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

Israeli citizens cannot enter Vietnam visa-free. The 90-day e-visa is your primary tool, and the process is entirely online. I’ve used it multiple times from Da Nang for border runs, and it’s reliable if you follow the rules precisely.

Visa-Free Entry & Required Visas

No. Israel is not on Vietnam’s visa exemption list. You must obtain a visa before arrival. The single-entry 90-day e-visa is the standard and most efficient option for tourists and short-term visitors. I’ve met Israelis in An Thượng and Quận 1 who attempted to board flights without this sorted; they were denied boarding. Assume you need the visa.

The E-Visa Application Process

You apply on the official Vietnam Immigration Department portal: evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn. The form is straightforward but unforgiving of errors. I advise filling it out on a desktop, not a phone. You’ll need a digital passport photo and a scanned passport data page. The trickiest part is the “port of entry” selection—you must enter through the exact airport (like Da Nang International) or land border you specify. Changing it later is impossible.

Documents & Requirements

You need two digital files. First, a JPEG of your passport’s biographical page. Ensure all four corners are visible, the details are legible, and it’s valid for at least six months past your entry date. Second, a 4x6cm passport photo (JPEG). The background must be white, you cannot smile, and glasses are not permitted. I’ve seen applications rejected for shadowy backgrounds. Use a proper photo booth or service; it’s worth the $6.

Typical Processing Times & Costs

The government fee is fixed. Processing officially takes 3 working days, but I’ve seen it take 5 during holiday periods like Tet. Pay the fee directly on the portal with a credit or debit card. Print two copies of the approval letter—one for immigration, one for your hotel check-in.

Visa Type	Cost (USD)	Max Stay	Processing Time
Single-Entry E-Visa	$25	90 days	~3 working days
Multiple-Entry E-Visa	$50	90 days	~3 working days

Extending Your Stay

You cannot extend an e-visa within Vietnam. When the 90 days are up, you must leave. The common method is a “visa run”: a short flight to a neighboring country (Bangkok, Singapore, Vientiane) and an immediate re-application for a new e-visa to re-enter. I’ve done this from Da Nang to Bangkok. It resets your 90-day clock, but immigration officers may scrutinize frequent back-to-back e-visas. It’s not a guaranteed long-term strategy.

Digital Nomad & Long-Term Options

Vietnam does not have a dedicated digital nomad or remote work visa. Working online on a tourist e-visa is a legal gray area, though widely practiced. For true long-term stays, you need a sponsor—a Vietnamese employer, investor, or spouse—to secure a temporary residence card. This is a bureaucratic marathon involving notarized documents, local police registration, and patience. Most Israelis I know here on long-term bases use a combination of e-visa runs and, if eligible, business visas obtained through a local partner company.

Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them

The most frequent error is a mismatched entry port. If your e-visa says “Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)” but you land in “Noi Bai International Airport (HAN),” you will be denied entry. Double-check spelling. The second pitfall is assuming the e-visa is valid at all land borders; some remote crossings do not support it. Stick to major international airports. Finally, your passport must have at least two completely blank pages for the stamp. I once saw a traveler turned away at Da Nang immigration because their only blank pages were “amendment” pages at the back, which are not valid for visas.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Up to 90 days per entry. The clock starts the day you enter. The visa expiry date is fixed; you cannot enter after that date, even if you plan to stay fewer than 90 days.

Do I need a visa to visit Da Nang or Ho Chi Minh City from Israel?

Yes. The visa requirement is national. Whether you land in Da Nang, Hanoi, or Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat), you must have an approved visa. The e-visa covers all of them, provided you list the correct arrival airport.

Can I extend a Vietnamese e-visa from within Vietnam?

No. E-visas are non-extendable. You must exit the country before the expiry date stamped in your passport. Overstays incur heavy daily fines and potential bans.

What’s the cost of a Vietnam e-visa for an Israeli passport?

The single-entry e-visa is $25. The multiple-entry version is $50. These are government fees paid online. Avoid third-party agencies that charge $80 or more for the same service.

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

You need a digital scan of your passport biographical page and a digital 4x6cm white-background passport photo. Your passport must be valid for over six months from your planned entry date.

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

Technically, no. The e-visa is for tourism and short business visits (meetings, etc.). However, enforcement against remote workers is rare unless you are generating Vietnamese income. It’s a risk you assume. For digital security while working, use a reliable VPN. We have a dedicated guide on this.

Is the Vietnam e-visa for Israelis valid for multiple entries?

Only if you apply and pay for the multiple-entry e-visa ($50). The standard $25 e-visa is single-entry only. If you leave Vietnam for a trip to Thailand, your visa ends.

What if my e-visa application is rejected?

Rejections are usually due to photo errors or incorrect passport data. The fee is non-refundable. You must correct the issue and submit a new application, paying the fee again. There is no appeals process.

Disclaimer: Visa regulations change. This guide is based on 2025-2026 procedures and should be verified against the official Vietnam Immigration Department website (evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn) before application.