Planning a trip to Vietnam from Australia?
You’re in for an incredible adventure blending tradition and modern energy. As someone who’s handled Vietnam’s visa process as a digital nomad, I can confirm Australians do need a visa. The best part? The process is straightforward once you know how.
This guide covers Vietnam’s visa requirements for Australians, including the eVisa application, stay durations, entry steps, needed documents, health declarations, and arrival cards.
You’ll also get safety tips and insider suggestions for the best experiences, and how to install a Vietnam eSIM to help you manage everything, from visa applications to bookings, on the go.
Do Australian Citizens Need a Visa for Vietnam?
Yes, Australian citizens need a valid visa to enter Vietnam for any reason, with no exceptions.
Vietnam does not offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry for Australians, so you must secure your visa before departure.
The eVisa is the most popular choice because it’s entirely online and usually approved within three to five working days.
With the eVisa, you can stay in Vietnam for up to 90 days (single or multiple entry), making it ideal for most travellers planning their Vietnamese adventure.
Vietnam Entry Requirements and Required Documents
Australian passport holders need a valid visa to enter Vietnam, but there are several options available. The easiest is the eVisa, which you can apply for online without needing to visit an embassy.
The eVisa application requires specific documents that you'll want to gather beforehand:
- Valid Australian passport with at least 6 months remaining validity
- Two blank pages in your passport for entry stamps
- Recent passport-style photograph (clean background, neutral expression, proper lighting)
- Flight booking confirmation or travel itinerary
- Accommodation details or hotel reservations
- Completed online application form
- Payment method for visa fees.
Make sure all your documents are ready before starting the application process to avoid delays or complications during submission.
How to Apply for Your Vietnam eVisa
Step 1: Access the Official Portal
Visit Vietnam's official Electronic Visa Portal at https://evisa.gov.vn/. Select English from the top right corner and click "Apply now" to begin your application.
Read through the terms and conditions carefully before proceeding to ensure you understand all requirements and restrictions.
Step 2: Complete the Application Form
Fill out the online form with your personal details, passport information, and travel plans. Enter your name exactly as it appears on the ICAO line in your passport because this precision prevents processing delays or entry issues.
Include information about any previous visits to Vietnam, multiple nationalities, or violations of Vietnamese law if applicable.
Step 3: Upload Required Documents
Upload clear, high-quality images of your passport's data page and a recent portrait photograph that meets Vietnam's specifications.
Ensure your photos are appropriately lit with clean backgrounds and meet the technical requirements specified on the portal. Poor quality images often result in application rejections.
Step 4: Make Payment and Submit
Pay the visa fee via electronic payment gateway: $25 USD for a single entry or $50 USD for a multiple-entry visa.
Remember that fees are non-refundable regardless of application outcome, so double-check all information before submission.
After completing payment, you'll receive a registration code to track your application status.
Step 5: Track and Download Your eVisa
Processing typically takes 3-5 working days, though applying 1-2 weeks before departure is recommended during busy periods.
Use your registration code to check application status on the tracking portal.
Once approved, download your eVisa PDF document and print a physical copy.
Immigration officers require hard copies, and having eSIM connectivity ensures you can access your approved visa anywhere without relying on unreliable airport Wi-Fi.
Duration of Stay
Vietnam’s visa system is flexible to fit different travel needs. The standard tourist eVisa gives you 30 days in the country with a single entry.
If you want a longer stay or plan to visit neighbouring countries, opt for the multiple-entry eVisa for more freedom.
Business travellers and digital nomads often choose longer-term visas for extended work or stays.
Visa validity starts from your selected entry date, so you can apply in advance without losing days.
If you fall in love with Vietnam (as many do), you can extend your stay at an immigration office. Just be ready for a bit of paperwork and waiting.
Arrival Card
All foreign travellers entering Vietnam with a visa must fill out an arrival card (Form NA1), regardless of visa type.
