Vietnam Visa for Canada Citizens (2026): The Complete Guide

Canadian citizens have zero visa-free days in Vietnam. You need a visa before you board the plane. The 90-day e-visa is your most straightforward option, but the rules are strict and the process demands precision.

Overview: The Reality for Canadians

Forget any assumptions about visa exemptions or easy entry. As a Canadian, your passport grants you no special access here. The single-entry 90-day e-visa, introduced in 2023 and confirmed for 2026, is the primary tool for tourists and remote workers. It’s a significant improvement over the old visa run system, but it’s a digital permit, not a physical stamp, and misunderstandings at immigration are common. I’ve seen Canadians turned away at Da Nang (DN) International Airport for not having the correct printout.

Required Visas: No Free Entry

There is no visa-free entry for Canadians. Not for 15 days, not for 24 hours. You must obtain a visa approval letter or an e-visa before arrival. The only alternative is a Visa on Arrival (VOA) letter, arranged through a travel agency, which you present at designated airport counters in Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat - SGN), Hanoi (Noi Bai - HAN), or Da Nang (DN). I don’t recommend VOA for first-timers; the queues can be chaotic, and it adds an unnecessary layer of stress after a 20-hour flight. The e-visa is more reliable.

The E-Visa Application: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough

You apply on the official Vietnam Immigration Department website: evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn. Any other site is an agent charging a markup. The form is straightforward but exacting. You’ll need a digital passport photo (white background, no glasses) and a scanned copy of your passport data page. The critical part is the entry/exit point and date. You must enter through the exact airport (e.g., “Da Nang International Airport”) or land border you select. Changing it later is impossible. I once put “Hanoi” instead of “Da Nang” and had to reapply and repay the fee.

Processing officially takes 3 working days, but I’ve seen it take 5. Do not apply within a week of your flight. Once approved, you’ll download a PDF. Print two color copies. One goes to the immigration officer who will stamp your passport, the other is for your records. The officer will not accept the PDF on your phone.

Documents & Requirements

You need three things for the application: a passport valid for at least six months beyond your entry date, a high-quality digital portrait photo, and a credit/debit card for the $25 USD fee. For entry at the airport, have your printed e-visa, your passport, and a completed immigration form (usually handed out on the plane). They may ask for proof of onward travel and hotel booking, though I’ve rarely been asked in Da Nang. In Quận 1, Ho Chi Minh City, they are more stringent.

Typical Processing Times & Costs

Costs are in USD. The government fees are fixed, but agents will add service fees.

Visa Type	Cost (USD)	Processing Time	Best For
Single-Entry E-Visa	$25	3-5 days	Most tourists, short-term remote work
Multiple-Entry E-Visa	$50	3-5 days	Those visiting neighboring countries
1-Year Business Visa	~$400-$800*	5-15 days	Long-term residents with sponsor
*Business visa cost varies widely based on sponsor and agent fees.

The e-visa fee is non-refundable if you make a mistake or your plans change. Pay with a card that doesn’t charge high foreign transaction fees.

Extending Your Stay

You cannot extend an e-visa. When your 90 days are up, you must leave. The most common route is a border run: fly to Bangkok, Singapore, or Kuala Lumpur and apply for a new e-visa to re-enter. This is not a loophole; immigration officers see consecutive e-visas and may question you. I know Canadians who have done three consecutive e-visas without issue, and others who were grilled on their second entry. There is no formal rule, which is the problem. For a more stable solution, you must switch to a sponsored visa.

Digital Nomad & Long-Term Options

Vietnam does not have a digital nomad visa. Canadians working remotely typically use the 90-day e-visa and do border runs, which is a legal gray area. For true long-term stays, you need a sponsor. The two main options are the business visa (DT) and the investor visa. The business visa requires a Vietnamese company to act as your sponsor, which usually involves a monthly fee to an agent. Expect to pay about $500 for a 3-month business visa setup, and up to $1000 for a 1-year version, all through an agent. It’s not a DIY process. I obtained a 1-year business visa through a law firm in Da Nang’s An Thượng district; the paperwork took three weeks.

Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them

Photo Rejections: This is the #1 reason for delayed processing. Your digital photo must be a recent portrait against a pure white wall, with no shadows, no teeth showing, and a neutral expression. Use a professional service.

Port of Entry Errors: Selecting “Ho Chi Minh City” when you’re flying into “Da Nang” will void your visa. Double-check your flight itinerary.

Passport Validity: Your passport must have at least six months remaining from your entry date, not your application date. I’ve seen people with five months and 29 days get denied boarding in Vancouver.

Agent Scams: Only use the official .gov.vn site. Third-party sites often look identical but charge $80 for the same $25 visa.

Overstay: The fine is about $25 per day, and they will ban you from re-entering. Set multiple calendar reminders.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can Canadians stay in Vietnam with an e-visa?

Up to 90 days per entry, single or multiple entry. The clock starts the day you enter. A 90-day e-visa issued January 1 for entry January 15 expires April 14.

Do I need a visa to visit Da Nang from Canada?

Yes. Da Nang is in Vietnam. There is no regional exemption. You need a valid visa to clear immigration at Da Nang International Airport.

Can I extend a Vietnamese e-visa from within the country?

No. E-visas are non-extendable. You must exit Vietnam before the expiry date and apply for a new one to return.

What’s the cost of a Vietnam e-visa for Canadians in 2026?

The government fee is $25 USD for a single-entry, 90-day e-visa. The multiple-entry version is $50 USD. Payment is made online to the official immigration portal.

Which documents do I need to apply for the e-visa?

You need a digital scan of your passport biographical page and a digital passport-style photo. At the airport, present your printed e-visa, your passport, and the completed entry/exit form.

Can I work remotely on a Vietnam tourist e-visa?

Technically, no. The e-visa is for tourism and business visits (like meetings). However, remote work for a foreign employer is widely tolerated but exists in a legal gray area. For long-term stability, a sponsored business visa is the compliant route.

Is the Vietnam e-visa website secure?

Use the official site (evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn) and ensure your connection is secure. For general internet security in Vietnam, including accessing home services, using a reputable VPN is essential. I rely on one daily. Our detailed guide on the best options is here.

What if my e-visa application is rejected?

They do not provide a reason. You must correct any errors (usually the photo) and submit a new application with a new $25 fee. Build at least two weeks of buffer time before your trip for this possibility.

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Disclaimer: I’ve lived here for over two years and navigated this system multiple times, but I am not an immigration lawyer. Visa regulations can and do change. Always verify the latest requirements directly with the Vietnam Immigration Department or the Vietnamese Embassy in Canada before finalizing your travel plans.