Entry Requirements and Visas
Vietnam's visa requirements depend on your nationality. Before traveling, ensure your passport has at least 6 months of validity from your date of entry.
Visa-Free Entry
Citizens of many countries can enter Vietnam without a visa for varying periods. If your country offers visa-free access, the duration typically ranges from 14 to 90 days, depending on your nationality. Visa-free status is recalculated with each new entry, so you can leave and return without waiting periods between visits.
Special zones like Phu Quoc Island offer extended visa-free stays of up to 30 days for most visitors. If you're a foreign citizen of Vietnamese origin, you may be eligible for a multiple-entry visa exemption valid for 3 months at a time.
Electronic Visa (E-Visa)
If your country doesn't offer visa-free entry, you can apply for an e-Visa through the official Vietnamese government portal. The process is straightforward: apply online, pay the fee, and print two copies once approved. A single-entry e-Visa costs $25 USD, while multiple-entry visas cost $50 USD and are valid for up to 90 days.
Processing typically takes 3 working days after payment, though verification by the Vietnam Police Department can extend this to 3-15 working days. Be cautious about using third-party agents, as many charge significantly more ($100-300 USD) and some are outright scams. The official portal is reliable and much cheaper.
When applying, double-check all information—especially your name and birth date—as errors can result in denial of entry. The system's character recognition can occasionally produce typos. Print both copies of your approved e-Visa: you'll submit one upon entry and one upon exit. Note that e-Visas are valid at major airports, seaports, and most land crossings, though not all border points accept them. Verify your specific entry point is included on the official list before traveling.
Other Visa Options
If you cannot use the e-Visa system, you can apply for a regular visa at Vietnamese embassies and consulates abroad. These typically cost at least double the e-Visa fee. If no Vietnamese diplomatic mission operates in your country, consider applying through Vietnamese embassies in nearby countries like Bangkok, Sihanoukville, or Phnom Penh, where some of the lowest visa fees are available.
Money, Currency, and Costs
The currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). The country offers excellent value for travelers, with affordable accommodation, food, and transportation across all regions.
Budget accommodations in hostels and guesthouses are inexpensive, while mid-range hotels provide good comfort at modest prices. Street food and local restaurants serve authentic meals at minimal cost, and you can eat well without spending much. Long-distance buses and trains are economical ways to travel between cities.
Many businesses in major tourist areas accept foreign currency and credit cards, but cash in Dong remains essential, particularly outside urban centers. Withdraw money from ATMs in cities and larger towns, though ATM networks may be limited in remote areas. Exchange rates are generally consistent between official money changers and banks.
Safety and Emergency Contacts
Vietnam is generally safe for travelers, though like any destination, exercise standard precautions with valuables and belongings. Petty theft can occur in crowded areas and on overnight buses, so keep important documents, money, and electronics secure.
Traffic can be chaotic, especially in cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. If you choose to drive or ride motorcycles, wear helmets, follow local traffic rules, and be aware of the driving customs. Crossing streets as a pedestrian requires patience and attention.
Vietnam's international dialing code is +84. Save contact numbers for your embassy, travel insurance provider, and your accommodation before arrival. In emergencies, contact local police or your country's diplomatic mission. Major cities have hospitals and clinics; seek advice from your hotel or travel guide for reputable medical facilities.
Health Considerations
Consult your doctor before traveling to Vietnam about recommended vaccinations and health precautions. Tap water is generally not safe to drink; bottled water is widely available and inexpensive. Be cautious with street food if you have a sensitive stomach, though many travelers eat street food without issue.
Mosquitoes are present throughout the country, so consider dengue fever and malaria prevention depending on your itinerary and travel season. Use insect repellent, wear long sleeves during dawn and dusk, and sleep under nets in rural areas if recommended.
Pharmacies in cities are well-stocked with common medications, though bringing your own prescription medications is advisable. Travel insurance that covers medical evacuation is recommended, as healthcare quality varies between regions.
Staying Connected
Vietnam has excellent mobile network coverage in cities and towns. Upon arrival, you can easily purchase a local SIM card from convenience stores, airports, or mobile network shops. Prepaid plans are inexpensive and include data packages suitable for tourists.
Internet is widely available through mobile data, WiFi in hotels, cafes, and restaurants. Connection speeds are generally good in urban areas, though can be slower in remote regions. Most accommodation providers offer free WiFi to guests.
Local Customs and Etiquette
Vietnamese culture emphasizes respect and politeness. Remove your shoes when entering homes, temples, and some traditional establishments. When greeting, a slight bow or nod is appropriate; handshakes are common in business contexts.
Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing in temples or pagodas. It's respectful to ask permission before photographing people, particularly in rural areas.
Vietnamese people appreciate visitors who make an effort to use basic phrases in their language. Learning simple greetings and "thank you" enhances interactions with locals. Avoid discussing sensitive political topics, as Vietnam is a one-party communist state.
When eating, wait to be invited before starting, and use chopsticks appropriately. Tipping is not customary in Vietnam, though it's appreciated in upscale restaurants and by tour guides. Touching someone's head is considered disrespectful, as is pointing with one finger; use your whole hand instead.
Show reverence at historical and religious sites. Many Vietnamese hold strong connections to family ancestors and traditions, so approach cultural practices with respect and genuine interest.