Vietnam E-Visa for Australian Citizens 2026: Complete Guide
Vietnam Visa Requirements for Australian Passport Holders
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Visa required? | Yes — Australian citizens are NOT exempt from Vietnam visa requirements |
| Best option in 2026 | Vietnam E-Visa at evisa.gov.vn |
| Cost | $25 USD (single entry) | $50 USD (multiple entry) |
| Maximum stay | 90 days per e-visa |
| Extendable? | No — exit Vietnam and reapply |
| Processing time | 3–5 business days (standard) | 1–3 days (rush) | 2–8 hours (emergency) |
| Entry ports | All international airports, major land borders, seaports |
| Passport validity needed | At least 6 months from intended departure from Vietnam |
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
Go to evisa.gov.vn
The official Vietnam e-visa portal. Select “Apply for E-Visa.” The page is in English. There are many unofficial sites charging $80–150 for the same service — these are legal intermediaries but overpriced. The official government fee is $25 (single) or $50 (multiple).
Complete the application form
Enter your details exactly as they appear in your Australian passport: full name, date of birth, gender, nationality, passport number, issue/expiry dates. You also need: planned entry date, exit date, entry point (airport name), purpose (tourism/business), and your hotel/accommodation name and address in Vietnam.
Upload documents
Two photos required: (1) a scan of your passport biographical page — all text must be sharp and readable; (2) a portrait photo — white or plain background, face clearly visible, similar to a passport photo. Use your phone camera in good lighting; avoid selfies or glare from glasses.
Choose single or multiple entry and pay
Single ($25): Vietnam only, one entry. Multiple ($50): re-entry allowed within the 90-day window — useful if you’re combining Vietnam with Cambodia, Laos, or Thailand. Vietnam is particularly popular as part of an “Indochina” trip for Australians.
Receive and print your e-visa
Approval arrives by email (3–5 business days) as a PDF. Print it or save it clearly on your phone. You present it at immigration — the officer physically stamps it. Also complete the free Pre-Arrival Declaration at prearrival.immigration.gov.vn within 3 days of your flight.
Practical Tips for Australian Travelers
- Apply early: Allow at least 7–10 days from application to travel. Australian summer holiday period (December–January) and school holidays see backlogs.
- Popular routes for Australians: Sydney/Melbourne to Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) is the most common direct route. Also popular: Hanoi (HAN) for North Vietnam; Da Nang (DAD) for central beaches and Hoi An.
- 90 days is generous: At 90 days, the e-visa covers nearly any Australian trip including extended working holidays. If you want to stay longer, you’d need to exit and reapply, or switch to a different visa category (requires an employer/institution in Vietnam).
- Multiple entry is good value for $50: If you’re combining Vietnam with Cambodia (Siem Reap), Laos (Luang Prabang), or Thailand on an extended trip, multiple entry ($50) removes any border stress.
- Health advisory: Check the Australian Government’s Smartraveller (smartraveller.gov.au) for current Vietnam travel advisories before your trip.
Flying into Tan Son Nhat (SGN) or Noi Bai (HAN)?
Pre-book Fast Track to skip the 60–90 minute immigration queue — especially during Australian holiday periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Australian citizens do not have a visa exemption with Vietnam. You must apply for a Vietnam e-visa ($25 single or $50 multiple entry) at evisa.gov.vn, or arrange a Visa on Arrival through a travel agency. The e-visa is strongly recommended as it’s cheaper, more reliable, and fully online.
With an e-visa: up to 90 days. The 90-day clock starts on your first entry date. You cannot extend an e-visa — when your authorized stay ends, exit Vietnam and reapply for a new e-visa if needed. Working holiday stays beyond 90 days require a separate visa arrangement (typically an LV2 work permit sponsored by an employer).
Generally very safe for tourists. Vietnam consistently ranks as one of Southeast Asia’s safer destinations. The main risks are traffic accidents (motorbikes dominate), petty theft in tourist areas, and food safety (stick to busy, well-reviewed restaurants). The Australian government’s Smartraveller advisory for Vietnam as of 2026 is “Exercise normal safety precautions” — the baseline level.
Vietnam Airlines operates direct services from Sydney and Melbourne to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. VietJet Air also flies direct from Melbourne and Perth. Budget options connect via Singapore (Scoot, Jetstar), Kuala Lumpur (AirAsia), or Bali. Flight time is approximately 9–10 hours direct from eastern Australia.
