Traveling from Tokyo, whether departing from Narita Airport (NRT) or Haneda Airport (HND), it only takes about 5 to 6 hours to fly to Vietnam. Whether you want to plan a quick weekend getaway or explore Vietnam’s rich history and diverse cuisine during a long holiday—this guide is written specifically for Taiwanese residents living in Tokyo to help you handle visas, entry, and pre-trip preparation all at once.
1. Do Taiwanese Passport Holders Need a Visa for Vietnam?
Yes. As of 2026, Vietnam has not yet implemented a fully visa-free policy for Taiwanese passport holders. Whether traveling for tourism, visiting relatives, or business, you must obtain a valid visa before departure.
🏝️ The Only Visa-Free Exception: Phu Quoc Island
Phu Quoc Island is currently the only region in Vietnam that offers visa-free entry to Taiwanese passport holders for a maximum stay of 30 days. The conditions are as follows:
- Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
- You must hold a return ticket or a ticket to a third destination.
- You must fly directly into Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC). If you transit through or enter via mainland cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, a visa is mandatory.
- Your itinerary must be strictly limited to Phu Quoc Island.
💡 Tip: If you only plan to vacation in Phu Quoc, just book your flight and go. However, if you wish to visit Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, or any other mainland cities, you must apply for a visa.
💼 APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) Holders
Holders of a valid APEC Business Travel Card can enter mainland Vietnam visa-free and stay for up to 90 days. Business professionals are highly encouraged to utilize this option.
2. Vietnam Visa Options for Taiwanese Citizens (2026–2027)
Taiwanese travelers primarily have the following three pathways to apply for a visa:
① Electronic Visa (E-Visa) ⭐ Most Recommended
Since August 15, 2023, Vietnam has fully opened its E-Visa application process to Taiwanese citizens. This is currently the most convenient and efficient method.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Validity | Up to 90 days (Single or Multiple entries available) |
| Applicable Ports | 83 international checkpoints (including 15 international airports, land borders, and seaports) |
| Application Method | Fully online, no need to visit the embassy or consulate |
| Entry Process | Print out the PDF visa and go straight through immigration |
| Official Fee | Single entry: $25 USD / Multiple entries: $50 USD |
To apply for an E-Visa, you need to prepare:
- A clear scan of your passport’s bio-data page (valid for at least 6 months from your date of departure from Vietnam).
- A recent digital passport photo with a white background (4×6 cm, no glasses, ears must be visible).
- Your accommodation address in Vietnam (hotel name and full address).
- A credit card or PayPal account.
Application Steps:
- Apply via the online E-Visa service (Select E-Visa): https://www.vietnam-visa.tw/apply/
- Select Taiwan for nationality, and choose Ordinary passport for passport type.
- Fill in your name, passport number, and other details exactly as they appear on your passport.
- Upload your passport photo and bio-data page scan.
- Pay the fee.
- Standard processing takes about 3–5 business days (can take up to 7 days during peak seasons).
- Once you receive the PDF visa, you must print a physical copy to bring with you for immigration.
⚠️ Important Reminder: All information on the application form must match your passport exactly. Any minor error may lead to denial of entry. Non-compliant photo specifications are the most common reason for applications being returned or rejected.
② Visa on Arrival (VOA)
Visa on Arrival is suitable for travelers who make last-minute travel decisions and do not have enough time to wait for E-Visa processing. However, you must remember a vital rule:
⚠️ Visa on Arrival cannot be applied for directly at the airport. You must apply for a Visa Approval Letter online in advance. Once received, print it out and exchange it for an official visa sticker at the Vietnamese airport.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Validity | Usually 15–30 days |
| Applicable Ports | Restricted to international airports only (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Nha Trang, etc.) |
| Required Documents | Approval Letter, passport, 2 passport photos, USD cash |
| Fee Structure | Service Fee (paid online) + Stamping Fee (paid in cash at the airport) |
⚠️ Note: Without the Approval Letter, airlines will not allow you to board, and Vietnamese airports will not process your visa.
- Apply for Emergency Visa on Arrival Service (Select Visa on Arrival): https://www.vietnam-visa.tw/apply/
③ Visa via the Embassy/Consulate of Vietnam in Japan (Paper Visa)
This option is suitable for special circumstances where an E-Visa cannot be used (e.g., long-term work visas). You can contact the Embassy of Vietnam in Tokyo to handle this. The process is more tedious and time-consuming, so it is generally not recommended for leisure tourists.
