Vietnam Visa Policy for US Passport Holders in 2026
If you hold a United States passport, one of the most common surprises is learning that US citizens do not receive the unilateral 45-day visa waiver granted to select European and Asian nations (such as the UK, Germany, France, Russia, Japan, and South Korea).
To enter Vietnam legally as a tourist, remote worker, or digital nomad, you must obtain an official 90-day E-Visa prior to boarding your flight.
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1. The Official Vietnam E-Visa: How to Apply
Vietnam issues electronic visas (E-Visas) to citizens of all countries via its official government portal:
- Official Website:
https://evisa.gov.vn(beware of third-party copycat sites that charge $80–$150 for the exact same visa). - Processing Time: Officially 3–5 working days (we recommend applying 7–10 days before departure to allow for holidays or photo revisions).
- Pricing:
- Single Entry (90 days): $25 USD (expires immediately upon exiting Vietnam).
- Multiple Entry (90 days): $50 USD (unlimited exits and re-entries during the 90-day window).
Crucial E-Visa Application Rules for Americans:
- Entry and Exit Ports: You must designate your entry checkpoint in advance (e.g., Da Nang Airport
DAD, Tan Son NhatSGN, or Noi BaiHAN). Land border crossings like Lao Bao or Moc Bai must be specified correctly if doing a land run. - Passport Validity: Must have at least 6 months of remaining validity from your planned date of entry and at least 2 blank pages.
- Printed Copy: Always carry 2 physical printouts of your approved E-Visa PDF. Airline check-in desks and border posts routinely require a hard copy.
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2. Border Runs for US Citizens: Renewing Your 90 Days
When your 90-day E-Visa approaches its expiration, you cannot extend it inside Vietnam without leaving the country. You must complete a Border Run (Visa Run):
Route A: Da Nang / Hoi An → Lao Bao Border Gate (Laos)
- Distance: ~250 km each way by VIP expat minivan (approx. 4.5 hours each way).
- Laos Visa on Arrival for US Citizens: $40–$45 USD in cash (clean, crisp bills without tears or marks) + 1 passport photo.
- Procedure: Exit Vietnam → Walk across border → Pay Laos visa on arrival fee → Get entry/exit stamp → Walk back to Vietnam terminal → Show new 90-day Vietnam E-Visa approval letter → Get fresh 90-day entry stamp.
Route B: Ho Chi Minh City → Moc Bai / Bavet (Cambodia)
- Distance: ~70 km via Highway QL22 (approx. 2.5 hours).
- Cambodia Visa on Arrival for US Citizens: $35 USD cash + 1 photo.
- Procedure: Exit Vietnam → Enter Bavet Cambodia → Turn around and activate new Vietnam E-Visa.
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3. Avoiding Overstay Penalties (Decree 144/2021)
Vietnam strictly enforces Decree 144/2021/ND-CP against immigration overstays:
- 1–2 days overstay: 500,000 to 1,000,000 ₫ ($20–$40 USD) payable at the airport.
- 3–15 days overstay: 3,000,000 to 5,000,000 ₫ ($120–$200 USD).
- 16–30 days overstay: 4,000,000 to 10,000,000 ₫ ($160–$400 USD) with high risk of deportation and blacklisting.
Track your exact deadline with our Vietnam Visa Deadline Calculator to ensure you exit safely before day 90.