This guide shows exactly which websites are legitimate, how to spot a scam, and how to apply directly. You will save money and avoid the stress of a denied entry.
What you need to know before applying for a Vietnam visa
Vietnam offers three main visa pathways. Each serves a different purpose and uses different websites. Understanding the difference is the first step to avoiding the wrong site.
The three types of Vietnam visas explained briefly
E-visa (electronic visa): This is the most popular option for tourists. It allows a 90-day stay with single or multiple entries. You apply online, receive a PDF by email, and present it at the border. The official fee is $25 for single entry and $50 for multiple entry.
Visa on arrival (VOA): This option requires a pre-approval letter from a licensed travel agency in Vietnam. You present the letter at the airport, pay a stamping fee of $25 (single) or $50 (multiple) in cash, and receive a visa sticker in your passport. VOA only works for air travel.
Embassy visa: This is the traditional sticker visa obtained at Vietnamese embassies or consulates abroad. It is useful for travelers from countries not eligible for e-visa or those who need longer stays.
Why the "official website" question matters more in 2026
The Vietnam Immigration Department changed its e-visa domain in November 2024. This created confusion. Google search results now show multiple government domains. Which one is current?
Third-party sites exploit this confusion. They buy ads for keywords like "Vietnam visa official website" and design their pages to look identical to government portals. Travelers who rush through the process end up paying $120 for a $25 service.
The situation is worse in 2026 because the domain migration is still fresh. Some older government domains still redirect to the new system. Third-party sites claim these old domains are official to confuse travelers.
The only official government websites for Vietnam visas in 2026
Here is the definitive list. Bookmark these domains. Use nothing else for your visa application.
Current official e-visa portals
https://evisa.gov.vn/ — This is the primary e-visa application portal. It has been the official site since November 2024. All applications go through this system.
https://thithucdientu.gov.vn/ — This is an alternative domain for the same system. It translates to "electronic visa" in Vietnamese. Both domains lead to the same application portal.
https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/ — This is the older domain. It still redirects to the new system but is no longer the primary address. Do not use it as your main bookmark.
Official immigration and visa information portals
https://immigration.gov.vn/ — This is the Vietnam Immigration Department main portal. It provides information about visa policies, immigration procedures, and official announcements. You cannot apply for a visa here.
https://dichvucong.bocongan.gov.vn/ — This is the public service portal for immigration-related services. It is used for some administrative procedures but not for standard tourist e-visa applications.
How to verify you are on the correct government website
Check the domain. It must end in ".gov.vn". This is the only legitimate government domain suffix in Vietnam. Any site ending in .com, .org, .net, or .vn without the .gov prefix is not an official government portal.
Look for the official Vietnam Immigration Department logo. The logo should appear at the top of the page. Compare it with the logo on immigration.gov.vn to confirm it matches.
Verify the HTTPS/SSL certificate. Click the padlock icon in your browser address bar. The certificate should be issued to a ".gov.vn" domain.
Cross-reference with your home country's embassy website. The US Embassy in Vietnam, UK Foreign Office, and Australian Smartraveller all direct travelers to evisa.gov.vn. If your embassy links to it, it is legitimate.
Pro tip: Bookmark the official sites before your trip. Do not search for "Vietnam visa" on Google when you are ready to apply. Scammers buy ads that appear above the real results.
How to spot a fake or overpriced visa website
Third-party visa websites fall into two categories. Some are legitimate travel agencies offering visa on arrival services. Most are overcharging for e-visa applications you can complete yourself.
Common red flags of scam visa websites
Domains ending in .com, .org, or .net. No legitimate government visa portal uses these extensions.
Charges more than $25 for single-entry e-visa processing. The official fee is $25. Any site charging more is a third-party service.
Promises "guaranteed approval" or "rush processing" for extra fees. The Vietnam Immigration Department does not offer guaranteed approval or paid expediting. These are lies.
Asks for unnecessary personal information. The official portal only needs your passport details, photo, travel information, and payment. Scam sites ask for social security numbers, bank account details, or copies of other documents.
Poor English, broken grammar, or copied content from official sites. Many scam sites are hastily built. Look for spelling errors, awkward phrasing, or text that looks like it was machine-translated.
