Vietnam Visa Requirements
For ๐บ๐ธ United States passport holders
United States passport holders must apply for an electronic visa (eVisa) online before traveling to Vietnam.
US citizens can apply for e-visa online (90 days, single/multiple entry). Visa exemption for 45 days by air.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond stay
Blank Pages
2 page(s) required
Multiple Entry
Single entry
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Entry Conditions
Passport valid 6+ months. E-visa or visa exemption. Return ticket.
Travel Essentials
Health & Safety
Vaccinations
Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Japanese encephalitis (rural), Rabies, COVID-19, Malaria (border areas).
Tap Water
Bottled water recommended
Safety Tips
Vietnam is remarkably safe for tourists with violent crime being rare. The main concerns are bag snatching (especially from motorbikes in Ho Chi Minh City), petty theft in crowded areas, and traffic accidents. Use Grab for transport. Be cautious of common scams like rigged taxi meters, shoe shiners claiming you agreed to a shine, and tour booking fraud. Only use reputable booking agencies.
Money & Costs
Daily Budget (USD)
Cards & ATMs
Cards accepted in hotels and restaurants. Cash essential elsewhere.
Tipping
Tipping is not traditionally Vietnamese, but it's becoming more common in tourist areas. In restaurants, leaving small change or rounding up is sufficient - 5-10% only for exceptional service at upscale establishments. Hotel porters appreciate 20,000-50,000 VND. Tour guides typically receive $5-10 per day. Spa therapists appreciate 50,000-100,000 VND.
Practical Info
Emergency Numbers
Police: 113
Fire: 114
Ambulance: 115
Getting There
Main Airports
- Da Nang DAD
- Hanoi HAN
- Ho Chi Minh City SGN
Airport Transfers
Hanoi Noi Bai: Bus 86 to Old Quarter (45,000 VND, 1 hour). Grab to Old Quarter costs 350,000-450,000 VND (45-60 minutes depending on traffic). Ho Chi Minh Tan Son Nhat: Bus 109 to Pham Ngu Lao area (20,000 VND, 45 minutes). Grab to District 1 costs 150,000-200,000 VND (20-40 minutes). Da Nang: Very close to city - taxi/Grab around 100,000 VND.
Local Transport
Domestic flights are affordable and connect major cities quickly - book on Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways, or VietJet. Sleeper trains are a classic experience - book soft sleeper cabins through official DSVN or 12Go Asia. Sleeper buses cover longer routes overnight. Grab is essential for city transport. Motorbike rental is popular but traffic is extremely challenging for newcomers.
Culture & Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
North: Oct-April. Central: Feb-May. South: Dec-April. Varies greatly by region.
Cultural Notes
Vietnamese culture emphasizes family, respect for elders, and saving face. Remove shoes when entering homes and some shops. Bargaining is expected in markets but do so with a smile. The country has moved on from the war era and welcomes American visitors warmly - avoid calling it the "Vietnam War" (it's the "American War" here). Tet (Lunar New Year) is the biggest holiday - the country essentially shuts down.
Insider Tips
Learn a few Vietnamese phrases - pronunciation is tricky but locals appreciate the effort immensely. Book train tickets on the official DSVN website or through reputable agencies, especially for popular routes like Hanoi-Sapa. Crossing the street requires a leap of faith - walk slowly and steadily at a constant pace, and traffic will flow around you. Never stop suddenly. Coffee culture is exceptional - try cร phรช trแปฉng (egg coffee) in Hanoi.
Dress Code
Casual dress fine. Cover shoulders/knees at temples.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need a visa to visit Vietnam?
Yes, US citizens need a visa to visit Vietnam for any length of stay. The easiest option is the e-Visa, available through the official government website (evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn). The e-Visa costs $25 USD, allows single entry for up to 30 days, and can be used at major airports and border crossings. Processing takes about 3 working days. Alternatively, you can apply for a visa at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate for longer stays or multiple entries. Visa on arrival is possible but requires a pre-arranged approval letter.
What are the different Vietnam visa options available?
US citizens have several visa options: the e-Visa ($25, single entry, 30 days maximum, processed online in about 3 days); embassy/consulate visa (allows longer stays and multiple entries, more paperwork); and visa on arrival (requires pre-arranged approval letter from a Vietnamese travel agency, additional stamping fee at airport). For most tourists, the e-Visa is the simplest choice. Business visas, work permits, and longer-term visas require sponsorship and additional documentation. Check the latest requirements as Vietnam occasionally updates its visa policies.
Is Vietnam safe for American tourists?
Vietnam is considered one of the safest countries in Southeast Asia for tourists. Violent crime against visitors is rare. The main concerns are petty theft (pickpocketing, bag snatching), traffic safety (crossing streets in major cities requires patience and confidence), and scams targeting tourists (overcharging, counterfeit goods). Traffic is chaotic but locals are experienced at navigating around pedestrians. Use reputable transportation and tour services. Keep valuables secure and be vigilant in crowded tourist areas. Most Vietnamese people are friendly and welcoming to American visitors.
What currency should I use in Vietnam and how do I get cash?
The Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the official currency. While some tourist establishments accept US dollars, you'll get better rates and more flexibility using dong. ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas, accepting international cards (fees vary). Notify your bank before traveling. Major credit cards are accepted at hotels, upscale restaurants, and larger shops, but cash is essential for smaller establishments, street food, and markets. Exchange rates at banks and authorized exchange offices are usually fair. Avoid black market money changers. Carry small denominations for daily purchases.