Vietnam Visa Guide for Dental Tourists (2026)

Getting into Vietnam is straightforward for most nationalities, but visa rules can be confusing. This guide covers everything dental tourists need to know about entering Vietnam in 2026, whether you are coming from Australia, the UK, the US, Europe, or elsewhere.

Visa-Exempt Countries (No Visa Needed)

Vietnam offers visa-free entry for citizens of many countries. As of 2026, the following nationalities can enter without a visa:

45-Day Visa Exemption

Citizens of these countries can stay up to 45 days without a visa:

• Europe: UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Belarus, and all EU member states
• Asia-Pacific: Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand
• Others: Check the latest list on the Vietnam Immigration website

What you need: A passport valid for at least 6 months and proof of onward travel (return flight booking).

For dental tourism: 45 days is more than enough for any dental treatment trip, even multi-stage implant procedures during a single visit.

30-Day Visa Exemption

• ASEAN member countries (Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Indonesia, etc.)

90-Day Visa Exemption

• Chile, Panama (check current list for updates)

E-Visa (For Countries Not Visa-Exempt)

If your country is not on the visa-exempt list, you will need a Vietnam e-visa. This includes citizens of:

• United States
• Canada
• India
• China
• And many other countries

How to Apply for a Vietnam E-Visa

1. Visit the official website: evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn
2. Fill in the application form with your personal details and travel dates
3. Upload a passport photo (4x6cm, white background, no glasses)
4. Upload a passport data page scan
5. Pay the fee: $25 USD (non-refundable)
6. Receive your e-visa: Via email within 3 working days (usually faster)

E-Visa Details

• Validity: Up to 90 days
• Entry type: Single entry or multiple entry (select when applying)
• Port of entry: Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) is accepted — select it on your application
• Extension: Can be extended in Vietnam if needed

Important: Apply at least 7 days before your planned travel date. The official government website is the only safe place to apply — avoid third-party visa agencies that charge inflated fees.

Visa on Arrival (VOA)

Vietnam still offers visa on arrival for some nationalities, but the e-visa is now simpler and preferred. VOA requires a pre-approved letter from a Vietnamese travel agency, which adds complexity and cost.

Our recommendation: Use the e-visa system. It is cheaper, faster, and eliminates the queue at immigration.

Entry Requirements at Tan Son Nhat Airport

When you arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), you will need:

1. Valid passport (6+ months validity remaining)
2. Printed or digital e-visa (if applicable — visa-exempt travelers just need their passport)
3. Completed health declaration (if required — check current requirements before travel)
4. Return flight booking (immigration may ask to see this)

Immigration Process

Immigration at Tan Son Nhat is generally smooth:

• Visa-exempt travelers go to the “Vietnam/APEC” passport control lanes
• E-visa holders go to the designated e-visa lanes
• Processing time: 5-15 minutes typically
• No immigration interview — just passport stamp

After Immigration

• Luggage claim: Standard baggage carousel system
• SIM cards: Purchase a Vietnamese SIM card at the arrivals hall ($5-10 for 30 days with data). Essential for Grab, maps, and clinic communication.
• Currency exchange: ATMs and exchange counters available. Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the local currency. $1 USD is approximately 25,000 VND.
• Transport to hotel: Use Grab ($5-8 to District 1) or a Vinasun/Mai Linh taxi ($8-12). See our transport guide.

Planning for Two-Trip Treatments

Some dental treatments, particularly dental implants, require two visits separated by 3-6 months. For the second trip:

• Visa-exempt travelers: Simply enter again. The 45-day clock resets each entry.
• E-visa holders: Apply for a new e-visa for your second trip, or choose a multiple-entry e-visa on your first application.

See our guide on how long to stay for dental implants for trip duration planning.

Visa Extension

If your dental treatment takes longer than expected, you can extend your visa in HCMC:

• Process: Visit a travel agency in District 1 (they handle the paperwork) or contact the HCMC Immigration Department directly
• Cost: $30-50 for a 30-day extension
• Processing time: 3-5 working days
• Important: Apply before your current visa or exemption expires to avoid overstay fines

Travel Insurance

While not a visa requirement, comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. Ensure your policy covers:

• Medical emergencies
• Emergency evacuation
• Trip cancellation or delay
• Personal belongings
• Dental treatment complications (some policies offer this)

Customs and Prohibited Items

When entering Vietnam, be aware:

• Duty-free allowances: 200 cigarettes, 1.5 liters of spirits, personal items
• Declaration required: Cash over $5,000 USD or equivalent, gold, jewelry
• Prohibited: Drugs (severe penalties), weapons, pornographic material, political materials against the Vietnamese state

Pre-Travel Checklist

Before your dental tourism trip to HCMC:

• Passport valid for 6+ months
• Visa arranged (if needed) or visa exemption confirmed
• Return flights booked
• Travel insurance purchased
• Hotel in District 1 booked
• Dental appointment confirmed with your chosen clinic
• Dental records sent to clinic in advance
• Local SIM card plan (buy at airport)
• Grab app downloaded
• Basic Vietnamese phrases learned (optional but appreciated)

Need Help Planning?

SmileJet coordinates your entire dental tourism journey — from clinic selection and appointment booking to travel advice. Get free quotes from HCMC’s top clinics and start planning your trip today.