Vietnam
Moderate — regularly checked by airlinesVietnam welcomed 12.6 million international tourists in 2023, a 239% increase from 2022. The country aims for 18 million visitors by 2025. South Korea, China, and Taiwan are the top three source markets.
Vietnam requires proof of return or onward travel for all foreign visitors, whether you enter on an e-visa or a visa exemption. Airlines are particularly vigilant about this requirement, and immigration officers at Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat) and Hanoi (Noi Bai) regularly check onward tickets. Vietnam has significantly simplified its visa procedures since 2023, but proof of onward travel remains a constant requirement.
Updated on March 2026
Visa Requirements
Vietnam offers a 45-day visa exemption for nationals of many countries (extended from 15 to 45 days in 2023). The 90-day multiple-entry e-visa is available for all nationalities. In both cases, proof of onward travel is required by airlines and may be requested upon arrival by immigration.
| Visa Type | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| E-Visa | 90 days (single or multiple entry) | 25 USD (single) / 50 USD (multiple)~23-46 EUR |
| Visa Exemption | 45 days | Free0 EUR |
| Business Visa (DN1/DN2) | 1 to 3 months (up to 1 year with residence card) | 25-50 USD + sponsor fee (50-200 USD)~75-230 EUR |
Transit Rules
Transiting through Vietnamese airports without leaving the international zone is possible without a visa for certain nationalities. However, a confirmed ticket to your final destination is mandatory to be allowed to board.
Documents Required
- Passport valid at least 6 months beyond entry date
- Printed or digital e-visa approval letter
- Proof of onward or return travel (enforced by airlines)
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter)
- Proof of sufficient financial means
- Recent passport-size photographs (for visa on arrival)
Practical tip
If you are applying for a Vietnamese e-visa online (evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn), you will need to indicate your planned exit point. Having a Volward onward ticket allows you to provide consistent information on your visa form and clear immigration smoothly.
Order an onward ticket for Vietnam
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an onward ticket for Vietnam?▾
Yes. Whether you enter on a visa exemption (45 days) or an e-visa (90 days), airlines systematically verify your exit ticket before boarding. Vietnamese immigration may also request it upon arrival.
Does the 45-day visa exemption require a return ticket?▾
Yes. The visa exemption waives the visa requirement, but not the proof of onward travel. Your onward ticket must show a departure from Vietnam within 45 days of your arrival. Airlines verify this consistency at the check-in counter.
Does the Vietnamese 90-day e-visa allow multiple entries?▾
Yes, since 2023, the Vietnamese e-visa is valid for 90 days with multiple entries for all nationalities. It costs 25 USD. However, each entry requires proof of exit, so an onward ticket is recommended for every entry into the country.
Do Vietnamese airlines check return tickets?▾
Yes, Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, and Bamboo Airways verify onward tickets in accordance with IATA regulations. VietJet Air, as a low-cost carrier, is particularly strict. Foreign airlines operating flights to Vietnam apply the same checks.
Can I use a train ticket to China as proof of exit?▾
For Vietnamese immigration on arrival, an international train ticket might be accepted. However, the airline at check-in for your flight to Vietnam will almost certainly require a flight ticket with a verifiable PNR. A train ticket will not be enough to board.
Are checks strict at Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi?▾
Both main airports (Tan Son Nhat/SGN and Noi Bai/HAN) conduct regular checks. Ho Chi Minh City tends to be slightly stricter due to higher tourist volumes. Immigration officers can verify your PNR in the system, which is why having a real verifiable PNR is essential.
How much does the Vietnamese e-visa cost and how do I apply?▾
The Vietnamese e-visa costs 25 USD and is applied for online at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn. Processing takes 3 business days. The form asks for your planned entry and exit points, as well as dates. A Volward onward ticket allows you to fill these fields with verifiable information.
What happens if my stay exceeds the authorized duration in Vietnam?▾
Overstaying your visa in Vietnam results in a fine of 500,000 to 2,000,000 VND per day (20 to 80 euros). Beyond 15 days of overstay, you risk an entry ban and legal prosecution. Exit checks at airports are systematic and computerized.
