Vietnam Visa for South Korean Citizens: Exemption & E-Visa Guide 2025

Planning your trip from South Korea to Vietnam? Great news! As a Korean passport holder, you can enter Vietnam for up to 45 days completely visa-free. This makes planning your holiday to the sunny beaches of Da Nang or the vibrant markets of Ho Chi Minh City incredibly simple.
However, what if your travel plans are longer than 45 days, or you want the flexibility to visit neighboring countries? For that, the Vietnam e-Visa is your best solution. This 2025 guide explains both options to help you choose the right path.

Who This Helps (and problems it solves)

  • “Do Koreans need a visa for Vietnam?”

  • “How do I stay longer than 45 days or make side trips and re-enter?”

  • “What documents do I need for the e-Visa and how fast can I get it?”

  • “Which airports/land borders accept the e-Visa?”

1) Visa Exemption for Korean Citizens (Visa-Free)

  • Stay length: Up to 45 days, single entry

  • Purpose: Tourism, short business meetings, family visits

  • Best when: Your trip is ≤45 days and you don’t need re-entry

Need 46–90 days or plan regional side trips (Thailand/Cambodia/Laos) and re-entry? Use the Vietnam e-Visa.

2) Vietnam e-Visa (Best for >45 Days or Multi-Entry)

  • Validity: up to 90 days

  • Entries: Single or Multiple

  • Accepted at: 40+ approved ports (major airports, land borders, seaports)

  • Process: Fully online; approval PDF emailed (print + keep a digital copy)

3) e-Visa Requirements (Korea)

  • Korean passport valid ≥ 6 months from entry; ≥ 2 blank pages

  • Passport-style photo (4×6 cm, white/light background, JPG/PNG, < 2 MB)

  • Passport data page scan/photo (clear, glare-free, JPG/PNG, < 2 MB)

  • Travel details: entry port/airport, arrival date, Vietnam accommodation

  • Payment: credit/debit card, PayPal, or bank transfer (where available)

Photo tips: face forward, neutral expression, no tinted lenses; glasses only if no glare.

4) How Koreans Apply (Step-by-Step)

  1. Prepare documents (passport data page + compliant photo).

  2. Complete the online e-Visa form (match passport details exactly; choose single/multiple entry).

  3. Pay online (government fee + service fee shown before checkout).

  4. Processing (see below).

  5. Receive e-Visa by email → print + keep a digital copy.

5) Processing Time & Urgent Services (Vietnam time, GMT+7)

  • Standard: ~3–5 working days (Mon–Fri, 08:00–17:00)

  • 1-Day: ~24 working hours

  • Same-Day: ~1–8 working hours (apply before 10:00 AM)

  • Holiday: ~4–12 working hours on weekends/public holidays (e.g., Tet)

Apply 1–2 weeks early for Standard; pick fast-track if departure is near.

6) Fees (What You’ll See)

  • Government fee (single vs multiple entry)

  • Service fee (varies by speed: Standard, 1-Day, Same-Day, Holiday)
    Exact total appears pre-payment; no airport stamping fee for e-Visa.

Processing Time
Service fee: 295$
Apply Now

 

7) Ports of Entry You Can Use with an e-Visa

  • Airports: Hanoi (Noi Bai/HAN), Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat/SGN), Da Nang (DAD), Cam Ranh/CXR, Phu Quoc/PQC, Hue (Phu Bai/HUI), Hai Phong (Cat Bi/HPH), Can Tho/VCA, Van Don/VDO, Da Lat (Lien Khuong/DLI), etc.

  • Land borders: Approved gates with Laos, Cambodia, China (e.g., Moc Bai, Lao Bao, Huu Nghi, Mong Cai, Lao Cai, Na Meo, Nam Can, Cau Treo, Cha Lo, Bo Y, Tinh Bien, Vinh Xuong, Xa Mat, Le Thanh).

  • Seaports: Major ports including Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong, Da Nang, Hon Gai/Cam Pha, Nha Trang, Quy Nhon, Vung Tau, Dung Quat, Nghi Son.

The entry port on your e-Visa must match your actual arrival. If plans change, re-issue the e-Visa with the correct port.

8) Extending Beyond Visa-Free (45 Days)

  • Option A: Apply for a visa extension at Vietnam Immigration (availability varies).

  • Option B: Exit and re-enter with a new e-Visa (common for longer itineraries).

9) Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Confusing 45-day exemption with e-Visa up to 90 days

  • Choosing a non-approved port or changing routes without re-issuing the e-Visa

  • Typos/mismatches (name order, passport number, dates) or non-compliant photos

FAQs — Korea → Vietnam

Can I apply for an e-Visa even if I’m visa-exempt?
Yes. Recommended if you need >45 days or multiple entries.

Can I switch from visa-free to e-Visa inside Vietnam?
Generally no. Most travelers exit and reapply for the fastest lawful path.

Can I arrive later than my e-Visa start date?
Yes. You may arrive on or after the valid-from date (not earlier).

Is Visa on Arrival (VOA) available?
In select cases with pre-approval and airport stamping. For most travelers, the e-Visa is simpler and fully online.

Copy-Paste Pre-Flight Checklist (Korean Citizens)

  • ✅ Printed e-Visa PDF + digital copy (or confirm you’re within 45-day visa-free stay)

  • ✅ Passport valid ≥ 6 months, 2 blank pages

  • ✅ Entry port on e-Visa = actual arrival

  • ✅ Hotel address + onward/return ticket handy

  • ✅ If flying soon: selected 1-Day / Same-Day / Holiday processing

Why Apply with VietnamEntryVisa.com

  • Trusted since 2010 — operated by Nguyen Adventure, excellent Trustpilot/Tripadvisor ratings

  • Human pre-check (photo/data/port) to reduce rejections and delays

  • Fast-track services (Same-Day, 1-Day, Holiday) for tight timelines

  • Secure payment and 24/7 support (including weekends & public holidays)

Apply now — get your Vietnam e-Visa as a Korean citizen with confidence.
Start your application → Apply for Vietnam E-Visa