Da Nang/Vietnam Visa 2026 — Complete Guide: Visa Exemption, E-visa, Visa on Arrival

Visa procedures are the first step that leaves many travelers confused when they decide to visit Da Nang. Vietnam has 3 different visa policy groups depending on nationality: visa exemption (25 countries), 90-day online e-visa (80+ countries, including the US, India, China, South Korea, Taiwan, and Japan), and visa on arrival (all remaining nationalities). This article provides a complete overview for 2026.

List of 25 countries exempt from visa requirements for entering Vietnam. 45-day exemption (maximum stay): France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, Russia, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Belarus, Poland. 30-day exemption: Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Laos, Cambodia, Philippines, Myanmar, Brunei. 21-day exemption: Philippines. 15-day exemption (applies to e-passports): Chile. Note: This list is updated by the Vietnamese Government every 3 years — please double-check it on evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn 2 weeks before your flight.

90-day e-visa — available for 80+ countries. From August 15, 2023, Vietnam issues e-visas to passport-holding citizens of all countries (more precisely, all countries with diplomatic relations, currently ~210 countries). The e-visa is valid for up to 90 days and allows multiple entries and exits, priced at 25 USD (single entry) or 50 USD (multiple entries). Processing time: 3 working days. Apply online at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn — avoid fake intermediary websites (charging 60-150 USD).

Documents to prepare for the e-visa: (1) A scan of the passport info page (JPG, under 2MB, valid for more than 6 months). (2) A 4x6cm photo with a white background, taken straight-on without glasses (JPG). (3) Information: entry/exit dates, port of entry (for Da Nang, choose DAD - Da Nang International Airport), occupation, and address in Vietnam (a hotel is OK). (4) A Visa/Master card for payment. (5) Email to receive the results.

Visa on arrival (VOA) — use only when urgently needed. If you don't have time to apply for an e-visa, you can get a visa on arrival (only at 5 major international airports, including Da Nang). You will need: an invitation letter (approval letter) from a Vietnamese travel company (fee of 15-30 USD), 25-50 USD in cash to pay at the counter, and 2 passport photos sized 4x6cm. Waiting time: 20-45 minutes. When to use: when you have to fly within 48 hours or aren't comfortable doing things online.

Common mistakes when applying for a visa: (1) Applying through intermediary websites — the price is 3-5 times higher, and sometimes you lose your money without getting a visa. (2) Choosing the wrong port of entry — if you enter through Da Nang but declare Noi Bai, you will be refused entry. (3) Passport expiring in less than 6 months — you will be refused right at the gate. (4) ID photos with glasses/headscarves that don't meet the standards — your application will be returned. (5) Declaring your occupation as 'journalist/press' when you're a travel blogger — you'll be closely scrutinized.

👉 Visa support via VietSpots: If you need help applying for an e-visa or checking your application status, check out the Fast-track visa service at vietspots.com/vi/search?preset=fasttrack. Vietnamese staff are available to help translate forms in English/Japanese/Korean/Chinese.

Vietnam Visa 2026 — the process is now very simple, 95% of travelers only need an online e-visa for 25 USD.