Do Canadian Citizens Need a Visa to Visit Vietnam?

The answer is yes! The Vietnamese government allows citizens from many countries and regions, including Canada, to apply for a visa electronically. The e-visa is suitable for tourism, business, family visits, and other short-term stays — and best of all, there’s no need to visit a Vietnamese embassy or submit any paper documents. It’s incredibly convenient.

The Vietnam e-visa is valid for purposes such as:

  • Tourist travel
  • Business visits
  • Short-term work meetings
  • Family or personal visits

📌Important Notes:

  • The e-visa can be issued as either a single-entry or multiple-entry visa, depending on your selection during the application process.
  • Once your application is submitted and payment is completed, the information cannot be changed.
  • The e-visa cannot be extended. If you wish to stay in Vietnam for additional days or months after your visa expires, you must apply for a new visa.

What Visa Options Are Available for Canadians Traveling to Vietnam?

Yes, Canadian citizens are required to obtain a visa before traveling to Vietnam. Currently, there are three main visa options to choose from:

1. Vietnam E-Visa (Highly Recommended)
The electronic visa (e-visa) is currently the most convenient and popular option for Canadian citizens.

2. Vietnam Visa on Arrival (Requires Pre-Approval Letter) 

Visa on Arrival (VOA) is another option, but it requires a Visa Approval Letter in advance.

  • Duration of stay: Up to 30 days, with options for single-entry or multiple-entry.
  • Application method: You must apply through an agency or travel service to obtain the approval letter. Visit our website: https://www.visa-vietnam.hk/.
    You cannot apply for the VOA approval letter directly through the Vietnam Immigration Department.
  • Processing time: Typically 3 business days.

3. Applying for a Vietnam Visa Through the Embassy or Consulate in Canada (Less Convenient)

If you prefer to obtain a visa sticker (paper visa) before departure, you can also apply through the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in Canada.

  • Processing time: Around 5–7 business days (early application recommended).
  • Required documents: Valid passport, passport-size photo, completed visa application form, and applicable visa fees.

Important notes:
Before submitting your application, be sure to contact the nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate to confirm:

  • Whether an appointment is required
  • Whether they accept applications by mail
    Requirements may vary slightly by jurisdiction, so it’s best to confirm these details in advance to avoid any delays in your travel plans.

Summary Recommendation:
Among the three visa options above, the electronic visa (e-visa) is by far the most recommended for Canadian passport holders.
The entire process is conducted completely online, with no need for mailing documents or visiting an embassy or consulate.

Once approved, simply print out the e-visa PDF and present it to immigration officers upon entry to Vietnam.

Compared to the Visa on Arrival, the e-visa offers several advantages:

  • No need to fill out the NA1 entry form at the airport
  • No need to prepare cash for stamping fees
  • No long queues to process the visa at arrival
  • No additional passport photos or printed forms required

It’s truly a hassle-free solution—apply, print, fly, and enter with ease!

However, if you have never been to Vietnam or are not very familiar with the Vietnam e-visa, we recommend that you continue reading below. We will provide a detailed introduction to the e-visa application process, important notes, and how to avoid common mistakes.

What is a Vietnam E-visa (Electronic Visa)?

A Vietnam E-visa is an online visa issued directly by the Vietnam Immigration Department, designed for foreign tourists and business travelers. The entire application process can be completed online, eliminating the complex procedures of traditional visas. It’s an ideal option for international travelers seeking a fast and convenient way to enter Vietnam.

For Canadian citizens, the E-visa is both efficient and easy to obtain. Applicants simply need to submit the required documents, apply via the official website, and pay the visa fee online. The approved visa will be issued in PDF format within a few days.

  • No need to visit an embassy
  •  No need to mail physical documents

This truly is a “stay-at-home visa application” experience.

Sample of Vietnam E-visa

越南电子签样本
Vietnam E-visa Sample

Who Can Apply for a Vietnam E-visa?

Currently, travelers from over 80 countries and regions around the world are eligible to apply for a Vietnam e-visa online — and Canadian passport holders are certainly on the list! 