This two-page form is usually handed out on your flight or available at immigration counters; while some airports now have digital kiosks, paper forms are still the norm.
You’ll need to provide passport details, accommodation address, visit purpose, and length of stay.
Filling out the form during your flight saves time at immigration, especially during busy periods.
Having an eSIM makes it easy to access hotel confirmations and contact info for accurate, hassle-free completion.
Health Declaration
Current health requirements for Vietnam depend on global health situations and your travel history.
No specific vaccinations are required for Australians entering Vietnam directly, though vaccines like hepatitis A, B, and Japanese encephalitis are recommended for some travellers.
Yellow fever vaccination is only needed if arriving from risk countries within six days.
COVID-19 protocols are mostly back to normal, but it’s smart to stay updated on the latest requirements.
Vietnam’s digital health declaration must be completed within 72 hours before arrival.
Reliable internet access helps you stay informed and complete forms easily without last-minute stress at the airport.
Safety and Security
Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s safest destinations for Australians, with violent crime against tourists being very rare.
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The main risks in Vietnam are traffic-related.
Roads can be chaotic and take some getting used to, but the good news is that motorcyclists and drivers usually slow down for pedestrians crossing the street.
Petty theft can occur in tourist hotspots, so keep your valuables secure and stay alert, especially in crowded areas.
During monsoon season, typhoons and flooding are possible, so it’s wise to monitor the weather as you plan your trip. Staying connected with a Vietnam eSIM ensures you receive real-time weather alerts and emergency updates, even if local networks go down.
Finally, don’t forget travel insurance, and consider registering with Australia’s Smart Traveller service for added peace of mind.
5 Unforgettable Things Australians Can Do in Vietnam
Explore Ho Chi Minh City's Street Food Scene
Ho Chi Minh City's street food culture represents Vietnam's culinary soul, where every corner reveals new flavours and cooking techniques.
The city's food tours take you beyond tourist traps into neighbourhoods where locals eat, from steaming phở and bún riêu stalls that open before dawn to banh mi vendors perfecting their craft across generations.
Night markets transform ordinary streets into food wonderlands where adventurous eaters discover dishes they never knew existed.
- Location/Address: District 1 and District 3 offer the highest concentration of street food options
- Price Range: $2-8 AUD per meal
- Best For: Food lovers, cultural immersion, budget travelers
Cruise Through Ha Long Bay's Limestone Karsts
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Ha Long Bay's UNESCO World Heritage landscape features over 1,600 limestone pillars rising dramatically from emerald waters.
Overnight cruises provide the best experience, allowing you to witness sunrise and sunset painting the karsts in golden hues while exploring hidden caves and floating villages.
The bay's mystical atmosphere creates perfect conditions for photography, kayaking, and simply soaking in natural beauty that inspired countless legends.
- Location/Address: Quang Ninh Province, approximately 3.5 hours from Hanoi
- Price Range: $80-300 AUD per person for overnight cruises
- Best For: Nature enthusiasts, photographers, romantic getaways
Trek Through Sapa's Terraced Rice Fields
Sapa's mountainous terrain showcases Vietnam's agricultural artistry through centuries-old terraced rice fields carved into steep hillsides.
Multi-day treks lead through ethnic minority villages where traditional lifestyles continue unchanged with authentic cultural exchanges and stunning mountain vistas.
The region's cooler climate provides relief from Vietnam's tropical heat while challenging hiking trails reward adventurers with panoramic views.
- Location/Address: Lao Cai Province, near the Chinese border
- Price Range: $40-120 AUD per day including guide and homestay
- Best For: Hikers, cultural enthusiasts, adventure seekers
Discover Hoi An's Ancient Town Charm
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Hoi An's UNESCO-listed ancient town preserves Vietnam's trading port heritage through well-maintained architecture spanning Chinese, Japanese, and French influences.
