Do you need an entry card for Vietnam?
Vietnam does not use the same type of digital arrival card system as some other Asian destinations. For most travelers, the main point to check is whether they need a visa, can use a visa exemption, or should apply for a Vietnam e-Visa before travel.
Entry conditions depend on your nationality, passport, purpose of travel, length of stay and point of entry. You should check these rules before booking flights or accommodation.
For a full explanation of the online visa process, read the dedicated Vietnam e-Visa guide.
Vietnam e-Visa overview
The Vietnam e-Visa is the official electronic visa issued online by the Vietnamese Immigration Department. It allows eligible travelers to apply before arrival through the official government website.
The Vietnam e-Visa can be issued for a maximum validity of 90 days and may be available for single or multiple entries, depending on the application and approval.
The e-Visa is not an arrival card. It is a visa authorization. Travelers should use the official Vietnam e-Visa website when submitting passport details, travel dates and personal information.
Visa exemption and length of stay
Some travelers can enter Vietnam without a visa for a limited period, depending on their nationality and current visa exemption rules. Other travelers need to apply for an e-Visa or another visa before travel.
You should check your permitted length of stay carefully. Visa-free entry, e-Visa validity and actual permission to stay are not always the same thing.
If your trip is longer than your visa exemption period, you may need to apply for a Vietnam e-Visa before departure.
Passport validity and travel documents
Before traveling to Vietnam, check that your passport is valid for your trip and accepted by your airline. Airlines may check visa status, passport validity and onward travel before boarding.
You should prepare your passport, visa or e-Visa approval, accommodation address, arrival date, departure details and contact information before departure.
Always make sure that the information on your e-Visa matches your passport exactly. Errors in name, passport number, nationality or dates can cause problems at boarding or immigration.
Arrival by air, land or sea
Vietnam receives travelers through international airports, land border crossings and seaports. The entry process can vary depending on your route and the type of visa or exemption you use.
If you travel with an e-Visa, make sure your intended entry and exit points are accepted for e-Visa use. Do not assume that every border crossing accepts the same documents.
Check official guidance before entering Vietnam by land or sea, especially if you are traveling from Cambodia, Laos or China.
Official links for entering Vietnam
Use official Vietnamese government or immigration websites when checking entry requirements or applying for an e-Visa. This is important because visa websites often ask for passport details, personal data and payment information.
The official Vietnam e-Visa website is linked from this site for convenience, but travelers should always verify the domain before entering personal information.
Avoid unofficial websites that look official but charge unnecessary service fees or provide unclear application support.
Common mistakes before traveling to Vietnam
Common mistakes include assuming that Vietnam has an arrival card instead of checking visa rules, applying through unofficial paid websites, choosing the wrong entry point, entering passport details incorrectly, or applying too close to the travel date.
Prepare your passport, visa status, arrival date, accommodation address, onward travel information and e-Visa approval before departure.
If you are eligible for visa exemption, still check the allowed length of stay and any conditions before traveling.
