Vietnam has made it easier for travelers to visit the country by introducing an e-visa system back in 2017. This allows eligible visitors to apply for a visa online, eliminating the need to visit a Vietnamese embassy or consulate. However, like any visa, the e-visa also has a validity period, and it’s essential to check and renew the visa before your trip.
In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about Vietnam e-visa validity, including how to check and renew your e-visa, and common misconceptions.
How long is the Vietnam e-visa valid for?
The validity period of a Vietnam e-visa is 30 days, with a single entry or 90 days multiple entry (as of 8/15/2023). This means that you can only enter Vietnam once during the 30-day period or multiple times during the 90-day period depending on the visa option selecting, and you must leave the country before the visa expires. For instance, if you fly from San Francisco, California on May 15, you will enter Vietnam effectively on May 16. Therefore, before apply for the visa, you need to focus on the date of arrival in Vietnam, and not necessarily on the date of departure. As such, if your arrival date in Vietnam is on May 16 and your e-visa validity is 30 days (if you apply for a 30-day single entry visa), you will need to leave on June 15. That is, if you have a 30-day visa. If your trip is shorter than 30 days, the e-visa validity can be shorter as well. For instance, if you travel to Vietnam for two weeks, you can have a two-week validity if you choose so. However, we always recommend to go for a 90-day Vietnam e-visa validity in case you need to stay longer in Vietnam. IMPORTANT UPDATE: As of August 15, 2023, Vietnam offers a longer visa option introducing the 90-day multiple entry e-visa
Can the Vietnam e-visa be extended or renewed?
In some cases, you may need to renew your Vietnam e-visa. This could be due to a change in travel plans or a delay in leaving the country. The process of renewing an e-visa is similar to the original e-visa application process. It is important to note that the e-visa cannot be extended. It can only be renewed outside or the country. Therefore, you will need to do a visa run in order to renew it. We explain the difference in more details between renewing a visa and extending it in the below video:
Common misconceptions
There are a few misconceptions about Vietnam e-visa validity that are important to address. Firstly, an expired e-visa is not valid for entry into Vietnam. If your e-visa has expired, you will need to apply for a new one before you can enter the country. Secondly, you can apply for a Vietnam e-visa from within the country as long as your current e-visa is valid. If you are already in Vietnam, you will need to leave the country with your existing e-visa and re-enter with a new one. Many tourists do visa runs to Cambodia or Thailand and come back to Vietnam the same day or the day after to validate their second e-visa depending on the subsequent e-visa entry date. To ensure that your visa strategy is effective, we also shared some tips on how to plan your e-visa process and speed it up.
In conclusion, it is essential to check your travel dates first and renew your Vietnam e-visa (if needed) before your trip to ensure a smooth travel experience. By following the steps outlined in this article, you will have a good understanding of how the validity of your e-visa works, how to renew if necessary, and avoid common misconceptions. With all the information you need, you can focus on enjoying your trip to Vietnam.
Don’t let the visa process hold you back from experiencing the beauty of Vietnam. Apply for your e-visa with our law firm now and send us an email for more information.
