Hanoi Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Entering Hanoi, Vietnam, requires careful preparation regarding visas, documentation, and customs regulations. All foreign nationals must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond their intended stay and a valid Vietnamese visa unless they are from a visa-exempt country. Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), travelers proceed through immigration where officers will check their passport, visa (or ETA approval), and may ask about the purpose and duration of their stay. It is important to have all entry documents in order and easily accessible. The immigration process can be straightforward but may involve queues. Travelers should be aware that entry is ultimately at the discretion of the immigration officer, and having proof of onward travel, accommodation, and sufficient funds is advisable. Requirements can change, so verifying the latest information well before departure is essential.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Vietnam's visa policy is divided into three main categories: visa-free entry for citizens of select countries, electronic visas (eVisas) for most nationalities, and traditional visas obtained from an embassy/consulate.

Visa-Free Entry

Varies by country, typically 14 to 90 days.

Citizens of certain countries can enter Vietnam for tourism without a visa for a limited period.

Includes

Germany France Italy Spain United Kingdom Russia Japan South Korea

Visa-free periods are strictly limited and non-extendable. Always check the exact duration for your specific nationality, as conditions apply (e.g., must be for tourism, not for work).

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA/eVisa)

90 days maximum stay.

The Vietnam eVisa is a single-entry electronic visa valid for entry via air, land, and sea at designated ports.

Includes

United States Canada Australia India China Netherlands New Zealand Most other nationalities not in visa-free list

How to Apply: Apply online via the official Vietnam Immigration Portal. Requires a digital passport photo and a scanned passport page. Processing typically takes 3-5 working days, but apply at least 2 weeks before travel.
Cost: Approximately $25 USD.

The eVisa is valid for 90 days from the issued date, not the entry date. You must print the eVisa approval letter to present upon arrival. Entry is only permitted at designated international checkpoints listed on the approval.

Visa Required

Depends on visa type (e.g., 1-month, 3-month, 6-month, 1-year, single or multiple entry).

For travelers not eligible for visa-free or eVisa, or for purposes like work, study, or multiple entries, a traditional visa must be obtained from a Vietnamese embassy or consulate before travel.

How to Apply: Apply by submitting an application form, photos, passport, and fee to a Vietnamese embassy/consulate in your home country. Alternatively, obtain a Visa Approval Letter through a travel agency for a "Visa on Arrival" (VOA) at major airports like Hanoi.

Visa on Arrival (VOA) requires pre-arranged approval letter from a Vietnamese travel agency. It is only for air arrivals. Upon landing, present the letter, application form, photos, and pay a stamping fee in cash (USD) to get the visa sticker placed in your passport.

Arrival Process

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), follow signs for Immigration/Passport Control. The process is generally orderly but can be busy during peak hours.

Document Check

Proceed to the appropriate immigration queue (Foreign Passport). Have your passport, completed entry/exit form (if paper forms are still in use), and visa documents (eVisa printout, Visa Approval Letter for VOA, or visa sticker) ready.

Immigration Interview

Present your documents to the officer. They may ask basic questions about your trip (purpose, duration, where you are staying). Your photo and fingerprints may be taken digitally.

Passport Stamping

The officer will stamp your passport with an entry stamp, noting your permitted stay duration. Double-check the date to ensure it's correct.

Baggage Claim and Customs

After clearing immigration, collect your luggage and proceed through the green (Nothing to Declare) or red (Goods to Declare) customs channel.

Documents to Have Ready

Passport

Must be valid for at least six months beyond your entry date and have at least one blank page for the entry stamp.

Vietnamese Visa

Either an eVisa printout, a Visa Approval Letter + photos/forms for VOA, or a visa sticker from an embassy. Visa-exempt travelers only need their passport.

Entry/Exit Form

May be provided on the plane or at the airport. Increasingly replaced by digital systems, but have a pen ready just in case.

