Vietnam
Phone Code
+84
Capital
Hanoi
Population
98 Million
Native Name
Việt Nam
Region
Asia
South-Eastern Asia
Timezone
Indochina Time
UTC+07:00
On This Page
Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia's most captivating destinations — an S-shaped country stretching 1,650 km along the South China Sea, from the misty rice terraces of Sapa in the north to the floating markets of the Mekong Delta in the south. Hanoi's chaotic Old Quarter (36 streets, each named after a traditional trade), Ha Long Bay's 1,600 limestone karsts rising from emerald waters (UNESCO World Heritage), Hoi An's lantern-lit ancient town (UNESCO), the imperial citadel of Hue (UNESCO), Phong Nha's Son Doong — the largest cave on earth — and Ho Chi Minh City's relentless energy make Vietnam a country that rewards every type of traveller. The cuisine alone — pho, banh mi, bun cha, cao lau, fresh spring rolls, egg coffee — ranks among the world's finest and costs remarkably little. Most visitors need a visa: the e-visa system at evisa.gov.vn grants up to 90 days with single or multiple entries, processed in 3-5 working days. Citizens of many countries including the UK, EU nations, Japan and South Korea enjoy visa-free entry for up to 45 days for tourism or business. Passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond your intended stay with at least 2 blank pages. Vietnam enforces overstay penalties strictly — fines, deportation and future entry bans are real consequences.
Vietnam Visa & Entry Options
Vietnam offers several entry pathways. The e-visa (evisa.gov.vn) is the most popular option: 90 days, single or multiple entry, approximately 25 USD, processed in 3-5 working days — print it and present at any international checkpoint. Citizens of the UK, most EU countries, Japan, South Korea and others qualify for visa-free entry up to 45 days for tourism or business; passport receives entry and exit stamps specifying the departure deadline. The classic embassy/consulate visa requires a "visa sponsor" (local business or authorised travel agent) who obtains a pre-approval letter from Vietnamese Immigration before you apply abroad. Visa on Arrival works similarly — a pre-approval letter is mandatory before travel; do not arrive without one as entry may be denied. Passport requirements: minimum 6 months validity beyond intended stay, at least 2 blank pages (UK Foreign Office; 1 blank page per U.S. State Department for e-visa). Emergency passport holders may face e-visa denial. Currency declaration is mandatory for amounts exceeding VND 15,000,000 or foreign currency over USD 5,000. Vietnam does not assist with visa extensions through foreign embassies — plan your stay carefully.
Common Visa Types
Visa-Free Entry (45 days)
For citizens of the UK, most EU nations, Japan, South Korea and other eligible countries. Tourism and business. No advance application needed — present your passport at immigration on arrival. Passport must be valid 6 months with 2 blank pages. Same passport required for both entry and exit.
E-Visa (evisa.gov.vn)
The most practical option for most travellers. Online application at evisa.gov.vn — straightforward, multilingual interface. Processing: 3-5 working days. Cost: approximately 25 USD. Print the e-visa and present it with your passport at entry. Valid at all international entry points. Choose single or multiple entry depending on your itinerary.
Visa on Arrival (VOA) with Pre-Approval
Requires a pre-approval letter obtained through an authorised Vietnamese travel agency before departure. The visa is stamped into your passport upon arrival at the airport. Critical: do not travel without the pre-approval letter — airlines may deny boarding and immigration may refuse entry.
Embassy/Consulate Visa
Traditional visa obtained at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your home country. Suitable for all stay types: tourism, business, work, study. Requires a "visa sponsor" — a local business or authorised travel agency that obtains pre-approval from Vietnamese Immigration on your behalf.
Business Visa
For commercial activities: meetings, negotiations, market research, contract signing, conferences. Invitation letter from a Vietnamese company recommended. Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia's fastest-growing economies — manufacturing, tech outsourcing, tourism and renewable energy offer significant opportunities.
Work Visa and Work Permit
For employment in Vietnam. The employer applies for the work permit. Key sectors: technology, manufacturing (Samsung, Intel, Nike all produce in Vietnam), English teaching, tourism and hospitality. After entry on a work visa: apply for a Temporary Residence Card.
Essential Information for Vietnam Travellers
Travel Guide
Vietnam rewards travellers with an intensity few countries can match. Ha Long Bay — 1,600 limestone karsts and islands rising from emerald waters — is one of Asia's great natural wonders; overnight cruises with sunrise over the bay are unforgettable (2-day/1-night from around 80 EUR). Hoi An is Vietnam's most beautiful town: a UNESCO-listed old quarter of silk lanterns, Japanese covered bridge (1593), and tailor shops that produce made-to-measure suits in 24 hours. Hanoi's Old Quarter is gloriously chaotic — 36 guild streets, egg coffee, bun cha at plastic-stool sidewalk stalls, and the Hoan Kiem Lake at its heart. Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) pulses with French colonial architecture, the War Remnants Museum, and a nightlife that never stops. The rice terraces of Sapa in the northwest — home to Hmong and Dao hill tribes — turn golden at harvest time (September-October). The imperial city of Hue with its citadel and royal tombs (UNESCO). Phong Nha-Ke Bang with Son Doong, the largest cave on earth. The Mekong Delta with its floating markets and canal labyrinths. Phu Quoc as a tropical beach island. And the food — pho, banh mi, bun cha, cao lau (only in Hoi An), fresh spring rolls, Bia Hoi draught beer for pennies — is reason enough for the trip. Vietnam is also remarkably affordable: street food from 0.50 EUR, comfortable travel on 25-50 EUR per day.
