🇻🇳VIETNAM

🇦🇪UAEVN-AE

Do Vietnam passport holders need a visa to visit UAE?

Q: Isn't there a Vietnam-UAE visa exemption?

Yes, but it only covers diplomatic and official/special passports (up to 90 days). Ordinary passport holders traveling for tourism must apply for an eVisa.

Q: How long can I stay on a UAE tourist eVisa?

The standard tourist eVisa allows a stay of up to 30 days; 60-day options are also available, and most visas can be extended once for a fee.

Q: How do I apply for the UAE eVisa?

Apply online through the UAE ICP portal, the GDRFA Dubai portal, a UAE-based airline (Emirates/Etihad) when flying with them, or via a hotel, tour operator, or VFS Global.

Q: How much does it cost and how long does it take?

A 30-day single-entry visa starts around USD 90 plus service fees; standard processing takes 3-5 working days, with express options in 1-2 days.

Q: What documents do I need?

A passport valid 6+ months, a passport photo, a passport bio-page scan, a confirmed return/onward ticket, and a hotel booking or host address.

Vietnamese ordinary passport holders need a pre-arranged UAE eVisa (electronic tourist visa) before travel. There is no visa-free entry or visa on arrival for tourism; the bilateral visa exemption covers only diplomatic and official/special passports. Holders of an ordinary Vietnamese passport are not eligible for visa-free entry or visa on arrival in the United Arab Emirates. For a short tourist visit they must obtain an electronic tourist visa (eVisa) before departure. The most common option is the 30-day single-entry tourist visa, with 60-day and multiple-entry variants also available. Applications are made online through the UAE's ICP portal, through a UAE-based airline such as Emirates or Etihad when flying with them, or via a sponsoring hotel/tour operator and agents like VFS Global. The passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry, and applicants must show a confirmed return/onward ticket and accommodation. The 2010 Vietnam-UAE visa exemption agreement applies only to diplomatic and official/special passports (up to 90 days) and does NOT benefit ordinary tourist travelers. Standard processing typically takes 3-5 working days, with express options available; travelers should apply well in advance of departure.

VISA REQUIREDTOURISMFLEXIBLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30

For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.

/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30

Visa type

eVisa (electronic tourist visa, pre-arranged)

Maximum stay

Up to 30 days (single entry); 60-day options available

per entry

Entries

Single entry (multiple-entry variants available)

from issue date

Visa fee

From approx. USD 90 (around AED 330) for 30-day single entry, plus service fees

consular fee only

Processing time

3-5 working days (express 1-2 days)

standard track

Validity

Use within 60 days of issue; 30-day stay from entry

from issue date

/02 — The process

How to apply

/01

Confirm passport validity

Ensure your Vietnamese ordinary passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of entry into the UAE and has at least one blank page.

· 6 months validity· Ordinary passport

/02

Choose your visa type

Select the appropriate tourist eVisa: 30-day single entry is standard for a short visit; 60-day or multiple-entry options exist for longer or repeat trips.

· 30-day single· 60-day options

/03

Apply online or through a sponsor

Apply via the UAE ICP portal (icp.gov.ae) or the GDRFA Dubai portal, through a UAE-based airline (Emirates/Etihad) when booked with them, or via a hotel, tour operator, or VFS Global.

· ICP portal· Airline or agent

/04

Upload documents and pay the fee

Submit a passport bio-page scan, a recent passport photo, confirmed return/onward flight, and hotel booking, then pay the visa and service fees online.

· Online payment· Document upload

/05

Wait for approval

Standard processing takes about 3-5 working days; an express service (1-2 days) is usually available for an extra fee. The approved eVisa arrives by email as a PDF.

· 3-5 working days· PDF by email

/06

Travel and enter the UAE

Print or save the eVisa PDF, present it with your passport on arrival, and complete passport control. Keep proof of accommodation and return ticket handy.

· Carry eVisa copy· Show on arrival

/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

9 items

Personalized checklist

0 / 9 complete

Vietnamese ordinary passport valid 6+ months from entry

required

Completed UAE eVisa application (ICP/airline/agent)

required

Recent color passport-style photograph

required

Clear scan of passport bio-data page

required

Confirmed return or onward flight ticket

required

Confirmed hotel reservation or host address

required

Visa and service fee paid (card payment)

required

Travel/medical insurance covering the stay

recommended

Proof of sufficient funds for the trip

recommended

Track your progress · save & email a copy

/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate

Line itemAmountSource

30-day single-entry tourist eVisa (government)approx. USD 90 / AED 330Base government fee; varies by issuing channel

30-day multiple-entry tourist eVisaapprox. USD 136Higher than single entry

60-day single-entry tourist eVisaapprox. USD 177For longer stays

Service / processing feeUSD 30-80Charged by airline, agent, or VFS Global on top of government fee

Express processing (optional)USD 30-50For 1-2 day turnaround

Total estimateUSD 90 — USD 260incl. all

/05 — The wait

Processing time

Standard eVisa processing

3-5 working days

Typical turnaround when applying online via ICP, an airline, or an agent.

Express processing

1-2 working days

Faster issuance for an additional fee, useful for late bookings.

/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency

/01

No visa-free or visa-on-arrival for ordinary passports

Vietnam is not on the UAE's visa-free or visa-on-arrival list, so a pre-arranged eVisa is mandatory for tourism.

High

/02

Exemption agreement excludes tourists

The 2010 Vietnam-UAE visa exemption covers only diplomatic and official/special passports, not ordinary travelers.

Medium

/03

Passport validity under 6 months

The UAE strictly requires at least six months of passport validity from the date of entry.

Medium

/04

Missing return ticket or accommodation

Applications and entry can be refused without a confirmed onward ticket and hotel booking.

Medium

/05

Applying too late

Standard processing takes several working days; last-minute applications risk delays.

Low

/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01

Immigration

Present your passport and UAE entry permit or eVisa approval. The officer decides the final entry stamp and stay conditions.

/02

Customs

Declare restricted goods and large cash amounts when required. Keep medicines in original packaging with prescriptions.

/03

Connectivity

Airport SIM and eSIM options are widely available in Dubai and Abu Dhabi arrivals halls.

/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024

2026-05-30

Vietnam to United Arab Emirates route verified

Confirmed via Emirates, Sherpa, and the UAE ICP that ordinary Vietnamese passport holders require a pre-arranged tourist eVisa (no visa-free/VOA); the bilateral exemption applies only to diplomatic/official passports. Standard fees and 30-day single-entry option verified.

/09 — The questions