Vietnam visa for Germany: 4 things to know for a better trip

Introduction

As of 2026, German citizens visiting Vietnam are granted a 45-day visa exemption. For extended stays, please refer to this article for details regarding the e-visa program, including the application process and proper usage guidelines. Furthermore, this article provides answers to frequently asked questions raised by international visitors traveling to Vietnam.

 

 

1. Visa exemption policy of Vietnam

In accordance with Resolution No. 44/NQ-CP of the Government dated 07 March 2025, Germany citizens may be exempt from visa requirements with:

• A stay duration of 45 days from the date of entry (in which the entry and departure dates are calculated as full days). Passengers must present supporting evidence such as a round-trip or connecting flight ticket.
• Regardless of passport type or entry purpose.
• Children under 14 years old are not allowed to enter Vietnam unless accompanied by a legal guardian or an authorized representative.

Additionally, Vietnam unilaterally waives visas for citizens of 11 other countries: Russia, Japan, South Korea, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Sweden, the UK, France, Spain, and Italy. To enter Vietnam under visa exemption, visitors must ensure they hold a passport from an exempt country and meet the accompanying conditions:

• Passport must be valid for at least six 06 months from the date of entry.
• At least 02 blank pages remaining.

A visa is still not required if:

• The visa requirement is suspended by mutual agreement;
• The foreigner holds a valid permanent or temporary residence permit for Vietnam;
• The foreigner is only staying in a border economic zone for a maximum of 15 days, or in a special administrative and economic zone or a coastal economic zone (such as Phu Quoc) for a maximum of 30 days.

*** The unilateral visa exemption policy is effective from 15 March 2025 until 14 March 2028.

 

 

2. Circumstances requiring a Visa

A visa is mandatory in the following cases:

• Duration of stay: longer than 45 days
• Multiple entries
• Longer business needs: especially journalism or media work

*** Vietnam e-visa issued by Vietnam's Immigration Department is the most convenient way for German applicants to obtain a visa for Vietnam.

 

 

3. How does e-visa work?

From 15th August 2023, Vietnam grants e-visas for citizens of all countries and territories:

• Validity: For a maximum duration of 90 days (single-entry or multiple-entry).
• Fee structure: 25 USD for a single-entry visa and 50 USD for a multiple-entry visa.
• Processing duration: 3 to 5 business days.
• Recommended submission time: At least 2 months prior to departure to Vietnam.
• Application method: Submit directly through the official web portal of the Vietnam's Immigration Department.

List of Vietnam entry points that accept e-visa:
As of 2026, there are 81 ports to support e-visa for foreigners to travel to Vietnam including:

• 15 international airports
• 27 land border gates
• 39 seaports

List of border gates to Vietnam

To apply for an e-visa, you will need:

• A clear scanned copy of your passport bio page, all four corners visible, no glare;
• A scanned passport-style portrait photo: 4x6 cm
• International payment cards: Visa, MasterCard, or American Express to pay the fees.

Once you have prepared the proper materials, you need to go to Vietnam’s National Portal on Immigration  and follow the procedure to complete application.

*** It is important to note that the scanned passport photo being sent must have the applicant looking directly at the camera with neutral expression, no glasses and on plain white background.

 

 

4. Visa-free does not mean immigration-free

There is a common misconception among passengers that visa exemption for Vietnam removes the requirement for immigration clearance. However, even if your nationality is eligible for visa-free entry to Vietnam, you still need to go through immigration procedure upon arrival.

Depending on the airport and arrival time, you may need to wait in line for a while for immigration checking. This is why even visa-exempt travelers may consider using an Arrival Fast Track service for:

• Time Savings: Standard immigration can take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes depending on flight volume, whereas Fast Track can reduce it to about 5 to 10 minutes.
• Convenience: A staff member meets you at the gate and guides you through a dedicated priority lane.
• Connections: It is helpful if you have a very short layover, are traveling with young children or elderly family members, or arriving during peak flight hours.

 

*** For specific information regarding our service packages and to receive optimal support for a seamless itinerary to Vietnam, please access the following link or contact the Sondax Travel team: Sondax Airport Services

 

 

Frequently asked questions about entering Vietnam

1. Which countries need no visa for Vietnam?
Vietnam offers visa-free entry to citizens from arround 100 countries under unilateral and bilateral exemption agreements. You can check from this Viet Nam's visa exemption list

2. Do I need a visa for Vietnam with a EU passport?
Whether EU citizens need a visa for Vietnam depends on their specific country of citizenship and the length of their stay. If your EU country of citizenship is not on the visa-exemption list (or if you plan to stay longer than 45 days), you need a visa.

3. Do I need a visa for transit in Vietnam (Hanoi) as a German citizen?
Visa exemption includes exemption from visa requirements for entry, exit, and transit. Additionally, German visitors are exempt from visa requirements to enter Vietnam so you definitely do not need one for transit.

4. Is there a way to stay longer in Vietnam as a German citizen?
As a German citizen, leaving Vietnam for at least 1 day then return is legal since you get 45 days visa free every time enter Vietnam. Therefore, travelers may undertake a brief visit to neighboring countries, such as Thailand or Laos, before re-entering Vietnam. No one will stop you or question at all.