Vietnam Visa for Australian Passport Holders 2025

Australian passport holders must obtain a valid visa to enter Vietnam in 2025—there’s no visa exemption. Whether you're visiting for business, tourism, or family, applying in advance is essential. Post-COVID reforms have expanded the e-visa system, but choosing the right visa type remains key to a smooth arrival.

1. Vietnam Visa Policy Updates for Australian Citizens (Post-COVID)

In 2025, Vietnam is more welcoming than ever — but it’s also more precise about paperwork. Here’s what you need to know:

• Australia is not eligible for visa exemption (you cannot enter Vietnam without a visa, regardless of how short your stay is).
• The e-visa program now allows 30-day or 90-day stays, with single or multiple entry options.
• Australians can apply online via the official government e-visa portal or through a registered agency.
• Those entering Vietnam without a valid visa may be refused boarding at departure or detained at immigration checkpoints.

For any trip to Vietnam, make sure you apply for the correct visa type, aligned with your travel purpose, duration, and point of entry.

2. Vietnam Visa Options for Australian Passport Holders in 2025

Let’s break it down clearly — the visa you choose depends on how you apply, why you’re visiting, and how long you plan to stay in Vietnam.

Based on Application Method:

• E-Visa (most popular): Apply online through Vietnam's official portal or a trusted agency.
• Visa on Arrival: Only available when applying with a pre-approval letter through a licensed provider.
• Vietnamese Embassy: You can apply in person at the Vietnamese embassy in Australia (Sydney or Canberra) if you prefer a traditional process.

Based on Travel Purpose:

• Tourist Visa: For leisure, sightseeing, and short-term visits.
• Business Visa: For conferences, market research, or client meetings.
• Family Visit Visa: If you’re visiting relatives living in Vietnam.
• Transit Visa: For travelers passing through Vietnam on their way to another country.

Based on Duration and Entry Type:

• 30 days – single entry
• 30 days – multiple entry
• 90 days – single entry
• 90 days – multiple entry

Australian travelers often choose the 30-day single entry for tourism, while business travelers and digital nomads prefer the 90-day multiple entry for flexibility.

 

 

3. How to Apply for a Vietnam Visa from Australia

Option A: Apply for Vietnam E-Visa Online (Recommended)

This is the fastest and most convenient route for Australian passport holders. Follow these exact steps to ensure a smooth application process:

Step 1: Visit the official Vietnam e-visa website or use a licensed agency such as VFS Global Vietnam Visa.
Step 2: Prepare the following required documents:

• A valid Australian passport (6 months validity + 2 blank pages)
• A passport-sized photo (JPEG format)
• A scan of your passport data page
• An active email address
• A credit or debit card for payment

Step 3: Fill out the application form accurately, upload your files, and pay the Vietnam visa fee ($25 USD for single entry, $50 USD for multiple entry).
Step 4: Wait for your visa to be processed. Most e-visas are issued in 3 to 5 working days, though expedited options are available.

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Using incorrect photo size or format
• Mismatched passport details
• Choosing the wrong port of entry — this cannot be changed after approval

Option B: Apply via a Visa Agency

Prefer extra support or need your visa processed urgently? You can apply through a licensed agency. Many Australian travelers opt for this method to avoid mistakes, especially during busy seasons.

Benefits include:

• Real-time updates and expert guidance
• Assistance with documentation
• Access to fast-track services at major airports in Vietnam
• Optional visa on arrival processing with pre-approval letters

Visa service costs vary depending on processing speed and visa type. Average prices range between $45–$105 USD, including government fees.

Warning signs of scam agencies:

• No official address or contact number
• Promises of “guaranteed approval” without checking documents
• Charging unlisted “emergency” fees without clear explanation

4. Vietnam Visa Fees for Australian Citizens

Let’s talk numbers—because every visa applicant deserves clarity. For those applying for a Vietnam visa for Australian passport holders, here are the official and service-related fees you need to plan for.