Whether you’re coming to Vietnam for tourism and relaxation, visiting friends and family, or a short-term business trip, you can easily apply through the official website of the Vietnam Immigration Department or via our trusted partner platform.

How long does the approval process take?

In general, the processing time for a Vietnam E-visa is around 3 to 5 business days (excluding weekends and public holidays). However, the exact approval time can vary:

  • About 5% of applications are approved on the 3rd business day,
  • The majority (around 75%) receive results by the 4th business day,
  • The remaining 20% may take 5 business days or more, especially during peak travel seasons or if additional documentation is required.

👉 Pro tip: We highly recommend submitting your application at least one week in advance. That way, you’ll have plenty of time to prepare and avoid any last-minute stress before your trip!

What are the requirements for Canadians to apply for a Vietnam e-visa?

Applying for an e-visa is not complicated — you just need to prepare the following documents in advance:

1️⃣ Passport Photo or Scan
– Your passport must be valid for at least 2 months beyond your intended exit date from Vietnam.
– It must have at least one blank visa page for stamping.
– Ensure the scanned copy is clear, in color, and without glare or shadows. JPG or PNG format is recommended.
– You can take a photo of your passport using a mobile phone, as long as it’s clear and uncropped. (Highly recommended)

2️⃣ Portrait Photo (Digital)
– A headshot or selfie, taken recently, facing the camera directly, without glasses.
– Recommended size: 4×6 cm, file size under 2MB.
– No beauty filters or edits allowed. You can take it with a phone, but the background should be plain and clean.

3️⃣ Accommodation Information (Recommended) & Personal Details (Required During Application)

– Full name, date of birth, and passport number

– Current residential address (in your home country)

– Accommodation address in Vietnam (hotel, apartment, friend’s house, etc.)

– Emergency contact information: You can list a family member, friend, or someone you trust as your emergency contact. This is important in case any issues arise during your stay.

How Can Canadian Citizens Apply for a Vietnam E-Visa?

1️⃣ Option 1: Apply Directly via the Official Vietnam Immigration Website

Time needed: 10 minutes.

Canadian citizens can apply for a Vietnam e-visa directly through the official website of the Vietnam Immigration Department. The process is very straightforward:

  1. Upload a clear photo of the passport’s bio page and a compliant passport-style photo.

  2. Fill in personal details such as name, gender, date of birth, and passport number.

  3. Select your intended entry date, port of entry, and visa type (single or multiple entry).

  4. Make the online payment and submit your application.

If your photos are clear and all information is accurate, you can typically receive your visa result within 4–5 business days. The entire process can be completed from home—super convenient!

👉 Pro Tip: Double-check your info to avoid delays

When applying for an e-visa, if your uploaded photos don’t meet the requirements (e.g., wearing glasses, unclear background, blurry image), or if your personal details do not match your passport exactly, the system may request corrections or resubmission.

This could delay the processing time or even result in rejection. So before submitting, carefully review all the information and uploaded images to ensure everything is correct—this helps you avoid issues that might disrupt your travel plans.

2️⃣ Option 2: Apply for an E-Visa Through Our Website

If you find the self-application process a bit tricky, or you’re worried about making mistakes that could delay your visa, don’t worry! We offer full assistance services—we’ll help you review your documents, submit your application, and ensure you receive your visa on time.

Just follow a few simple steps, and we’ll take care of the rest:

  • Visit our website.
  • Upload your passport bio page and a personal ID photo.
  • Make the online payment.
  • Wait a few days to receive your e-visa result via email!

We’ll double-check everything for you throughout the process, saving you time, hassle, and stress. And if there’s any issue, we’ll contact you right away to make sure your trip goes smoothly from start to finish.

How Much Does a Vietnam E-visa Cost?

