Australian passport to Vietnam

The rules

What you need

e-Visa (Vietnam electronic visa)

Costs

$25

When to apply

At least a week before you fly. It usually takes 3 working days, but can take longer.

How long it lasts

Up to 90 days, for the dates you apply for. Get a multiple-entry e-Visa if you'll leave and come back, for example via Cambodia or Laos.

Other options

To stay longer than 90 days, or to work, get the right visa from a Vietnamese embassy before you go.

How long you can stay

Up to 90 days, only between the dates on your e-Visa. Usually not. You can't normally extend an e-Visa in Vietnam, so apply for all the days you need.

Your passport

Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months after you leave Vietnam.

Arrival card

Pre-Arrival Information form (optional). Optional, and for now only if you fly into Tan Son Nhat airport in Ho Chi Minh City. Filling it in online in the 3 days before you land can speed up immigration. If you don't, you can scan a QR code at the airport. Official site

Only changing planes in Vietnam? You don't need a visa to change between international flights in Vietnam if you stay airside. If your next flight is domestic, you have to go through immigration, so you need an e-Visa. See the rules for changing planes.

Things that could change this

• Are you a citizen of any other country, even if you don't have that country's passport?

  If yes: Enter and leave on the same passport

  Use the same passport to enter and leave Vietnam, and for domestic flights. If you're also a Vietnamese citizen, check with the Vietnamese embassy which passport to travel on.
• Are you taking any medicines with you, including cold, flu, allergy or pain remedies?

  If yes: Some medicines are limited to 7 days' supply

  Vietnam restricts medicines it classes as addictive or psychotropic, including some strong painkillers and medicines for anxiety, depression or sleep problems. Without an import permit, bring no more than 7 days' supply. Carry your prescription and a doctor's letter with your name, the medicine, the dose and how much you need. If you need more, ask the Vietnamese embassy about a permit before you travel.
• Are you taking a vape or e-cigarette?

  If yes: Leave your vape at home

  Vapes, e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products are banned in Vietnam, and you can't bring them in. Using one can mean a fine of 3 to 5 million dong, and bringing them in can mean bigger fines or jail.
• Is a child under 18 travelling with only one parent, or without their parents?

  If yes: Under-14s must travel with a parent, guardian or authorised adult

  Children under 14 can't enter Vietnam unless they travel with a parent, a legal guardian or an adult the parents have authorised. One parent is enough. If your child is travelling with another adult, give that adult the parents' written authorisation.
• Is your passport damaged? For example water damage, torn or missing pages, or a loose cover.

  If yes: Replace a damaged passport before you go

  Vietnam is strict about passport condition. People have been refused entry, and stopped from leaving, because their passport was damaged.

Good to know

Related guides

• Passport validity rulesWhen a passport that hasn't expired still isn't good enough.
• Travelling with medicinesCold remedies banned in Japan, codeine in the UAE, and how to check.
• Children travelling without both parentsConsent letters and what border officers may ask for.
• Damaged passport: can you still travel?What counts as damage, and when you need a new passport.
• Do you need a visa to change planes?ESTA, eTA and transit visa rules for layovers and connecting flights.