Deep breath. Here's the answer.

U.S. citizens must get a visa before travelling to Vietnam: apply online for an eVisa at evisa.gov.vn or get a visa from a Vietnamese embassy. The only visa-free exception is a stay of 30 days or less on Phu Quoc island. Air travellers on a non-Vietnamese passport must complete a pre-arrival form no earlier than 3 days before arrival. Your passport must be valid 6 months after arrival. You can stay for the period issued on your visa.

Key facts

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

You may need a visa if…

• Apply for an eVisa at evisa.gov.vn or a visa from a Vietnamese embassy before travel.
• Phu Quoc island only: stays of 30 days or less do not need a visa.
• Air arrivals on a non-Vietnamese passport must complete the pre-arrival form no earlier than 3 days before arrival.
• Blank pages: sources differ (2 blank pages vs 1 page per stamp) — this is under review; carry spare pages.
• Travelers with a 12-page U.S. emergency passport may be denied an E-visa; verify this before travel.
• Entry will be denied if passport and visa requirements are not met.
• Use the same passport for entry, exit and domestic travel. Carry a printed eVisa with the valid passport and check all details match exactly (U.S. State Department).
• The U.S. State Department says the entry/exit location must match the port selected in the application; confirm the route before applying.
• The U.S. State Department says eVisas cannot be renewed or extended in Vietnam. Leaving late, even after a medical emergency, can mean fines and delays obtaining departure permission.
• Visa sponsorship is required for other visa categories according to the State Department; eVisas are expressly excepted. Do not assume the eVisa procedure covers every visa category.

Before you travel

• ✓Get your eVisa (evisa.gov.vn) or embassy visa before your trip.
• ✓Check your passport is valid 6 months after arrival and has spare blank pages.
• ✓Complete the pre-arrival form no earlier than 3 days before arrival (air travel).
• ✓If using an emergency passport, confirm its eligibility for a Vietnamese visa.
• ✓Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
• ✓Print the issued eVisa and carry it with the same passport used for the visa and for entry, exit and domestic travel.
• ✓Check every eVisa detail and the selected entry/exit port against your itinerary. Confirm the permitted stay dates; the State Department says eVisas cannot be extended or renewed inside Vietnam.

Common questions