If Canadian citizens choose to apply for a Vietnam electronic visa (e-visa) directly through the official website of the Vietnam Immigration Department, please refer to the following official fees:

Visa TypeMaximum Stay DurationNumber of EntriesOfficial Fee (USD)
E-visaUp to 90 daysSingle entry$25
E-visaUp to 90 daysMultiple entries$50
Vietnam E-visa Fees

Friendly Reminder on Processing Time:
While the official Vietnam Immigration website states that processing time is 3 working days, in practice, most applications take 4–5 working days to be approved.
Only about 5% of applications are approved within 3 days. Therefore, it’s best to plan ahead to avoid any disruptions to your travel schedule due to delays.

Important Notes:
Although applying on your own is more affordable, you must upload a clear scan of your passport and a compliant photo, and ensure all information is accurate.

If any information is incorrect, the photo format is invalid, or some data is missing, it may result in delays or even rejection of your visa application.

If you prefer to obtain your visa quickly and securely through our service—while avoiding common mistakes—here is a reference for our service fees:

Visa TypeProcessing TimeTotal Fee (USD)
30-Day Single Entry4 working days$50
3 working days$60
2 working days$75
1 working days$95
4 hours$105
2 hours$155
1 hoursContact us
30-Day Multiple Entry4 working days$75
3 working days$85
2 working days$105
1 working days$125
4 hours$135
2 hours$185
1 hoursContact us
90-Day Single Entry4 working days$55
3 working days$65
2 working days$85
1 working days$105
4 hours$115
2 hours$155
1 hoursContact us
90-Day Multiple Entry4 working days$80
3 working days$90
2 working days$110
1 working days$130
4 hours$140
2 hours$185
1 hoursContact us
Vietnam e-visa expedited fee

🔍 Read more: Urgent E-visa Service – Get your visa in just 2–4 hours!

The prices listed above are all-inclusive, meaning they already cover the government visa fee ($25 for single entry, $50 for multiple entries)—no additional payments are required.

All applications are carefully reviewed in advance by our professional team to ensure accuracy before being submitted through official channels. The approved visa will be delivered on time, making the entire process stress-free and secure.

This service is perfect for first-time applicants, those on a tight schedule, or anyone unfamiliar with the process who wants peace of mind while traveling.

👉 Click Here Now to Apply Now

Which Border Checkpoints Can Canadian Citizens Use with an E-Visa?

Currently, Vietnam’s electronic visa (e-visa) is accepted at most entry checkpoints, including airports, land border gates, and seaports, making travel much more convenient for visitors.

However, please note: When applying for an e-visa, you must select a specific entry point in advance. This is required for visa processing and tracking purposes.

Vietnam e-visas are valid at multiple international entry points, including:

Land Border Crossings (16 checkpoints)

Land Border
1Huu Nghi Border Gate (Lang Son Province, bordering China)
2Mong Cai Border Gate – Quang Ninh Province (bordering China)
3Lao Cai Border Gate (Lao Cai Province, bordering China)
4Tay Trang Border Gate – Dien Bien Province (bordering Laos)
5Na Meo Border Gate – Thanh Hoa Province (bordering Laos)
6Nam Can Border Gate – Nghe An Province (bordering Laos)
7Cau Treo Border Gate – Ha Tinh Province (bordering Laos)
8Cha Lo Border Gate – Quang Binh Province (bordering Laos)
9Lao Bao Border Gate – Quang Tri Province (bordering Laos)
10La Lay Border Gate – Quang Tri Province (bordering Laos)
11Bo Y Border Gate – Kon Tum Province (bordering Laos)
12Moc Bai Border Gate – Tay Ninh Province (bordering Cambodia)
13Xa Mat Border Gate – Tay Ninh Province (bordering Cambodia)
14Tinh Bien Border Gate – An Giang Province (bordering Cambodia)
15Vinh Xuong Border Gate – An Giang Province (bordering Cambodia)
16Ha Tien Border Gate – Kien Giang Province (bordering Cambodia)

International Airports (13)

