Travelling to Vietnam has never been easier. With the introduction of the Vietnam Online Visa, the entire visa application process has moved into the digital age. No more embassy visits, …
Planning a trip to Vietnam? Before booking your flight or hotel, it’s important to understand how long your Vietnam electronic visa — commonly known as the eVisa — will remain valid. Many travellers mistakenly assume the visa starts from their arrival date or automatically lasts for 90 days, but that’s not the case. Misunderstanding your visa’s validity period could lead to fines, denied entry, or even a temporary travel ban. This comprehensive guide explains how Vietnam electronic visa validity works, helping you stay compliant and enjoy a smooth travel experience from start to finish.
Vietnam’s electronic visa (eVisa) is an official travel authorization that allows foreign visitors to enter and stay in the country for tourism, business, or short-term purposes. However, unlike traditional visas issued by embassies, the eVisa follows a fixed validity period. This means that the visa’s start and end dates are determined based on what you enter in your online application — not on your actual arrival date.
For example, if you apply for an eVisa valid from April 1 to April 30, that’s your entire period of validity. Even if you arrive in Vietnam on April 10, your visa will still expire on April 30. This detail is crucial because it affects the total number of days you can legally stay in the country.
The Vietnam electronic visa validity period cannot be changed or extended once the visa is issued. Therefore, travellers should always double-check their planned travel dates before submitting the application. Doing so ensures your visa covers your entire stay and prevents potential immigration issues at departure or re-entry points.
The standard Vietnam electronic visa validity is up to 90 days (three months). During the application process, travellers can select whether they want a single-entry or multiple-entry visa. The type of entry you choose will determine how flexible your travel within the region can be.
The “valid from” and “valid until” dates printed on your visa approval are the only dates that matter for entry and exit. Vietnam’s immigration officers will check these dates carefully upon arrival. If you arrive earlier than the “valid from” date, you will not be allowed to enter. Similarly, staying beyond the “valid until” date is considered overstaying, which can result in fines or restrictions on future visits.
It’s also important to note that the visa’s duration is not automatically counted as 90 days. You can apply for shorter periods, such as 30 or 45 days, depending on your needs. Always choose the validity period that best fits your itinerary to avoid complications later.
When applying for your Vietnam electronic visa, you must decide whether you need a single-entry or multiple-entry visa. This choice directly influences how the visa’s validity functions during your travels.
A single-entry eVisa allows you to enter Vietnam once and stay until your visa expires. If you leave the country before the “valid until” date, the visa automatically becomes invalid — even if there are days remaining. This option is ideal for travellers planning to remain in Vietnam for their entire trip without visiting neighbouring countries.
On the other hand, a multiple-entry eVisa allows you to enter and exit Vietnam multiple times during its validity period. This is convenient for those exploring Southeast Asia and returning to Vietnam later in the same trip. However, multiple entries do not extend the overall validity period — the expiry date remains the same as shown on your visa approval.
Under Vietnam’s current immigration regulations, the electronic visa cannot be extended while you are in the country. Once the visa reaches its expiration date, travellers must leave Vietnam and apply for a new visa if they wish to return.
In rare circumstances, such as medical emergencies or flight cancellations, travellers may request a special extension from the Vietnam Immigration Department. However, these cases are considered exceptional and require supporting documentation. Approval is not guaranteed.
If you plan to stay longer in Vietnam or travel frequently between nearby countries, it’s best to apply for a multiple-entry eVisa or plan short visa runs to neighbouring destinations such as Thailand, Cambodia, or Malaysia. Using reliable services like https://www.vietnamimmigration.com/apply-vietnam-visa/ can help you process a new eVisa quickly, with professional assistance and verified documentation.
Overstaying your Vietnam eVisa is a serious offence under Vietnamese immigration law. Even if you overstay by just one day, you may face a fine starting from 500,000 Vietnamese dong (approximately USD 20), which increases with the length of your overstay.
Longer overstays can result in being blacklisted, deported, or temporarily banned from entering Vietnam again. In addition, overstaying can cause difficulties when applying for visas to other countries in the future.
To avoid such consequences, travellers should monitor their visa validity carefully. Plan to exit Vietnam at least a few days before the visa’s expiration date, and always check your travel documents before departure. If an unavoidable situation arises, contact the nearest immigration office immediately for guidance.
By following these steps, travellers can enjoy a stress-free experience and focus on exploring Vietnam’s vibrant culture, cuisine, and natural beauty without worrying about visa issues.
Understanding Vietnam electronic visa validity is crucial for any traveller planning to visit the country. Knowing exactly when your visa starts and ends, and ensuring your trip aligns with those dates, will save you from unnecessary stress and legal trouble.
Always apply with accurate travel information, double-check your documents, and comply with immigration laws. With careful planning, your Vietnam journey will be memorable, safe, and hassle-free.
Travelling to Vietnam has never been easier. With the introduction of the Vietnam Online Visa, the entire visa application process has moved into the digital age. No more embassy visits, …
