Vietnam Visa for South Korea Citizens (2026): Complete Guide

Overview

For South Korean citizens planning to relocate to or visit Vietnam in 2026, understanding the visa regulations is the essential first step in your journey. The process is notably streamlined thanks to a strong bilateral relationship between the two nations. South Korean passport holders benefit from one of the most favorable visa frameworks in Vietnam, which includes a generous visa-free allowance and a straightforward electronic visa (e-visa) system for longer stays. This guide consolidates the official information you need to plan your travel, whether for tourism, business meetings, or family visits, ensuring you enter Vietnam with the correct documentation and peace of mind. Always remember, while this guide is based on the latest available information, visa policies can change, and verifying details with official sources before your trip is paramount.

Visa-Free Entry for South Korean Passport Holders

Under a reciprocal agreement between Vietnam and South Korea, South Korean citizens enjoy a significant visa exemption. As of the information available for 2026 planning, you are allowed to enter Vietnam without applying for any visa in advance for a stay of up to 45 days. This applies to all purposes of entry covered under the exemption, such as tourism and business visits.

This 45-day visa-free period is an excellent option for short-term holidays, exploring cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, or Hoi An, or conducting brief business engagements. It is crucial to note that the 45 days are counted from the date of entry. If you plan to stay in Vietnam for longer than 45 consecutive days, or if you intend to make multiple entries within a short period where the total stay exceeds 45 days, you must obtain a visa prior to your travel. The visa-free privilege is specifically for South Korean passport holders; other travel documents may not be eligible.

E-Visa Application Process for Longer Stays

For South Koreans who wish to stay in Vietnam beyond the 45-day visa-free period, the 90-day e-visa is the most convenient solution. The Vietnamese e-visa is an official document issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department that allows entry for tourism, business (where no work permit is required), or visiting relatives. It is obtained entirely online through the single, official government portal.

Here is a step-by-step breakdown of the e-visa application process:

1. Access the Official Portal: Navigate to the sole official website for Vietnamese e-visas: evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn. Be wary of third-party commercial websites that charge additional service fees.
2. Complete the Online Form: You will need to accurately fill in all required personal details, which must match your passport exactly. This includes your full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, and intended date of entry.
3. Upload Required Documents: You will be prompted to upload digital copies of the necessary documents (detailed in the next section). This typically includes a passport data page photo and a recent portrait photo.
4. Pay the E-Visa Fee: The processing fee is paid securely online via the portal. For a single-entry e-visa, the cost is $25 USD.
5. Receive and Download Your E-Visa: After the processing period, you will receive your e-visa via email in PDF format. You must print this document in color on A4 paper and present it alongside your passport upon arrival at any of Vietnam’s international airports, land borders, or seaports that accept e-visas.

Documents & Requirements

To apply for the Vietnam e-visa, South Korean applicants must prepare the following:

• A Valid South Korean Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of entry into Vietnam and have at least two blank pages for stamping. The passport must be in good condition.
• Digital Passport Photo Page: A clear, scanned copy or high-quality digital photo of the biographical page of your passport.
• Digital Portrait Photo: A recent, passport-sized digital photo (4x6 cm) taken against a white background, without glasses. The photo must be front-facing with a neutral expression.
• A Valid Email Address: For receiving the application code and the final e-visa document.
• A Credit/Debit Card: For paying the $25 USD e-visa fee online.
• Intended Entry/Exit Dates and Ports: You must specify your planned date of entry, exit, and the intended airport/border gate for arrival and departure when applying.

For visa-free entry, you only need your valid South Korean passport, which will be stamped upon arrival with the permitted stay duration.

Typical Processing Time & Costs

Understanding the timeline and fees helps in planning a stress-free application.

• E-Visa Processing Time: The typical processing time for a Vietnamese e-visa is approximately 3 working days. However, it is highly advisable to apply at least one week before your intended travel date to account for any unforeseen delays, especially during peak holiday seasons.
• E-Visa Cost: The official government fee for a single-entry e-visa, valid for up to 90 days, is $25 USD. This fee is non-refundable, even if the application is denied or you cancel your trip.
• Visa-Free Cost: There is no fee for entering Vietnam under the 45-day visa exemption agreement.

It is important to budget for this cost and use only the official payment gateway on the government website to avoid scams or overpaying.

Extending Your Stay in Vietnam

If you are already in Vietnam on an e-visa and wish to extend your stay beyond its 90-day validity, you cannot simply “renew” the e-visa from within the country. The e-visa is single-entry and non-extendable. To stay longer, you must exit Vietnam (e.g., to a neighboring country like Cambodia, Laos, or Thailand) and apply for a new visa—either another e-visa or a different visa type—from abroad before re-entering.

