Hanoi Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, welcomes millions of international visitors each year through Noi Bai International Airport and other entry points. Vietnam has modernized its entry requirements in recent years, introducing e-visa options and expanding visa-free access for many nationalities. The immigration process is generally straightforward, though travelers should ensure they have all necessary documentation prepared before departure. Entry requirements vary significantly based on nationality, with some countries enjoying visa-free access for up to 45 days, while others must obtain either an e-visa or traditional visa before arrival. All visitors must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond their intended stay. Vietnam's immigration authorities are professional and efficient, but it's essential to have all documents in order to avoid delays or entry refusal. Travelers should be aware that Vietnam's visa policies have undergone significant changes, particularly with the expansion of e-visa eligibility to citizens of all countries as of August 2023. It's crucial to verify current requirements with official Vietnamese government sources or your nearest Vietnamese embassy before booking travel, as policies can change with little notice.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Vietnam's visa policy varies by nationality, with options ranging from visa-free entry to e-visas and traditional visa applications. As of 2023, Vietnam has significantly expanded its e-visa program to include all countries and territories.

Visa-Free Entry

15 to 45 days depending on nationality (non-extendable)

Citizens of certain countries can enter Vietnam without a visa for tourism or business purposes

Includes

45 days: Germany, France, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Belarus 30 days: Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar (for ASEAN citizens) 21 days: Chile 15 days: Brunei

Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from entry date. Visa-free stays cannot be extended. If you plan to stay longer, you must apply for an e-visa or traditional visa before arrival. Some nationalities have specific conditions regarding re-entry waiting periods.

Electronic Visa (e-Visa)

Up to 90 days, single or multiple entry

Citizens of all countries and territories can apply for Vietnam e-visa online

Includes

Available to all nationalities including: United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, China, all EU countries, South Africa, Brazil, Mexico, and all other countries worldwide

How to Apply: Apply online through the official Vietnam Immigration Department website (evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn) at least 3 business days before departure. Processing typically takes 3 working days. Upload a digital passport photo and passport data page scan. Print the e-visa approval letter to present upon arrival.
Cost: USD $25 for single or multiple entry (government fee, paid online)

E-visa is valid for entry through all international airports, land borders, and seaports. Ensure you select the correct entry point when applying. E-visa can be extended once while in Vietnam for up to 90 additional days by visiting immigration offices.

Visa on Arrival (Pre-Arranged)

15, 30, or 90 days, single or multiple entry

Available for air travelers who obtain an approval letter in advance

How to Apply: Obtain a visa approval letter from a licensed Vietnamese travel agency (not an official government service). Present the letter, application form, passport photos, and stamping fee at the visa on arrival counter at the airport before immigration.

Only available at international airports (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc). Stamping fee (USD $25-50) must be paid in cash at the airport. Not recommended due to potential queues and unofficial nature; e-visa is the preferred option.

Traditional Visa (Embassy/Consulate)

Varies from 30 days to multiple years depending on visa type

Traditional visa application through Vietnamese embassy or consulate

How to Apply: Apply in person or by mail at your nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate. Required documents include passport, application form, photos, and supporting documents depending on visa type. Processing takes 5-7 working days (expedited service available).

Required for longer stays, work visas, student visas, or special circumstances. Costs vary by embassy and visa type. Recommended for diplomatic or official passport holders, or those requiring specialized visa types.

Arrival Process

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport or other entry points in Hanoi, travelers will go through immigration, collect baggage, and pass through customs. The process is generally efficient, though wait times can vary depending on flight arrival times.

Health Declaration (if required)

Complete any required health declaration forms online or on paper before approaching immigration. Current health requirements should be checked before travel.

Immigration Control

Present your passport, visa (or e-visa printout), and completed arrival/departure card (if provided on the flight). Immigration officers will verify your documents, take fingerprints, and may take a photo. Answer any questions clearly and honestly.

Baggage Claim

Collect your checked luggage from the carousel. Keep your baggage claim ticket until you've retrieved all bags.

Customs Declaration

If you have goods to declare, complete a customs declaration form and proceed through the red channel. If you have nothing to declare, proceed through the green channel. Random inspections may occur.

Exit to Arrivals Hall

After clearing customs, you'll enter the public arrivals area where you can access transportation, currency exchange, and SIM card services.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Vietnam, with at least 2 blank pages for stamps

Visa or E-Visa

Printed e-visa approval letter or visa sticker in passport (unless you're from a visa-exempt country). Keep the e-visa printout with you throughout your stay.

Arrival/Departure Card

Usually provided on the flight; fill out completely and accurately. Keep the departure portion with your passport.

Proof of Onward Travel

Return or onward ticket may be requested by immigration officers, though not always checked. Have confirmation readily accessible.

Accommodation Details

Address of your first night's accommodation in Hanoi. Immigration may ask where you're staying.

Customs Declaration Form

Required if you're carrying items that must be declared (large amounts of currency, restricted goods, etc.)

