Are you packing your bags for a sunny getaway to My Khe Beach but feeling a knot in your stomach about the paperwork? We get it. Visa regulations can be the most stressful part of travel, especially when rules seem to change every year. You want to be excited about the Dragon Bridge, not worried about getting turned away at the immigration counter.
The good news is that entering Da Nang in 2026 is easier than ever before. Vietnam has significantly relaxed its entry requirements to welcome travelers like you. Whether you are coming for a quick weekend food tour or a month-long digital nomad retreat, the processes have been streamlined. However, one small mistake on an application form can still derail your trip, so accuracy is key.
In this guide, DanangLocals.com will break down exactly what you need to legally enter our beautiful city. We will explain the 45-day exemption, the 90-day E-visa, and the specific procedures at Da Nang International Airport (DAD). We are skipping the legal jargon and giving you the practical, "local friend" advice to get you through customs in record time.
Let’s clear up the confusion so you can focus on the fun stuff. Here is everything you need to know about the Vietnam Visa for Da Nang in 2026.
Do You Need a Visa to Enter Da Nang?
Before you apply for anything, check if you are on the "Lucky List" of visa exemptions.
Vietnam has expanded its unilateral visa exemption policy. If you hold a passport from one of the following countries, you can enter Da Nang (and all of Vietnam) without applying for any visa at all.
45-Day Exemption: Citizens of the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Belarus. You can stay for up to 45 days, single entry.
30-Day Exemption: Citizens of ASEAN countries (Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Laos, Cambodia).
The Rule: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months upon arrival.
Local Insight (DanangLocals): If you plan to stay longer than the exempted period (e.g., a 2-month backpacking trip), do not use the exemption. You cannot easily extend it once you are here. Apply for the 90-day E-visa instead.
What Is the 90-Day Vietnam E-visa?
The Electronic Visa (E-visa) is the "Golden Ticket" for almost all travelers in 2026.
Gone are the days of limited countries or short stays. The current E-visa policy is incredibly generous and applies to citizens of all countries and territories.
Validity: Up to 90 days.
Entries: You can choose between Single Entry (enter once, leave once) or Multiple Entry (enter and leave as many times as you want within 90 days—perfect if you plan to combine Da Nang with a side trip to Cambodia or Thailand).
Convenience: Everything is done online. No need to visit an embassy.
How to Apply for a Vietnam E-visa Step-by-Step?
Be careful: There are hundreds of "scam" or "agency" websites that look official but charge double the price.
Follow these steps to ensure you are using the government's direct channel.
Go to the Official Website: Access
evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn(or the National Public Service Portal). Look for the government emblem.Upload Photos:
- One portrait photo (4x6cm, white background, no glasses, looking straight).
- One photo of your passport data page (clear, no glare).
One portrait photo (4x6cm, white background, no glasses, looking straight).
One photo of your passport data page (clear, no glare).
Fill in Information:
- Important: Write your name exactly as it appears in the machine-readable zone (bottom) of your passport.
- Port of Entry: Select "Da Nang International Airport" if you are flying directly here.
Important: Write your name exactly as it appears in the machine-readable zone (bottom) of your passport.
Port of Entry: Select "Da Nang International Airport" if you are flying directly here.
Pay the Fee:
- $25 USD for Single Entry.
- $50 USD for Multiple Entry.
- Note: This fee is non-refundable even if refused.
$25 USD for Single Entry.
$50 USD for Multiple Entry.
Note: This fee is non-refundable even if refused.
Wait: Processing usually takes 3-5 working days. Print out the E-visa letter when it arrives in your email.
Local Tip (DanangLocals): Don't wait until the last minute. We recommend applying at least 2 weeks before your flight. Holidays (like Tet) can slow down the system significantly.
What is the Immigration Procedure at Da Nang International Airport (DAD)?
Good news: Da Nang Airport is much smaller, faster, and friendlier than Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
Here is the flow when you land:
Disembark: You will walk from the plane to the immigration hall.
Immigration Counters:
- If you have an E-visa or Exemption: Go directly to the passport control booths. Hand them your passport and your printed E-visa (or just passport if exempt).
- If you used the old "Visa on Arrival" letter: You must stop at the "Visa Landing" counter on the left first to get the stamp. (See below why we don't recommend this).
If you have an E-visa or Exemption: Go directly to the passport control booths. Hand them your passport and your printed E-visa (or just passport if exempt).
If you used the old "Visa on Arrival" letter: You must stop at the "Visa Landing" counter on the left first to get the stamp. (See below why we don't recommend this).
Baggage Claim: Pass through immigration, go down the escalator, and your bags will be waiting.
Customs: Walk through the Green Channel (nothing to declare) and you are out!
Local Insight: The average wait time at DAD immigration is usually 15 to 30 minutes. It’s very efficient.
Common Problems and Troubleshooting for Da Nang Entry
Even with a simple system, things can go wrong. Here is how to handle the hiccups.
E-visa vs. Visa on Arrival: Which One is Better in 2026?
The E-visa is superior in every way.
Visa on Arrival (VOA): This is the "old way." It requires you to pay an agency for an "Approval Letter" beforehand, then queue again at the airport to pay a "Stamping Fee." It is more expensive, more stressful, and slower.
Verdict: Only use VOA in an absolute emergency (e.g., you forgot to apply for a visa and need to fly tomorrow).
What Should You Do If Your E-visa Has a Typo?
This is the most common nightmare. If your passport number is wrong or your name is misspelled on the E-visa, the airline will not let you board.
The Fix:
- If you have time (5+ days): Apply for a brand new E-visa.
- If you are at the airport: You must contact a travel agency immediately for an "Emergency Expedited Visa." This can cost upwards of $150-$200 USD to fix within hours. Double-check your info before hitting submit!
If you have time (5+ days): Apply for a brand new E-visa.
If you are at the airport: You must contact a travel agency immediately for an "Emergency Expedited Visa." This can cost upwards of $150-$200 USD to fix within hours. Double-check your info before hitting submit!
Is the "Airport Fast Track" Service at Da Nang Worth It?
Generally, no. Some agencies sell a VIP service where someone meets you and walks you through a priority lane.
Local Advice: Because Da Nang Airport is not chaotic, this service is usually a waste of money for solo travelers or couples. However, if you are traveling with elderly parents, young infants, or a very large group, it might be worth it for the peace of mind.
Can You Extend Your Visa in Da Nang?
Currently, extending a tourist visa inside Vietnam is extremely difficult or impossible.
The Solution (Visa Run): If you want to stay longer than your visa allows, you must exit Vietnam and re-enter.
The "Lao Bao" Run: The cheapest way from Da Nang is to take a bus (4-5 hours) to the Lao Bao Border (Vietnam/Laos). You cross out, turn around, and cross back in with a new E-visa.
The "Air" Run: Many expats choose to take a cheap flight to Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur for the weekend and fly back to Da Nang with a fresh visa.
Navigating the Vietnam Visa for Da Nang doesn't have to be scary. With the new E-visa system, it's mostly just a matter of filling out a form and waiting. Once you have that paper in hand, the hardest part is over.
Now that the paperwork is sorted, you need to figure out how to get to your hotel! Check out our guide on Da Nang Airport to City Center to avoid taxi scams. And if you are wondering when to book your flight, read our breakdown of the Best time to visit Da Nang.
Welcome to Da Nang! We can't wait to see you here.