Visas & Rules

To legally ride a motorcycle over 50cc in Vietnam, you technically need either a Vietnamese driver's license or an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention. Most Western countries issue compatible IDPs through their automobile clubs (AAA in the US, AA in the UK, ADAC in Germany) — costs $20–30 and takes 24 hours. Reality check: the majority of expats in Da Nang ride without one. Police checkpoints (especially during events like DIFF or holiday periods) do check foreign drivers. Getting stopped without a license typically means a fine of 400,000–600,000 VND. More seriously, if you're in an accident without a license, insurance won't cover you and you're personally liable. For anyone planning to rent a scooter for more than a week, getting an IDP before you leave home is genuinely worth it. For motorcycles under 50cc (mopeds), no international license is required. Many rental shops offer these specifically because of the license issue — they're slower but legal for foreigners.

Since August 15, 2023, Vietnam issues e-visas to citizens of every country — 90 days, multiple entry. Apply at evisa.gov.vn (the only official portal). Processing takes 3 working days; there is no legitimate official express service. Third-party 'visa agent' websites charge $60–80+ for the same $25 document — avoid them. The e-visa PDF arrives by email; print it or save it on your phone for immigration. Source: evisa.gov.vn.

Apply at evisa.gov.vn — fill the form, upload a passport photo and your data page, pay online. Approval takes 3 working days (no official express option). You'll receive a PDF approval code by email to print or show on your phone at the immigration counter. One critical note: only use evisa.gov.vn. Dozens of third-party sites mimic the official portal and charge $50–100 extra for the same outcome. Source: evisa.gov.vn.

Vietnamese customs rules for arrivals: duty-free allowance per person is 200 cigarettes, 1.5L of spirits, and goods worth up to 10M VND (~$390). Beyond that, you're supposed to declare. In practice, travelers with normal luggage aren't typically stopped — but people bringing in multiple phones, large quantities of tobacco, or obvious bulk goods do get checked. One thing that catches people at Da Nang arrivals: when the electronic arrival card asks about foreign currency, be accurate if you're carrying cash over $5,000 equivalent. Above that threshold, you're required to declare it. Undeclared large cash can be confiscated at customs discretion — not common but it happens. Seaport note: for international cruise arrivals, the Da Nang Port of Tiên Sa (about 10km from city center) is an authorized e-visa entry point. Cruise passengers: your e-visa must be obtained before embarkation, not on arrival.

Da Nang International Airport is a direct e-visa entry point — you don't need to land in Hanoi or HCMC and connect. On arrival, immigration counters are past baggage claim. If you have a stamped visa, go to the 'All Passports' lane; if you're entering on a visa-exemption, same queue. Queue time: 10–45 minutes depending on how many international flights just landed. Common gotcha: if your printed e-visa PDF has any visible damage or smudging, officers sometimes ask for a fresh print. Having the PDF saved on your phone as backup has helped people in this situation — show both if asked. What immigration won't tell you: they don't always check whether you declared items above the duty limit. But they do spot-check bags, especially for electronics or tobacco over the limit. The X-ray machines are on the arrival side.

Vietnam requires your passport to have at least 6 months of validity remaining beyond your intended departure date. Airlines enforce this at check-in, sometimes more strictly than immigration does. If your passport is expiring within 6 months of your return date, renew it before booking. This catches people out more than visa issues do. Source: Vietnam Tourism Authority.

For a new e-visa while still in Vietnam: you can't extend in-country — you must leave and reapply online (evisa.gov.vn) before re-entering. Processing: 3 business days. Fastest option: fly Danang–Bangkok or Danang–Kuala Lumpur (under 2 hours, budget airlines), spend a day, fly back. Round trip cost varies; budget 1.5–3M VND for the flight, 1.5–2M for accommodation and food. Technically called a 'visa run.' Da Nang Immigration Department handles in-person extensions and temporary residence card (TRC) applications. Address: 7 Trần Quý Cáp, Hải Châu District. Open Mon–Fri 7:30am–11:30am, 1pm–5pm. Bring passport, passport photos (3x4cm), current visa, and any supporting docs (lease agreement, work contract). Processing: 5–7 business days for most services. Visa agents: An Thượng area has several visa service offices (look for 'dịch vụ visa' signs). They typically charge 500,000–1,000,000 VND above official fees for expedited handling. Legitimate ones save you the queue; shady ones pocket the fee and make you come back 3 times. Get a receipt. For a straightforward e-visa renewal, just do it yourself online — it's genuinely not complicated.

The tạm trú rule: you're supposed to register with the local ward police within 24 hours of arriving anywhere. Hotels do it automatically at check-in — no action required. In a private rental, your landlord handles it. The practical reality: most landlords in An Thượng do this automatically; many elsewhere haven't done it once. If your landlord hasn't registered you: go to the ward police station (phường) yourself. Show your rental contract and passport. They see foreigners doing this regularly and are generally helpful — just bring the documents and ask for the tạm trú form. Why it matters: it doesn't come up often, but if you're stopped in a police check (usually near events like DIFF or public holidays), being unregistered can mean a fine or a conversation at the station. More practically, some local services and bank applications ask to see your tạm trú slip.

During Vietnamese Lunar New Year (Tet, late Jan/early Feb), most businesses and restaurants close for up to a week. Transport is overcrowded and should be booked well in advance.

Da Nang's tourist support hotline: (+84) 236 3 550 111 or (+84) 236 3 1022. English assistance is available during business hours (Mon–Sat roughly 7:30am–5pm). If you've had a scam encounter, lost a document, or need local guidance, this is the first call to make. Also check Da Nang Tourism's Facebook page for current alerts. Source: danangfantasticity.com.

Vietnam's visa-exemption list extends beyond the 13 Western countries. ASEAN nationals (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand) are exempt for 14–30 days depending on nationality. Chile, Panama, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, and Russia also have exemption agreements. Duration and conditions vary by country and can change — verify your specific exemption at evisa.gov.vn before travel. When in doubt, the 90-day e-visa ($25, evisa.gov.vn) is the simpler option. Source: evisa.gov.vn.