Tips for Smooth Entry

Print all documents: Have physical copies of your e-visa, hotel bookings, and return flight confirmation. Don't rely solely on digital copies as internet may be unavailable.

Arrive with USD cash: Bring some US dollars for visa fees (if applicable), transportation, and initial expenses. ATMs are available but having cash upon arrival is convenient.

Be patient and polite: Immigration officers are professional but may not speak extensive English. Remain calm and courteous during the process.

Check your passport stamps: Ensure the immigration officer stamps your passport with the correct entry date and visa validity period before leaving the counter.

Keep important documents together: Use a travel document organizer to keep passport, visa, arrival card, and other important papers in one secure, easily accessible place.

Download offline maps: Have offline maps of Hanoi downloaded before arrival to help navigate to your accommodation.

Declare when in doubt: If you're unsure whether something needs to be declared at customs, it's better to declare it than risk penalties.

Customs & Duty-Free

Vietnam Customs regulations allow travelers to bring in reasonable quantities of personal items duty-free. However, there are strict limits on alcohol, tobacco, currency, and certain goods. All travelers must comply with customs regulations, and violations can result in fines, confiscation, or legal action.

Alcohol

1.5 liters of alcohol over 22% ABV, or 2 liters of alcohol under 22% ABV, or 3 liters of beer

Only for travelers 18 years and older. Amounts exceeding this limit are subject to duty.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes, or 100 cigarillos, or 50 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco

Only for travelers 18 years and older. E-cigarettes and vaping devices are prohibited in Vietnam.

Currency

Up to USD $5,000 (or equivalent) without declaration; amounts over USD $5,000 must be declared

For amounts exceeding USD $5,000, complete a customs declaration form upon entry and exit. Vietnamese dong amounts over VND 15 million must also be declared. Undeclared amounts may be confiscated.

Gifts and Personal Goods

Personal items and gifts with total value up to USD $300 (for air travelers) or USD $100 (for land/sea travelers)

Must be for personal use, not for commercial purposes. Items exceeding the value limit are subject to import duty.

Electronics

Personal electronics for individual use (1 laptop, 1 camera, 1 phone, etc.)

Multiple items of the same type may be questioned and could be subject to duty. Professional equipment may require declaration.

Perfume

Reasonable quantity for personal use (typically up to 400ml)

Excessive amounts may be considered commercial and subject to duty.

Prohibited Items

E-cigarettes and vaping devices - Completely banned in Vietnam, including import, sale, and use
Weapons, explosives, and ammunition - Including replicas and decorative items
Illegal drugs and narcotics - Severe penalties including death penalty for trafficking
Pornographic materials - Including magazines, videos, and digital content
Anti-government materials - Literature, films, or materials deemed harmful to Vietnamese politics, culture, or ethics
Counterfeit goods - Fake branded items, pirated media, and counterfeit currency
Protected wildlife products - Items made from endangered species (ivory, turtle shell, certain animal skins)
Certain food products - Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy products from most countries
Firecrackers and fireworks - Except with special permits
Children's toys deemed dangerous - Items that don't meet safety standards

Restricted Items

Medications - Prescription medications allowed in reasonable quantities with doctor's prescription and original packaging. Controlled substances require special permits. Declare all medications.
Drones and radio-controlled devices - Require permits from relevant authorities. Recreational drones may be confiscated without proper authorization.
Religious materials - Large quantities of religious texts or materials may require inspection and approval
Professional camera and video equipment - May require temporary import permits and deposits for commercial equipment
Antiques and cultural artifacts - Export of items over 30 years old is strictly controlled and requires permits
Gold and precious metals - Amounts exceeding personal jewelry limits must be declared
Satellite phones and communication equipment - May require special permits
Plants and seeds - Require phytosanitary certificates and import permits

Health Requirements

Vietnam has specific health requirements for entry, though these have been relaxed significantly in recent years. While there are no mandatory vaccinations for most travelers, certain vaccines are recommended for health protection.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever - Required only if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Travelers from Africa, Central/South America, and certain other regions must show proof of yellow fever vaccination (valid 10 days after vaccination).

Recommended Vaccinations

Hepatitis A - Recommended for all travelers due to potential food and water contamination
Hepatitis B - Recommended for travelers who may have intimate contact with locals or require medical procedures
Typhoid - Recommended for travelers eating outside major restaurants and hotels
Japanese Encephalitis - Recommended for travelers spending extended time in rural areas or during rainy season
Rabies - Consider for travelers with extensive outdoor activities or working with animals
Routine vaccinations - Ensure measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), polio, and yearly flu vaccines are up to date

Health Insurance

Travel health insurance is strongly recommended but not mandatory for entry to Vietnam. Medical care in Hanoi is available at international hospitals but can be expensive for uninsured travelers. Ensure your policy covers medical evacuation, as serious conditions may require transport to Bangkok or Singapore. Some e-visa applications may ask about insurance, though proof is rarely requested at entry. Keep insurance documents accessible throughout your trip.