No physical address or contact information in Vietnam. Legitimate travel agencies have offices in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Scam sites often list only an email address or a PO box.
The real cost breakdown: what you should pay vs. what scams charge
| Service | Official fee | Typical third-party price | Markup |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single entry e-visa | $25 | $75-$150 | 3x-6x |
| Multiple entry e-visa | $50 | $100-$200 | 2x-4x |
| VOA pre-approval letter | $15-$30 (agency fee) | $30-$80 | 2x-3x |
| Visa status check | Free | $10-$30 | Unlimited |
| Application correction assistance | Free (reapply) | $20-$50 | Unlimited |
Warning: Some third-party sites charge $50 for "visa status check" services. The official status check on evisa.gov.vn is free. You only need your registration code and email address.
Real traveler stories: what happens when you use the wrong site
Case study 1: A traveler from Australia paid $120 on a .com site for a single-entry e-visa. The site submitted the application to evisa.gov.vn and forwarded the approval PDF. The traveler paid $95 extra for a service they could have done in 15 minutes.
Case study 2: A German couple used a third-party site that entered their passport numbers incorrectly. The e-visa was issued with the wrong numbers. Immigration officers at Noi Bai Airport denied them entry. They had to reapply and wait 3 more days in a hotel near the airport.
Case study 3: A British traveler lost their registration code. The third-party site had used their own email address for the application. The traveler could not recover the code because the confirmation went to the scam site's inbox. They had to pay for a second application.
Step-by-step: How to apply for a Vietnam e-visa on the official website
The application process on evisa.gov.vn takes about 15 minutes. Follow these steps carefully. Mistakes cause rejection and lost fees.
What you need before you start
A valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity from your entry date.
A digital passport photo. The specifications are strict: 4x6 cm, white background, .jpg format, under 2MB. No shadows, no glasses, no hair covering your face.
A scanned copy of your passport information page. Same format requirements: .jpg, under 2MB, clear and not cropped.
An international credit or debit card. Visa, Mastercard, and JCB are accepted.
A working email address. You will receive your registration code and approval PDF here.
The application process, step by step
Step 1: Navigate to https://evisa.gov.vn/. Click "For foreigners" to start.
Step 2: Complete the personal information form. Enter your name exactly as it appears on your passport. Include all middle names. Double-check the spelling.
Step 3: Enter your travel details. This includes your entry and exit dates, port of entry, and accommodation address. For the address field, provide your hotel name and full street address. Do not leave it blank.
Step 4: Upload your photo and passport scan. The system will check the files automatically. If it rejects them, adjust the file size or format and try again.
Step 5: Review all information carefully. Read every field twice. Errors mean rejection and a lost $25 fee.
Step 6: Pay the fee. Single entry costs $25. Multiple entry costs $50. Save your registration code after payment. Write it down. Take a screenshot. Email it to yourself.
Pro tip: Apply at least 2 weeks before your travel date. Processing times vary. During peak seasons like Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) and summer, applications can take up to 10 working days.
Critical mistakes that cause rejection
Name does not match passport exactly. This is the most common rejection reason. Include all middle names. Do not shorten or rearrange anything.
Photo has shadows, glasses, or a non-white background. The system checks these automatically. If your photo fails, you must resubmit.
Passport scan is blurry, cropped, or shows more than one page. Scan your passport page at 300 DPI minimum. Make sure the entire page is visible.
Incorrect port of entry selected. E-visas are only valid at 42 designated ports. If you choose a non-designated port, your visa will be rejected.
Address in Vietnam field left blank. The system requires a full address. If you are staying at a hotel, include the hotel name, street address, ward, and district.
How to check your e-visa status and download your approved visa
Once you submit your application, you can track its progress on the official portal.
Where to check your application status
Go to https://evisa.gov.vn/e-visa/search. You will need three pieces of information: your registration code, the email address you used for the application, and your date of birth.
Understanding status messages
"Processing" means the application is in the queue. Wait 3 working days before checking again.
"Granted" means your visa is approved. Click the download button to get your PDF. Print it and keep a digital copy on your phone.
"Amended application" means the Immigration Department needs corrected information. This usually happens with photo issues. Check your email for instructions.
