Vietnam Visa for Canada Citizens: Best Complete Guide 2026

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Canadian passport holders are not on Vietnam's visa exemption list. That means every trip to Vietnam requires a valid Vietnam visa for Canada citizens - whether you are visiting for tourism, business, or to see family. The good news: the e-visa covers 90 days, costs USD 25-50, and is processed entirely online in 3-5 working days.

This guide covers the three valid application methods, the current government fees, the exact document checklist, and what to do when you arrive at your port of entry.

In brief:

Do Canada Citizens Need a Visa for Vietnam?

Yes. Vietnam's visa exemption policy currently covers 25 countries, and Canada is not among them. All Canadian passport holders must hold a valid visa to enter Vietnam, regardless of purpose of travel.

The Vietnam e-visa is the standard route. It is available to citizens of all countries, Canada included, and requires no embassy visit. You apply online, receive approval by email, and print the visa before you fly.

How to Apply for Vietnam Visa as a Canadian: 3 Methods

You can apply for your Vietnam visa through three official channels. Which one to use depends on how you plan to enter the country.

E-Visa: Recommended for Most Canadians

The Vietnam e-visa is the most practical choice for Canadian travelers. It covers all ports of entry - airports, land border gates, and seaports - and the entire process is online.

To apply:

1. Go to evisa.gov.vn, the official Vietnamese government portal.
2. Click "Grant E-visa" and register with your email address.
3. Complete the form with your personal details, passport number, and intended entry and exit dates.
4. Upload a scan of your passport bio page (JPG, under 2MB) and a passport photo (4x6cm, white background, no glasses).
5. Pay the government fee by credit or debit card: USD 25 for single entry, USD 50 for multiple entry.
6. Wait 3-5 working days for the approval email.
7. Print the e-visa and carry it alongside your passport when you travel.

Note: If you need the visa faster, expedited processing is available at an additional fee and delivers approval within 1 working day.

Visa on Arrival: Air Travel Only

Visa on arrival is applicable to air travel only. You cannot use it to cross into Vietnam by land or sea. The process has two stages:

1. Submit an online request for a pre-approval letter. Vietnamvisa.com processes standard requests in 2-3 working days; same-day processing is available for urgent departures.
2. On arrival at a Vietnamese international airport, present your approval letter and two passport-sized photos (4x6cm, white background, no glasses) at the immigration counter. Pay the visa stamping fee in USD cash.

Visa stamping fee: USD 25 for single entry or USD 50 for multiple entry, paid in cash at the airport counter.

Note: Carry the exact amount in USD. Change is not always available at the immigration desk.

Embassy Visa: For Overland Entry

If you plan to enter Vietnam by land from China, Laos, or Cambodia, you need a visa sticker issued by a Vietnamese diplomatic post before you travel. Apply at the Vietnamese Embassy in Ottawa or the Consulate General in Vancouver or Toronto.

Processing takes 5-7 working days. You can apply in person or by mail. Contact the embassy directly for the current fee schedule and required forms, as these vary by visa type.

Vietnam Visa for Canada Citizens: Document Requirements

The required documents for an e-visa or visa on arrival application:

• A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned entry date into Vietnam.
• At least one blank page in your passport for the visa stamp.
• A clear scan of your passport bio page in JPG format (under 2MB file size).
• A recent passport photo: 4x6cm, white background, no glasses, taken within the last 6 months.
• A valid email address (your e-visa approval and documents arrive by email).
• A credit or debit card for online fee payment (e-visa applicants only).
• A temporary residential address in Vietnam, such as a confirmed hotel booking or a relative's address.

For an embassy or consulate visa application, the required documents vary by visa category. Check the embassy website or call the consulate directly for the current list.

Vietnam Visa Fees for Canadian Citizens

E-visa government fees Single entry USD 25 / Multiple entry USD 50. Government fees are non-refundable at the Immigration Department, but VietnamVisa.com refunds them under our money-back guarantee if your application is declined:

• Single entry, up to 90 days: USD 25
• Multiple entry, up to 90 days: USD 50

If you apply through Vietnamvisa.com, a service fee applies in addition to the government fee. The service fee covers document review, form assistance, and resubmission support if there is a problem with your application. The government fee goes directly to the Vietnamese immigration authority, which does not refund it so VietnamVisa.com refunds it for you under our money-back guarantee if your application is declined (excluding declines caused by incorrect details you provided).

Visa on arrival costs:

• Service fee for the pre-approval letter: varies by processing speed (standard 2-3 working days vs. same-day urgent)
• Visa stamping fee at the airport: USD 25 (single entry) / USD 50 (multiple entry), paid in USD cash on arrival

Note: The visa stamping fee (visa-on-arrival method) is non-refundable. For the e-visa, a declined application is refunded in full by VietnamVisa.com under our money-back guarantee (cancelling your own trip after approval is not covered)

Validity and Extensions for Canadian Visitors

Your Vietnam visa allows a stay of up to 90 days per entry. Your 90-day period starts from the date you enter Vietnam, not from the date the visa is issued. The e-visa also has a validity window - you must enter before the expiry date printed on the visa.

Can Canadian Citizens Extend Their Vietnam Visa?

Yes. You can apply for an extension at the Vietnam Immigration Department office in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang. Apply before your current visa expires. Processing takes 5-7 working days and adds up to 90 more days to your stay. Bring your passport, current visa, and proof of accommodation.

Overseas Vietnamese Residing in Canada

Vietnamese nationals who have obtained Canadian citizenship may qualify for a 5-year visa exemption certificate. The certificate also covers their foreign spouses and children under 18. To apply, contact the Overseas Vietnamese Affairs Committee or the Vietnamese Embassy in Ottawa. You will need proof of Vietnamese origin and your current Canadian residency documents.

Frequently Asked Questions