Vietnam entry requirements for Switzerland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Swiss passport holders need an eVisa to enter Vietnam for tourism or business in 2026. The eVisa is valid for up to 90 days, single entry, and you apply online before you travel. No visa-free entry is available for Swiss citizens.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply at the official Vietnam eVisa portal at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn. The fee is $25 USD for single entry or $50 USD for multiple entry, valid for up to 90 days. Processing takes 3 working days — do not book flights until you receive the approval letter.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your Swiss passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Vietnam. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration officers enforce it strictly. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Vietnam | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket at passport control. Have a printed or digital copy ready showing you leave within your eVisa validity. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or an invitation letter from your host. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support your stay | Have a bank statement or cash equivalent to at least $1,000 USD per person. Officers rarely ask, but it can speed things up if questioned. | Recommended |
eVisa is the only option for Swiss citizens
Swiss passport holders cannot enter Vietnam visa-free. You must get an eVisa before travel. No visa-on-arrival is available at the airport.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Airlines check this at check-in. If your passport expires sooner, you won't be allowed to board.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to the official Vietnam eVisa website (evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn). Fill in your personal details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport data page. Pay the fee (around $25 USD) by credit card. Processing takes 3-5 working days. You'll receive an approval letter by email.
2
Print your eVisa approval letter
Once approved, print the eVisa letter (a single page with your photo and details). Keep it with your passport. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival in Vietnam.
3
Arrive at a Vietnamese airport
At the airport, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'eVisa' lanes. Hand over your passport, printed eVisa, and boarding pass. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through. No need to queue at visa-on-arrival counters.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. No additional forms are needed. You're free to enter Vietnam.
Download Vietnam Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$25 USD (approx. 25 USD)
Apply online or at embassy; extension possible once.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$50 USD (approx. 50 USD)
Allows multiple entries; extension possible once.
Long-stay visa (1 year)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost$100 USD (approx. 100 USD)
Requires sponsor or investment; apply at embassy.
retirement visa
Vietnam Retirement Visa (TT)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD / year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires a local sponsor or investment. Allows long-term stay.
work visa
Vietnam Work Visa (LD)
1-2 years, renewable
~$200 USD / year (employer-sponsored)
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Vietnamese company. Requires work permit and health check. Allows multiple entries.
investor visa
Vietnam Investor Visa (DT)
1-5 years, renewable
~$500 USD / year (minimum investment $50,000 USD)
For investors with a minimum capital contribution. Offers long-term stay and potential residency. Requires business registration.
student visa
Vietnam Student Visa (DH)
Duration of study, renewable
~$100 USD / year
For enrolled students at a Vietnamese educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa fee (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry eVisa, valid for up to 30 days. | $25 USD (approx. 25 USD) |
| eVisa fee (multiple entry)For multiple entries, valid for up to 30 days per entry. | $50 USD (approx. 50 USD) |
| Stay extension feeExtension possible for 1-3 months via immigration office or agent. | $10 USD (approx. 10 USD) per month |
| Overstay fine per dayFines apply for overstaying visa validity; pay at immigration or airport. | $5 USD (approx. 5 USD) per day, max $50 USD |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Vietnam
No transit visa needed
Swiss passport holders transiting through Vietnam airports do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For land or sea transit, a visa may be required.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsNoi Bai International Airport (Hanoi) · Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City) · Da Nang International Airport
Health & vaccines for Vietnam
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisRecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubellaRecommendedJapanese EncephalitisConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease common in urban and rural areas; use repellent and mosquito nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
MalariaLow risk
Low risk in most tourist areas; prophylaxis recommended for rural areas in highlands.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in major cities and tourist areas; moderate risk in rural highlands (e.g., Da Lat). Consider prophylaxis if visiting remote areas.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Hanoi
Immigration Department of Hanoi
44 Tran Phu, Ba Dinh District
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
For extensions and visa issues; bring passport, photos, and TM.7 form.
Ho Chi Minh City
Immigration Department of Ho Chi Minh City
333 Nguyen Trai, District 1
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for southern region; similar requirements as Hanoi.
Practical information for CH travellers
Country basics
CapitalHanoi
LanguageVietnamese
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyVietnamese Dong (VND)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 26,256 VND
Time zone
Local timeUTC+7
vs New York+12h (EST) / +11h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+15h (PST) / +14h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
A,CType A, C, F — US plugs (Type A) fit some sockets. Bring an adapter.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Do not drink tap water. Use sealed bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Vietnam — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Processing usually takes 3-5 working days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. The fee is about $25 USD, paid online by credit card.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you must leave Vietnam and apply for a new eVisa, or apply for a visa at a Vietnamese embassy before your trip.
Yes, immigration officers may ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and entry by immigration. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa.
Yes, the eVisa is accepted at all international airports in Vietnam: Hanoi (HAN), Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), Da Nang (DAD), and others. Just use the eVisa lane at immigration.
No, there is no arrival declaration required for Vietnam. Just present your passport and eVisa at immigration.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your photo or passport scan doesn't meet requirements. You'll get an email explaining the reason. You can reapply with corrected documents. Alternatively, apply for a visa at the Vietnamese embassy in Bern.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.