"Rejected" means your application was denied. The fee is non-refundable. You must submit a new application with corrected information.
What to do if your visa is delayed
Standard processing takes 3 working days. This means Monday to Friday, not including weekends or Vietnamese public holidays.
Check your spam and junk folders. Emails from the Immigration Department sometimes get filtered.
Contact technical support at [email protected]. Include your registration code and passport number.
Call the hotlines: Hanoi at +84 24 3826 4026 or Ho Chi Minh City at +84 28 3920 0365. English support is available during business hours.
If you have waited 7 working days with no status change, consider reapplying. Something may have gone wrong with the original submission.
Pro tip: For urgent situations, read our guide on Vietnam e visa processing time urgent for specific strategies.
Visa on arrival: When it makes sense and which websites are legit
Visa on arrival is a different process from e-visa. It requires a pre-approval letter from a licensed travel agency in Vietnam.
How VOA actually works
You contact a travel agency in Vietnam. They submit your information to the Immigration Department. You receive a pre-approval letter by email. You print this letter and bring it to the airport.
At the airport, you go to the "Visa on Arrival" counter. You present your letter, passport, and two passport photos. You pay the stamping fee in cash. The fee is $25 for single entry or $50 for multiple entry. The officer issues your visa sticker.
How to find a legitimate VOA service
Look for agencies registered with the Vietnam Tourism Association or the Vietnam Immigration Department. These organizations maintain lists of licensed operators.
Check for a physical office address in Vietnam. Legitimate agencies have offices in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. A PO box or virtual office is a red flag.
Read reviews on independent travel forums. TripAdvisor, Lonely Planet Thorn Tree, and Reddit have active Vietnam travel communities. Look for recent reviews, not just the ones on the agency's website.
Compare prices. A legitimate pre-approval letter costs $15 to $30. If an agency charges more than $30, they are overcharging.
When VOA is better than e-visa
Travelers from countries not eligible for e-visa must use VOA or embassy visas. Check the official list on evisa.gov.vn to see if your country is eligible.
Urgent travel sometimes requires VOA. Some agencies offer same-day processing for an extra fee. E-visa processing takes a minimum of 3 working days.
Multiple entries beyond 90 days are easier with VOA. Some travelers need 6-month or 1-year multiple entry visas. These are not available through the e-visa system.
Some travelers prefer having a physical visa sticker in their passport. This is purely personal preference. The e-visa PDF is legally valid.
What the US Embassy and other official sources say about Vietnam visa websites
Trusted government sources consistently direct travelers to the same official portals.
Key warnings from the US Embassy in Vietnam
The US Embassy confirms that the only official e-visa site is https://evisa.gov.vn/. This information is published on travel.state.gov.
The e-visa cannot be extended or renewed from within Vietnam. If you want to stay longer, you must leave the country and apply for a new visa.
US emergency passports may be denied for e-visa applications. The Vietnam Immigration Department does not recognize emergency passports as valid travel documents. If you are traveling on an emergency passport, apply for a visa through the embassy instead.
Minor errors on your e-visa can result in denial of entry. Immigration officers have the final authority. The US Embassy cannot override their decisions.
The US Embassy cannot change or expedite Vietnamese e-visa processing. If your visa is delayed, you must contact the Vietnam Immigration Department directly.
What other countries' travel advisories say
The UK Foreign Office directs travelers to https://evisa.gov.vn/ for visa applications. Their travel advice page includes a direct link to the official portal.
Australian Smartraveller warns about third-party visa websites charging inflated fees. Their advice specifically mentions that the official e-visa costs $25.
The Canadian travel advisory notes that the e-visa is the recommended method for tourism. They advise against using third-party services unless necessary.
Country-specific guidance: Who needs what type of visa
Different nationalities face different visa requirements. Here is a quick reference for major source markets.
US citizens
Visa required for all purposes. E-visa eligible for single or multiple entry up to 90 days. Passport must have 6+ months validity. Emergency passports may be rejected.
UK citizens
Visa required for all purposes. E-visa eligible. Standard tourist visa also available through the embassy.
Australian, Canadian, and EU citizens
Visa required for all purposes. E-visa eligible for most nationalities. Some EU countries have visa exemption agreements. Check the current list on the official portal.
