Vietnam Visa RequirementsFor Switzerland passport holders
Swiss citizens must obtain a Vietnam e-Visa before travel. The e-Visa (USD 25) is applied for online at the official portal and grants single or multiple-entry stays of up to 90 days.
Switzerland passport holders must apply for an electronic visa (eVisa) online before traveling to Vietnam.
Apply for the Vietnam e-Visa at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn at least 3-7 business days before travel. Fee: USD 25, paid by international credit/debit card. Choose single or multiple entry (same price since 2023). Upload a passport photo and passport data page. The e-Visa is emailed as a PDF; print it and carry it to Vietnam. Entry is through any international airport or port.
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
Apply at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn at least 3-7 business days before travel. Fee: USD 25. Download/print the e-Visa PDF approval and carry it with your passport.
Passport Photo
Uploaded during e-Visa application (4x6cm colour photo). Carry a physical copy in case it is requested.
Proof of Onward Travel
Return or onward ticket confirming departure from Vietnam within the e-Visa validity period (up to 90 days). Required at check-in and may be checked at immigration.
Proof of Accommodation
Hotel booking or host address for your first nights in Vietnam. May be requested on the e-Visa application form and at immigration.
Travel Insurance Recommended
Recommended, especially for adventure activities. Vietnam has good private hospitals in major cities but care quality varies in rural areas.
Required at Entry
Valid Swiss Passport
Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure from Vietnam. Must have at least 1-2 blank pages for entry stamps.
Sufficient Funds Recommended
Evidence of funds for your stay (e.g., bank card or statement). Immigration officers occasionally verify ability to support yourself.
Current Travel Situation
Switzerland to Vietnam: What You Need to Know
Vietnam and Switzerland have built solid bilateral relations through trade, Swiss development cooperation in Vietnamese healthcare and education, and growing tourism. Vietnam has become one of Southeast Asia's most popular destinations for Swiss travelers, offering extraordinary food culture, diverse landscapes from Ha Long Bay to the Mekong Delta, and affordable luxury. Vietnam modernized its visa system in 2023, extending the e-Visa validity to 90 days and allowing multiple entries, making it significantly more accessible to Swiss tourists.
How to Get There
Fly ZRH or GVA to HAN (Hanoi) or SGN (Ho Chi Minh City) with one stop via Bangkok (Thai), Singapore (SIA), or Gulf hubs, typically 14-17 hours total. Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo, and VietJet connect Vietnamese cities domestically for very little cost.
Money & Banking
Vietnam uses the Vietnamese Dong (VND). ATMs available in cities; carry cash for street food and rural areas. Cards accepted in hotels and modern restaurants. Vietnam is very affordable; budget VND 500,000-1,200,000 (EUR 18-45) per day.
Practical Tips
Print your e-Visa approval and carry it with your passport. Download Grab (like Uber for Southeast Asia) for safe and metered rides in cities. A SIM card from Viettel or Mobifone is cheap and available at airports. Vietnamese food is street-food culture; pho, banh mi, and bun cha are staples. Book Ha Long Bay cruises directly with reputable operators to avoid overcrowded budget tours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Swiss citizens need a visa for Vietnam?
Yes. Swiss citizens must apply for a Vietnamese e-Visa online before traveling. The fee is USD 25 for single or multiple entry (up to 90 days) at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn.
How do I apply for the Vietnam e-Visa?
Apply at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn at least 3-7 business days before travel. Complete the form, upload your passport photo and data page, and pay USD 25 online. The e-Visa PDF arrives by email; print it.
How long does the Vietnam e-Visa allow me to stay?
The e-Visa allows a stay of up to 90 days (single or multiple entry) per issue. It was extended from 30 to 90 days in August 2023.
What is the best route for a first-time Swiss visitor to Vietnam?
Hanoi (north): Hoan Kiem Lake, Hoi An ancient town by train south, Hue imperial city, Da Nang beaches, then Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) in the south. Budget airlines connect cities quickly for multi-stop itineraries.
Is the food safe to eat in Vietnam?
Street food is generally safe in Vietnam; choose stalls that are busy, cook food fresh, and have quick turnover. Drink bottled or filtered water only. Pho, banh mi, bun cha, and fresh spring rolls are staples worth seeking out.
How affordable is Vietnam for Swiss travelers?
Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia's most affordable destinations. Budget USD 30-60 (EUR 28-55) per day for comfortable mid-range travel including accommodation, meals, and transport.
What should Swiss visitors know about Ha Long Bay?
Ha Long Bay (UNESCO) is a stunning seascape of limestone karsts. Book a 2-3 night cruise with a reputable operator to avoid overcrowded day-tour boats. Avoid the cheapest budget cruises; quality varies enormously.