Vietnam Visa for Ukraine Citizens (2026): Complete Guide

Ukrainian citizens need a visa for Vietnam, full stop. The good news is the 90-day e-visa is straightforward, cheap, and entirely online. I’ve used it multiple times.

Overview

Vietnam does not offer visa-free entry for Ukrainian passport holders. The single-entry 90-day e-visa, introduced in 2023, is now the default and best option for most travelers and short-term residents. It’s valid for air, land, and sea entry. I see more Ukrainians in Da Nang’s An Thượng district and Ho Chi Minh City’s Quận 1 every month, nearly all on this e-visa.

Visa-Free Entry & Required Visas

No. There is no visa-free allowance. You must obtain a visa prior to arrival. Attempting to enter without one will result in denial of boarding or entry. The only exception is for official diplomatic passport holders, which covers almost no leisure or remote work travel.

The E-Visa Application: A 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 in English. You’ll need a digital passport photo and a scan of your passport data page. The interface is clunky but functional. Double-check every field; a single typo can invalidate the visa. I once transposed two digits in my passport number and had to reapply, losing the fee and three days.

Pay the $25 fee online with a standard debit or credit card. You’ll receive a registration code to track the application. The promised processing time is 3 working days, but I’ve seen it take 5 during holiday periods like Tet. Do not book non-refundable flights until you have the e-visa PDF in hand.

Documents & Requirements

You need two digital files. First, a portrait photo (4x6 cm, white background, no glasses). Second, a scan of your passport data page (the page with your photo and personal details). The passport must be valid for at least six months from your intended entry date and have at least two blank pages.

The photo requirements are strict. I had a Kyiv friend rejected for a photo with a slight shadow behind his ears. Use a plain wall and good light. Many photo shops in cities like Da Nang or Hanoi know the e-visa specs and can take a compliant photo for about $2 if you run into trouble.

Typical Processing Times & Costs

The government fee is a flat $25 for a single-entry, 90-day e-visa. You will not pay less. Agents charge $50 to $80 for the same product, offering “guaranteed” approval or faster service—neither of which they can truly deliver. The official processing is almost always 3 working days.

Visa Type	Cost (USD)	Processing Time	Max Stay	Entries
E-Visa	$25	3 working days	90 days	Single
Visa via Embassy	~$80-$150	5-7 working days	30-90 days	Single/Multiple

Ignore the embassy option unless you specifically need a multiple-entry visa for more than 90 days total. It’s more expensive, requires mailing your passport, and is slower.

Extending Your Stay

You cannot extend an e-visa. When the 90 days are up, you must leave Vietnam. The most common and cost-effective method is a “visa run”: a short flight to a neighboring country like Thailand or Cambodia, then re-entry on a new e-visa. I’ve done this via flights from Da Nang to Bangkok.

You must apply for the new e-visa from abroad before returning. You cannot simply turn around at the border. Agents in places like Da Nang’s Mỹ An district offer full visa run packages for about $300, handling flights and the new visa application, but it’s cheaper to do it yourself.

Digital Nomad & Long-Term Options

There is no official digital nomad or remote work visa. Everyone in the community works on a series of e-visas or through a local company sponsor. This is a legal gray area. While common, technically working on a tourist e-visa violates its conditions, though enforcement is rare unless you are taking a local job.

For true long-term stays, your only legal options are a business visa (requires a sponsoring Vietnamese company) or a student visa (enroll in a language school). Both involve significant paperwork and higher costs. I know Ukrainians in Saigon on student visas studying Vietnamese for about $500 per 6-month course, which includes the visa sponsorship.

Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them

The biggest pitfall is using a third-party agent website that mimics the official government portal. You’ll pay double and hand your passport data to a middleman. Always check that the URL is evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn.

Photo rejection is the second most common issue. Adhere to the specifications exactly. Enter your date of entry correctly; the e-visa is valid only from that specific date. You can enter any time on or after that date.

Print two copies of your approved e-visa PDF. Keep one with your passport and one in your carry-on. The airline check-in counter in Kyiv will ask to see it. Immigration in Vietnam (at Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang International) will stamp the visa number into your passport.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can Ukrainians stay in Vietnam?

Up to 90 days on a single-entry e-visa. You must leave when it expires. There is no in-country extension for this visa type.

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

Yes. Da Nang is in Vietnam. You need a valid Vietnamese visa to pass through immigration at Da Nang International Airport, regardless of your final destination in the country.

Can I extend a Vietnamese e-visa?

No. The e-visa is non-extendable. You must exit Vietnam before its expiry date and apply for a new one from abroad if you wish to return.

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

The government fee is $25 USD. Any site charging more is a third-party agent. Payment is made online during the application.

Which documents do I need for a Vietnamese visa?

You need a Ukrainian passport valid for over six months, a digital passport-style photo (4x6 cm, white background), and a digital scan of your passport’s biographical page.

Can I work remotely on a Vietnam tourist visa?

Technically, no. The e-visa is for tourism, not work. However, remote work for foreign employers is a widespread, unenforced gray area. Do not work for Vietnamese clients or companies on this visa. For long-term remote work, consider a business visa with a sponsor or a student visa. Use a reliable VPN for any work to secure your connection; I discuss this in our guide at /best-vpn-for-vietnam-2026/.

Is the e-visa process reliable for Ukrainians?

Yes. The official system does not discriminate by nationality. As long as your documents are correct, approval is nearly guaranteed. I’ve never met a Ukrainian applicant who was denied without a clear documentation error.

Can I get a visa on arrival at the airport?

No. The “Visa on Arrival” pre-approval letter system requires flying into specific international airports (like Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi) and is primarily for air travel only. It’s more expensive and involves more queuing. The e-visa is simpler and accepted at all entry points.

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Disclaimer: Visa regulations change. This guide reflects the rules as of early 2026. Always verify the latest requirements directly with the official Vietnam Immigration Department website at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn or the Vietnamese embassy before finalizing travel plans.