The town's lantern-lit evenings create magical atmospheres for riverside dining and boutique shopping, while nearby beaches offer relaxation between cultural explorations.
Traditional cooking classes and tailor shops provide hands-on experiences that let you take Vietnam's culture home.
- Location/Address: Quang Nam Province, central Vietnam coast
- Price Range: $30-80 AUD per day for activities and dining
- Best For: History buffs, shoppers, culinary enthusiasts
Visit the Mekong Delta's Floating Markets
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The Mekong Delta's intricate waterway system supports floating markets where vendors sell fresh produce directly from boats, maintaining traditions that predate modern commerce.
Early morning boat tours reveal this aquatic marketplace at its liveliest, with colorful fruits and vegetables creating floating rainbows across muddy rivers.
Local families invite visitors into their homes for authentic meals and insights into delta life.
- Location/Address: Can Tho and surrounding provinces, southwest Vietnam
- Price Range: $25-60 AUD for day tours including boat transport
- Best For: Cultural immersion, photography, unique shopping experiences
Essential Travel Tips for Australian Visitors
Stay Connected with Reliable Internet Access
Reliable internet connectivity makes navigating Vietnam significantly easier, especially when dealing with language barriers.
Here’s why Airalo’s Vietnam eSIM is your go-to travel companion:
- Helps you save money with super affordable plans—just about $1.07 per GB per day on a 20 GB plan.
- Instant activation upon landing. No airport queues or confusing local SIM card purchases
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees or unexpected roaming charges
- Multiple data plan options tailored to different travel styles and duration needs
- Dual SIM functionality keeps your Australian number active for essential calls
- 24/7 customer support available in English when you need assistance
- Seamless network switching ensures optimal coverage across Vietnam's diverse regions.
eSIMs activate immediately upon arrival, providing instant access to local networks without the airport hassle and ensuring your translation apps work when ordering that perfect bowl of phở.
Master Vietnam's Currency and Payment Systems
Vietnamese dong comes in massive denominations that'll have you carrying around 500,000-dong notes for everyday purchases.
ATMs are reliable in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, but rural areas still prefer cash transactions.
Your credit card works well at upscale restaurants and hotels, though street vendors and local markets operate on a cash-only basis.
Navigate Vietnam's Weather Patterns and Seasons
Vietnam spans multiple climate zones, so the weather varies dramatically depending on your destination. Northern regions experience distinct seasons with cooler winters and hot summers, while the south maintains tropical temperatures year-round.
Central coastal areas face typhoon season from September to November, making flexible travel dates a smart choice during these months.
Choose Safe and Efficient Transportation Options
Transportation ranges from adventurous motorbike taxis to comfortable tourist buses, each suited for different comfort levels. Grab operates throughout major cities, offering reliable ride-hailing that removes language barriers and price negotiations. The app works with international plans, though an eSIM provides faster connectivity for seamless booking and real-time tracking.
Plan Your Budget and Avoid Common Tourist Traps
Vietnam offers excellent value for Australian travellers when you understand local pricing. Street food costs just a few dollars per meal, while upscale dining rarely exceeds $30 AUD per person.
Tourist areas typically inflate prices, so exploring beyond the main attractions reveals authentic experiences at fair local rates. Having internet access helps you research current prices and read recent reviews before committing to tours or accommodations.
Your Vietnam Journey Starts Here
Your Vietnamese adventure awaits!
With your eVisa secured online and a clear understanding of the entry and arrival procedures, you’re ready for a hassle-free start.
Proper preparation means you can fully enjoy everything Vietnam has to offer, and staying connected throughout your journey is more than a convenience.
It’s essential for managing your visa application, accessing digital documents at immigration, confirming hotel reservations, and exploring safely.
With reliable internet access, you can navigate Vietnam’s diverse regions stress-free.
For Australian travellers seeking flexibility, instant activation, and transparent pricing with no surprise roaming charges, Airalo’s Vietnam eSIM plans are the perfect solution.
