Last reviewed: September 2026
Australians need a visa to visit Vietnam in most cases. The simplest option is the Vietnam eVisa via evisa.gov.vn — valid for up to 90 days, single or multiple entry, processed in approximately 3 business days. Visa on arrival is also available at major international airports but requires pre-approval.
Do Australians Need a Visa for Vietnam?
Yes, Australians need a visa to enter Vietnam for any trip, since Vietnam’s visa-free entry list doesn’t include Australia.
Applying is quick, though, and most travellers use one of three options:
- Vietnam eVisa – an online application, approved before you fly
- Visa on arrival – needs a pre-approved letter arranged before travel, not a walk-up service
- Embassy or consulate visa – arranged in person or by post before departure
Whichever route you choose, keep your passport valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Vietnam, with a couple of blank pages spare. Once you know you’ll need a visa, it’s worth locking in your dates too — see our guide to the best time to travel to Vietnam.
For general travel advice, Smart Traveller, the Australian Government’s official travel advisory, is worth checking before you go.
Vietnam eVisa for Australians: How It Works in 2026
The eVisa is the simplest option for most Australians, since the whole process happens online through the government’s official portal, evisa.gov.vn (also reachable via thithucdientu.gov.vn), with no embassy visit needed.
As of 2026, the eVisa is valid for up to 90 days, for either a single-entry or multiple-entry visa, so it suits most holidays and longer stays alike. Applications are typically processed within 3 to 5 working days, so it’s worth applying well ahead of your travel dates rather than leaving it to the last minute.
Read our guide on visas in Vietnam for Australians for more information.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Vietnam eVisa from Australia
- Go to the official portal, evisa.gov.vn, and create an account.
- Upload a scan of your passport’s photo page and a passport-style photo.
- Fill in your travel details, double-checking that your name matches your passport exactly — a common cause of rejection.
- Pay the eVisa fee online by card.
- Print your approved eVisa once it arrives by email — a printed copy is required at entry, not just a screenshot on your phone.
Third-party agents often charge extra for an application you can just as easily complete yourself, for free, through the official portal.
Visa on Arrival for Australians: When to Use It and How
Visa on arrival isn’t a walk-up service. You’ll need an approved pre-arrival letter, arranged before you fly, and then you pay the visa stamp fee in cash at the airport counter.
It’s available only at major international airports, including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City — not at land or sea borders, where you’ll need an eVisa or an embassy visa instead. For most Australians flying in, the eVisa is the simpler choice.
If you’re planning on visiting, our guide to travel and living in Vietnam can offer insights.
| Feature | eVisa | Visa on Arrival |
| How you apply | Online, before you fly | Pre-arrival letter, then pay on landing |
| Where it works | Air, land, and sea entry points | Major airports only |
| Best for | Most Australian travellers | Last-minute air travel plans |
Vietnam Visa Costs for Australians: What to Budget in 2026
The official eVisa fee is USD $25 for a single-entry visa and USD $50 for a multiple-entry visa, paid directly through the government portal in US dollars. At recent exchange rates, that’s roughly AUD $35 and AUD $70, though your bank or card provider’s own conversion rate on the day sets the exact amount — see our guide to the Vietnamese Dong if you’re also budgeting for spending money once you land.
Visa on arrival carries the same stamp fee, paid in cash at the airport, plus a separate service fee if you use an agent to arrange your approval letter.
Third-party visa websites often add their own charge on top, sometimes AUD $50 to $150 or more, for a service the government portal itself provides for free. If you’re also sending money to family or friends while you’re there, it’s worth comparing transfer options like Remitly alongside your travel budget.
Our guide on the Vietnamese dong can help provide insights on the essentials of the currency.
| Visa Type | Fee | Where to Pay |
| eVisa, single entry | USD $25 (about AUD $35) | Online, via the government portal |
| eVisa, multiple entry | USD $50 (about AUD $70) | Online, via the government portal |
| Visa on arrival | Same fee, in cash | At the airport counter |
Vietnam Entry Requirements for Australians: What to Prepare
Before you fly, it helps to have these ready:
- Your passport, valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Vietnam
- Your approved eVisa or visa-on-arrival letter, printed
- A completed application form for embassy or visa-on-arrival applications
- A return or onward flight itinerary
- Proof of your accommodation for the stay
- Evidence that you can cover your trip, such as a recent bank statement
It’s also worth checking current vaccination recommendations for Vietnam alongside your visa paperwork. If your eVisa application is rejected, check the reason given, often a passport or photo issue, and reapply with the correction — most rejections are avoidable rather than final.
For visa questions before you travel, the Vietnamese Embassy in Canberra (6 Timbarra Crescent, O’Malley, ACT; vnembassy-canberra.mofa.gov.vn) can help.
Find out when the best time to visit Vietnam is.
Frequently Asked Questions: Vietnam Visa for Australians
Do Australians need a visa to visit Vietnam?
Yes. Vietnam’s visa-free entry list doesn’t include Australia, so you’ll need an eVisa, a visa on arrival, or an embassy visa for any visit, regardless of trip length or purpose.
How long does a Vietnam eVisa let Australians stay?
Up to 90 days, for either a single-entry or multiple-entry eVisa, following Vietnam’s 2023 eVisa reforms.
How much does a Vietnam visa cost for Australians?
The official eVisa fee is USD $25 for single entry or USD $50 for multiple entry, paid via the government portal — roughly AUD $35 to $70 depending on the day’s exchange rate.
Can Australians get a visa on arrival in Vietnam?
Yes, at major airports including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, but you’ll need an approved pre-arrival letter first; it isn’t a walk-up service, and it doesn’t work at land or sea borders.
How long does Vietnam eVisa processing take?
Typically 3 to 5 working days, according to Vietnam’s official e-visa portal, though applying well ahead of travel leaves a buffer if anything needs correcting.
What documents do Australians need for a Vietnam visa?
A passport valid six months beyond departure, your printed eVisa or approval letter, a return flight itinerary, accommodation proof, and evidence of sufficient funds for your stay.
Should Australians choose an eVisa or a visa on arrival?
The eVisa suits most travellers: it works at every entry point and needs no pre-arrival letter. Visa on arrival only works at major airports and still needs advance approval, with little advantage for most trips.
Key Takeaways: Vietnam Visa for Australians
- Australians need a visa for any trip to Vietnam — there’s no visa-free entry available.
- The eVisa, valid for up to 90 days, is the simplest option for most travellers and costs USD $25 to $50 via the official portal.
- Visa on arrival works only at major airports and still requires a pre-approved letter before you fly.
- Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Vietnam.
- Applying directly through the government portal avoids the extra charges third-party agents add.
Before you go, it’s worth bookmarking this guide and checking Smart Traveller for the latest safety advice on Vietnam. And if you’d like to pick up a few words before you land, our guide to the Vietnamese alphabet is a good place to start.
