Vietnam Visa Requirements for Australian Citizens
Planning a trip from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or Perth? Vietnam is an easy, affordable favourite, and sorting your visa is simpler than most people expect. This guide covers the Vietnam visa requirements for Australians: which visa to choose, what it costs, how long it takes, and how to apply without the stress.
Quick Answer
Australians need a visa to enter Vietnam, and for most holidays and short business trips the easiest option is the Vietnam e-visa.
| Question | Answer for Australians |
|---|---|
| Visa required? | Yes, unless you hold a valid exemption certificate |
| Best option | Vietnam e-visa (apply online) |
| Maximum stay | Up to 90 days, single or multiple entry |
| Government fee | US$25 single entry, US$50 multiple entry |
| Processing time | Officially about 3 working days; allow a little longer |
| Passport validity | Aim for at least 6 months beyond your departure |
Why Australians Aren’t Visa-Free?
This catches plenty of travellers out. Many Australians assume they can walk in, as they can in some neighbouring countries. But Vietnam’s visa-free list doesn’t include Australia. Unlike UK, French, or German passport holders, who get 45 days visa-free, Australians must apply for a visa before they fly. Without one, you can be refused boarding.
There is one exception. Overseas Vietnamese living in Australia, along with their spouses and children, may be eligible for a 5-year visa exemption certificate. If that applies to you, ask us about it. For everyone else, a visa is required for tourism, business, and short stays alike.
Vietnam Visa Options for Australian Citizens
1. Vietnam e-visa (recommended)
An electronic visa you apply for online, receive by email, and print before you fly. It’s valid for up to 90 days and available as single or multiple entry. It’s the simplest route for most Australian travellers.
2. Visa on arrival
A two-step option: you get an approval letter first, then pay a stamping fee in cash at the airport. Be careful with the name. The phrase “visa on arrival” can be misleading, and most Australian tourists should use the e-visa before departure. Sources also disagree on how widely it’s offered to Australians, so check before you rely on it. It adds a second fee and extra steps at the airport, and it only works at airports.
3. Embassy or consulate visa
You can apply in person or by post through a Vietnamese embassy or consulate. It’s slower and less convenient, so most people choose the e-visa unless they need a visa type it doesn’t cover.
Which one should you choose?
| Your situation | Best choice |
|---|---|
| Holiday or short business trip | E-visa |
| Side trip to Cambodia or Laos, then back to Vietnam | E-visa, multiple entry |
| Staying up to 3 months | E-visa, 90 days |
| Flying within days | E-visa with urgent processing |
| Overseas Vietnamese, or spouse or child of one | Ask about the exemption certificate |
Vietnam E-Visa for Australians: How It Works
You fill in an online form, upload a photo and a passport scan, pay the fee, and wait for approval. When it’s ready, you download the e-visa, print it, and show it at the border. You must enter and exit through approved international checkpoints, so check that your arrival airport or border is on the list.
Single or multiple entry?
- Single entry: one way in and one way out. If you leave Vietnam, even for a day trip, the visa is used up.
- Multiple entry: leave and return within the visa’s validity, perfect for side trips to neighbouring countries.
Documents and Passport Requirements
Have these ready before you apply:
- An Australian passport with blank pages.
- Enough validity. Many guides say your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Vietnam. Check your expiry date before you book.
- A clear passport data page scan. The whole page, with no glare or cropping.
- A recent portrait photo. Looking straight at the camera, with no glasses.
- Travel details. Arrival date, entry point, and first night’s accommodation.
- A payment card and an email address you check often.
Vietnam Visa Cost for Australians
Your total has two parts.
Government fee. US$25 for single entry and US$50 for multiple entry. It’s non-refundable, even if the visa isn’t granted. The fee depends on single or multiple entry, not on whether you choose 30 or 90 days.
Service fee. If you apply through us, our service fee depends on your visa type and speed. Normal processing is included, and faster options add a small surcharge. You can check Vietnam e-Visa fees with prices are in US dollars, so the Australian dollar amount depends on the exchange rate on the day.
How Long Does the Vietnam Visa Take?
The official processing time is around three working days, but plan for a little more. One guide suggests allowing at least four working days. Working days exclude weekends and Vietnamese public holidays.
A good rule of thumb: apply at least two weeks before you fly.
In a hurry? We offer faster options, from 3 working days down to a few hours, plus emergency help.
How to Apply for a Vietnam Visa From Australia
- Choose your visa. Pick your length of stay and single or multiple entry.
- Enter your details. Copy everything exactly from your passport.
- Upload your photo and passport scan.
- Check and pay. Review every field before you confirm.
- We review and submit. We catch small mistakes before they become delays.
- Receive your e-visa by email. Download it, check the details, and print a copy.
The Date Mistake to Avoid
Your stay doesn’t begin when you land. It starts from the entry date you put on the application, even if you arrive later. Pick July 1 but fly in on July 6, and you lose five days. Set the entry date to the day you really plan to arrive.
Common Mistakes Australians Make
- Assuming you’re visa-free. You can be refused boarding without a visa.
- Using look-alike websites. Apply on the official portal or through a licensed provider.
- Typos in passport details. One wrong digit can make the visa unusable.
- Choosing single entry, then leaving. If you might return, pick multiple entry.
- Ignoring passport expiry. Check it before you book flights.
- Applying too late. Even fast options work best with a buffer.
Entry Checklist Before You Fly
- Approved e-visa, printed, with a digital backup.
- Passport with enough validity.
- Pre-arrival declaration. Vietnam has been expanding its mandatory pre-arrival declaration for international arrivals to all airports. It’s free on the official portal.
- Return or onward flight details.
- First night’s accommodation details.
- Travel insurance, which isn’t required for the visa but is a smart idea.
Staying Longer Than Planned?
The e-visa can’t be extended from inside Vietnam, so if you might stay longer, choose the 90-day option from the start. Ask us about other options, such as a new e-visa after leaving the country.