2026 Complete Guide to Vietnam Visa Policy and Application for Hong Kong Citizens
As of 2026, Vietnam has not yet implemented a comprehensive visa-free policy for Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) passport holders. Whether for tourism, visiting relatives, or business, Hong Kong citizens must obtain a valid visa before entering Vietnam. However, similar to some other countries, Vietnam maintains one unique exception and a specific program for visa-free entry.
⚠️ The Only Visa-Free Exception: Phu Quoc Island
Phu Quoc is currently the only region in Vietnam open to HKSAR passport holders without a visa for a stay of up to 30 days, provided the following conditions are met:
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Passport validity of at least 6 months.
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Possession of a return ticket or an onward ticket to a third country/region.
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Direct flight to Phu Quoc: You must arrive via an international flight directly at Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC). The itinerary is restricted to Phu Quoc; if you arrive at or transit through mainland Vietnam (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, etc.), a visa is mandatory.
💡 APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) Holders
If you hold a valid APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC), you can enter mainland Vietnam visa-free when accompanied by a valid passport (minimum 6 months validity). This is a significant convenience for many Hong Kong business professionals.
Which Vietnam Visas Can Hong Kong Citizens Apply for in 2026?
According to the 2026 Vietnam visa policy, Hong Kong citizens can choose from the following three main visa pathways:
📄 Visa Types and Stay Durations:
Hong Kong citizens can apply for a 90-day multiple-entry E-Visa. With this visa, you can freely enter and exit Vietnam within the validity period, allowing you to visit other Southeast Asian countries (like Thailand or Cambodia) and return to Vietnam without reapplying.
🛂 Vietnam E-Visa — The Recommended Method for 2026
Since August 15, 2023, the scope of Vietnam’s E-Visa has expanded to all countries and regions, including Hong Kong. Most users find this the most suitable type for the following reasons:
Advantages of E-Visa
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Fully Digital: Complete the application, upload documents, and pay fees via computer or mobile.
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Generous Validity: Up to 90 days.
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Transparent Fees: Applied directly through the official system with no hidden costs.
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Entry Convenience: Go straight to immigration upon arrival; no need to wait at the VOA counter.
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Wide Applicability: Accepted at over 42 ports, including international airports, land borders, and seaports.
Application Requirements
Before starting, please prepare the following:
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✅ HKSAR passport valid for at least 6 months from the intended date of entry.
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✅ At least 2 blank pages in the passport for stamps.
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✅ A digital color passport photo (approx. 4x6cm, white background) taken within the last 6 months.
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✅ A clear scan or photo of the passport data page (JPG/JPEG format).
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✅ Name and address of the intended hotel in Vietnam.
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✅ A valid email address and a credit/debit card.
📋 Step-by-Step E-Visa Guide for Hong Kong Citizens
Step 1: Visit the Application Site Or use the Traditional Chinese auxiliary platform (Select E-Visa): https://www.vietnam-visa.hk/apply-vietnam-visa/
Step 2: Fill in the Online Form
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Nationality: Select “Hong Kong.”
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Personal Details: Enter surname, given name, DOB, gender, country of birth, passport number, etc. Note: A minor error can result in rejection.
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Mailing Address: Enter your Hong Kong address.
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Visa Type: Select “E-Visa” and choose 30 or 90 days, single or multiple entry.
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Dates: Your visa will be valid from the “Intended date of entry” you set.
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Port of Entry/Exit: Select your airport (e.g., Tan Son Nhat – SGN, Noi Bai – HAN, Da Nang – DAD).
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Temporary Residence: Full hotel name and address.
Step 3: Upload Photo and Passport Page
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Upload the digital photo (JPEG).
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Upload the passport data page. Ensure the Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) at the bottom is fully visible, clear, and free of glare.
Step 4: Verify and Pay
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Double-check all details.
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Pay the official fee (approx. $25 USD for single entry, $50 USD for multiple entry) via credit/debit card.
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Crucial: Save or screenshot your Registration Code to check your status later.
Step 5: Query Progress and Download
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Processing usually takes 3 to 5 working days.
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Once approved, you will receive the E-Visa PDF via email. You must print it out. Customs officers strictly require a physical paper copy; digital versions on phones are usually not accepted.
