Vietnam entry requirements for Netherlands 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
Dutch passport holders can enter Vietnam without a visa for up to 15 days. For longer stays, you'll need an e-visa or a visa on arrival. This is current for 2026.
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 or multiple entry, valid for up to 90 days. Processing takes 3 working days — apply at least a week before your flight to be safe.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Vietnam. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Vietnam | Immigration officers at Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat routinely ask for proof of a flight out of Vietnam. Have a printed or digital copy of your onward ticket ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have your hotel confirmation or a letter from your host ready. Officers rarely ask for it, but if you're arriving without a clear place to stay, they may question your plans. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing you can support yourself. Vietnam doesn't have a fixed minimum, but officers may ask if you look underfunded. | Recommended |
15-day visa-free is single entry
If you leave Vietnam (even for a day trip to Cambodia or Laos), you can re-enter and get another 15 days. But you cannot extend the initial 15 days without leaving.
Check your entry stamp
Always check the stamp in your passport when you arrive. It shows your allowed stay duration. If it's wrong (e.g., says 14 days instead of 15), ask the officer to correct it immediately.
What happens at the border
1
Check if you need a visa
If your stay is 15 days or less, you don't need a visa. For longer stays, apply for an e-visa online at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn at least 3 working days before travel.
2
Prepare your documents
Have your passport (valid 6+ months), return ticket, and first-night accommodation confirmation ready. Screenshot everything on your phone.
3
Arrive at the airport
At Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), or Da Nang, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'. Have your passport and boarding pass out.
4
Queue and present documents
Join the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Hand over your passport and boarding pass. The officer may ask for your return ticket or hotel booking — show the screenshot.
5
Get stamped in
The officer will stamp your passport. Check the stamp says the correct entry date and allowed stay (15 days if visa-free, or the e-visa duration). You're in.
Download Vietnam Entry Checklist
PDF · Netherlands 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, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$25 USD (approx. €23)
Standard eVisa. Apply online at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$50 USD (approx. €46)
For multiple entries. Also available as eVisa.
Tourist visa (single entry, 90 days)
Max stay90 days, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$95 USD (approx. €87)
Apply at Vietnamese embassy. Requires invitation letter.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 90 days)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost$135 USD (approx. €124)
For frequent travellers. Embassy application only.
work visa
Work Permit + Temporary Residence Card
1–2 years, renewable
~$200–500 USD (employer usually pays)
For those with a job offer in Vietnam. Requires a work permit from the Ministry of Labour. Allows long-term stay and multiple entries.
investor visa
Investor Visa (DT1–DT4)
1–5 years, renewable
~$100–500 USD (depending on investment amount)
For investors with at least $100,000 USD in a Vietnamese business. Higher investment yields longer validity. Includes family members.
student visa
Student Visa (DH)
Up to 1 year, renewable per semester
~$50–100 USD per year
For enrolled students at a Vietnamese university. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (TT)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100–200 USD per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (approx. $1,000 USD/month). Requires a local sponsor or property lease.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry, up to 30 days)Standard fee for Netherlands passport holders. Non-refundable. | $25 USD (approx. €23) |
| Visa on arrival (pre-approval letter, single entry)Requires pre-arranged letter from a travel agency. Total ~$50 USD. | $25 USD (approx. €23) + stamping fee $25 USD |
| Visa on arrival (pre-approval letter, multiple entry)Total ~$100 USD. Allows multiple entries within validity. | $50 USD (approx. €46) + stamping fee $50 USD |
| Stay extension (per month)Available at immigration offices. Max extension 3 months per request. | $10 USD (approx. €9) per month |
| Overstay fine (per day)Pay at immigration or airport exit. Overstay can lead to blacklisting. | $15 USD (approx. €14) per day, max $150 USD |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete eVisa 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
Netherlands passport holders can transit through Vietnamese airports without a visa if they remain in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward flight within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or passing through immigration, a visa is required.
- Some airlines may require a visa for overnight transits; check with the carrier.
Transit hubsNoi Bai International Airport (HAN), Hanoi · Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), Ho Chi Minh City · Da Nang International Airport (DAD), Da Nang
Health & vaccines for Vietnam
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa and South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedHepatitis BConsiderRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season (May–October).
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, typhoid, and hepatitis A from contaminated food/water. Drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions. Sporadic cases reported.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in major cities and coastal resorts. Moderate risk in rural highlands (e.g., Da Lat, Buon Ma Thuot). 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, Sat 08:00–12:00
Bring passport, visa, TM.7 form, 1 photo, and extension fee in cash.
Ho Chi Minh City
Immigration Department of Ho Chi Minh City
333 Nguyen Trai, District 1
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00, Sat 08:00–12:00
Busy office; arrive early. Same documents as Hanoi.
Practical information for NL 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
Getting to Vietnam
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Vietnam — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No, if your stay is 15 days or less. For longer stays, you need an e-visa (up to 30 days) or a visa on arrival. The 15-day visa-free entry is a single entry — if you leave and come back, you get another 15 days.
Go to evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn, fill in your details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport data page, and pay the fee (usually around $25 USD). Processing takes 3 working days. You'll receive a PDF approval letter — print it and bring it with you.
No, the 15-day visa-free entry is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you must leave the country and re-enter (land border or flight) to get another 15 days, or apply for an e-visa before you travel.
Overstaying can result in a fine (around $10–$20 USD per day) and a possible ban from re-entering Vietnam. In serious cases, you could be detained. Always check your stamp and leave on time.
Yes, immigration may still ask for proof of onward travel. Even with an e-visa, have a return or onward ticket booked and a screenshot ready.
The same rules apply — 15 days visa-free at land borders too. Just have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation ready. The process is similar to airports but can be slower.
Not mandatory for entry, but strongly recommended. Medical costs in Vietnam can be high — a hospital stay for a broken leg can easily cost $1,000+. Insurance also covers trip cancellation, lost luggage, and emergency evacuation.
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.