3. Latest Visa Fees and Processing Times (2026–2027)
Tourist Electronic Visa (Tourist E-Visa)
| Processing Time | 1 Month Single | 1 Month Multiple | 3 Months Single | 3 Months Multiple |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Business Days | $70 USD | $100 USD | $90 USD | $120 USD |
| 3 Business Days | $90 USD | $120 USD | $110 USD | $140 USD |
| 2 Business Days | $110 USD | $140 USD | $130 USD | $160 USD |
| 1 Business Day | $150 USD | $180 USD | $170 USD | $200 USD |
| 4-Hour Urgent | $180 USD | $220 USD | $210 USD | $240 USD |
Business Electronic Visa (Business E-Visa)
| Processing Time | 1 Month Single | 1 Month Multiple | 3 Months Single | 3 Months Multiple |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Business Days | $80 USD | $110 USD | $100 USD | $130 USD |
| 3 Business Days | $100 USD | $130 USD | $120 USD | $150 USD |
| 2 Business Days | $120 USD | $150 USD | $140 USD | $170 USD |
| 1 Business Day | $160 USD | $190 USD | $180 USD | $210 USD |
| 4-Hour Urgent | $200 USD | $230 USD | $220 USD | $250 USD |
Visa on Arrival (VOA) Fee Structure
Paying for a VOA is split into two parts:
| Visa Type | Service Fee (Paid Online) | Stamping Fee (Cash at Airport) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Month Single Entry | $45 USD | $25 USD |
| 1 Month Multiple Entry | $50 USD | $50 USD |
💡 Tip: E-Visa fees include all charges. When using an E-Visa, you do not need to line up to pay fees at the Vietnamese airport; simply print your visa and head straight to immigration.
4. Latest Entry Regulations for 2026 – Must-Read Before Departure
📋 Online Entry Declaration (Implemented from April 2026)
Starting mid-April 2026, all foreign travelers entering Vietnam must complete an online entry declaration. This applies to major airports including: Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), Hanoi (HAN), Phu Quoc (PQC), Nha Trang (CXR), etc.
- Even if you are only going to Phu Quoc (visa-free), you still need to complete this declaration.
- Timing: Simply complete it prior to your departure.
- Upon completion, you will receive a QR Code. Present this QR Code during entry inspection.
- 📌 Good News: The physical paper “Vietnam Entry Card” has been discontinued and is no longer required.
📄 Required Documents Checklist
Please ensure you carry the following documents with you:
- ✅ Valid Passport: Valid for at least 6 months (calculated from your entry date).
- ✅ Blank Passport Pages: At least 2 blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
- ✅ Vietnam Visa: A printed paper copy of your Electronic Visa (E-Visa) or Visa Approval Letter.
- ✅ Return Ticket: Proof of a return flight or a connecting ticket to a third country.
- ✅ Hotel Booking Confirmation: Keep a copy ready for random checks.
- ✅ Online Entry Declaration Proof: (Applicable from April 2026 onwards).
🛃 Key Vietnam Customs Regulations
- Cash Declarations:
- Foreign Currency: Max $5,000 USD equivalent per person; amounts exceeding this must be declared.
- Vietnamese Dong (VND): Max 15,000,000 VND per person; amounts exceeding this must be declared.
- Prohibited Items:
- Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) or heated tobacco products (violators face heavy fines, and products will be confiscated and destroyed).
- Weapons, ammunition, drugs, and explosives.
- Protected wildlife products.
- Fresh meat and poultry/meat products.
- Duty-Free Allowance:
- Alcohol over 20% ABV: 1.5 liters
- Alcohol under 20% ABV: 2.0 liters
- Beer: 3.0 liters
- Cigarettes: 400 sticks
- Cigars: 100 sticks
5. Departing from Tokyo: Flight Information
✈️ Flights
Multiple airlines operate direct flights from Tokyo’s Narita Airport (NRT) or Haneda Airport (HND) to Vietnam:
- Vietnam Airlines: Direct flights to Hanoi (approx. 5.5 hours) and Ho Chi Minh City.
- VietJet Air: Offers several budget-friendly direct routes.
- Japan Airlines (JAL) / All Nippon Airways (ANA): Offer premium direct flights and transit options.
With extensive flight capacities available weekly, the 5 to 6-hour flight time makes Vietnam a perfect destination for long weekend trips or extended holidays.
