Vietnam entry requirements for New Zealand 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
New Zealand passport holders need an eVisa to enter Vietnam. It's valid for up to 90 days and allows single or multiple entries. As of 2026, the process is entirely online and straightforward.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Vietnam eVisa at evisa.xuatnhhapcanh.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 6 months beyond your stay | Your New Zealand passport must have at least 6 months validity remaining from your departure date from Vietnam. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat airports routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Vietnam. Immigration may ask for this during the entry interview, especially if you are staying at a private residence. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Have at least $500 USD in cash or a bank statement showing sufficient funds for your stay. Officers rarely ask, but if you cannot show means of support, you risk being denied entry. | Recommended |
Passport Validity is Strict
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's less, you'll be denied boarding or entry. Check your passport now.
eVisa is the Only Option for Tourism
New Zealand passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival for tourism. You must apply for the eVisa online before you travel. No exceptions.
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 for single entry, $50 for multiple entry). Processing takes 3-5 business days.
2
Receive eVisa Approval
Check your email for the eVisa approval letter. Print it out or save a clear copy on your phone. The letter includes a QR code and your visa details.
3
Arrive at Vietnam Airport
At the airport (e.g., Noi Bai in Hanoi, Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City), head to the immigration counters. Have your passport, eVisa approval letter, and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through.
4
Show Supporting Documents if Asked
Immigration may ask for proof of accommodation or onward travel. Have your hotel booking and flight itinerary easily accessible on your phone or printed.
Download Vietnam Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand 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 (eVisa) or $50 USD (VOA)
Standard option for tourism; can be extended once.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$50 USD (eVisa) or $75 USD (VOA)
Allows multiple entries within validity; extension possible.
Long-stay visa (1 year, multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost~$200 USD (via agent)
Requires sponsorship or investment; suitable for frequent visitors.
work visa
Work Visa (LD1/LD2)
1–2 years, renewable
~$200–$500 USD (employer-sponsored)
For those with a job offer in Vietnam. Requires employer sponsorship, university degree, and relevant experience. Allows long-term stay and multiple entries.
investor visa
Investor Visa (DT1/DT2/DT3)
1–5 years, renewable
~$500–$2,000 USD (depending on investment amount)
For investors with capital of at least $50,000 USD in a Vietnamese business. Offers long-term residency and family inclusion.
student visa
Student Visa (DH)
Up to 1 year, renewable based on course length
~$100–$200 USD (plus tuition)
For those enrolled in a Vietnamese educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (TT)
1 year, renewable annually
~$300–$500 USD (via agent)
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires a local sponsor or property lease. Provides long-term stay without work rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry, up to 30 days)Standard fee for New Zealand passport holders applying online. | $25 USD |
| Visa on arrival (pre-approval letter + stamp)Alternative if eVisa not used; requires pre-arranged approval letter. | $25 USD (approval letter) + $25 USD (stamp fee) = $50 USD total |
| Stay extension (1 month)Extension possible for up to 3 months; fees vary by agent. | ~$25 USD (via agent or immigration office) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Fines apply for overstaying visa validity; pay at immigration or airport. | ~$10 USD per day, max $200 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
New Zealand passport holders do not need a transit visa for Vietnam if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or leaving the airport, a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Vietnam may transit landside.
- Transit through different airports (e.g., Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City) requires a visa.
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
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedJapanese EncephalitisConsiderRabiesConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease prevalent in urban and rural areas; use repellent and mosquito nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to street food and tap water; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Zika virusModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in most tourist areas; moderate risk in rural highlands (e.g., Da Lat, Sapa). Consider prophylaxis for extended rural stays.
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 Vietnam (Hanoi Office)
44 Tran Phu, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters; bring passport, visa, and TM.7 form.
Ho Chi Minh City
Immigration Department of Vietnam (HCMC Office)
333 Nguyen Trai, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Busy office; arrive early. Extensions and re-entry permits available.
Practical information for NZ 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
Typically 3-5 business days, but it can take up to 7. Apply at least two weeks before your trip to be safe.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you must leave and re-enter with a new visa, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
You must renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. The 6-month validity is calculated from your entry date, not your application date.
A digital copy on your phone is usually accepted, but printing it is safer in case of phone issues. Immigration officers scan the QR code from the letter.
Yes, the eVisa is valid at all international airports, land borders, and seaports that accept eVisas. Check the official list on the eVisa website.
Rejections are rare but can happen due to incorrect information or passport issues. You'll receive an email explaining the reason. You can reapply with corrected details, but the fee is non-refundable.
If you stay in the international transit area and don't pass through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you want to leave the airport, you need an eVisa or a visa on arrival.
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.