Vietnam Visa for South Korean Citizens: 2026 Visa-Free & E-Visa Guide

Planning a trip from South Korea to Vietnam is relatively straightforward for most travelers. South Korean citizens can generally enter Vietnam without a visa for up to 45 days, making Vietnam a convenient destination for holidays, short business trips, and family visits.

If you plan to stay in Vietnam for more than 45 days, you may need to apply for a Vietnam e-visa before traveling. Vietnam e-visas can provide longer stays and may be issued for either single or multiple entry, depending on the visa granted.

This guide explains the current Vietnam visa options for South Korean citizens, including visa-free entry, passport requirements, e-visa rules, fees, processing times, and what to expect when arriving in Vietnam.

Do South Korean Citizens Need a Visa for Vietnam?

South Korean citizens generally do not need a visa to visit Vietnam for up to 45 days.

The visa exemption applies to eligible travelers holding an ordinary Republic of Korea passport. For a short trip that falls within the permitted 45-day period, travelers do not need to complete a visa application before departure.

This makes Vietnam particularly convenient for travelers from Seoul, Busan, Incheon, Daegu, and other parts of South Korea.

For stays longer than the visa-free period, travelers should consider applying for a Vietnam e-visa before their trip.

Vietnam Visa Options for South Korean Citizens

For most travelers, there are two main options:

• Stay up to 45 days: Visa-free entry may be available.

• Stay longer than 45 days: Apply for a Vietnam e-visa if eligible.

• E-visa validity: An approved e-visa can allow a stay of up to 90 days.

• Entry type: E-visas may be issued for single or multiple entry.

Always check the latest Vietnamese immigration requirements before traveling because visa regulations can change.

How Long Can South Korean Citizens Stay in Vietnam Without a Visa?

Eligible South Korean passport holders can generally stay in Vietnam for up to 45 days without a visa.

The permitted period begins according to the entry date recorded by Vietnamese immigration authorities. Travelers should check the entry stamp or immigration record and make sure they leave Vietnam before the end of the permitted stay.

The 45-day exemption is particularly useful for:

• Short vacations

• City breaks

• Beach holidays

• Family visits

• Short business trips

• Cultural and food-focused trips

• Multi-city Vietnam itineraries

If your itinerary requires more than 45 days in Vietnam, an e-visa may be a more suitable option.

Vietnam Visa-Free Requirements for South Korean Citizens

Although a visa application is not normally required for an eligible short stay, travelers should still prepare the correct travel documents.

Valid South Korean Passport

Travelers should make sure their Republic of Korea passport meets Vietnam's current entry requirements and remains valid for the required period.

Before departure, check:

• Passport expiration date

• Passport condition

• Available blank pages

• Personal information and passport number

If your passport is close to expiration, consider renewing it before arranging your trip.

Stay Within the Permitted Period

Visa-free entry does not mean unlimited residence in Vietnam.

South Korean travelers should make sure their itinerary fits within the permitted 45-day period. Staying beyond the authorized period without the appropriate immigration status can result in penalties or other immigration problems.

Check Your Entry Information

At immigration, check the entry information recorded in your passport or immigration documentation.

If you notice an error, ask an immigration officer for clarification before leaving the immigration counter.

When Do South Korean Citizens Need a Vietnam E-Visa?

A South Korean citizen may need a Vietnam e-visa when the planned trip exceeds the visa-free period or when an e-visa is otherwise more appropriate for the traveler's itinerary.

For example, an e-visa can be useful for travelers planning:

• A long-term Vietnam vacation

• Extended stays with multiple destinations

• A Vietnam trip combined with several regional journeys

• Frequent exits and re-entries during a longer itinerary

• A stay that cannot be completed within 45 days

Vietnam's e-visa system allows eligible foreign travelers to apply online rather than visiting a Vietnamese embassy in many circumstances.

How Long Is a Vietnam E-Visa Valid for South Korean Citizens?

Vietnam e-visas can be issued for up to 90 days, subject to approval and the dates shown on the issued e-visa.

Depending on the approval, an e-visa may allow:

• Single entry

• Multiple entry

A multiple-entry e-visa can be useful if your itinerary involves leaving Vietnam and returning during the same travel period.

For example, a traveler might visit Vietnam, travel to another Southeast Asian country, and then return to Vietnam during the validity of the multiple-entry e-visa.