🚗 Local Transportation in Vietnam
- Grab: The most convenient ride-hailing and food delivery app (similar to Uber)—be sure to download and set it up before you leave.
- Taxis: It is highly recommended to choose green-colored Mai Linh taxis or white-colored Vinasun taxis to avoid scams.
- Bus: Ho Chi Minh City has over 60 bus routes, which are exceptionally affordable.
- Motorbike Rentals: Ideal if you love exploring like a local and navigating freely.
6. Best Time to Visit
Climate characteristics vary heavily between Northern and Southern Vietnam:
| Region | Best Travel Period | Weather Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay) | Autumn (September to November) | Cool, breezy, and pleasant |
| Central Vietnam (Da Nang, Hoi An) | January to August | Clear skies and sunny days |
| Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City) | Dry Season (December to April) | Warm all year round, minimal rain |
💡 Tip: Peak tourist season in Vietnam runs from November to April. It is highly recommended to plan and apply for your visa well in advance.
7. Recommended Useful Apps
| App | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Grab | Ride-hailing and food delivery (The absolute must-have in Vietnam) |
| Google Maps | Navigation and route planning |
| Google Translate | Language barriers (Supports offline Vietnamese packs) |
| Zalo | The most popular local messaging app in Vietnam |
8. Airport Fast Track Service
With Vietnam’s tourism booming through 2026, airports in Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) and Hanoi (HAN) frequently experience massive immigration lines. Booking an Airport Fast Track Service is strongly recommended to:
- Drastically cut down your immigration queue wait times.
- Enjoy personalized meet-and-greet guidance from a dedicated escort.
- Receive assistance with filling out entry forms.
- Enjoy priority handling through immigration and customs checkpoints.
9. ⚠️ Key Pitfalls to Avoid (Must-Read for Taiwanese Citizens)
- Name Format: Your name on the application must match the Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) at the bottom of your passport page exactly, including spaces and hyphens.
- Photo Guidelines: Strictly requires a white background, full face forward, no glasses, and a standard 4×6 cm size.
- VOA Trap: You must obtain the Approval Letter before departing; otherwise, you will be denied boarding at Narita or Haneda.
- Passport Validity: Ensure your passport has more than 6 months of validity remaining from the day you plan to leave Vietnam.
- Checkpoint Match: The “Allowed entry checkpoint” listed on your visa must match your flight’s actual arrival airport.
- Nationality Selection: Ensure you select Taiwan as your nationality on the application system.
- Online Entry Declaration: Don’t forget that starting April 2026, completing this before departure is mandatory.
- Avoid Fake Websites: Always use official links or trusted agencies, as the web is filled with copycat or fraudulent application portals.
💡 Core Advice: Be thorough and patient when applying for a Vietnamese visa. Allocate a buffer of at least 10 business days before your trip. For last-minute situations, use our express service to secure a visa within 2–4 hours.
10. Why Choose Us?
As a Taiwanese resident living in Tokyo, what worries you most when applying for a Vietnamese visa? Getting rejected due to a typo, missing your flight due to slow processing, or falling victim to a scam website?
Vietnam-Visa.tw understands your concerns. We provide comprehensive safeguards for Taiwanese travelers:
- ✅ 100% Success Guarantee: Our professional team reviews your information to ensure zero errors.
- ✅ Full Traditional Chinese Service: No need to stress over misunderstanding complex foreign language forms.
- ✅ Flexible Express Options: Get your visa issued in as fast as 4 hours for urgent or last-minute trips.
- ✅ Fully Online Processing: No need to visit the embassy or consulate while residing in Japan.
- ✅ Automated MRZ Auditing: Automatically detects name ordering errors to prevent system rejections.
- ✅ Photo Specification Verification: Ensuring compliance with the latest 2026 ICAO facial recognition standards.
- ✅ 3-Stage Quality Control: Ensuring success on your very first submission.
Before taking off from Narita or Haneda Airport, let our professional team secure your smooth entry into Vietnam.
📞 Contact us today to ensure your journey goes seamlessly!
- 🌐 Application Portal: https://www.vietnam-visa.tw/apply/
- 📧 Email: info@vietnam-visa.tw
- 💬 LINE / WeChat: vietnam-visa
🔗 Quick Service Links:
- Full Visa Services: https://www.vietnam-visa.tw/apply/
- VIP Fast Track Service: https://www.vietnam-visa.tw/fast-track-service-order-form/
- Urgent Visa Expediting Service: https://www.vietnam-visa.tw/boost-e-visa/
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