Vietnam Visa for Canadian Citizens: Do Canadians Need One in 2026?

Updated: June 22, 2026 · 8 min read

Short answer: yes, Canadian citizens need a visa for Vietnam. Canada isn't on Vietnam's visa-exemption list, so there's no visa-free window for a Canadian passport — you need a visa even for a short holiday. For almost every Canadian tourist that's the fully online eVisa, with no embassy visit. Here's how it works, what it costs in CAD, how Canada's spread of time zones affects your timing, and a 5-year exemption many Vietnamese-Canadians don't realise they qualify for.

Do Canadians Need a Visa for Vietnam?

Yes — for every trip. Vietnam grants visa-free entry to a specific list of countries (mostly Western Europe plus Japan and South Korea), and Canada isn't on it. So whether it's tourism, business, or visiting family, you arrange a visa before you fly. Turn up without one and you can be denied boarding in Canada or refused entry on arrival. For nearly all Canadian tourists, the eVisa is the route.

The eVisa Is the Route for Almost Every Canadian

Since August 2023, Vietnam's eVisa has been open to Canadians, and it's now the default. It's valid up to 90 days, available as single or multiple entry, and handled entirely online — no trip to the embassy in Ottawa or a consulate, no mailing your passport. You print the approved eVisa (or keep a clear copy on your phone) and show it on arrival. One practical advantage over visa on arrival: the eVisa works at land and sea borders too, not just airports — useful if you're entering overland from Cambodia or Laos. The old visa on arrival route still exists but needs a pre-approval letter in advance plus a cash stamping fee, and only works by air.

What It Costs (in CAD)

The government eVisa fee is $25 USD single entry or $50 USD multiple entry — roughly CAD 34 to 68 at mid-2026 exchange rates. The number of entries, not the length of stay, is what changes the price. If you use a service, a service fee is added on top to handle the form, catch errors, and support you. For the full breakdown of government versus service fees, see our Vietnam eVisa fee guide. One warning: because Canada and Vietnam are far apart, watch out for sites quoting a single CAD "total" that quietly bundles the government fee with a large markup — always check what the government portion ($25/$50) actually is.

Processing Time — Mind Canada's Time Zones

Standard processing is officially about three working days and realistically three to five. Canada's size makes timing trickier than most countries: you're spread across several time zones, all of them roughly 11 to 15 hours behind Vietnam. From Toronto, Ottawa or Montreal you're about 11–12 hours behind; from Vancouver it's closer to 14–15. Either way, when it's evening for you, it's already the next morning in Hanoi — so an application you submit "tonight" really starts on Vietnam's next working day. The practical rule: apply at least a week before you fly, and don't count on same-day movement. If you're already short on time, see your urgent and rush options — results are possible in one working day or even hours during Vietnam business hours.

Single or Multiple Entry: Which Should Canadians Pick?

Most Canadian tourists on a one-country trip only need single entry. Choose multiple entry if you'll leave Vietnam and come back — common for Canadians combining Vietnam with a wider Southeast Asia trip, or those routing through the US or another country mid-trip and re-entering. If you'll cross a border and come back, multiple entry saves buying a second visa. Our guide on single vs multiple entry walks through the scenarios.

Mistakes That Catch Canadians Out

• •Passport validity. Your Canadian passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond arrival, with blank pages. The most common reason for denied boarding.
• •Leaving it too late on the west coast. From BC the time-zone gap is biggest — what feels like "a few days before" can be tighter than you think on Vietnam's calendar.
• •Entry date vs travel date. The entry date is the earliest day you can enter — set it to your actual arrival day, not the day you apply.
• •Payment declines. If your card is refused on the portal, see our payment failed guide before retrying so you don't get charged twice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Canadian citizens need a visa for Vietnam?

Yes. Canada isn't on Vietnam's exemption list, so Canadians need a visa for every visit — for tourism, that's the online eVisa, valid up to 90 days, single or multiple entry.

How much is it in CAD?

The government fee is $25 USD single / $50 USD multiple — about CAD 34 / 68. A service adds its own fee on top to handle the application.

How long does it take?

About three to five working days. Canada is 11–15 hours behind Vietnam depending on your province, so apply at least a week ahead and don't expect same-day movement.

Is there an exemption for Vietnamese-Canadians?

Yes — Canadians of Vietnamese origin, plus their spouse and children, can apply for a 5-year visa exemption certificate through a Vietnamese embassy or consulate, with proof of the relationship.

Can Canadians get a visa on arrival?

It exists but needs a pre-approval letter in advance plus a cash stamping fee, and only works by air. The eVisa is simpler, cheaper, and works at land and sea borders too.

This guide is for general information and reflects rules current at the time of writing. Visa policies can change — always verify current requirements before you travel. GoVietVisa is a private visa assistance service, not the official government portal, and charges a service fee in addition to the official government eVisa fee.