Always check the exact validity dates and entry conditions printed on the approved e-visa before traveling.

How to Apply for a Vietnam E-Visa

South Korean citizens who need an e-visa should apply through the official Vietnam immigration e-visa system.

The application generally requires travelers to provide personal and passport information and upload the required digital documents.

Step 1: Prepare Your Passport

Have your valid Republic of Korea passport available before starting the application.

Check the passport number, date of birth, nationality, name spelling, and expiration date carefully.

Step 2: Prepare Your Digital Documents

Applicants generally need a digital copy of the passport information page and a suitable passport-style photograph.

Make sure both images are clear and readable before uploading them.

Step 3: Complete the Application

Enter your information exactly as it appears in your passport.

Pay particular attention to:

• Full name

• Date of birth

• Nationality

• Passport number

• Passport expiration date

• Intended entry date

• Intended address in Vietnam

• Entry point

Small errors can create problems if the information on the e-visa does not match your passport.

Step 4: Pay the Government Fee

An e-visa application requires payment of the applicable government processing fee.

The fee depends on whether the approved e-visa is single-entry or multiple-entry.

Because fees and payment procedures can change, verify the current amount on the official immigration portal before submitting your application.

Step 5: Check Your Application

After submitting the application, keep your registration information so you can check the status of your e-visa.

Do not assume that submitting an application means it has already been approved.

Step 6: Download and Check the E-Visa

Once approved, download your e-visa and carefully check:

• Name

• Passport number

• Date of birth

• Entry date

• Exit date

• Entry type

• Entry point

If any information is incorrect, resolve the issue before traveling.

Vietnam E-Visa Requirements for South Korean Citizens

When applying for an e-visa, prepare the following information and documents:

• Valid Republic of Korea passport

• Digital passport information page

• Recent passport-style photograph

• Personal information

• Intended travel dates

• Address or accommodation information in Vietnam

• Planned entry point

• Payment method for the visa fee

The exact technical requirements for uploaded documents can change, so applicants should follow the instructions displayed on the official application system.

How Much Does a Vietnam E-Visa Cost?

Vietnam's e-visa government fee depends on the type of entry requested.

The commonly published fee structure is:

• Single-entry e-visa: US$25

• Multiple-entry e-visa: US$50

The government processing fee is generally non-refundable if the application is refused or if the traveler changes their plans.

South Korean citizens entering Vietnam under the applicable 45-day visa exemption do not need to pay an e-visa fee because they are not applying for an e-visa.

Always verify the current fee before payment because immigration fees and procedures can be updated.

How Long Does a Vietnam E-Visa Take?

Vietnam e-visa applications are generally processed within several working days under normal conditions, but actual processing can vary.

Processing may take longer because of:

• Incorrect application information

• Poor-quality uploaded documents

• Public holidays

• High application volumes

• Administrative review

For this reason, do not wait until the day before your flight to apply.

A good approach is to submit your application well in advance and allow additional time in case you need to correct an issue.

Can South Korean Citizens Enter Vietnam by Air?

Yes. South Korean travelers can arrive through eligible international airports in Vietnam.

Popular entry points include:

• Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi

• Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City

• Da Nang International Airport

• Other approved international airports

Travelers using visa-free entry should ensure that their trip falls within the permitted stay.

Travelers using an e-visa should make sure their selected entry point is compatible with the e-visa issued to them.

Can South Korean Citizens Enter Vietnam by Land?

South Korean citizens can also travel to Vietnam overland through eligible international border gates when the relevant entry requirements are satisfied.

This can be useful for travelers combining Vietnam with destinations such as Cambodia, Laos, or China.

If you are traveling with an e-visa, check that your planned land border is an approved e-visa entry point and matches the information required by your immigration documentation.

What Happens When South Korean Citizens Arrive in Vietnam?

The arrival process is usually straightforward.

Travelers Using Visa-Free Entry

Present your valid South Korean passport at immigration.

The immigration officer will check your travel documents and record your entry.

Make sure you understand the permitted departure date before leaving the immigration counter.

Travelers Using an E-Visa

Present your passport together with your approved e-visa documentation.

The immigration officer will verify your information and process your entry according to the conditions of the issued e-visa.

Keep a copy of your e-visa during your trip in case you need to show your immigration information later.

