45-Day Visa Exemption for Backpackers
Japanese passport holders enjoy a 45-day visa exemption (inclusive of entry day). This exemption measure is valid from March 15, 2025, to March 14, 2028, regardless of the purpose of entry. This 45-day window provides ample time for most backpackers to travel across the length of Vietnam.
The removal of re-entry restrictions is also great news for backpackers. Previously, a rule prohibited re-entry within 30 days of departure, but this has been abolished, allowing unlimited visa-exempt re-entries.
e-Visa for Extended Backpacking Beyond 45 Days
For long-term travel—such as journeying from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, or crossing into Cambodia or Laos before returning to Vietnam—an e-Visa valid up to 90 days (single or multiple entry) is highly convenient. Because you can specify your start date during application, you can easily adapt it to your travel itinerary.
Phu Quoc Island 30-Day Visa Exemption——A Backpacker’s Budget Paradise
Phu Quoc Island is the only region in Vietnam where Japanese citizens can stay visa-free for up to 30 days. However, all of the following conditions must be met:
- Arrive via a direct flight to Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC)
- Itinerary is strictly limited to Phu Quoc Island
- Passport validity of at least 6 months
- Possession of an onward or return ticket to a third country or home country
Note: If your route includes or transits through mainland cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang, this exemption does not apply. Be sure to obtain a visa in advance.
4 Common Pitfalls Backpackers Encounter
Pitfall 1: Misunderstanding “All of Vietnam is Visa-Free”
The visa exemption is strictly limited to stays within 45 days. An e-Visa is required for stays exceeding 45 days.
Pitfall 2: Misunderstanding “Phu Quoc Exemption Applies to Da Nang Too”
The Phu Quoc exemption is valid only within Phu Quoc Island. Crossing over to the mainland requires a visa.
Pitfall 3: Assuming “Visas Can Be Obtained on Arrival”
Vietnam’s Visa on Arrival strictly requires a pre-arranged Approval Letter. Arriving at the airport without an Approval Letter means you cannot obtain a visa.
Pitfall 4: e-Visa Stuck in “Processing” Status
Applications are not reviewed on weekends or public holidays. Submitting an application on Friday means waiting until the following week. Attempting duplicate applications on the official website may cause further delays; consider using an expedited service (https://www.vietnam-visa.in/boost-your-e-visa-application-form/) instead.
Vietnam Public Holidays——”Visa Dark Periods” to Avoid
| Public Holiday | Period |
| New Year’s Day | January 1 |
| Lunar New Year (Tet) | February 4 – February 10 |
| Hung Kings Commemoration Day | April 16 |
| Reunification Day & Labor Day | April 30 – May 3 |
| National Day | September 2 – September 3 |
Source:
During public holiday periods, visa processing halts entirely, and transportation and accommodations become extremely crowded. It is recommended to plan your itinerary to avoid these dates whenever possible.
Digital Arrival Card——Mandatory Before Entry
Starting April 15, 2026, all arriving passengers—regardless of visa status—must complete the Digital Arrival Card registration. Please complete your registration on the official website (prearrival.immigration.gov.vn) within 72 hours prior to arrival to obtain your QR code. Without this QR code, manual entry at the immigration checkpoint will be required, resulting in significant entry delays.
Backpacker Packing Checklist
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months, at least 2 blank pages)
- Printed e-Visa (if applicable)
- Digital Arrival Card QR code (on phone or printed)
- Return or onward flight ticket to a third country
- Extra passport photos (for emergency re-applications)
7-Step Application Process (Backpacker Edition)
Step 1: Access the application portal (https://www.vietnam-visa.in/apply-vietnam-visa/)
Step 2: Read instructions and check the consent clause
Step 3: Upload photo and passport scan
Step 4: Complete the online application form. Ensure your full name matches your passport’s Romanized spelling exactly
Step 5: Review all details carefully and submit
Step 6: Pay via credit card
Step 7: Upon approval, receive your e-Visa PDF via email. Print it out in color on A4 paper
Electronic Visa Fee Schedule
1-Month Single Entry
| Processing Time | Tourist Visa | Business Visa |
| 4 Business Days | $70 USD | $80 USD |
| 3 Business Days | $90 USD | $100 USD |
| 2 Business Days | $110 USD | $120 USD |
| 1 Business Day | $150 USD | $160 USD |
| 4 Business Hours | $190 USD | $200 USD |
1-Month Multiple Entry
| Processing Time | Tourist Visa | Business Visa |
| 4 Business Days | $100 USD | $110 USD |
| 3 Business Days | $120 USD | $130 USD |
| 2 Business Days | $140 USD | $150 USD |
| 1 Business Day | $180 USD | $190 USD |
| 4 Business Hours | $220 USD | $230 USD |
3-Month Single Entry
| Processing Time | Tourist Visa | Business Visa |
| 4 Business Days | $90 USD | $100 USD |
| 3 Business Days | $110 USD | $120 USD |
| 2 Business Days | $130 USD | $140 USD |
| 1 Business Day | $170 USD | $180 USD |
| 4 Business Hours | $210 USD | $220 USD |
3-Month Multiple Entry
| Processing Time | Tourist Visa | Business Visa |
| 4 Business Days | $120 USD | $130 USD |
| 3 Business Days | $140 USD | $150 USD |
| 2 Business Days | $160 USD | $170 USD |
| 1 Business Day | $200 USD | $210 USD |
| 4 Business Hours | $240 USD | $250 USD |
Official Government Base Fee: Single Entry $25 USD, Multiple Entry $50 USD
Contact Us
📧 Email: info@vietnam-visa.in
💬 WeChat: vietnam-visa
💬 LINE: https://line.me/ti/p/nqB711G8TX
🌐 Online Application: https://www.vietnam-visa.in/apply-vietnam-visa/
⚡ Expedited Service: https://www.vietnam-visa.in/boost-your-e-visa-application-form/
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