How to stay in Vietnam long-term using a 90-day e-visa (entry rules 2026)?
Based on 2 discussions with 3 participants · Last activity: 8 days ago
TL;DR
Since 2025 the e-visa can be issued for up to 90 days, but under the new rules it's typically single-entry — the old trick of exiting and re-entering within a year to reset the visa no longer works the same way.
What the community said
The 90-day e-visa has no separate entry 'window': you choose the start date of validity yourself when applying. You can enter on any day within that period, but the visa's end date stays fixed as originally set, regardless of when you actually enter.
9 days ago self-selected visa start date
Processing the 90-day e-visa takes about 4 working days on average, but travelers recommend applying roughly a month before departure, since the application may be sent back for corrections more than once.
9 days ago ~4 working days processing, apply ~1 month ahead
Families traveling with children weigh two options: enter visa-free first and later apply for a 90-day e-visa, or apply for the 90-day e-visa before departure — most choose the second option to avoid an extra border run.
16 days ago 90-day e-visa
Applying directly for the full 90-day e-visa usually doesn't raise questions at check-in or on arrival in Vietnam, but travelers recommend carrying a printed copy of the visa and a return ticket just in case border staff ask.
18 days ago printed e-visa + return ticket
For longer stays (a year or more), the e-visa route is now the main option — the pre-2025 rule that allowed multiple entries/exits on a single visa within a year no longer applies the same way.
25 days ago