Vietnam E-Visa for EU Passport Holders: Country-by-Country Guide

Who can apply for Vietnam e-visa

Vietnam (베트남 / 越南 / ベトナム)'s electronic visa system doesn't distinguish between Schengen and non-Schengen EU members. What matters is your passport's country of issue. If your passport says "Federal Republic of Germany" or "Kingdom of Spain," you're eligible. Period.

As of now, 199 nationalities — including all 27 EU member states — can obtain an e-visa online. You don't need to visit an embassy or consulate. Processing takes 1–3 business days; expedited service (4–6 hours) costs extra.

The e-visa application process is identical for all EU holders

Regardless of whether you're German, Polish, or Portuguese, the steps are the same:

1. Go to the official immigration portal (nhập cảnh.đặc biệt quốc phòng — or use an authorized third-party agent; see notes below).
2. Upload a scanned copy of your passport bio page and a digital photograph (4×6 cm, white background).
3. Pay the fee (currently 25 USD via bank transfer or card).
4. Wait for approval.
5. You'll receive a letter of approval by email. Print it, or show it on your phone at the airport.
6. Proceed through immigration; the officer stamps your passport.

There's no separate queue or process for different EU nationalities. A British passport holder and a Greek passport holder follow the exact same workflow.

Country-specific notes

While the process is uniform, a few details are worth knowing if you hold these passports:

Germany

German passport holders represent the largest EU cohort applying for e-visas to Vietnam. The process is straightforward. One thing: if your passport is a temporary emergency travel document (not the standard booklet), you may face delays. Stick with the standard burgundy passport. Processing time is typically 1–2 business days.

France

French citizens encounter no delays or special requirements. Your tri-color passport is processed at the same speed as any other. If you're traveling from Reunion, Martinique, or Guadeloupe (overseas departments), you're still using a French passport and qualify identically.

Italy

Italian passport holders apply and are approved without complications. One practical note: if your passport was issued in a small provincial comune (municipality) and has unusual formatting, it can occasionally trigger minor queries from the immigration system. This rarely causes rejection — just slightly longer review. Provide a clear, well-lit scan.

Spain

Spanish nationals process e-visas like any other EU holder. No friction. If you hold a Spanish passport issued before 2015 (older burgundy design), it's still valid and processes identically to newer versions.

Netherlands

Dutch passport holders face no special treatment. Processing is identical to other EU countries. The Netherlands' Schengen membership has zero bearing on Vietnam's e-visa decision.

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What you actually need to apply

• Valid passport (must have at least 6 months validity from your intended departure date).
• A digital photograph: 4×6 cm, white background, face clear and centered. Most travel photo shops can email you a digital file; you can also use a smartphone photo edited to white background using free apps.
• A color scan of your passport's bio page (the page with your photo and personal details).
• Payment method: debit or credit card, or bank transfer in USD.

Using an agent vs. the official portal

You can apply directly via the official Vietnam Immigration Department portal, or use a third-party agent. The agents (companies like Vietnamvisit.com, Visaforever.com, or Evisa.vn) charge a markup — typically 5–15 USD extra — but handle the paperwork for you.

Direct application is cheaper but requires you to upload documents yourself and monitor your email for approval. Agents are faster if you're in a hurry (expedited 4-hour service is popular) and useful if you're uncertain about photo or document formatting.

Both paths produce the same official approval letter. It doesn't matter which route you take.

Cost and validity

The government fee is 25 USD. Your approved e-visa is valid for 90 days from the date of approval — that is, you have a 90-day window to enter Vietnam. Once you enter, you can stay for 30 days from the date of entry.

If you need to stay longer than 30 days, you'll need a different visa type (like a business visa with 90-day stay allowance), which requires a letter of invitation and typically costs more.

Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels

Common mistakes to avoid

• Passport photo is too small, poorly lit, or has a colored background. Vietnam's system is strict about photo standards. Use a proper travel photo or a phone shot with white paper as backdrop, good lighting, and your face centered. If your photo is rejected, reapply with a better one.

• Scanning your passport at very low resolution. Use at least 300 dpi. A blurry, dark scan can slow review.

• Not checking your passport expiration date. If your passport expires within 6 months of your planned departure, apply for a new one first. Immigration offices often won't approve an e-visa for a passport expiring too soon.

• Typos in your name or passport number. Double-check everything before you submit. Even one wrong digit will cause the approval letter to be unusable.

• Assuming your e-visa works at land borders. E-visas are valid at Vietnam's international airports and some seaports, but not at land borders (e.g., Cambodia, Laos). If you're crossing by land, you need a different visa type.

Timeline and planning

Standard processing takes 1–3 business days. If you're applying from within Vietnam (rare, but happens if you extend your stay), it still takes 1–3 days; you'll leave Vietnam, re-enter, and have a new stamp.

Book your flights after you have your approval letter in hand, or use an agent and have them rush it. The 4–6 hour expedited service exists for a reason.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to process a Vietnam e-visa for EU citizens?

Standard processing takes 1-3 business days after you submit your application through the official Vietnam Immigration Department portal or an authorized third-party agent. An expedited option is available that processes in 4-6 hours, though it costs extra. Once approved, you receive a letter by email that you print or show on your phone at immigration, where an officer stamps your passport.

What documents does an EU passport holder need to apply for a Vietnam e-visa?

You need three things: a valid passport with at least 6 months validity from your departure date, a digital photograph (4x6 cm, white background, face centered), and a color scan of your passport bio page. Payment is made by debit or credit card, or bank transfer in USD. The fee is currently 25 USD, though third-party agents charge an additional 5-15 USD markup.

When should an EU traveler use an agent instead of applying for the Vietnam e-visa directly?

Direct application through the official Vietnam Immigration Department portal costs only 25 USD but requires you to upload documents yourself and monitor your email. Agents like Vietnamvisit.com, Visaforever.com, or Evisa.vn charge 5-15 USD extra but handle the paperwork for you. If you find the upload process confusing or want someone to manage the submission, the agent markup may be worth it.

Practical notes

All 27 EU member states are eligible. The e-visa system treats passport nationality alone — Schengen status is irrelevant. Whether you're German, Estonian, or Cypriot, the process, cost, and validity are identical. Apply directly or via an agent; both are secure and official. Keep your approval letter safe (screenshot it, email it to yourself) and bring it printed or ready on your phone at immigration.