Entry requirements for Vietnam

Vietnam is a unique travel destination for those who want to experience its rich culture and natural contrasts. From the majestic mountains of Sapa to the endless beaches of Nha Trang, from the ancient temples of Hue to the bustling life of Hanoi - the country impresses with its diversity and amazing natural beauty. In this amazing country, you can experience the harmony of ancient traditions and modern way of life, as well as the hospitality of the locals.

If you are planning a trip to Vietnam, here you will find important information about entry requirements, current visa regulations, health recommendations, and other useful aspects for planning a comfortable and unforgettable trip. With the useful tips and professional services of our visa service, you can prepare easily and efficiently for your trip to Vietnam.

Vietnam actively develops its tourism industry and regularly updates visa regulations for various countries to make the country more attractive to travelers. Before starting your travel preparations, it is important to inform yourself about the current visa regulations for your nationality.

Currently, European citizens from Germany, Denmark, Finland, France, Norway, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom can enter Vietnam for tourism and leisure purposes without a visa for 45 days.

Visa-free entry is also possible for some other countries, but the duration of stay varies between 14 and 90 days, depending on nationality and additional conditions such as a special passport or a business travel card (APEC).

For visa-free entry, travelers need a passport valid for at least 6 months and tickets for return or onward travel. It is recommended to carry a printout of the return flight ticket and present it upon entry.

Important: To avoid "visa runs," Vietnamese authorities require a minimum of 30 days between two visa-free entries.

For more information on the list of visa-free countries, please visit the Visa page.

Electronic Visa (e-Visa)

Since August 2023, Vietnam has introduced an electronic visa (e-Visa) that can be granted to citizens of all countries and territories for multiple entries for up to 90 days. With the e-Visa, entry into Vietnam is possible through international airports as well as through land and sea entry points.

Visa on Arrival

Visa on arrival is no longer common in Vietnam. It can only be requested in emergencies, for urgent reasons, and only at the international airports of Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, and Nha Trang. This applies, for example, to visits to seriously ill relatives, short-term funerals, disaster relief, or when there are no Vietnamese diplomatic or consular representations in the traveler's country of residence, as well as for the possibility of issuing an electronic visa.

Transit in Vietnam

Citizens of Germany and other countries do not need a visa for transit for up to 24 hours when traveling by plane and not leaving the transit area at the airport. Transit passengers need a valid visa once they leave the airport transit zone and enter Vietnam.

Registration

Foreign travelers must register at their residence in Vietnam. In most cases, the hotel where they are staying is responsible for registration. For more information, please visit Mandatory Registration.

When planning a trip to Vietnam, the health and safety of the traveler are important, especially when it comes to vaccinations.

Currently, there are no mandatory vaccination requirements for travelers visiting Vietnam.

To minimize the risk of diseases, the World Health Organization recommends considering the doctor's recommendations and getting the necessary vaccinations before traveling to another country.

Top priority is the vaccination against Hepatitis A and B. These infections are common in countries with tropical climates, and a vaccination protects you from them. A Typhoid vaccination is also recommended, especially if you want to try street food or travel to less touristy areas.

A Rabies vaccination is also worth considering, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors or come into contact with animals. Vietnam is a country with a high prevalence of this disease.

Measles, Mumps, and Rubella vaccinations are also important if you do not have a complete vaccination plan yet. It is also important to check your Tetanus and Diphtheria vaccination protection.

Consult your doctor before your trip to receive a vaccination plan tailored to your health condition and travel plans.

Don't forget other safety measures, such as using insect repellents and good hygiene, to make your trip to Vietnam as safe and enjoyable as possible. It is also worth preparing a travel first aid kit that includes basic medications such as pain relievers, stomach remedies, bandages, antiseptics, and plasters. You can also pack allergy and fever medications, as well as sunburn and local infection prevention products.

Traveling to Vietnam with children is an exciting adventure that requires prior preparation. First, it is necessary to prepare documents for the child.

• Child's passport. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
• Visa. If the planned stay is more than 45 days.
• Consent for travel and power of attorney. If the child is traveling with one parent, a notarized travel permit from the other parent is required. Power of attorney if the child is traveling with a third person.
• Birth certificate.
• Health insurance. It is recommended to take out health insurance for the child that covers possible medical costs abroad.

It is also recommended to make copies of all documents in case they are lost.

Regarding health, you should consult a pediatrician before traveling. You may need vaccinations against diseases such as Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and Tetanus. Remember to bring a travel kit with basic medications, as access to medications may be limited in some cases. Essential medications include antipyretics, anti-allergy medications, antivirals, antiseptics, and other medications prescribed by your doctor.

The climate in Vietnam is tropical, so it is important to monitor the temperature conditions. It is recommended to choose air-conditioned hotels with swimming pools to ensure comfort for children.

Additional useful tips:

• Clothing: Make sure your child wears light, breathable clothing and a hat to protect them from the sun.
• Water and Food: Make sure you have enough water, especially in the heat, and choose reputable places to eat.
• Planning the itinerary: Plan enough time for rest and active activities such as beach holidays and swimming.

By following these tips, you can ensure a pleasant and safe travel experience with children in Vietnam.

Germany maintains close diplomatic relations with Vietnam through its official representations.

The German Embassy is located in Hanoi and is responsible for bilateral cooperation, visas, consular services, and support for German citizens. In Ho Chi Minh City, there is a consulate general that also offers consular services, including assistance with lost documents and visas.

These representations play an important role in strengthening the cultural, economic, and political relations between Germany and Vietnam. They also promote German economic projects and educational programs in Vietnam.

Address: 27, Tran Phu, Ba Dinh District, 11114, Hanoi - SR Vietnam
Mailing address: Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, BP 39, Hanoi, Vietnam

Phone: +84-24 3267 3335
Emergency number after business hours: +84 936 342 598

Website: https://vietnam.diplo.de/

Opening hours:
Monday - Thursday: 08:00-12:00 and 13:00-15:00, Friday: 08:00-12:00

Address: Deutsches Haus, 33 Le Duan, Ben Nghe, District 1, 70206 Ho Chi Minh City

Phone: +84-(0)28-38 288 100
Fax: +84-(0)28-38 288 101

Website: https://vietnam.diplo.de/

Opening hours:
Monday - Thursday: 08:00-12:00 and 13:00-15:00, Friday: 08:00-12:00

Please note that despite careful maintenance of our website, we cannot guarantee the completeness and accuracy of the information above. The requirements for entering Vietnam may change. We recommend that you inform yourself about the regulations applicable to your nationality before your trip, also at the official Vietnamese representations in Germany.