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Vietnam Opens 90-Day E-Visas to All Countries: What Digital Nomads Need to Know
Vietnam now offers 90-day e-visas to citizens of all countries. Here's how digital nomads can apply and what it means for your Southeast Asia plans.
Vietnam just made life easier for digital nomads worldwide. The country now offers 90-day e-visas to citizens of all countries and territories, removing the previous restrictions that limited certain nationalities to shorter stays or more complex visa processes.
What Changed
Previously, Vietnam's visa system varied significantly by nationality. Some countries enjoyed visa-free entry for 14-45 days, while others faced lengthy embassy processes or were excluded from the e-visa system entirely.
The new policy: Every nationality can now apply for Vietnam's e-visa online, with options for both single-entry ($25) and multiple-entry ($50) visas valid for 90 days.
Who benefits most: Digital nomads from countries that previously had limited visa options, those planning longer stays in Southeast Asia, and anyone wanting the flexibility of multiple entries without embassy visits.
How to Apply for Vietnam's E-Visa
The application process is entirely online and typically takes 3-5 working days. You'll need to be outside Vietnam when you apply.
Required documents:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from your planned entry date
- Clear scan of your passport's data page (JPEG or PDF, under 2MB)
- Passport-style photo (4×6 cm, white background, no glasses)
- Credit or debit card for payment
Step-by-step process:
Visit the official portal: Go to evisa.gov.vn - this is the only official government site.
Fill in your details: Enter your passport information, intended entry and exit dates, and port of entry. You'll also need a temporary address in Vietnam (your first hotel works fine).
Upload documents: Submit your passport scan and photo. Make sure both are clear and meet the size requirements.
Pay the fee: $25 for single-entry or $50 for multiple-entry. The multiple-entry option is usually worth it for nomads planning to explore neighboring countries.
Wait for approval: You'll receive your e-visa approval via email. Print it out and bring it when you travel to Vietnam.
Why This Matters for Digital Nomads
This change eliminates several pain points that previously made Vietnam less attractive for remote workers.
Easier trip planning: No more checking if your nationality qualifies or dealing with embassy appointments. Everyone gets the same straightforward online process.
Longer stays without complications: 90 days gives you genuine time to settle in, find good coworking spaces, and experience different cities without the pressure of quick visa runs.
Multiple-entry flexibility: The $50 multiple-entry option means you can easily hop to Thailand, Cambodia, or Laos for weekends or visa runs, then return to your Vietnam base.
Cost predictability: Fixed fees mean you can budget accurately, unlike embassy processes where costs varied by location and processing speed.
What to Consider Before Applying
Timing your application: Apply at least a week before you plan to travel. While processing typically takes 3-5 days, allow extra time for potential delays.
Entry requirements: You must enter Vietnam within the dates specified on your e-visa. The 90-day period starts from your actual entry date, not your application date.
Work considerations: The e-visa is technically for tourism purposes. Vietnam doesn't have a specific digital nomad visa category, so remote workers typically keep a low profile and work for foreign companies only.
Extension limitations: E-visas cannot be extended from within Vietnam. If you want to stay longer than 90 days, you'll need to exit the country and apply for a new visa.
Photo requirements: Many applications get rejected for poor photos. Ensure your background is completely white, you're not wearing glasses, and your face takes up most of the frame.
Takeaway
Vietnam's universal e-visa policy removes a major barrier for digital nomads considering Southeast Asia. The process is simple, affordable, and gives you genuine flexibility to explore the region.
Apply at least a week before travel, choose the multiple-entry option if you plan to visit neighboring countries, and remember that this is still officially a tourist visa. With proper planning, Vietnam's new system makes it one of the most accessible destinations in the region for remote workers.
