Starting November 11, 2024, international travellers can apply for their electronic visa (e-Visa) through a newly launched portal in Vietnam, streamlining the process for future visitors.
Since its inception in February 2017, the e-Visa has evolved significantly, adjusting eligibility, visa types, and authorised lengths of stay to better serve travellers planning trips to Vietnam.
The Immigration Department of the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security announced the improvements, noting that the new portal features an upgraded interface and answers to frequently asked questions in both English and Vietnamese.
The current portal, which receives approximately 15,000 applications daily, will remain operational while the new site at evisa.gov.vn will be accessible to users.
To obtain an e-Visa, applicants must upload a passport photo and a copy of their passport's information page. The system will then compare the uploaded image to the passport photo and pre-fill the e-Visa form with relevant data.
As of August 15, 2023, citizens from all countries can apply for an e-Visa, with options for single-entry ($25) or multiple-entry ($50) visas. The maximum stay has also increased from 30 to 90 days, providing more flexibility for travellers.
E-Visa holders can enter Vietnam through 42 entry points, contributing to the surge in tourism. According to the National Tourism Administration, over 14.1 million international tourists visited Vietnam in the first 10 months of 2024, marking a 41.3% increase compared to the previous year.
The authorities aim to achieve their target of welcoming 17 to 18 million international visitors by the end of 2024, with major markets including South Korea, China, and the USA. This enhanced e-Visa system is poised to facilitate that growth in tourism.