
Best time to visit: November to April for southern Vietnam and the coast. October to April for Hanoi and northern Vietnam. Avoid typhoon season in central Vietnam (September to November).
Halal options: Ho Chi Minh City's District 1 and the Ben Thanh market area have halal restaurants. Many seafood restaurants are halal-friendly. Phu Quoc island has Muslim-friendly resort options.
Currency: Carry USD to exchange for Vietnamese Dong (VND). Street exchange rates are better than airports. ATMs widely available with moderate fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Saudi nationals need a visa for Vietnam?
Saudi passport holders can apply for a Vietnam e-Visa online for up to 90 days with a single entry. The fee is $25. Apply at the official portal evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn at least 3 business days before arrival.
How long does it take to get a Vietnam e-Visa?
The Vietnam e-Visa is processed in 3 business days. Apply at least 5 business days before travel to allow a buffer for any processing delays. The e-Visa approval is sent by email.
Can I enter Vietnam by land with an e-Visa?
The Vietnam e-Visa covers designated land border checkpoints in addition to airports. However, not all land borders accept e-Visas. Check the complete list of eligible entry points at the Vietnam Immigration Department website before choosing a land border crossing.
What airports in Vietnam accept the e-Visa?
Hanoi Noi Bai (HAN), Ho Chi Minh City Tan Son Nhat (SGN), Da Nang (DAD), Phu Quoc (PQC), Cam Ranh (Nha Trang, CXR), and other major international airports are all e-Visa eligible entry points.
Is it safe for Saudi nationals to travel to Vietnam?
Vietnam is consistently rated as one of Asia's safest destinations for tourists. Petty theft in markets and tourist areas exists but violent crime against tourists is rare. Standard travel precautions (watch your belongings in crowded areas, use reputable transport) are sufficient.
What are the top destinations in Vietnam for Gulf tourists?
Ha Long Bay (UNESCO limestone karst UNESCO cruise), Hoi An (UNESCO lantern-lit ancient town), Ho Chi Minh City (vibrant modern city), Hanoi (historic capital), and Phu Quoc island (beach resort). The central coast (Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An) is a particularly rewarding circuit for first-time visitors.
Are there halal restaurants in Vietnam?
Halal dining is available in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and major tourist areas, though it is less prevalent than in Thailand or Malaysia. Ho Chi Minh City's District 1 and the area near Ben Thanh market have several halal restaurants. Many seafood and vegetarian dishes are naturally halal-compliant.