Supporting Documents

Immigration may request proof of onward/return travel (flight ticket) and proof of accommodation for your stay.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Print all visa documents (eVisa, approval letters, hotel bookings, flight itineraries) and keep them with your passport for easy access.

Have USD cash available if you need to pay a Visa on Arrival stamping fee (typically $25 for single-entry, but confirm with your agency).

Be patient and polite with immigration officers. Answer questions clearly and concisely.

Fill out any paper forms neatly and completely before reaching the counter to avoid delays.

Customs & Duty-Free

Vietnam has strict customs regulations. Travelers must declare certain items and are prohibited from bringing others into the country.

Alcohol

1.5 liters of alcoholic beverages over 22% alcohol, or 2 liters of beverages under 22% alcohol, or 3 liters of beer.

Traveler must be 18 years or older.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes, or 20 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco.

Traveler must be 18 years or older.

Currency

VND 15,000,000 or USD 5,000 (or equivalent in other foreign currencies).

Any amount exceeding these limits must be declared upon entry and exit.

Gifts/Goods

Goods with a total value not exceeding VND 10,000,000.

Items for commercial purposes or exceeding this value are subject to duty.

Prohibited Items

Illegal drugs and narcotics - severe penalties including life imprisonment or death.
Firearms, ammunition, explosives, and military equipment.
Pornographic materials.
Items harmful to national security, culture, or morality.
Certain fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats may be prohibited for biosecurity reasons.

Restricted Items

Medications, prescription drugs - bring only reasonable quantities for personal use, with a doctor's prescription.
Pets require an import permit and health certificate from country of origin.
Antiques, cultural artifacts, and historical items require export permits from country of origin and import permits from Vietnam.
Drones must be registered with the Vietnamese authorities before use.

Health Requirements

There are few mandatory health requirements for entry into Vietnam, but several vaccinations are strongly recommended.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required if arriving from a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission.

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations (MMR, Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis, Varicella, Polio, Influenza)
Hepatitis A and Typhoid (through contaminated food or water)
Hepatitis B (through sexual contact, contaminated needles)
Japanese Encephalitis (for long-term travelers, rural areas, or during transmission season)
Rabies (for travelers involved in outdoor activities, working with animals, or remote travel)
Measles (ensure you are up-to-date)

Health Insurance

While not mandatory for entry, complete travel health insurance is highly recommended. Medical treatment for foreigners can be expensive, and insurance should cover medical evacuation. Some visa types (e.g., for work) may require proof of local health insurance.

Current Health Requirements: As of April 2025, there are no COVID-19 vaccination, testing, or quarantine requirements for entry into Vietnam. However, this is subject to change. Always check the latest health advisories from your home country and the Vietnamese Ministry of Health before travel.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Find your country's embassy or consulate

Check your government's travel advisory website for the most current contact information and location in Hanoi.

Immigration Authority

Vietnam Immigration Department

Official website for visa applications, eVisas, and immigration regulations: https://immigration.gov.vn/

Emergency

Emergency services number

Police: 113, Ambulance/Fire: 115. For tourist police assistance, dial 113 or visit a local tourist police office.

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children must have their own passport. If traveling with only one parent or without parents, a notarized letter of consent from the non-accompanying parent(s) is strongly recommended, outlining travel permission and contact details. While not always requested, immigration authorities may ask for it.

Traveling with Pets

Pets (dogs, cats) require an import permit from the Vietnam Department of Animal Health. You will need a valid rabies vaccination certificate (administered 30 days to 12 months before entry) and an international health certificate issued by a vet in the country of origin within 7 days of travel. Specific breeds may be restricted.

Extended Stays

Tourist visas (eVisa, visa-exempt) are generally not extendable. To stay longer, you must leave Vietnam (e.g., to a neighboring country) and apply for a new visa to re-enter. For long-term stays (work, study, family reunion), you must apply for the appropriate visa type (DN, LD, DT, etc.) from a Vietnamese embassy/consulate or through a sponsoring company/organization in Vietnam.

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