Do Canadians Need a Visa for Vietnam in 2025?

If you’re asking “do Canadians need a visa to Vietnam?”, the definitive answer in 2025 is: Yes. This guide consolidates official government rules, processing timelines, costs, application methods, and real traveler concerns, ensuring that your Vietnam trip starts with clarity—not confusion.

1. Do Canadian Passport Holders Need a Visa to Vietnam in 2025?

Mandatory Visa Policy for Canadian Citizens

As of March 2025, Vietnam does not offer visa exemption for holders of Canadian passports. All Canadian citizens must obtain a visa in advance to enter Vietnam, whether traveling for tourism, business, or personal visits.

This applies regardless of:

• Age (infants and children need their own visas),
• Travel purpose (except rare cases of diplomatic travel),
• Duration of stay (even for visits under 15 days).

Who May Be Exempt?

Vietnamese-Canadians (Việt kiều) or Canadian citizens with Vietnamese parents/spouses may apply for a Visa Exemption Certificate (Miễn thị thực), which is valid for 5 years and allows 90-day stays per visit.

Application must be done in person at the Vietnam Embassy in Ottawa or Vancouver. Requirements include:

• Original and copy of Canadian passport,
• Proof of Vietnamese heritage (birth certificate, family registry),
• Processing time: 7–10 working days,
• Fee: Approx. 25–50 CAD depending on consular region.

2. Vietnam Visa Types Available for Canadians

Visa options for Canadian travelers are grouped by purpose of visit, entry type, and validity period. Here's a detailed breakdown based on Blog 2's data and Vietnam’s immigration policy.

3. How to Apply for a Vietnam Visa from Canada (Step-by-Step)

So you've asked the question: “do Canadians need a visa to Vietnam?” Now you're ready to apply. Excellent! Whether you're planning a dreamy two-week escape or a 90-day exploration, this section gives you everything you need to complete your Vietnam visa application smoothly and confidently.

There are two primary methods for Canadian citizens to obtain a Vietnamese visa:

1. Online via the Vietnam eVisa system, or
2. Through the Vietnam Embassy in Canada.

Option 1: Apply Online for a Vietnam eVisa

The Vietnam e visa is by far the most efficient method for Canadian citizens traveling for tourism or business. You can apply directly through the official government portal:
https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn

eVisa Requirements Checklist

To complete your application form, prepare the following:

• A Canadian passport valid for at least 6 months from your intended entry date
• A clear scanned copy of your passport's bio page (JPEG format)
• A recent passport-style photo (JPEG format)
• A valid email address to receive your visa
• A credit or debit card for online payment

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Visit the official portal: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn
2. Click "For Foreigners" and select "e-Visa application form"
3. Upload your passport scan and passport photo
4. Fill in your travel details:
   • Port of entry (must match your actual flight)
   • Type of visa (30 or 90 days; single or multiple entry)
   • Purpose: tourism or business
5. Confirm all information is accurate
6. Pay the visa fee:
   • 25 USD for single entry
   • 50 USD for multiple entry
7. Submit the form and wait for email confirmation
8. In 3–5 working days, your visa will be emailed in PDF format
9. Print your visa and bring a digital copy with you when you enter Vietnam

Supported Ports of Entry (eVisa Holders Only)

eVisas are accepted at 42 ports, including:

• Airports: Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (HCMC), Da Nang, Phu Quoc
• Land borders: Moc Bai, Lao Cai, Huu Nghi
• Seaports: Hai Phong, Da Nang, Nha Trang

If you enter via a port not listed in your application, you will be denied entry.

Option 2: Apply via the Vietnamese Embassy in Canada

For travelers seeking work visas, relative visit visas, or extended multiple entry visas, applying through the Vietnam Embassy in Canada is recommended.

Embassy Contact Information:

Embassy of Vietnam in Canada
Address: 55 MacKay St, Ottawa, ON K1M 2B2
Email: visa@vietnamembassy.ca
Website: www.vietnamembassy.ca

Embassy Visa Requirements Checklist

• Original Canadian passport (with 6 months validity)
• Completed visa application form (available online or at the embassy)
• Two recent passport-sized photos
• Visa fee (payable by money order or bank draft)
• Supporting documents depending on visa type:
  • Work visa: labor contract, work permit
  • Family visit: invitation letter, proof of relationship

Processing Time & Fees

• Tourist visa: 5–7 business days; fee: 25–50 USD
• Business visa or long-stay visa: 7–10 days; fee ranges from 80–250 USD
• Mail-in applications accepted, but must include prepaid return envelope

Compared to the eVisa method, the embassy route allows longer stays and more flexibility, but requires more paperwork and lead time.

