The e-visa basics

Dutch citizens can enter Vietnam (베트남 / 越南 / ベトナム) using an electronic travel authorization, valid for 90 days from issue. You'll need one if you're staying longer than 90 days or want proof of visa before boarding. The process is online, costs around 25 USD (roughly 23 EUR), and takes 1–3 business days. No embassy visit required.

How to apply

Use the official government portal at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn — this is the only legitimate source. Other websites charge commissions or claim expedited processing; ignore them.

Here's what you'll do:

  1. Enter your passport details: Full name (as it appears in your passport), passport number, date of birth, and passport expiry date. Check twice — errors here mean rejection and a restart from scratch.

  2. Upload a photo: 4×6 cm, white background, no glasses, no hat. JPG or PNG. Use a phone photo if needed, but make sure the background is genuinely white — grey or off-white uploads sometimes fail. Smartphone portrait mode works fine.

  3. Choose your entry point: This is the airport (Noi Bai in Hanoi, Tan Son Nhat in Saigon, Da Nang International). The stamp will be valid at any border, but you must enter through your nominated airport. If you change plans and land in a different city, immigration at that airport will reject your e-visa — yes, even though it's the same country. Pick your first destination's airport.

  4. Select arrival date: This is binding. The e-visa becomes valid on this date. If you arrive earlier, it won't work.

  5. Pay by card: Visa, Mastercard, or JCB. The portal charges in USD; expect a small exchange fee if you're paying from a Dutch bank. Budget 25 USD plus 1–2 EUR in banking fees.

  6. Wait for the approval: Usually 1–3 business days. You'll receive an email with a PDF. Print it, or screenshot it on your phone — immigration will scan it or take a photo. Backup copies on your phone and email are smart.

Costs and timescale

The official e-visa is 25 USD. No add-ons, no expedites. If a third-party agent (Vinavisas, CIBTvisas, etc.) contacts you with prices above 30 USD, they're charging a commission. You don't need them. The government portal accepts Dutch cards.

Timing: 1–3 business days is standard. Don't apply the day before you fly. The portal sometimes has weekend delays. Apply 5–7 days before departure if you're cautious; 3 days minimum if you're cutting it close.

A vibrant aerial view of Ho Chi Minh City featuring the iconic 'Welcome to Vietnam' sign among buildings.

Photo by Nhựt Nguyên Trần on Pexels

Common mistakes

Wrong passport number format: Dutch passports have letters, e.g., XX123456. Copy exactly as shown, including the letters. Transposing or omitting them causes rejection.

Photo failures: Poor lighting, shadows on the face, or a background that looks grey instead of white will be rejected. Redo it in daylight near a white wall or white sheet.

Mismatched arrival date: If you say you're arriving on 15 March and you don't, immigration may ask questions. It's not a hard block, but why risk it? Choose the date you'll actually land.

Trying to enter from a land border: The e-visa is only valid at airports. If you're coming overland from Cambodia or Laos, you need a traditional visa from the Vietnam embassy in Den Haag, or you arrange a visa-on-arrival at the land border (usually 35–50 USD, slower). The e-visa won't help you there.

Forgetting to print or download: The approval email contains your e-visa number and PDF. Immigration will ask to see it. Have it on your phone, printed, or both.

Insurance and onward travel

No travel insurance is mandatory for the e-visa itself, but airlines sometimes ask for proof of onward travel (an exit ticket to Thailand, Cambodia, or home). It's not officially required by Vietnamese immigration, but budget airlines especially check. A cheap Skyscam ticket from Saigon (사이공 / 西贡 / サイゴン) to Bangkok is ~15 EUR if you need one.

Airplanes parked on a runway under a dramatic golden sunset sky at a modern airport terminal.

Photo by Quang Nguyen Vinh on Pexels

What happens at the airport

When you arrive, join the "E-visa / Pre-approved visa" queue at immigration — don't use the regular tourist line. You'll hand your passport and the e-visa printout to an officer. They'll scan the document, check your face, and stamp your passport. Usually 5 minutes. On busy days (Tet, summer holidays) it can take 20–30 minutes.

If your photo doesn't match you (gained/lost significant weight, different hair color, heavy beard vs. clean-shaven), immigration may ask you to explain. It's rare, and they'll almost always let you through, but be prepared to answer "different since the photo" questions. Don't panic.

Staying longer

The e-visa allows one entry and a 90-day stay. If you want to stay in Vietnam longer, you'll need to:

  1. Extend in-country: Visit an immigration office (each province has one). Cost is around 50–70 USD, takes 3–7 working days. Hanoi (하노이 / 河内 / ハノイ)'s immigration office is at 86 Hang Bai Street; Saigon's is on Nguyen Hue Boulevard.

  2. Visa runs: Leave Vietnam (to Cambodia, Thailand, Laos) and re-enter on a new e-visa. Cost is the flight/border fee (~15–50 USD depending on destination) plus 25 USD for the new e-visa.

Bottom line

The e-visa is straightforward if you avoid the mistakes: use the official portal, check your details twice, pick a realistic arrival date, and print your approval. Budget 25 USD, apply a week before you travel, and you'll clear immigration in minutes. Don't overthink it.

— FIN —

Last updated · May 23, 2026 · independently researched, never sponsored.