Vietnam Visa Regulations in 2026
Foreign visitors entering Vietnam rely on two primary entry routes:
- 45-Day Visa Exemption: Citizens of eligible countries (EU, UK, Japan, South Korea, Russia, Belarus, etc.) receive a free 45-day stamp upon arrival.
- 90-Day Electronic E-Visa: Available to all nationalities via the official government portal for $25 (single entry) or $50 (multiple entry).
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The Inclusive Day Counting Rule (t₀ = 1)
⚠️ Critical Rule: Vietnamese immigration counts the day of arrival as Day 1, regardless of what time your plane lands. If your passport is stamped at 23:55, that counts as your first full day.
You must clear immigration on or before 23:59 on the expiration date printed on your stamp. At 00:00 the following morning, you are officially in overstay.
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Popular Border Crossing Routes
1. Lao Bao Border Gate (from Da Nang & Hoi An)
- Distance: ~260 km from Da Nang (approx. 5 hours by comfortable limousine van).
- Process: Exit Vietnam, enter Laos (obtain Laos visa on arrival for $40 USD), stamp out of Laos, and re-enter Vietnam with your approved E-Visa.
- Trip duration: Single day trip (depart 05:30 AM, return by 17:30 PM).
2. Moc Bai Border Gate (from Ho Chi Minh City)
- Distance: ~70 km northwest of Saigon.
- Process: Cross into Cambodia (Bavet checkpoint) and re-enter. Total trip is around 6–8 hours including immigration queues.
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Official Overstay Fines (Decree 144/2021/ND-CP)
- 1 to 15 days overstay: Fines range from 500,000 ₫ to 5,000,000 ₫.
- 16 days or more: Substantial financial penalties, mandatory deportation, and blacklisting from future entry into Vietnam.
Always verify your exit deadline using our Visa Run Calculator to ensure seamless border crossings.