Quick Answer
Vietnam's e-visa allows most nationalities 90 days single-entry for $25 USD. Apply at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn at least 3 days before travel (processing is 3 business days). Multiple-entry e-visas are not available — for multiple entries, a visa exemption (if your nationality qualifies) or a consular visa is required. Vietnam extended e-visa eligibility to 190+ nationalities and duration to 90 days in 2023 — significantly improving access for nomads.
Visa Options for Remote Workers
| Option | Duration | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-visa | 90 days single entry | $25 | Most nationalities, most stays |
| Visa exemption | 45–90 days depending on nationality | Free | Eligible nationalities |
| Consular visa | Up to 3 months, multiple entry | $50–150 | Those needing multiple entry |
Who gets visa exemption: South Korea, Japan, Scandinavia, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and a handful of other countries get 45–90 days without a visa. Check immigration.gov.vn for the current list.
For most other nationalities including US, Canada, Australia, India, and most of Southeast Asia: e-visa is the right option.
Step-by-Step E-Visa Application
1. Go to evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn — the official Vietnam immigration e-visa portal
2. Click "Apply for e-Visa" and create an account
3. Fill in personal information exactly as it appears on your passport
4. Upload: passport bio page photo, recent passport-sized photo (white background, JPEG)
5. Select entry point (airport or land crossing) — you can change this if plans change
6. Pay $25 USD by credit/debit card
7. Receive approval (3 business days processing) by email
8. Print or save the approval letter — present at immigration on arrival
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Name spelling must exactly match your passport (including middle names)
- Photo must be white background — the system rejects non-white backgrounds
- Apply for 90 days, not 30 — the fee is the same
- Keep the approval email — you need it at immigration
Extending Your Stay Beyond 90 Days
Vietnam does not allow e-visa extensions. Options for longer stays:
Exit and re-enter: Leave Vietnam (to Cambodia, Thailand, or Laos is common) and apply for a new e-visa. Wait time between entries is not clearly specified but 1–3 days outside is standard practice. Many nomads do this successfully.
3-month multiple-entry visa: Apply through a Vietnamese consulate or embassy in your home country or a third country. More expensive ($50–150 depending on country) but provides multiple-entry flexibility.
Business visa (DN/DT): For those with a Vietnamese business contact or employer. Longer duration, multiple entry. More complex to obtain.
Working Remotely on a Vietnam E-Visa
The same grey area as most of Asia. Working remotely for a foreign employer while in Vietnam on a tourist/e-visa is not explicitly authorised but not enforced against individual remote workers. Keep income in a foreign account (Wise works well in Vietnam), do not bill Vietnamese clients without proper setup, and the practical risk is negligible.
Bottom Line
Apply at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn. 90 days, $25, 3-day processing. Apply at least a week before travel to avoid stress.
Next steps: Cost of Living in Ho Chi Minh City | Best SIM Cards in Vietnam | Hanoi vs Da Nang vs HCMC
*Last updated: May 2026*