Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Simplified E-Visa System
Vietnam's e-visa program has been expanded for 2026, allowing single-entry stays up to 90 days for eligible nationalities ($25 fee) via the official portal. The process is fully online, typically approved in 3-5 working days, making it easier for tourists from over 80 countries.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned entry date into Vietnam, with at least two blank pages for visas and stamps.
Ensure it's in good condition, as damaged passports may be rejected at borders; renew early if needed to avoid last-minute issues.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of ASEAN nations (e.g., Thailand, Singapore) and select others like the UK, France, and Germany can enter visa-free for up to 15-45 days, depending on bilateral agreements.
Always confirm your nationality's status on the official Vietnam immigration site, as exemptions can change; extensions are limited for visa-free stays.
Visa Applications
For e-visas, apply online at the Vietnam Immigration Department's portal ($25 for single entry), uploading a passport photo and scan; processing takes 3-5 days.
Visa on arrival is available at major airports like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City for those with approval letters from agencies ($25-50 fee plus stamp); prepare documents like return tickets and hotel bookings.
Border Crossings
Airports such as Noi Bai (Hanoi) and Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City) handle most entries with efficient e-visa processing; land borders with Laos, Cambodia, and China require prior visas for most travelers.
Expect health declarations and possible temperature checks at all ports; overland crossings like Lao Cai can take longer, so arrive early with all paperwork ready.
Travel Insurance
Mandatory for visa applications, insurance should cover at least $10,000 in medical expenses, evacuation, and trip disruptions, especially for activities like motorbike tours or trekking in Sapa.
Opt for policies including COVID-19 coverage and adventure sports; reputable providers start at $1-2/day, and digital copies are sufficient for entry.
Extensions Possible
Visa extensions up to 30-90 days are available at immigration offices in major cities like Hanoi or Da Nang for $10-25 per month, requiring your passport and a valid reason like extended travel.
Apply at least 7 days before expiry to avoid fines (up to $50/day overstay); multiple extensions are possible but may need agency assistance for complex cases.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Vietnam uses the Vietnamese Dong (VND). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially during peak seasons like Tet holiday.
Eat Like a Local
Dine at street stalls or com binh dan spots for meals under $3, avoiding tourist traps in areas like Hoi An to save up to 60% on food expenses.
Local markets like Ben Thanh in Saigon provide fresh fruits, banh mi, and ready-to-eat dishes at bargain prices, often half the cost of restaurants.
Public Transport Passes
Opt for open-bus tickets or train passes for multi-city travel at $50-100 for a week, drastically reducing costs between Hanoi, Hue, and Ho Chi Minh City.
City cards in Hanoi or Da Nang include unlimited bus rides and discounts on attractions, often paying for themselves after a couple of uses.
Free Attractions
Explore public beaches in Nha Trang, walking streets in Hanoi, and rural villages on foot, which are free and immerse you in authentic Vietnamese life.
Many pagodas and national parks offer low or no entry fees on weekdays; combine with free walking tours for budget cultural experiences.
Card vs Cash
Cards are accepted in cities and hotels, but carry cash (VND) for markets, taxis, and rural areas where fees can add 3-5% for cards.
Use ATMs from major banks like Vietcombank for the best rates (limit withdrawals to avoid fees), and exchange at gold shops for competitive rates over airports.
Attraction Bundles
Purchase combo tickets for sites like Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta tours at $20-30, covering multiple spots and saving 20-40% versus individual entries.
National park passes for places like Phong Nha grant access to caves and hikes for a flat fee, ideal for adventure-focused itineraries.
Smart Packing for Vietnam
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack lightweight, breathable cotton clothes for the tropical heat, including long sleeves and pants for mosquito protection and temple visits requiring modest coverage.
Include quick-dry items for humid conditions and a light rain jacket, as showers are common even in dry seasons across regions like the Mekong Delta.
Electronics
Bring adapters for Type A/C/G plugs, a portable charger for long days exploring markets or beaches, and a VPN app for unrestricted internet access.
Download offline translation apps like Google Translate for Vietnamese, plus maps for navigation in areas with spotty signal like Ha Long Bay.
Health & Safety
Carry comprehensive travel insurance docs, a basic med kit with antidiarrheals, pain relievers, and antimalarials for rural areas, plus high-SPF sunscreen.
Include DEET repellent for mosquitoes in the highlands, hand sanitizer, and masks for dusty bus rides or crowded streets in Hanoi.
Travel Gear
Pack a lightweight daypack for city tours and hikes, a reusable water bottle (with filter for tap water), and a sarong for versatile use as a towel or beach cover.
Bring passport copies, a money belt for security in busy areas, and wet wipes for easy cleanup after street food meals.
Footwear Strategy
Choose flip-flops for beach towns like Phu Quoc and sturdy sandals or sneakers for urban walking in Ho Chi Minh City and trekking in Sapa's rice terraces.
Waterproof hiking shoes are vital for rainy season paths in national parks, and pack extra socks for humid conditions that can cause blisters.
Personal Care
Include travel-sized toiletries like shampoo and toothpaste, plus moisturizer for dry AC bus rides and lip balm to combat sun exposure.
Pack a compact umbrella or poncho for sudden downpours, and biodegradable wipes for eco-friendly hygiene in remote spots like the central highlands.
When to Visit Vietnam
Dry Season North (November-April)
Perfect for cooler weather in Hanoi and Sapa (15-25°C) with clear skies ideal for trekking terraced fields and exploring Ha Long Bay cruises.
Fewer typhoons mean safer motorbike loops through Ninh Binh, though Tet holiday in February brings crowds and higher prices.
Dry Season South (December-April)
Prime time for Ho Chi Minh City and Phu Quoc beaches with warm 25-32°C temperatures, great for island hopping and Mekong Delta boat tours.
Expect peak crowds in Hoi An for lantern festivals, but sunny conditions enhance photography and outdoor activities like cycling in the countryside.
Shoulder Season Central (February-May)
Mild 20-30°C weather in Da Nang and Hue suits surfing, ancient ruins visits, and My Son Sanctuary hikes with blooming landscapes.
Lower hotel rates post-Tet allow budget exploration of coastal trails, though early rains may start in May for lush green scenery.
Wet Season (May-October)
Budget-friendly with discounts in rainy north (20-30°C showers), ideal for indoor cultural sites like water puppet shows and cooking classes in Hanoi.
South remains warm for urban adventures, but pack for downpours; fewer tourists mean peaceful beaches in Quy Nhon despite occasional floods.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND). ATMs are widespread; exchange at banks or gold shops for best rates. Cards accepted in cities, but cash rules for street vendors.
- Language: Vietnamese is official. English is common in tourist hubs like Hanoi and Hoi An, but learn basic phrases for rural areas.
- Time Zone: Indochina Time (ICT), UTC+7
- Electricity: 220V, 50Hz. Type A (two-flat), C (two-round), and G (three-rectangular) plugs
- Emergency Number: 113 for police, 115 for medical, 114 for fire
- Tipping: Not customary but appreciated; add 5-10% at restaurants or $1-2 for guides and drivers
- Water: Tap water is not safe; drink bottled or filtered water to avoid stomach issues
- Pharmacies: Easily found in cities (look for "Nha Thuoc" signs); stock up on basics like rehydration salts