Visa Dossier · April 2026
A practical guide for Italians on Vietnam's 45-day visa-free entry, e-visas, extensions, and long-term options for 2026, written by an expat based in Da Nang.
Vietnam Visa for Italy Citizens (2026): Complete Guide
As an Italian living in Da Nang, I can confirm the single most useful fact: you have 45 days of visa-free entry. This is your starting point for any 2026 trip planning.
Overview
Vietnam’s visa system for Italians is straightforward, built on a bilateral exemption. You can enter without any paperwork for up to 45 days. For longer stays, the e-visa is your primary tool. The much-discussed digital nomad visa does not exist as of early 2026; long-term stays require more formal routes. The official portal, evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn, is the only site you should trust for applications.
Visa-Free Entry
Italian passport holders receive a 45-day visa exemption under Vietnam’s policy for Schengen citizens. I’ve used this dozens of times, flying into Da Nang or Ho Chi Minh City. You get a stamp on arrival—no fee, no prior application. The clock starts the day you enter.
The critical rule is the 30-day gap. You must wait 30 days after your 45-day stay ends before you can re-enter visa-free. I’ve seen travelers get turned away at immigration in Da Nang for miscalculating this. If you plan to hop to Thailand or Laos and return within a month, the visa-free option won’t work. You’ll need an e-visa for that return leg.
E-Visa Application
The e-visa is a single-entry, 90-day visa obtained entirely online. It costs $25. The process took me about 20 minutes the first time. You apply through the Vietnam Immigration Department’s official site: evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn.
You’ll need to upload a passport photo and a scanned copy of your passport’s data page. The photo requirements are strict—a plain white background, no glasses, straight face. I had my first application rejected because my photo had a slight shadow. A local photo shop in An Thượng fixed it for $2.
You select your intended port of entry. The e-visa is valid for 29 airports, 13 land borders, and 16 sea ports. If you fly into Da Nang, select “Da Nang Airport.” You cannot change the entry point after approval.
Documents & Requirements
For the e-visa, you need two digital files:
- Passport Data Page Scan: A full-color, clear scan in JPG or PDF format. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your intended entry date.
- Portrait Photo: A recent 4x6cm digital photo, JPG format, white background, facing forward.
For visa-free entry, you only need your physical Italian passport with six months’ validity and an empty page for the stamp. Airlines sometimes ask for proof of onward travel within 45 days, though I’m rarely asked when flying directly into Vietnam.
Typical Processing & Costs
Officially, e-visa processing takes 3 working days. In my experience, it’s often faster—sometimes 24 hours. Apply at least a week before your flight to account for any rejections. There is no expedited service.
All fees are paid online via the portal. Do not pay any third-party site that charges a “service fee.” The only legitimate costs are these:
| Visa Type | Cost | Max Stay | Entries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa-Free | $0 | 45 days | Multiple (with 30-day gap) |
| E-Visa | $25 | 90 days | Single |
| 1-Year Business Visa | ~$400-$600 | 1 year | Multiple |
The 1-year business visa requires a sponsoring company in Vietnam. It’s the most common path for long-term expats.
Extending Your Stay
You can extend a tourist e-visa, but you cannot do it yourself. The process must be handled by a licensed visa agent within Vietnam. I’ve done this from Da Nang.
You give your passport and e-visa to the agent. They submit the paperwork to immigration. It takes 5-7 working days and costs about $120-$180 for a 30-day extension. You will not get your passport back during this time, so don’t plan any travel. The main downside is cost and inconvenience. It’s cheaper and easier to do a “visa run”—a short flight to a neighboring country and back on a new e-visa.
Digital Nomad & Long-Term Options
No, there is no specific digital nomad visa. Working remotely on a tourist visa (e-visa or visa-free) is a legal gray area. Immigration rarely checks, but it technically violates the terms of a tourist stay.
For true long-term stays, you have two realistic options:
- Business Visa (DN): Requires a Vietnamese company to sponsor you. Many expats I know in Da Nang’s Mỹ An district use law firms or existing business contacts to arrange this. It involves a lot of paperwork and costs $400-$600 for a one-year, multiple-entry visa.
- Investor Visa (DT): Tied to a direct financial investment in Vietnam. The minimum threshold is high, often over $50,000, making it impractical for most.
The most common cycle for remote workers is the 90-day e-visa, followed by a border run to reset the clock.
Common Pitfalls
- Using Unofficial Websites: Countless third-party sites mimic the official portal, charging double or triple the fee. Always check that the URL is evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn.
- Photo Rejections: This is the #1 reason for e-visa delays. The background must be pure white, with even lighting.
- Misunderstanding the 30-Day Gap: The visa-free rule is not “45 days out of every 75.” It’s 45 days, then a full 30 days outside Vietnam before you can use visa-free entry again.
- Overstaying: The fine is about $25 per day. I’ve met people in Hanoi’s Tây Hồ district who overstayed a week and faced significant fines and potential bans.
- Land Border Confusion: Not all land borders accept the e-visa. Check the official list on the immigration site before booking a bus from Laos or Cambodia.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can Italians stay in Vietnam without a visa?
45 days. This is a visa exemption, not a visa on arrival. You simply present your Italian passport at immigration for a stamp.
Do I need a visa to visit Da Nang from Italy?
No, not for visits of 45 days or less. For a 90-day stay, you need to apply for an e-visa before your flight.
Can I extend a Vietnamese e-visa from within Vietnam?
Yes, but only through a licensed visa agent. You cannot apply directly at an immigration office as a tourist. The agent will hold your passport for the 5-7 day processing period.
What’s the cost of a Vietnam e-visa for Italians?
The official government fee is $25. Any site charging more is a third-party service. The price is the same for all nationalities eligible for the e-visa.
Which documents do I need for a Vietnamese e-visa?
You need a digital passport photo (4x6cm, white background) and a color scan of your passport’s biographical page. Your passport must be valid for over six months.
Can I work remotely on a Vietnam tourist visa?
Technically, no. Tourist visas are for tourism. While enforcement is rare, performing paid work for a foreign employer is not permitted under visa-free or e-visa terms. For long-term remote work, consult a local immigration lawyer about business visa options.
Is the Vietnam e-visa multiple entry?
No. The standard e-visa is single entry. If you leave Vietnam (even for a weekend in Cambodia), your e-visa becomes invalid. You would need to apply for a new one to re-enter.
What if my e-visa application is rejected?
You will receive an email stating the reason, often the photo. Correct the issue and reapply. The $25 fee is non-refundable. Always apply with ample time before your trip to handle a rejection.
Disclaimer: Visa and immigration regulations change. This guide is based on rules and personal experience as of early 2026. Always verify requirements directly with the official Vietnam Immigration Department (evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn) or the Vietnamese Embassy in Rome before your travel.