Who needs an e-visa
Germans get 90 days visa-free under the bilateral exemption agreement. If you're staying longer than three months or want to avoid border runs, an e-visa is your standard option. It's also useful if you've already used your visa-free entry and need to re-enter legally—a common pattern for long-term visitors.
The official e-visa system
Vietnam (베트남 / 越南 / ベトナム)'s e-visa is processed through the government portal at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn. This is the only official system; ignore anything else. The process is straightforward but has specific rules German travelers often miss.
You'll need:
- A valid German passport (at least six months validity remaining)
- A digital photo (4×6 cm, white background, taken in the last six months)
- Your passport information page (scanned or photographed)
- An email address for the approval letter
The form itself takes 10–15 minutes. You're asked for your purpose (tourism, business, temporary residence), intended arrival date, and entry/exit points.
Cost and processing time
The official e-visa costs 25 USD, paid by credit card during application. Processing takes three business days. Many third-party websites advertise "express" e-visas for 35–50 USD; these just submit your form to the official system and add a markup. Unless you're desperate, skip the middlemen.
Processing runs Monday to Friday, Vietnam time (UTC+7). If you apply on a Friday, don't expect approval until Wednesday. Plan accordingly.
Photo by Marta Branco on Pexels
Step-by-step: applying yourself
1. Go to the official portal. Bookmark evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn. The site is in English; choose "Apply for e-visa" and select "Single entry" or "Multiple entry" (multiple is 50 USD and valid for three months—useful if you're doing visa runs to Cambodia or Thailand).
2. Fill in the form. Be precise with dates. Your "intended arrival date" should be at least three days after you apply (to allow processing). If you're already in Vietnam and want to extend, check the box for "in-country" application.
3. Upload your photo and passport scan. The photo must meet exact specifications: white background, 4×6 cm, head centered, neutral expression, no glasses (or tinted lenses). Your scan should show both the personal data page and the back of the ID page. A blurry phone photo will be rejected.
4. Choose entry and exit points. Most Germans use Noi Bai (Hanoi) or Tan Son Nhat (Saigon) as entry points. Your e-visa covers land borders too (Moc Bai to Cambodia, Cau Treo to Laos), so specify accurately if that's your plan.
5. Pay 25 USD. Use Visa or Mastercard. You'll receive a confirmation email immediately. You won't see the approval letter (PDF) until three business days later in your registered email inbox.
6. Print the approval letter. When it arrives, print it in color. Border officials will check it against your passport.
Common mistakes German applicants make
Photo rejected: The white background requirement is strict. Don't submit a cropped photo from your phone or a regular headshot. Use a proper passport photo studio or service—many pharmacies in Germany offer this for 10–15 EUR.
Date mismatch: If your approval letter says you can enter from March 15 but you arrive March 10, you will be turned back at immigration. The date printed on the approval is absolute.
No physical copy: Many Germans assume they can just show the email on their phone. You cannot. You must print the PDF. Border staff will not scan it; they will examine it alongside your passport. Keep a spare copy in your luggage.
Passport validity gap: Your passport must be valid for at least six months after your visa expires. A 90-day e-visa means your passport should be valid until at least six months beyond that intended exit date.
Confusing the e-visa with the visa-free exemption: You've already used your 90-day visa-free entry once in your passport's lifetime. Once you leave and re-enter, you must have an e-visa or arrange a separate visa from a German embassy. You cannot use the visa-free exemption twice in quick succession.
What to do with the approval letter once you arrive
Don't hand it to your airline at check-in in Germany; you don't need it for departure. You only present it at Vietnamese immigration on arrival. Have it ready alongside your passport. The officer will look at it, look at you, check your passport number, and wave you through. The physical letter is then usually kept by immigration (you won't get it back).
Photo by Angelyn Sanjorjo on Pexels
Extensions and overstays
If you need to stay beyond your e-visa expiry, book a visa extension through a travel agent or the immigration office in your city. A one-month extension costs around 40–50 USD and takes two business days. Overstaying even one day can result in a fine (around 20–30 USD per day) and complications when you leave—not worth it.
If something goes wrong
If your application is rejected or delayed, the system will send you an email explaining why. The most common reason is a photo rejection. You'll need to re-apply with a corrected photo; there's no formal appeal. If you're already in Vietnam and your e-visa wasn't approved in time, visit the immigration office in your city (Ho Chi Minh City (호치민시 / 胡志明市 / ホーチミン市) has one in District 1; Hanoi has one near Hoan Kiem Lake). Staff there can issue an emergency permit or expedite processing, though this costs more and requires an in-person visit.
Practical notes
Apply at least five days before your intended arrival. Keep a PDF copy on your phone and a printed copy in your bag. German passport holders don't need an onward ticket or proof of funds for the e-visa application, but some airlines may ask—book a flexible return ticket just in case. The system is reliable; if you follow the steps, you'll have no issues.
Last updated · May 23, 2026 · independently researched, never sponsored.
