Visa Guide

09.05.25

Do Canadians Need a Visa for Vietnam? Your Complete Guide

Hoai Trinh

Do Canadians need a visa for Vietnam in 2025? Learn about e-visas, visa on arrival, and embassy options for a smooth trip!

Vietnam’s vibrant culture, from Hanoi’s bustling markets to Da Nang’s pristine beaches, makes it a must-visit destination for Canadian travelers. A key question for those planning a trip is, do Canadians need a visa for Vietnam? This guide provides a clear, updated answer for 2025, covering visa requirements, application options, and practical tips to ensure a seamless entry. Whether you’re exploring Ho Chi Minh City’s streets or relaxing in Phu Quoc, understanding Vietnam’s visa process is essential for a stress-free adventure.

Understanding Vietnam’s Visa Policy for Canadians

In 2025, Canadian citizens require a visa to enter Vietnam, regardless of the purpose of their visit—be it tourism, business, or family reunions. According to Vietnam’s Immigration Law (Law No. 47/2014/QH13, amended by Law No. 51/2019/QH14), there are no visa exemptions for Canadians, unlike some ASEAN or European nationalities who enjoy 15-45 day exemptions. This means that answering do Canadians need a visa for Vietnam is straightforward: yes, a visa is mandatory for all Canadian passport holders.

The good news is that Vietnam offers flexible visa options for Canadians, making the process accessible and convenient. You can choose between an e-visa, visa on arrival (VOA), or a traditional embassy visa, depending on your travel plans and preferences. Each option has its own requirements, costs, and processing times, which we’ll break down to help you decide the best fit for your trip. With proper preparation, obtaining a visa is a simple step toward enjoying Vietnam’s rich landscapes and culinary delights.

Visa Options for Canadians Traveling to Vietnam

There are three main visa options available to Canadians in 2025.

When addressing do Canadians need a visa for Vietnam, it’s helpful to explore the three main visa options available to Canadians in 2025. Each caters to different needs, whether you’re planning a short vacation or a longer business trip.

E-Visa: Online Convenience

Canadians can apply for an e-visa online through Vietnam’s Immigration Portal (evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn), a popular choice for its simplicity. The e-visa is valid for up to 90 days (single entry) for tourism or business purposes and costs $25 USD, payable online. To apply, you’ll need:

A passport valid for at least six months from your entry date with two blank pages.
A digital passport photo (4x6 cm, white background).
A credit or debit card for the fee.

Processing takes 3-5 working days, though urgent requests may be processed faster for an additional fee. Once approved, you’ll receive a downloadable e-visa to print and present at any of Vietnam’s 33 entry points, including airports like Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), and Da Nang, as well as land and sea borders. The e-visa’s ease makes it ideal for most Canadian tourists.

Visa on Arrival: Airport Option

For those wondering do Canadians need a visa for Vietnam and preferring flexibility, the visa on arrival (VOA) is available at eight international airports: Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, Da Nang, Cam Ranh (Nha Trang), Phu Quoc, Can Tho, Cat Bi (Hai Phong), and Lien Khuong (Da Lat). However, VOA requires a pre-approved visa approval letter from a licensed agency, costing $10-$50 USD depending on the visa type (30-90 days, single or multiple entry).

At the airport, you’ll present the letter, your passport, two 4x6 cm photos, and a stamping fee ($25 USD for single entry, $50 USD for multiple entry, cash only). Processing takes 15-30 minutes but can be longer during peak hours. VOA is convenient but may involve higher total costs and wait times compared to an e-visa, so weigh this if you’re landing during busy periods like Tet (January 29-February 2, 2025).

Embassy or Consulate Visa: Traditional Route

Canadians can also apply for a visa through the Vietnamese Embassy in Ottawa or consulates in cities like Vancouver. This option suits those needing longer stays (up to 1 year) or specific visa types (e.g., work or study). Requirements include:

A completed application form (available on the embassy’s website).
A passport valid for six months with two blank pages.
Two passport-sized photos (4x6 cm).
A fee, typically $50-$100 USD, depending on visa duration and type.

Processing takes 5-7 working days, and you may need to mail your passport or apply in person. This method is reliable but less convenient than online options, especially for short trips. Contact the embassy at [email protected] for specifics.

Practical Tips for Canadians Applying for a Vietnam Visa

Tubudd’s Visa Service offers e-visas and approval letters with clear guidance.

To fully answer do Canadians need a visa for Vietnam and ensure a smooth process in 2025, here are practical tips to streamline your visa application and entry:

Apply Early: Submit your e-visa or approval letter application at least 7 days before travel to avoid delays. For embassy visas, allow 10-14 days, especially around holidays like Tet, when processing slows.
Check Passport Validity: Ensure your passport meets the six-month validity rule and has blank pages. If renewing, do so well before applying for your visa to avoid mismatches.
Prepare Documents: For e-visas, have a digital photo ready; for VOA, bring two physical photos and USD cash for the stamping fee, as airport ATMs can be crowded. Embassy applications may require additional documents like flight itineraries—check requirements in advance.
Verify Entry Points: E-visas are valid for 33 entry points, including airports, land borders, and seaports, while VOA is airport-only. Confirm your entry point matches your visa type to avoid issues.
Avoid Overstays: Overstaying your visa incurs fines of 500,000-5,000,000 VND ($20-$200 USD). If your plans change, contact the Vietnam Immigration Office (e.g., 40 Hang Bai, Hanoi) for extensions, which cost $10-$50 USD depending on duration.
Stay Informed: Vietnam’s visa policies can change, so check the Immigration Department’s website or consult a trusted agency before traveling. For 2025, no visa exemptions exist for Canadians, but updates may occur—stay vigilant.

If you’re unsure which option suits your trip, a reliable visa service can simplify the process. Tubudd’s Visa Service offers e-visas and approval letters with clear guidance, ensuring you’re ready for Vietnam’s immigration requirements.

Conclusion

So, do Canadians need a visa for Vietnam? Yes, Canadian citizens must obtain a visa for all visits in 2025, with options including e-visas, visas on arrival, or embassy applications. The e-visa is the easiest for short trips, while VOA suits airport arrivals, and embassy visas cater to longer stays. By preparing documents and applying early, you’ll enter Vietnam smoothly. For hassle-free visa processing, trust Tubudd’s Visa Service for e-visas and approval letters—contact us or download our app on Appstore or Google Play to start your Vietnam journey!