If you hold an e-visa, the Immigration Department says your passport needs to remain valid for a minimum of 30 days past the date the visa expires. Entering without a visa instead? Vietnamese official sources set out no validity rule at all, yet the UK Foreign Office recommends no less than 6 months counted from your arrival date. Whichever route you take, the UK FCDO suggests leaving at least 2 blank pages. For a broader look at all entry pathways, see our complete guide to Vietnam visa requirements.
Both sets of rules, along with the errors travellers often make at the border, are covered in this independent travel guide. It is not a government site. Submit your application directly through evisa.gov.vn and verify the details on that portal yourself before you fly.
E-Visa and Visa-Free Passport Rules
Which rule applies to you depends on the way you enter the country. According to the government’s e-visa portal, Vietnam has granted e-visas to citizens of every country and territory since 15 August 2023, priced at 25 USD for a single entry and 50 USD for multiple entry, with a maximum validity of 90 days.
As the Immigration Department FAQs explain, the visa of an e-visa holder must end at least 30 days before the passport does.
Where visa-exempt travellers are concerned, no Vietnamese official source sets a passport-validity rule. The UK FCDO recommends a passport that stays valid for at least 6 months after arrival, which is a reasonable benchmark for any traveller.
Under Resolution No. 44/NQ-CP, in force from 15 March 2025 to 14 March 2028, citizens of the UK, Germany, France, Japan and South Korea, among others, may enter visa-free for 45 days, for any purpose and with any passport type. An e-visa is required for citizens of the US, Canada, Australia, India and China, among others. Our full visa overview and visa-free entry details have more.
Blank Pages and Passport Condition
At least 2 blank pages are recommended by the UK FCDO, since immigration places a stamp at both entry and exit. The FCDO also notes that a passport must be free of damage and must not have been reported lost or stolen, and because British nationals have been refused entry over damage, check the photo page and the chip area before you fly.
Vietnamese authorities additionally insist on the same passport being used for entry and exit. Should you renew your passport after obtaining an e-visa, get in touch with the Immigration Department before you travel. Our application guide covers the required name format.
Common Border Mistakes
Not checking your stamp
Once you have passed through border control, officers will not alter the exit date.
Skipping the 45-day check
Before leaving the airport or land border, make sure the stamp shows 45 days counted from your arrival.
Using different passports for entry and exit
Vietnamese law demands that the same passport be used for both.
Travelling with a passport that is damaged
Passport damage has led to British nationals being denied both entry and exit. Our tips and scams guide has more.
Obtaining an e-visa while located in Vietnam
To activate it you have to leave the country and come back in, and staying beyond your permitted time carries penalties.
Using the wrong border gate
With an e-visa you are limited to the entry and exit points chosen at the time of application.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the passport validity for Vietnam e-visa applicants?
The passport has to stay valid for at least 30 days past the expiry of your e-visa. Applications go through evisa.gov.vn.
For visa-free visitors, does the passport validity for Vietnam vary?
It does. For visa-exempt visitors, no Vietnamese official source sets out a validity rule. The UK Foreign Office recommends at least 6 months from arrival, so build your plans around that figure to stay safe.
For Vietnam, how many blank pages are required in my passport?
The UK FCDO says a minimum of 2 blank pages, because immigration stamps both your entry and your exit.
Can I use different passports to enter and exit Vietnam?
No. Entry and exit must be made with the same passport, as Vietnamese authorities require. Should you renew your passport, get in touch with the Immigration Department before you travel.
If my passport is damaged at the Vietnam border, what occurs?
According to the UK FCDO, passport damage has caused British nationals to be refused entry and exit. Before departure, inspect the photo page and the biometric chip area, and renew the passport if that proves necessary.
If my passport is about to expire, can I apply for a Vietnam e-visa?
The dates decide it. An e-visa must expire at least 30 days before your passport does. Should your passport run out too soon, renew it before applying.
Why is it necessary for me to check my entry stamp before I leave Vietnam border control?
Afterwards, immigration will not amend it. Visa-free visitors usually receive a stamp showing 45 days from arrival. Check it before you leave the airport or land border.
Where is it possible to apply for a Vietnam e-visa online?
Use the government portal, evisa.gov.vn or thithucdientu.gov.vn. Applications can be submitted up to 1 year ahead of your planned entry.
Sources
- Vietnam National e-Visa Portal (Immigration Department) – FAQs – rules on passport validity and e-visas (verified 2026-10-13)
- Viet Nam Immigration Department – e-Visa application for foreigners – eligibility and fees (verified 2026-10-13)
- UK FCDO – Vietnam travel advice: entry requirements – the 6-month validity rule, blank pages and border rules (verified 2026-10-13)
- Government of Viet Nam – Resolution No. 44/NQ-CP – visa exemption covering 12 countries (verified 2026-10-13)
- Government of Viet Nam – Resolution No. 229/NQ-CP – visa exemption granted under the Tourism Stimulus Program (verified 2026-10-13)
- Government of Viet Nam e-newspaper – Resolution 127/NQ-CP – e-visas available to all nationalities from 15 August 2023 (verified 2026-10-13)
- Consular Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Visa exemption overview (verified 2026-10-13)
