Current DossierSubject · United States passportFile · VIETNAM

Does Vietnam require a visa for US citizens?

Straight answer, official source, and how long it takes.

Last checked 28 Jun 2026Source · US State Department travel adviceHow we source this →
Visa Panic answer
Visa requiredHigh paperwork

Do US citizens need a visa for Vietnam?

US citizens require a visa to enter Vietnam for tourism.

Apply on the official siteUS State Department travel advice — last checked 28 June 2026
Always confirm with the official source before you travel.
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eVisa typically takes 3–5 working days.

Health FileSubject · VietnamChecked · 22 Jul 2026

Vaccinations for Vietnam

Book a travel clinic appointment 6–8 weeks before you fly.

Conditional

Only if arriving from a risk area

Required only if you're travelling from — or transiting through — a country with active transmission.

  • Yellow Fever

    Certificate required if arriving from (or transiting) a country with yellow fever transmission risk.

Recommended on health grounds

Not required for entry — advised by NHS / CDC for most travellers.

  • Hepatitis A

    Recommended — food & water borne.

  • Typhoid

    Recommended, especially for longer stays or rural travel.

  • Rabies

    Consider for rural travel, cyclists, and long trips.

  • Japanese Encephalitis

    Consider for rural stays, especially in monsoon season.

→ Read the Yellow Fever briefing

Which countries require the certificate, timing, cost, and the 10-day validity rule.

Not medical advice. Always confirm with your GP, travel nurse, or a Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre — requirements change and can vary based on where you're arriving from.

Colour KeyCalm— no visaMedium— ETA / eVisaPanic— full visa

Deep breath. Here's the answer.

As a US passport holder, you must obtain a visa before traveling to Vietnam. Your passport needs to be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay, and you must have at least one blank visa page. The document mentions that a 12-page emergency passport might be denied an E-visa, so verify this if applicable.

Key facts

For United States passport holders, tourism or short business trips.

PassportRegular US passport
PurposeTourism
Visa requiredYes — visa required
Maximum stayVerify on the official source, as this markdown does not explicitly state the maximum duration for a tourist visa.
Passport validitySix months beyond your planned stay
Return/onward ticketNot explicitly stated, but generally recommended for international travel.
Arrival formNone mentioned
Last checked28 June 2026

You may need a visa if…

  • A visa is required for all US citizens traveling to Vietnam.
  • Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay.
  • You must have at least one blank visa page for entry stamps.
  • Travelers with a 12-page U.S. emergency passport may be denied an E-visa; verify this before travel.
  • Ensure you obtain your visa or pre-approval for a visa on arrival before departing for Vietnam.
  • Entry will be denied if passport and visa requirements are not met.

Before you travel

  • Obtain a valid visa for Vietnam before your trip.
  • Ensure your passport will be valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay.
  • Check that your passport has at least one blank visa page.
  • If using an emergency passport, confirm its eligibility for a Vietnamese visa.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

Common questions

Yes, a visa is required for all US citizens to enter Vietnam.

Related destinations

Field Report Provenance

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Every dossier is written from official government sources, then re-checked on 28 Jun 2026.

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Not legal advice

Always cross-check with the linked official source before you book. Read our methodology and disclaimer.