Current Health Requirements: COVID-19 related entry requirements have been removed as of 2023. No vaccination certificates, negative tests, or quarantine are required. However, health requirements can change rapidly during disease outbreaks. Check the Vietnam Ministry of Health website and your country's travel advisory before departure. Consider bringing masks and hand sanitizer as some facilities may still request their use. Travelers should also consult their doctor about malaria prophylaxis if planning to visit rural or mountainous areas outside Hanoi.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Emergency Services

Police: 113, Fire: 114, Ambulance: 115

English may be limited. Consider having a Vietnamese speaker assist if possible. For tourists, contact your hotel or embassy for assistance in emergencies.

Vietnam Immigration Department

Official website: evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn (e-visa applications) and xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn (general information)

For visa applications, extensions, and official immigration information. Hanoi Immigration Office: 40A Hang Bai Street, Hoan Kiem District.

Your Country's Embassy/Consulate in Hanoi

Contact your embassy for consular assistance, lost passports, legal issues, or emergencies

Register with your embassy's travel registration system before arrival. Keep embassy contact details readily available. Major embassies are located in Ba Dinh District.

Tourist Police

Hanoi Tourist Police: Available for tourist-specific issues and assistance

Can assist with disputes, scams, or when you need police help but face language barriers. Located at major tourist areas.

International Hospitals in Hanoi

Hanoi French Hospital (FV Hospital), Vinmec International Hospital, Family Medical Practice

English-speaking staff available. Contact numbers should be saved before arrival. Services are expensive without insurance.

Travel Advisory Websites

Check your government's official travel advisory website for current information

US: travel.state.gov, UK: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice, Canada: travel.gc.ca, Australia: smartraveller.gov.au

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children must have their own passport (included on parent's passport is not accepted). Same visa requirements apply to children as adults. Children traveling with only one parent should carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-accompanying parent, especially if surnames differ. Children traveling with neither parent (e.g., with grandparents or school groups) must have notarized consent letters from both parents. Carry birth certificates as proof of relationship. Unaccompanied minors require special arrangements with airlines and immigration.

Traveling with Pets

Pets require an import permit from Vietnam's Department of Animal Health (applied for at least 7 days before arrival). Must have microchip, valid rabies vaccination (administered at least 30 days but not more than 12 months before entry), health certificate issued by official veterinarian within 7 days of travel, and certificate of origin. Pets must undergo quarantine inspection upon arrival (duration varies, typically 7-30 days depending on origin country and documentation). Some airlines have restrictions on pet transport to Vietnam. Advance arrangement with quarantine facilities is essential. Fees apply for permits and quarantine.

Extended Stays and Visa Extensions

Tourist visas can typically be extended once for up to 90 days through immigration offices in Hanoi or via authorized travel agencies. Extension applications should be submitted at least 7 days before visa expiry. Required documents include passport, current visa, passport photos, and extension fee (approximately USD $50-150 depending on duration and service). For stays longer than tourist visa allows, consider applying for a longer-term visa from the start, or look into temporary residence cards for stays exceeding 6 months. Business visas offer more flexibility for extensions. Overstaying your visa results in fines (approximately USD $25 per day) and potential entry bans.

Business Travelers

Business visitors can enter on tourist visas for short business meetings, conferences, or negotiations. For longer business stays or work activities, a business visa (DN) is required, typically sponsored by a Vietnamese company with an invitation letter. Work permits are mandatory for any employment activities and must be obtained before starting work. Business visas allow multiple entries and can be issued for up to 12 months. Required documents include invitation letter from Vietnamese company, business registration documents, and proof of business relationship.

Journalists and Media Professionals

Journalists, reporters, and film crews require special media visas and must apply through Vietnam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Tourist visas do not permit professional media activities. Applications must include detailed itinerary, purpose of visit, and equipment list. Processing takes several weeks. Working as media on a tourist visa can result in deportation and equipment confiscation. Contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs press department well in advance of travel.

Dual Nationals and Vietnamese Origin Travelers

Vietnamese citizens (including dual nationals) must enter and exit Vietnam using their Vietnamese passport. Foreign nationals of Vietnamese origin may be eligible for visa exemption certificates if they previously held Vietnamese citizenship. Consult Vietnamese embassy about your specific situation if you have Vietnamese heritage or former citizenship. Some preferential treatment may be available.

Transit Passengers

Passengers transiting through Noi Bai International Airport without leaving the international transit area generally don't need a visa if continuing within 24 hours and holding confirmed onward tickets. If you wish to leave the airport or transit exceeds 24 hours, normal visa requirements apply. Some nationalities may be eligible for transit visa exemption up to 15 days if meeting specific conditions (arriving and departing by air, having onward tickets to third country). Verify with your airline and Vietnamese immigration before travel.