💵 E-Visa Fees and Processing Time
The fees below are all-inclusive. Visa success is guaranteed; otherwise, a full refund is provided.
1-Month Single Entry E-Visa
1-Month Multiple Entry E-Visa
3-Month Single Entry E-Visa
3-Month Multiple Entry E-Visa
Note: If you have already applied for an E-Visa officially and need it faster, contact us: info@vietnam-visa.hk; LINE/WeChat: vietnam-visa. Provide your application number for a quote (receipt as fast as 1-2 working hours)!
🛄 Visa on Arrival (VOA) Information
If you decide to travel last minute and cannot wait for E-Visa approval, VOA is a legal alternative.
VOA Process
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Get Approval Letter Online: Apply via a legal agency: https://www.vietnam-visa.hk/apply-vietnam-visa/.
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Fly to Vietnam: Print the letter; you must show it during check-in and at immigration.
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Collect Visa at Airport: Head to the “Visa on Arrival” counter, submit your passport, letter, photos, and pay the Stamping Fee (approx. $25 for single, $50 for multiple).
VOA Fees (Tourist)
Urgent VOA Service Fees (1 Month Single):
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4 Working Hours: +$100 USD
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1 Working Day: +$60 USD
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2 Working Days: +$40 USD
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3 Working Days: +$20 USD
📄 HK Document of Identity (HKDI) / BNO Passport Guide
🇭🇰 Hong Kong Document of Identity (HKDI)
The HKDI (“Yellow Book”) is not eligible for the official E-Visa system nor visa-free entry. You must apply for a Visa on Arrival.
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Approval Letter is Key: Apply through a legal agency.
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Prepare Documents: Provide a scan of the HKDI data page. Processing may take longer than standard passports.
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Arrival: At the airport, submit the letter, HKDI, 2 photos (4x6cm), and pay the $25 USD stamping fee.
🇬🇧 BNO Passport
Holders of BNO passports currently cannot apply for a Vietnam E-Visa. Visa on Arrival is the only option.
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Process: Same as HKDI. Obtain the Approval Letter first to board the flight. Pay the fee and receive the sticker at the “Visa on Arrival” counter in Vietnam.
⏰ 2026 Vietnam Public Holiday Alerts
The Immigration Department and Consulates close during the following periods. Apply early to avoid delays:
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Jan 1: New Year’s Day
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April 30 – May 4: Labor Day & Reunification Day (5-day holiday)
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Sept 2 – Sept 5: National Day (4-day holiday)
🚨 Emergency Visa Services
If you have a last-minute trip or a visa error, seek an “Emergency Visa” service. Agencies can get E-Visas in 1-2 days or VOA letters in as little as 1 to 4 hours, even on weekends. Note: Official government sites do not offer expedited options.
🚧 Latest Entry Regulations (2026)
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Electronic Entry Declaration (From April 15, 2026): Travelers entering via Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) must complete an online “Pre-Arrival Declaration” at least 72 hours before arrival to obtain a QR Code. This is currently mandatory for SGN only.
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Passport Validity: Ensure at least 6 months validity remains beyond your departure date.
💼 Business & Long-Term Visas
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Business E-Visa: Select “Business” as the purpose. You may need an invitation letter and business license from the Vietnamese partner company.
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Long-Term Visas: For stays over 90 days, work (LD), or study (DH), E-Visas are not applicable. You must apply through the Consulate General in HK with local sponsorship documents.
🏛️ Applying via Consulate General of Vietnam in HK
Address: 15/F, Great Smart Tower, 230 Wan Chai Road, Wan Chai, HK. Phone: +852 2591 4510 / +852 2591 4517 Required: Passport original, completed form, 2 photos, and relevant invitation letters (for business).
💡 Quick Tips
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Consistency: Data on the application must match your passport exactly.
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Print Everything: Always carry physical paper copies of your E-Visa or VOA letter.
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Children: Every traveler, regardless of age, needs their own passport and visa.
📞 Contact Us
For assistance in Chinese or English:
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LINE/WeChat: vietnam-visa
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24/7 Support: Available even on weekends and holidays for emergency cases.
Wishing you a smooth and pleasant journey to Vietnam!