Common Vietnam Visa Mistakes for South Korean Travelers

Even though visa-free entry makes short trips easy, travelers can still encounter problems if they overlook basic requirements.

Staying Beyond 45 Days

The most important mistake is assuming that visa-free entry allows an unlimited stay.

If you plan to remain in Vietnam longer than the permitted visa-free period, arrange the appropriate immigration authorization before traveling.

Confusing Visa-Free Entry With an E-Visa

You do not normally need to apply for an e-visa simply because you are visiting Vietnam.

For eligible South Korean passport holders staying within the visa-exempt period, visa-free entry may be sufficient.

Entering Incorrect Information on an E-Visa

If you apply for an e-visa, carefully compare every field with your passport.

Check your name, passport number, date of birth, and travel dates before submitting the application.

Waiting Until the Last Minute

Even when normal processing is quick, unexpected delays can occur.

Apply early enough to allow time for corrections or additional processing.

Using an Unofficial Website

Be careful when searching for Vietnam visa information online.

Some commercial websites offer visa assistance and charge additional service fees. Others may look similar to government websites.

When applying for an e-visa, make sure you understand whether you are using the official government system or a private visa service.

Vietnam Visa Checklist for South Korean Citizens

Before traveling to Vietnam, use this simple checklist:

For a trip of up to 45 days:

• Check your South Korean passport

• Confirm that your trip qualifies for visa-free entry

• Check your permitted stay after arrival

• Keep your return or onward travel information available

• Carry your passport throughout your trip

For a longer trip:

• Check whether you need an e-visa

• Prepare your passport information

• Prepare the required digital photograph

• Complete the application carefully

• Pay the applicable government fee

• Check your approved e-visa

• Confirm the validity dates and entry type

• Keep a copy of your e-visa while traveling

Frequently Asked Questions

Do South Korean citizens need a visa to visit Vietnam?

South Korean citizens can generally enter Vietnam without a visa for up to 45 days, provided they meet the applicable visa-exemption requirements.

How many days can Koreans stay in Vietnam without a visa?

Eligible South Korean passport holders can generally stay in Vietnam for up to 45 days without a visa.

Can South Korean citizens stay in Vietnam for more than 45 days?

Yes. Travelers planning a longer stay may be able to use a Vietnam e-visa, subject to eligibility and approval.

How long can a Vietnam e-visa be valid?

A Vietnam e-visa can be issued for up to 90 days, depending on the approval and selected entry type.

Is Vietnam e-visa available to South Korean citizens?

Yes. South Korean citizens can apply for a Vietnam e-visa when an e-visa is appropriate for their trip and they meet the applicable requirements.

How much is a Vietnam e-visa?

The commonly published government fee is US$25 for a single-entry e-visa and US$50 for a multiple-entry e-visa. Check the official immigration portal for the current fee before applying.

How early should South Korean citizens apply for a Vietnam e-visa?

Apply well before your planned departure date. Although applications are often processed within several working days, delays can occur during busy periods, holidays, or when information needs correction.

Can South Korean citizens enter Vietnam by land?

Yes, provided they use an eligible international border gate and meet the applicable entry requirements. Travelers using an e-visa should confirm that their planned border crossing accepts the e-visa.

Do South Korean citizens need an e-visa for a short vacation?

Not generally if the trip qualifies for Vietnam's 45-day visa exemption. A valid South Korean passport and compliance with the applicable entry conditions are still required.

Can South Korean citizens leave and return to Vietnam?

Yes, but the requirements depend on whether the traveler is entering under visa exemption or using an e-visa. For multiple trips, check the applicable immigration rules before each journey.

Final Travel Tips for South Korean Citizens

For most South Korean travelers, visiting Vietnam for a short holiday is simple because of the 45-day visa exemption. If your trip fits within the permitted period, you generally do not need to apply for a visa before departure.

For longer journeys, a Vietnam e-visa can provide a convenient alternative, with approved visas potentially allowing stays of up to 90 days.

Before flying from South Korea, check your passport, confirm your planned length of stay, review the latest Vietnamese immigration requirements, and make sure any e-visa information exactly matches your passport.

With the right preparation, you can spend less time worrying about immigration paperwork and more time exploring Vietnam—from the historic streets of Hanoi and the beaches of Da Nang to the landscapes of Ha Long Bay and the Mekong Delta.