4. Visa on Arrival (VOA) – Is It Still an Option for Canadians?

The answer is technically yes, but functionally no for most travelers in 2025.

Pre-pandemic vs. Current Status

Before 2020, Visa on Arrival (VOA) was widely available for Canadian tourists arriving by air. However, post-pandemic regulations have drastically restricted VOA, making it:

• Available only for business travelers with sponsorship,
• Not applicable for tourists unless coordinated through specialized agents,
• Riskier, as failure to obtain pre-approval leads to denied boarding or entry.

Why VOA Is No Longer Recommended

1. Pre-approval letter required, arranged by a Vietnam-based sponsor.
2. Available only at major airports (Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, Da Nang).
3. Requires extra queuing and document verification on arrival.
4. Not accepted at land or sea border crossings.
5. Processing time for sponsorship letters: 3–7 working days.

5. Vietnam eVisa for Canadian Citizens: Key Data

What is the Vietnam eVisa?

The Vietnam eVisa is an official electronic visa issued by the Vietnamese government to citizens of over 80 countries, including Canada.

Key Features

Most Canadian travelers apply online, and 75% receive their visa within 3–5 working days, while 5% may wait longer than 5 days depending on volume or errors.

6. Entry & Exit Rules for eVisa Holders

To legally enter Vietnam using an eVisa, you must follow strict rules outlined by the Vietnamese Immigration Department and confirmed by both Blog 2 and Blog 3.

Entry Port Restriction

• You must enter through the exact port stated in your visa approval.
• 42 designated ports are eligible for eVisa use, including:
   
  • Airports: Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (HCMC), Da Nang, Cam Ranh, Phu Quoc.
  • Land ports: Lao Cai, Moc Bai, Huu Nghi.
  • Seaports: Hai Phong, Nha Trang, Da Nang.

No Early Entry

• Entry is allowed only on or after the “Valid from” date shown on your eVisa.
• Earlier arrival = denial of entry, even by one day.

Exit Requirements

• You must exit Vietnam before or on the final day of your eVisa validity.
• No automatic extensions or grace periods.
• Overstay even by a day can incur fines of up to 1,000,000 VND (~40 CAD).

Extension Rules

• As of 2025, Vietnam does not allow eVisa extensions inside the country.
• To stay longer, you must:
  1. Exit Vietnam before your visa expires.
  2. Apply for a new visa from Canada or a third country (e.g., Thailand).
  3. Re-enter under a new visa with proper documentation.

7. Tips for Fast, Hassle-Free Visa Approval

Securing your Vietnam visa for Canadian citizens doesn’t have to be stressful. Follow these practical tips to maximize your approval chances:

1. Apply at least 2–3 weeks before your travel date – This accounts for delays or unexpected rejections.
2. Double-check passport validity – It must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned date of arrival.
3. Ensure accuracy in all fields – Your name, passport number, and date of birth must match your passport exactly.
4. Track your eVisa status – Use the unique code from your application to check status at the official portal.
5. Want support? Use a visa agency – Many Canadians use services like Vietnam-visa.com or iVisa.com. Pros:
   • Faster emergency processing (as quick as 2 working days)
   • Customer support
   • Avoid common mistakes
     Cons:
   • Extra service fee (ranges from 25–105 USD depending on urgency)

8. Vietnam Visa Fees for Canadian Citizens in 2025

Here’s a full breakdown of visa fees and processing time for Vietnam tourist visa Canada applicants, based on Blog 2 and verified agency rates:

Total costs vary depending on whether you apply directly via the government or use a third-party agency.

9. Trusted Resources & Support for Canadian Travelers

For the most up-to-date and reliable guidance, always refer to:

• Official Vietnam eVisa portal: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn
• Vietnam Embassy in Canada: https://vietnamembassy.ca
• Visa agency hotline (Blog 2): +84.946.583.583 – For emergency or expedited support
• Government of Canada travel advisories: https://travel.gc.ca

These sources will help ensure your Vietnam visa for Canadian citizens is processed correctly and legally.

10. Conclusion

To wrap up, the question “do Canadians need a visa to Vietnam” has a clear answer: yes, without exception. The process is straightforward if you follow the right steps, meet all visa requirements, and choose the application route that best fits your needs. Need help choosing or applying? Let us know—and share this guide with your fellow Canadian travelers heading to Vietnam in 2025.