Government-set e-visa fees in 2025 are as follows:

• Single entry: $25 USD
• Multiple entry: $50 USD

These are fixed by the Vietnamese immigration authorities and are non-refundable once submitted through the official portal.

For those choosing visa on arrival, you'll encounter two charges:

• A service fee (varies by agency and processing speed)
• A stamping fee collected by immigration at the airport:
   
  • $25 USD for single entry
  • $50 USD for multiple entry

When applying via a visa agency, prices fluctuate depending on urgency. Here’s a general breakdown for 2025:

 

 

Remember: If you're applying through VFS Global Vietnam Visa partners or local agents, double-check whether prices include the Vietnam visa fee from Australia and government costs.

Refund note: Vietnam’s official e-visa system does not offer refunds if your application is rejected or cancelled. Always double-check your application form before submitting.

5. How Long Does It Take to Get a Vietnam Visa?

The processing timeline for Australian citizens varies based on how you choose to apply.

Standard processing:

• 3–5 working days when applying through the official e-visa portal or most agencies.

Urgent or emergency processing:

• 1–2 working days, often with an additional fee of $20–$40 USD, depending on the agency.

During peak travel seasons, such as Lunar New Year or Australian summer holidays, apply well in advance. Early birds avoid stress—and save money too.

Keep in mind: If you’re applying for an e-visa, you must enter Vietnam through the exact port of entry listed in your approval letter. This detail is non-editable once approved.

6. Entry Ports for E-Visa Holders from Australia

As an Australian passport holder, you’re eligible to enter Vietnam via multiple ports using the e-visa—but there’s a rule: you must arrive at the specific entry point you selected during your visa application.

Eligible airports:

• Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi)
• Tan Son Nhat Airport (Ho Chi Minh City)
• Da Nang International Airport
• Cam Ranh Airport
• Phu Quoc Airport (great news for beach lovers)

Can Australians use Phu Quoc Island visa exemption?

Phu Quoc offers 15-day visa-free entry, but only if:

• You fly directly to Phu Quoc from another country
• You don’t travel to mainland Vietnam

If you're planning to explore beyond Phu Quoc, you still need to apply for a Vietnam visa from Australia.

Other entry types:

• Select land border crossings (e.g., Moc Bai, Lao Cai)
• Several seaports (e.g., Da Nang Seaport, Hai Phong Seaport)

Plan your trip route carefully—changing your port of entry after visa issuance is not allowed.

7. Can Australians Extend Their Vietnam Visa?

How to extend Vietnam visa is a question many travelers ask—and the answer for 2025 is nuanced.

Currently, visa extensions for e-visa holders are limited. If you’re already in Vietnam and want to stay longer, your best options are:

• Exit Vietnam and re-apply for a new e-visa
• Consider a visa run to nearby countries (e.g., Thailand, Cambodia) before returning

However, frequent visa runs may raise red flags with immigration and could result in entry refusals.

At the time of writing, extension from within Vietnam is only permitted under special circumstances, such as medical treatment or legal sponsorship. Always verify updated regulations through the Vietnamese embassy or a registered visa agent.

8. Overstaying a Vietnam Visa: Penalties and What to Do

Overstaying visa Vietnam is something you must avoid at all costs. It can lead to:

• Fines starting at VND 500,000 per day (approx. $20 USD)
• Entry bans or deportation
• Trouble with future visa applications

If you realize you're at risk of overstaying, contact a visa consultant or the Vietnamese immigration department immediately. They may guide you to pay the fine and leave on a specified date.

Best practice: Set a reminder 3 days before your visa expires, especially if you have a multiple entry visa or a longer stay.

9. Conclusion

In 2025, Australian passport holders must have a valid visa to enter Vietnam. You can choose from an e-visa, visa on arrival, or apply via the Vietnamese embassy. Pick your visa based on your travel purpose, stay duration, and entry point. Be aware of fees, processing times, and avoid overstaying. For the latest updates, check the official e-visa site or consult VFS Global Vietnam Visa. Download our free checklist to prepare for a smooth trip!