Ways to Experience This Destination
Pho (the national dish, from 1 EUR), banh mi (crispy baguette with meat and herbs, from 0.50 EUR), bun cha (grilled pork with noodles — Obama's famous Hanoi meal), cao lau (Hoi An exclusive), fresh spring rolls, egg coffee, and Bia Hoi draught beer for 0.20 EUR. Vietnam's cuisine ranks among the world's finest and costs astonishingly little.
Hanoi's 36-street Old Quarter and thousand-year history, Hoi An's UNESCO lantern-lit ancient town with world-famous tailors, Hue's imperial citadel and royal tombs (UNESCO), Ho Chi Minh City's French colonial landmarks and Reunification Palace. Four UNESCO sites within easy reach of each other.
Ha Long Bay's 1,600 limestone karsts (UNESCO), Sapa's rice terraces and hill tribe villages, Phong Nha-Ke Bang with the world's largest cave (Son Doong), the Mekong Delta's floating markets, and the Ha Giang Loop in the far north — Vietnam's most dramatic mountain scenery.
Phu Quoc's white-sand tropical beaches, Da Nang and Hoi An's An Bang Beach, Nha Trang's bay, Con Dao as an untouched island paradise, and Mui Ne for kitesurfing. Vietnam's coastline stretches over 3,400 km with options from budget backpacker to luxury resort.
The Hai Van Pass (Hue to Hoi An, called one of the world's most beautiful coastal roads by Top Gear), the Ha Giang Loop (3-4 days of breathtaking mountain roads in the far north), trekking in Sapa, kayaking in Ha Long Bay, and cave expeditions in Phong Nha. Easy Rider tours with experienced local guides are the safer alternative to self-driving.
The Cu Chi Tunnels near Saigon, the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City, the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) near Hue, Hue's imperial history, and Hanoi's Ho Chi Minh era landmarks. Vietnam's modern history is moving, sobering and impossible to ignore.
Money & Currency
Vietnamese Dong (VND)
Currency code: VND
Practical Money Tips
Large Denominations Can Be Confusing — Stay Alert
Vietnam's currency uses denominations up to 500,000 VND (~USD 20). The visual similarity between 200,000 VND and 500,000 VND notes has caught out many visitors. Count your change carefully and never rush at exchange counters or when paying. Withdraw money at well-lit ATMs and count all notes before leaving the machine. The zero count — 20,000 vs 200,000 vs 2,000,000 — trips people up constantly.
ATMs Are Widely Available but Have Low Limits
ATMs are found throughout Vietnamese cities and tourist towns (Vietcombank, Techcombank, BIDV, VPBank). Most allow a maximum single withdrawal of 2,000,000–5,000,000 VND per transaction. Local ATMs may charge a transaction fee of 20,000–60,000 VND per withdrawal. Always select to be charged in Vietnamese Dong — never accept dynamic currency conversion. Bring a backup card in case one machine is out of service.
Cash Dominates — Cards Work in Cities and Hotels Only
Visa and Mastercard are accepted at international hotels, major chain restaurants, and upmarket shops in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. In rural areas, smaller towns, street food vendors, local markets, inter-city buses, and most guesthouses, only cash is accepted. MoMo and ZaloPay QR payments are dominant among Vietnamese consumers but are not accessible to foreign visitors without a Vietnamese phone number and bank account.
Tipping Is Not Traditional but Is Appreciated
Tipping is not part of Vietnamese culture but is increasingly expected from foreign visitors in tourist areas. At restaurants: leave 20,000–50,000 VND for good service or round up the bill. Tour guides and drivers: 100,000–200,000 VND per day is appreciated. Massage and spa: 50,000–100,000 VND. Hotel staff: 20,000–50,000 VND per bag. Tipping is always voluntary — never feel obligated, but it is a meaningful gesture given local wage levels.
Note: Always check current exchange rates before traveling. Currency exchange is available at airports, banks, and authorized money changers.
Cities with missions
Where this country maintains embassies or consulates
Explore different regions and their cities.
Embassies in Vietnam
These foreign embassies and consulates are based here. Choose a mission to open its in-depth guide and contact details.
Key origin countries
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Planning your trip to Vietnam? Whether you need an e-visa, want to check your visa-free eligibility, or need help with a work or business visa — get step-by-step guidance for your application.
Apply for Vietnam Visa