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Vietnam Travel Guide 2026: Visa, Best Time to Go and Planning

Vietnam stretches over 1,000 miles, so the best time depends on where you go. Here is the visa step US travellers must not skip, and when each region is at its best.

PUBLISHED 2026-10-09 · UPDATED 2026-10-09 · TRAVEL

Short answer: US citizens need a visa to enter Vietnam, and the State Department says to apply before you travel. An e-visa for up to 90 days is available online, reported at $25 for one entry or $50 for multiple entries. Air arrivals must also submit a pre-arrival declaration up to 3 days before. The best months differ by region: roughly December to March for Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, February to June for central beaches. The State Department advisory is Level 1, normal precautions.

Entry rules for US citizens

• Visa: required. The State Department says to get it before you travel. The only exception it lists is a stay of 30 days or less on Phu Quoc island.
• E-visa: single or multiple entry, valid up to 90 days. Fees reported at $25 for a single entry and $50 for multiple entries. Apply only on the official Vietnam government e-visa portal; look-alike sites charge extra.
• Passport: valid at least 6 months beyond your arrival date, with at least 2 blank pages for an e-visa. A 12-page emergency passport may not be accepted. Enter and leave on the same passport you applied with.
• Pre-arrival declaration: travellers arriving by air must submit one up to 3 days before arrival.
• Advisory level: Level 1 (exercise normal precautions), issued June 24, 2026.

Plan your visit in 5 steps

1. Pick your region and month using the table below.
2. Apply for the e-visa on the official portal and submit the pre-arrival declaration within 3 days of landing.
3. Compare flights: search flights on Aviasales.
4. Sort mobile data before you land: see eSIM vs roaming, or check Vietnam eSIM plans on Airalo.
5. Book tours and tickets ahead in busy months with Tiqets, then build a budget in the Trip Builder and read the travel insurance guide.

When to go, by region

RegionBest monthsNotes North: Hanoi, Sapa, Halong BayHanoi Dec–Mar; Sapa trekking Oct–Apr; Halong Bay Mar–Apr or Oct–NovDec–Mar is drier and cooler in Hanoi. Sapa can be cold at night in Dec–Jan and may see light snow Dec–Feb. Centre: Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang, Nha TrangFeb–Jun for beaches; Hue and Hoi An Jan–MarHot and a bit wetter toward June. July and August bring domestic crowds and resort prices up to 50% higher. South: Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu QuocDec–Mar; Mekong Delta Jan–MarDrier with lower humidity. July and August are warm and humid.

Tet, the Lunar New Year, falls in late January or early February. The whole country travels, and transport and hotel prices rise sharply, so book well ahead or avoid those dates. Shoulder months (April–June and September–November) are quieter but less predictable.

What we could not verify

We did not find a reliable current source for visa processing times, so check the official portal for the latest. We also have not published cost figures for Vietnam because we could not source them to a dated, neutral page; use the Trip Builder to set your own budget.

Quick answers

Do US citizens need a visa for Vietnam?

Yes. The State Department says US citizens need a visa and should apply before travel. The only exception it lists is a stay of 30 days or less on Phu Quoc island.

How long is the Vietnam e-visa valid?

Up to 90 days, as a single-entry or multiple-entry visa, reported at $25 and $50 respectively. Apply on the official Vietnam government e-visa portal.

What is the best time to visit Vietnam?

It depends on the region. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are best from about December to March, central beaches from February to June, and Halong Bay in March–April or October–November.

Is Vietnam safe for US travellers?

The State Department rates Vietnam Level 1, exercise normal precautions, as of its June 24, 2026 advisory. Check the current advisory before you go.

Should I avoid Tet?

Tet falls in late January or early February and prices and crowds rise sharply. Book far ahead or travel in another month.

More travel guides

• Japan Travel Guide
• Dubai Travel Guide
• Albania Travel Guide
• Montenegro Travel Guide
• Trip Builder: plan a trip by budget and season
• eSIM vs roaming
• Car rental tips
• Travel insurance guide
• All travel on The Convergence

Sources

Entry rules and advisory: U.S. Department of State, Vietnam travel advisory and country information (travel.state.gov), guidance dated Sep 15, 2026. Visa fees and e-visa terms: Wikipedia, "Visa policy of Vietnam". Best months: Lonely Planet, "Best time to visit Vietnam".

This page contains partner links. If you book through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It is general information, not travel, legal or financial advice. Rules, fees and prices change often.

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