What you need to enter Vietnam with a South Korean passport

Authorization system

e-Visa (National Electronic Visa)

Since 11 November 2024 the portal operates on the domains evisa.gov.vn and thithucdientu.gov.vn. Valid for up to 90 days, single or multiple entry depending on the type requested.

Fee

USD 25.00

25 USD single entry; 50 USD multiple entry. Payment is non-refundable.

Processing time

3-5 business days.

Required documents

• Passport valid for at least 6 months.
• Clear scanned copy of the passport's data page (.jpg).
• 4x6cm passport-style photo, white background, no glasses (.jpg).
• Valid email address to receive the approval letter.
• Credit/debit card for payment.
• Proof of sufficient funds (may be requested, with random checks on arrival).

Vaccinations

• No mandatory vaccines for general entry. A yellow fever certificate is required from travellers over 1 year of age arriving from a country with risk of transmission.

Health insurance

Not mandatory for this destination.

Transit rules

Vietnam's e-visa is not valid at just any border: anyone entering on an e-visa must enter and leave through one of the international border gates designated by the Government, currently 33 of them. Arriving at a non-designated crossing with a valid e-visa is an entry problem, not something sorted out on the spot, so it is worth checking the crossing point before booking.

Customs limits

Cash

Up to 5,000 USD (or equivalent) or 15,000,000 VND without needing to declare; above that, declaration is mandatory.

Alcohol

1.5L of spirits >20% alcohol, or up to 2L if <20%, or 3L of beer — only for those over 18, not combinable between family members.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes, or 20 cigars, or 250g of tobacco — only for those over 18, not combinable between family members.

Overstay penalties

Overstaying is an administrative offence penalised under Article 17 of Decree No. 167/2013/NĐ-CP of 12 November 2013. The procedure the Immigration Department itself sets out is that you must present yourself to it to settle the violation and extend your temporary residence before leaving the country: this is not something to leave for the airport desk on the day of the flight. The specific fine is not given here because the official source points to the regulation without reproducing the amount.

Common reasons for denial

• Falling within one of the entry-suspension cases in Article 21 of Vietnam’s Law on foreigners’ entry, exit, transit and residence: not falling within them is an express condition for being granted the e-visa.
• Presenting yourself at a border gate that is not among those designated by the Government for electronic visa use.
• Not carrying the printed e-visa alongside a valid passport: the Immigration Department requires both to be shown at the checkpoint.