Citizens of countries not eligible for e-visa
A small number of countries are excluded from the e-visa program. The list changes periodically. Check the official portal for the current list. Travelers from excluded countries must apply through an embassy or use VOA with a pre-approval letter.
Common questions about Vietnam visa websites answered
Q: Which website is legit for a Vietnam visa?
Only websites ending in .gov.vn are official government portals. The primary e-visa application site is https://evisa.gov.vn/. Information and immigration services are also available at https://immigration.gov.vn/. Any .com, .org, or .net site charging for e-visa processing is a third-party service, not an official government website.
Q: How to get Vietnam e-visa for US citizen?
US citizens can apply directly at https://evisa.gov.vn/. The process requires a passport valid for 6+ months, a digital photo (4x6cm, white background), a scanned passport page, and a credit card for the $25 fee. Processing takes 3 working days. Note: US emergency passports may be denied for e-visa applications.
Q: Do US citizens need a visa for Vietnam in 2026?
Yes, US citizens need a visa for all purposes of travel to Vietnam. The easiest option is the e-visa (90 days, single or multiple entry, $25-$50). Alternatively, travelers can obtain a visa on arrival with a pre-approval letter, or apply at a Vietnamese embassy.
Q: Can I trust third-party Vietnam visa websites?
Some third-party sites are legitimate travel agencies offering visa on arrival services. However, many are overcharging for e-visa applications you can complete yourself on the official government portal for $25. To verify a third-party site: check for a physical address in Vietnam, read independent reviews, and compare their fees against official rates.
Q: What happens if my Vietnam e-visa application is rejected?
The $25 fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome. You must submit a new application with corrected information. Common rejection reasons include photo issues, passport scan quality, and information mismatches. There is no appeal process.
Q: How long does it take to get a Vietnam e-visa?
The official processing time is 3 working days from the date of submission. In practice, applications are often processed within 3-7 working days. During peak travel seasons (Tet holiday, summer months), processing can take up to 10 working days. Apply at least 2 weeks before travel.
Q: Can I enter Vietnam at any border gate with an e-visa?
No. E-visas are only valid for entry at 42 designated international border gates: 13 airports, 16 land border crossings, and 13 seaports. The full list is available on the official e-visa portal. Entering at a non-designated port will result in denial of entry.
Q: What should I do if I overstay my Vietnam visa?
Overstays are fined approximately $10-$30 per day depending on duration. For overstays under 90 days, pay the fine at the airport immigration counter before departure. For overstays over 90 days, an exit visa is required (processing time 1-2 weeks). Serious overstays can result in detention and deportation.
What to do if something goes wrong with your visa
Problems happen. Here is how to handle the most common ones.
Payment issues and solutions
The most common error is "Payment failed" without reaching the payment gateway. Switch to a different browser. Chrome works best. Clear your cache and cookies. Try a different credit card.
If your card was charged but you did not receive a confirmation, contact technical support immediately at [email protected]. Include your passport number and the date of the attempted payment.
Lost registration code
You cannot recover your registration code online. The system does not have a "forgot code" feature.
Contact the Immigration Department by email. Provide your full name, passport number, date of birth, and the date you submitted the application. They can look up your code manually.
Prevention is the best solution. Save your registration code in multiple locations. Write it in your notes app. Take a screenshot. Email it to yourself. Store it in a password manager.
Denied entry at the border
The most common cause is a mismatch between the information on your e-visa and your passport. The second most common cause is entering at a non-designated port.
Contact your embassy's consular services. They can provide guidance but cannot override the immigration officer's decision.
Immigration officers have the final authority. The US Embassy cannot change or expedite Vietnamese visa processing. Your best option is to have a backup plan, such as a return ticket and enough money for a hotel while you sort out the situation.
Overstaying your visa
Fines range from $10 to $30 per day depending on how long you overstay. Pay the fine at the airport immigration counter before your departure.
For overstays longer than 30 days, you may face detention and deportation. This is rare for short overstays but becomes more serious the longer you stay.
For overstays over 90 days, you need an exit visa. Processing takes 1 to 2 weeks. You will need to visit the Immigration Department in person.
Always check your visa validity before your departure date. Set a reminder on your phone. Do not rely on memory.