Vietnam Visa for South Korea Citizens (2026): The Complete Guide

Your South Korean passport grants you 45 days in Vietnam without a visa. For anything longer, you’ll need to apply for a 90-day e-visa, a straightforward online process that costs $25. I’ve used it multiple times from Da Nang to re-enter.

Overview

Vietnam’s visa system for South Koreans is simple. The 45-day visa exemption is a bilateral agreement, not a right, and can technically be changed. For stays beyond that, the government’s e-visa portal is your only official option. I’ve seen friends get scammed by third-party sites charging double; stick to the official source.

Visa-Free Entry

South Korean passport holders can enter Vietnam visa-free for up to 45 days. This is perfect for a long holiday exploring from Hanoi’s Old Quarter to Da Nang’s beaches. The clock starts the day you enter. The rule is clear: you must leave before midnight on the 45th day. Overstaying fines are about $25 per day, paid in cash at the airport. You cannot extend this visa-free stay; you must leave and re-enter.

E-Visa Application

For a 90-day stay, apply for an e-visa. The only legitimate site is the Vietnam Immigration Department’s portal: evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn. The form is in English. You’ll need a digital passport photo and a scanned copy of your passport’s data page. The interface is clunky. Double-check every field—a single typo will get your application rejected without a refund. I always take a screenshot of the confirmation page with the application code.

Documents & Requirements

The requirements are minimal but non-negotiable. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your intended entry date and have at least two blank pages. The digital passport photo must be recent, front-facing, with a white background. No glasses. The scanned passport page must be clear, with all four corners visible. I’ve had a renewal delayed by a week because my scan had a slight shadow at the edge.

Typical Processing & Costs

Officially, e-visa processing takes 3 working days. In my experience, it’s often faster, but never bank on it. Apply at least a week before your flight. The fee is a flat $25 for a single-entry, 90-day e-visa. You pay online when you apply. There are no hidden government fees.

Visa Type	Cost (USD)	Max Stay	Processing Time
Visa Exemption	$0	45 days	Immediate on arrival
E-Visa (Single Entry)	$25	90 days	~3 working days

Extending Your Stay

You cannot extend a 90-day e-visa. When it expires, you must leave Vietnam. The most common strategy is a “visa run”: a short trip to a neighboring country like Cambodia or Laos, then re-enter on a new visa exemption or another e-visa. Immigration officers are aware of this, but doing it repeatedly can raise questions. I’ve taken the bus to Laos from Da Nang for this; it’s a long two-day trip.

Digital Nomad & Long-Term Options

There is no official digital nomad visa in Vietnam. Working remotely on a tourist visa or e-visa is a legal gray area. Enforcement is rare but possible. For true long-term stays, your options are a sponsored work permit (complex), a student visa (requires enrollment in a certified language school), or investment visas. Most long-term expats I know in An Thượng or Mỹ An cycle through e-visas and border runs, accepting the inherent instability.

Common Pitfalls

The biggest pitfall is using an unofficial agent website that mimics the government portal. They charge $50-$80 for the same $25 visa. Another is miscalculating the 45-day exemption; mark your calendar. Also, the e-visa is single-entry. If you plan to hop to Thailand and back, you need a new visa for re-entry. Print two copies of your e-visa approval letter—one for check-in, one for immigration. I’ve watched someone panic at Da Nang airport with a dead phone battery and no printout.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can South Koreans stay in Vietnam without a visa?

45 days. This is a reciprocal agreement between the two governments. It applies to tourism and business visits only.

Do I need a visa to visit Da Nang from South Korea?

Not for up to 45 days. For a 90-day stay in Da Nang, you need the e-visa before you fly. You cannot get it on arrival.

Can I extend a Vietnamese e-visa?

No. The 90-day e-visa is non-extendable. You must exit Vietnam before it expires and apply for a new one if you wish to return.

What’s the cost of a Vietnam e-visa for South Koreans?

The official government fee is $25 USD. Any site charging more is a third-party agent. Use evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn.

Which documents do I need for a Vietnamese e-visa?

You need a digital passport-style photo and a clear 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. The visa exemption and e-visa are for tourism and business meetings. While many remote workers do this without issue, it is not a legal work authorization. For true security, consult an immigration lawyer about a work permit.

Is the e-visa process reliable?

Yes, if you use the official site. I’ve never had it fail. The main causes of rejection are blurry document scans or incorrect passport number entry.

Can I enter Vietnam through any airport with an e-visa?

Yes. The e-visa is valid for entry at all international airports, including Da Nang, Noi Bai (Hanoi), and Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), as well as many land borders.

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Disclaimer: Visa regulations change. This guide is based on 2025-2026 rules and personal experience. Always verify requirements with the official Vietnam Immigration Department (evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn) or the Vietnamese embassy before your trip. For internet security while accessing official portals or working remotely, using a reliable VPN is advised. You can find a current analysis of options in our guide at /best-vpn-for-vietnam-2026/.