International Airports 
1Nội Bài International Airport (Hanoi)
2Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City)
3Da Nang International Airport (Da Nang)
4Cam Ranh International Airport (Khanh Hoa Province)
5Phu Quoc International Airport (Phu Quoc Island)
6Can Tho International Airport (Can Tho City)
7Phu Bai International Airport (Hue)
8Cat Bi International Airport (Hai Phong)
9Van Don International Airport (Quang Ninh Province)
10Phu Cat International Airport (Binh Dinh Province)
11Lien Khuong Airport (Lam Dong Province)
12Dong Hoi Airport (Quang Binh Province)
13Tho Xuan Airport (Thanh Hoa Province)

Seaport Entry Points (13):

Seaport Entry Points
1Hon Gai Port (Quang Ninh Province)
2Cam Pha Port (Quang Ninh Province)
3Hai Phong Port (Hai Phong City)
4Nghi Son Port (Thanh Hoa Province)
5Vung Ang Port (Ha Tinh Province)
6Chan May Port (Thua Thien Hue Province)
7Da Nang Port (Da Nang City)
8Nha Trang Port (Khanh Hoa Province)
9Quy Nhon Port (Binh Dinh Province)
10Dung Quat Port (Quang Ngai Province)
11Vung Tau Port (Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province)
12Ho Chi Minh City Port (Ho Chi Minh City)
13Duong Dong Port (Kien Giang Province, Phu Quoc Island)

If your travel plans change unexpectedly and you enter Vietnam through a different port of entry, it’s not a problem.

The e-visa is now accepted at nearly all major entry points, and the system will automatically recognize your valid visa information.

So, don’t worry too much about itinerary changes — as long as your visa is still valid, you can enter Vietnam without any issues.

Do I have to enter Vietnam on the exact date specified on my e-visa?

You’re not required to enter Vietnam exactly on the start date stated on your e-visa — you can enter on that date or any time within the visa’s validity period.

For example: If your e-visa is valid from May 29 to June 29, you can enter Vietnam on May 29, or any day after that — such as June 1, June 15, etc., as long as it’s before June 29.

However, you cannot enter before the visa start date, such as May 27 or May 28 — this is strictly not allowed according to Vietnam’s immigration regulations.

If your travel plans change, you have two options:

  • Apply to amend your visa information (only in special cases, and typically with assistance at the airport);
  • A faster and more reliable solution is to apply for a new e-visa. We offer express services, and can help you get a new visa issued within just 2 to 4 hours to resolve your entry issue quickly.

Want to learn more about entry dates, visa validity, and related topics? Check out this helpful article: “Vietnam E-visa FAQ”

If you need assistance, feel free to contact us anytime!

Tips: What should Canadian travelers know before visiting Vietnam?

  • Apply in advance: It’s recommended to apply for your visa at least 7–10 days before departure.
  • Double-check your visa information: Ensure your passport number, full name, and visa validity dates are all correct.
  • Keep a backup of your visa: It’s wise to print a hard copy and also save an electronic version on your device.
  • Stay updated on policy changes: Visa policies may change — check the official Vietnam Immigration Department website before traveling.

Summary

Vietnam is a charming and culturally rich country that warmly welcomes Canadian travelers. But securing a visa is an essential first step before your journey.
Whether you choose to apply for an e-visa or another type of visa, planning ahead and being well-prepared will ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to Vietnam.

If you have any questions about the visa application process, need help preparing your documents, filling out the form, or choosing the right visa type, feel free to reach out.
We offer professional, one-on-one guidance and are here to help you obtain your visa with confidence and ease.

Can Canadian citizens enter Vietnam without a visa?

No, they cannot. Currently, Canadian passport holders are not eligible for visa-free entry to Vietnam. A valid visa is required for entry.

Should Canadian citizens choose an e-visa or a Visa on Arrival (VOA)?

The e-visa is highly recommended! It’s simple, fully online, allows a stay of up to 90 days, and supports both tourism and business purposes — something a Visa on Arrival cannot offer.

How long can Canadian citizens stay in Vietnam?

Canadian passport holders can stay in Vietnam for up to 90 days, depending on the type of e-visa chosen—single entry or multiple entry.

👉 Click here to contact us: https://www.visa-vietnam.hk/livechat