United States

A complete guide for US passports visiting Vietnam: Visa requirements, application and tips.

United States The number of U.S. citizens traveling to Vietnam in 2019 was 745,271.

Visa Information

As of 2025, U.S. citizens must obtain a valid visa before entering Vietnam, regardless of the duration of their intended stay. To apply for a Vietnam visa, you can choose to apply by mail or in person at a Vietnamese consulate or embassy, or you can opt for an online e-visa or a visa on arrival.

Option 1: E-visa

  1. Prepare required documents
    Ensure that you have a digital passport photo (no glasses or headwear; both ears must be visible) and a scanned copy of your passport’s data page.
  2. Submit online application
    Visit the official e-visa website at evisa.gov.vn and fill out the online application form.
  3. Pay the e-Visa fee
    Use credit/debit cards to pay for the government fee:
    – US$25 for a single-entry e-visa
    – US$50 for a multiple-entry e-visa.
  4. Save your registration code
    After submission, you will receive a registration code. Keep it safe as you will need it to check the status of your application.
  5. Download e-visa documents
    After 3-5 working days, track your e-visa status and download it at https://evisa.gov.vn/e-visa/search.

If you require faster processing, consider contacting a visa agency such as urgentvietnamvisa.com to expedite your application.

Option 2: Visa on Arrival

You can apply for your visa online and obtain a visa stamp upon arrival at Vietnam's airport. A number of travel agencies provide this option. The process is simple:

  1. Apply for your visa online and pay the applicable fee.
  2. Receive and print your approval letter.
  3. Arrive at a Vietnam airport to get your visa.

With this option, your visa will be issued by the Immigration Department of Vietnam. Please ensure the approval letter has the correct date of entry, your name's spelling, your passport number, and your date of birth.

Option 3: Prior Visa at the Embassy

To apply for a visa via the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in the U.S., submit the following documents by mail or in person:

  1. Original Passport (must have at least 01 month validity beyond your exit date from Vietnam).
  2. Completed and signed application form accompanied by 01 passport-sized photo (2×2 inch).
  3. Visa fees (Money order or Certified Check) made payable to “The Embassy of Vietnam.”
  4. Prepaid return envelope if you plan to receive your visa and passport by mail; the embassy and consulate recommend using USPS or FedEx.

Vietnam Embassy in the U.S.:

  • Address: 1233 20th St NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20036
  • Email: vnconsular@vietnamembassy.us
  • Tel: (202) 861-0737

Vietnam Consulate in the U.S.:

  • Address: 1700 California St., Suite 430, San Francisco, CA 94109
  • Email: info@vietnamconsulatesf.org
  • Tel: (415) 922-1577

Processing Time & Fee:

 

Visa - On - Arrival

Embassy / Consulate

Processing time

2-3 business days

5 business days + mailing time

Fee

Approval letter fee + $135 stamping fee

$75 - $150*

*Note: For the exact fee, please inquire at vnconsular@vietnamembassy.us

Travel Tips for US Citizens

  1. It is understandable that you may wonder how Americans are perceived by Vietnamese after all those years of conflicts. Even if you are a veteran, do not let this doubt prevent you from visiting Vietnam. No longer a war-torn country like the common myth suggests, Vietnam is now a thriving destination known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture. The people are extremely welcoming and friendly (see 10 reasons why you should consider Vietnam as your next stop). There is no difference in the way Americans are treated compared to other nationalities.
  2. You might choose to register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program; this way, in case of an emergency, the US embassy or consulate in Vietnam will know whom to contact. Otherwise, consider leaving your detailed travel plans with your family or relatives, and keep them updated regularly while you are away.
  3. If you require emergency support outside of office hours, contact the US embassy or consulate hotline number: +84-24-3850-5000. It is advisable to keep this number with you at all times.
  4. Read our Customs Regulation page to understand what you can or cannot bring into Vietnam.
  5. The US government prohibits bringing certain items back to the US. For instance, meat and meat products remain strictly prohibited. Additionally, it’s best to check the latest guidelines to ensure compliance with current regulations.

U.S Passport Renewals in Vietnam

If your passport has expired or is about to expire while you are traveling abroad, it's essential to renew it promptly. You have two options for renewing your passport: by mail or in person, each with specific conditions.

By mail: You may apply by mail if your current or expiring passport is in good condition, your legal name matches the name on the new passport, it was issued within the last 15 years, and you were at least 16 years old at the time it was issued.

In person: If you do not meet the criteria above, you will need to apply for your passport renewal in person.

Applications:

- Your most recent passport

- One passport-sized photo (2x2 inches) securely attached to the application

- Form DS-82

- Passport renewal fee

Where to apply

In the US:

Normal processing: National Passport Processing Center
Post Office Box 640155, Irving, TX 75064-0155

In Vietnam:

At the US Embassy and Consulate in Vietnam:
US Embassy in Hanoi
170 Ngoc Khanh, Ba Dinh, Hanoi, Vietnam
Phone: +84 24 3850 5000

US Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City
4 Le Duan Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Phone: +84 28 3520 4200

Processing time

It currently takes 8-11 weeks for normal processing. If you require expedited service, the processing time is about 5-7 weeks. For urgent travel needs, you should schedule an appointment at a passport agency or center.

Fee

The passport renewal fee is $130 for a passport book or $30 for a passport card, payable by check to the US Department of State. Please include your full name and date of birth on the check. For expedited service, there is an additional fee of $60, payable by money order to the US Department of State. If you wish to expedite the return shipping, include a $20.66 fee for overnight delivery.

US Passport Application

US citizens are required to possess a passport book when traveling to Vietnam. Minors under the age of 16 must adhere to specific requirements set by the US Department of State and must apply in person for their passport. For adults aged 16 and above, applications can be submitted either by mail or in person.

Applications:

To apply for a passport, you must:

- Complete Form DS-11 and bring it to an agency, signing it when instructed.

- Provide evidence of U.S. citizenship, which may include a previous passport, a certified birth certificate*, or a naturalization certificate or certificate of citizenship.

- Present a valid ID along with a copy* of your ID at the time of application. Acceptable IDs include a previous passport, naturalization certificate, government-issued ID, or driver’s license.

- Pay the passport application fee.

- Submit one recent passport-sized photograph.

*Note: All birth certificates must clearly indicate the names of the applicant's parents.

Fee:

The passport application fee is $130, which includes the application fee and a $35 execution fee. Fees can be paid using credit cards, debit cards, money orders, or certified checks.

Where to apply

In the US:

  • Each state has its own passport agency. You can find detailed addresses and contact information on the Department of State website.

In Vietnam:

  • US Embassy: 1st Floor, Rose Garden Tower, 170 Ngoc Khanh Street, Hanoi, Vietnam
  • US Consulate: 4 Le Duan Blvd., District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Vietnam

US Embassy in Hanoi

US Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City

The information above was last updated on 23 June, 2025

Tourism Statistics

This table highlights the number of US passports visiting Vietnam in recent years. The numbers reflect a consistent growth in travel from the United States to Vietnam, particularly as tourism has rebounded post-pandemic.

Country

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

United States

1,100,000

800,000

200,000

400,000

745,271

686,236

615,219

553,584

491,321

Data sources: Vietnamtourism.gov.vn, Worldbank.org


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