Vietnam Visa Documents Required 2026 – Updated Checklist for All Visa Types

Applying for a Vietnam visa is straightforward, but a single mistake in your documentation can lead to a rejected application or, worse, denied boarding at the airport. Whether you are applying for the popular E-visa or the urgent Visa on Arrival, having the correct paperwork is the first step to a stress-free trip.

This guide outlines the exact documents required for Vietnam visa applications in 2025, verified against the latest regulations from the Vietnam Immigration Department.

Overview of Vietnam Visa Requirements

Why is preparing the exact documents so critical? In 2024 and 2025, airlines have become stricter with document verification. Common issues like blurry photos, incorrect name order, or passports expiring soon are the top reasons travelers are refused entry.

Key Updates for 2026:

  • Digital-First: The E-visa system (90 days, multiple entry) is now the primary entry method for citizens of all countries. It requires high-quality digital scans.

  • Strict Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date.

  • Emergency Solutions: If you lack documents or made a mistake, Visa on Arrival via an agency is often the only last-minute solution.

General Documents Required for All Vietnam Visas

Regardless of the visa type (E-visa, Tourist, or Business), every applicant must hold a valid travel document.

1. Original Passport

  • Validity: Must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your planned date of arrival in Vietnam.

  • Condition: The passport must be intact (no torn pages or water damage).

  • Blank Pages: At least 02 blank pages are required for immigration stamps.

2. Portrait Photo

  • Recency: Taken within the last 6 months.

  • Style: Color photo, white background, no glasses, looking straight at the camera.

  • Format: Digital (JPG) for E-visa; Physical (4x6cm) for Visa on Arrival.

Documents Required for Vietnam E-Visa

The Vietnam E-visa is applied for completely online. You do not need to mail physical documents, but your digital uploads must meet specific technical standards to pass the AI screening of the Immigration Department.

E-Visa Document Checklist:

  1. Passport Data Page Scan:

    • Format:.JPG,.JPEG, or.PNG.

    • Quality: Clear, no glare, no fingers covering text. Must show the full ICAO lines (the two lines of code at the bottom of the page).

  2. Digital Portrait Photo:

    • Size ratio: 4×6.

    • Background: Plain white.

    • Note: Do not crop a photo from your passport page; this is a common reason for rejection.Passport Bio Page Photo

  3. Travel Information:

    • Intended date of entry.

    • Intended port of entry (e.g., Tan Son Nhat Airport, Moc Bai Landport).

  4. Payment Method:

    • International Credit/Debit Card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) to pay the $25 (single entry) or $50 (multiple entry) government fee.

⚠️ Fast Visa Tip: If you use our Urgent Vietnam Visa, you only need to send us a photo of your passport and a selfie. We handle the formatting and submission for you.

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Documents Required for Visa on Arrival (VOA)

Visa on Arrival is now primarily used for urgent/emergency cases or when you need a visa in 1-2 hours. This process involves two steps: applying online for an Approval Letter and then getting the stamp at the airport.

Step 1: To Apply Online (For Approval Letter)

You do not need to send physical documents. You only need to provide:

  • Digital copy/photo of your passport data page.

  • Confirmed flight ticket (for urgent/super-urgent requests).

Step 2: To Present at Vietnam Airport (For Visa Stamp)

When you land at Hanoi (HAN), Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), or Da Nang (DAD), you must present the following at the “Landing Visa” counter:

  1. Original Passport: (Valid 6+ months).

  2. Visa Approval Letter: A printed copy of the letter sent to you by Fast Visa Vietnam.

  3. Vietnam Visa Application Form (NA1): Completed and signed (we send this form via email with your letter).

  4. Photos: 02 passport-sized photos (4x6cm, white background).

  5. Stamping Fee (Cash):

    • $25 USD for Single Entry.

    • $50 USD for Multiple Entry.

    • Note: Prepare exact change in USD to save time.

 

Documents for Tourist vs. Business Visa

The requirements differ slightly based on your purpose of visit.

Requirement Tourist Visa (DL) Business Visa (DN)
Sponsorship Not usually required for E-visa. Required. Must have a Vietnamese company sponsor.
Invitation Letter Not required. Required. NA2 form processed by the sponsor.
Passport Valid 6 months. Valid 6 months.
Photos Standard requirements. Standard requirements.
Processing Time 3-5 working days. 5-7 working days (standard).


Need a Business Visa? The paperwork for business sponsorship (Forms NA2, NA16) is complex. Contact us for a Business Visa to handle the sponsorship package.

Common Mistakes with Vietnam Visa Documents

To ensure your application is approved on the first try (or to ensure you are allowed to board your flight), avoid these critical errors:

  1. Passport Expiry Date: Many travelers forget that the “6-month validity” rule counts from the arrival date, not the application date.

  2. Middle Name Omission: The name on your visa must match the ICAO line on your passport exactly. Missing a middle name often leads to denied boarding.

  3. Low-Quality Scans: Blurry text or glare on the passport number will cause the Immigration system to reject your E-visa application immediately.

  4. Wrong Date Format: Vietnam uses DD/MM/YYYY. Confusing this with the US format (MM/DD/YYYY) can lead to a visa with the wrong validity.

How to Check If Your Documents Are Correct?

Before you head to the airport or submit your application, use this 60-second checklist:

  • [ ] Is your passport valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date?

  • [ ] Does the name on your visa/approval letter match your passport exactly (Full Name)?

  • [ ] Is your passport number correct (check for ‘0’ vs ‘O’)?

  • [ ] Do you have 2 printed photos and $25 USD cash (if using Visa on Arrival)?

  • [ ] Is your entry date on the visa on or before your flight date? (You can arrive later, but not earlier).

What if I don’t have the right documents?

If you are at the airport and realize you have the wrong visa, a missing middle name, or an expired document: Do not panic.

Fast Visa Vietnam specializes in Urgent Vietnam Visa. We can process an Urgent Visa Approval Letter in as little as 1 hour, allowing you to board your flight and collect your visa upon landing.

FAQ – Vietnam Visa Documents

1. Do I need to show a return ticket to get a Vietnam visa?

For the E-visa application, you do not need to upload a ticket. However, airlines may ask for proof of onward travel (return ticket) at check-in to verify you intend to leave before your visa expires.

2. Can I use a photo taken with my phone?

Yes, as long as it meets the requirements: white background, good lighting, no glasses, and high resolution. Do not use selfies with filters.

3. I don’t have photos for Visa on Arrival. Can I take them at the airport?

Yes, most major airports (Hanoi, HCMC) have a photo service booth near the Landing Visa counter. The cost is usually around $2-$5 USD. However, it is safer and faster to prepare them in advance.

4. Can I present a digital copy of the Visa Approval Letter?

Some airlines accept digital copies, but Vietnamese Immigration officers require a printed paper copy. Always print your E-visa or Approval Letter to avoid delays.