A clear guide to the Vietnam visa for Japanese citizens: who needs one, documents, fees, processing time, and how to apply online.
Vietnam is a quick, rewarding hop from Japan, and the paperwork rarely gets in the way: for many short trips you may not need a visa at all, and when you do, the Vietnam visa for Japanese citizens is a simple online application from home in Tokyo, Osaka, or anywhere else.
At MyVietVisa we help plenty of Japanese tourists and business travellers, so we know the questions that come up. This guide explains who needs a visa, what it costs, how long it takes, and how to apply online.
Do Japanese citizens need a visa for Vietnam?
Often, no — for short trips. Vietnam has long offered a visa exemption for Japanese passport holders for stays up to a set number of days, which makes a quick getaway very easy. But that exemption has a day limit and conditions that can change, so confirm the current rules before you book. If your trip runs longer than the exempt period, you'll need an e-visa or a visa arranged in advance.
If you have Vietnamese heritage in your family, a multi-year visa exemption certificate may be available instead. Our Viet Kieu exemption guide explains who's eligible.
Your Vietnam visa options
When you do need a visa, the Vietnam visa for Japanese citizens generally comes down to three routes:
- E-visa (most common for longer stays): Applied for entirely online and emailed as a PDF. Accepted at major airports and many land and sea borders.
- Visa on arrival (VOA): Requires a pre-arranged approval letter, then you collect the visa at a Vietnamese airport. Air arrivals only.
- Embassy/consulate visa: Arranged through a Vietnamese mission in Japan, such as the Embassy in Tokyo or the Consulate-General in Osaka. Best for longer stays, work, or special categories.
Not sure whether your trip needs one? Our visa checker tells you in about a minute.
Requirements and documents
If you're applying for a visa, the list is short. You'll typically need:
- A Japanese passport valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date, with a couple of blank pages.
- A clear colour scan of your passport bio page — flat, no glare, all corners visible.
- A recent passport-style photo on a plain background (no glasses, no hats).
- Your travel dates and intended port of entry, such as Noi Bai in Hanoi, Da Nang International, or Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City.
- A Vietnam address — a hotel booking or a relative's home is fine.
Mind the exemption day count
If you enter visa-free, count your days from the date of arrival and keep your return ticket handy. Staying past the exempt limit can mean fines at departure. If your plans are flexible or longer, an e-visa gives you a clearer, longer window.
Cost and processing time
If you apply for an e-visa, the total is the government fee — which depends on single or multiple entry — plus any service fee if you use an agent. Government fees change from time to time, so treat any figure online as an estimate and confirm the current rate before paying. Our clear pricing shows what we charge to handle everything for you.
A standard e-visa usually processes in a few business days, but these are estimates, not guarantees. Flying soon? An expedited Vietnamese visa can shorten the wait considerably.
How to apply online, step by step
- Confirm whether your trip fits the exemption window or needs a visa.
- If you need one, choose your visa type and entry option.
- Enter your details exactly as printed on your passport.
- Upload your bio-page scan and photo.
- Add your arrival date and port of entry, then pay and submit.
- Receive your approval, print a copy, and carry it with you.
Apply through us and a real person reviews every field before submission. For the finer points, our FAQ answers what Japanese travellers ask most.
A few tips for Japanese travellers heading to Vietnam
Direct flights from Narita, Haneda, and Kansai make day-by-day planning easy, but keep proof of onward travel handy in case you're asked. If you carry an e-visa, print it before you fly and make sure its port of entry matches your arrival city. And remember everyone needs their own visa or exemption, children and infants included.
Ready to sort your Vietnam visa the easy way? Start your application and we'll take it from here, or book a free consultation if you'd like to check your options first.
📌Start here: The complete Vietnam e-visa guideFrequently asked questions
Do Japanese citizens need a visa for Vietnam?
Often, no — for short trips. Vietnam has long offered a visa exemption for Japanese passport holders for stays up to a set number of days, which makes a quick getaway very easy. But that exemption has a day limit and conditions that can change, so confirm the current rules before you book. If your trip runs longer...
Planning a trip home to Vietnam?
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General information to help you plan, not legal advice; visa and travel rules change. Contact us for your specific situation.