For those on the 45-day visa-free entry, the same rule applies: you must leave Vietnam before the 45 days expire if you wish to return. Re-entering immediately after a short exit to “reset” the visa-free clock is a common practice but is subject to the discretion of the immigration officer, who may question the purpose of frequent back-to-back entries.

Digital Nomad & Long-Term Stay Options

As of the information available for 2026 planning, Vietnam does not have a specific “digital nomad visa.” Working remotely, even for a foreign employer, while in Vietnam on a tourist visa (including the e-visa or visa-free entry) is technically not permitted under Vietnamese law. These visas are for tourism, business meetings, or visiting family—not for conducting work.

For South Koreans seeking long-term stays for work, investment, or family reunion, other visa types are required. These typically involve a Vietnamese sponsor company (for work permits and temporary residence cards), an investment entity, or a family member who is a Vietnamese citizen or legal resident. The process for these visas is more complex, requires substantial documentation, and is almost always arranged through a sponsoring entity within Vietnam, often with the help of a local legal or visa agency.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Using Unofficial Websites: Only use the official government portal (evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn) to avoid scams, overpayment, or fraudulent documents.
• Last-Minute Applications: Applying for an e-visa too close to your departure date risks delays. Apply at least one week in advance.
• Passport Validity: Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity beyond your entry date. An expiring passport is a common reason for entry denial.
• Incorrect Information: Double-check that all details on your e-visa application match your passport exactly. A single typo can render your visa invalid.
• Overstaying: Never overstay your visa, whether it’s the 45-day exemption or the 90-day e-visa. Overstaying results in heavy fines, possible detention, and future entry bans.
• Assuming Remote Work is Allowed: Do not assume you can work remotely on a tourist e-visa or visa-free entry. This is illegal and can lead to deportation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long can South Korean citizens stay in Vietnam without a visa?

South Korean passport holders can stay in Vietnam visa-free for up to 45 days under a reciprocal agreement between the two countries. This period is calculated from your entry stamp date. For any stay longer than 45 consecutive days, you must obtain a visa in advance.

Do I need a visa to visit Da Nang or Phu Quoc from South Korea?

Vietnam’s visa policies are national, not city-specific. The 45-day visa-free entry or the 90-day e-visa applies regardless of whether you are entering via Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, or any other international port. There is no separate visa rule for Da Nang or the island of Phu Quoc for South Korean citizens.

Can I extend a Vietnamese e-visa once I am inside the country?

No, the Vietnamese e-visa is non-extendable. It is a single-entry visa valid for up to 90 days. If you need to stay longer, you must exit Vietnam before your e-visa expires and apply for a new visa from outside the country to re-enter.

What is the exact cost of a Vietnam e-visa for South Korean applicants?

The official government fee for a single-entry, 90-day e-visa obtained through the portal evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn is $25 USD. This is the standard fee paid directly to the Vietnam Immigration Department.

Which documents are required for a Vietnamese e-visa application?

The core documents are: 1) A digital scan/photo of your South Korean passport’s data page (valid for 6+ months), 2) A recent digital passport-sized portrait photo (4x6cm, white background), and 3) A valid email address and credit/debit card for payment and delivery.

Is it legal to work remotely on a Vietnam tourist visa or e-visa?

No. According to Vietnamese law, conducting work—including remote work for a foreign company—while on a tourist visa (which includes the e-visa and visa-free entry) is not permitted. These visas are strictly for tourism, business meetings, or family visits. Engaging in work activities without the proper work permit and corresponding business visa can lead to legal penalties, fines, and deportation.

How reliable is the 3-day processing time for the e-visa?

While the Vietnam Immigration Department cites a typical processing time of 3 working days, it is subject to change based on application volume and public holidays. For guaranteed peace of mind, applicants should submit their e-visa application at least one week, if not two, before their intended travel date.

What happens if my Vietnam e-visa application is rejected?

If your e-visa application is rejected, the $25 USD fee is not refunded. You will need to review the reason for rejection (often due to document errors or unclear photos), correct the issue, and submit a new application with a new payment. During this process, you may need to adjust your travel plans.

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Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is based on information available for 2026 planning. Visa regulations are subject to change by the Vietnamese government at any time. The authoritative source for all visa information is the Vietnam Immigration Department via its official e-visa website (evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn). It is the sole responsibility of the traveler to verify the current entry requirements directly with official sources or the Embassy of Vietnam before finalizing travel arrangements.