Short answer: as of November 2026, travelers with passports from 51 countries cannot get a Vietnam visa in practice. The largest groups are Bangladesh, Pakistan, Morocco, Iran and Nigeria; the full list is below. Vietnam is currently not approving applications on these passports, including the online e-visa and the approval letters needed for a visa on arrival.

So please do not pay for an e-visa, an “approval letter” or a “guaranteed visa” on one of these passports until this changes. The government fee is not refunded if an application is refused. This page explains what we know, who is not affected, what to do instead and how you will know when visas reopen. We review it regularly and date every change.

How we know which nationalities cannot get a Vietnam visa

Vietnam has not published a public list of affected nationalities. Our information therefore comes mainly from the results of the applications we handle every day. For Bangladesh, there is also public reporting: TBS News wrote in July 2025 that Vietnam had halted visa issuance for Bangladeshis, and the Bangladesh Monitor said in April 2026 that the pause was still in place. For the other forty-seven nationalities, we have not found an official notice, so we cannot say why the pause exists or how long it will last.

Many other websites still say the e-visa is open to every nationality. That was true when the e-visa was extended to all countries in August 2023, but it does not reflect what happens to these applications today.

What it means if you cannot get a Vietnam visa

• Do not book non-refundable flights or hotels for Vietnam on one of these passports until visas reopen.
• Be careful with agents who promise a guaranteed visa or visa on arrival. Visa on arrival still needs an approval letter from Vietnam’s immigration department, and those letters are affected too.
• Living abroad does not change it. The result depends on the passport, not where you live, so a Nigerian living in the UK or an Iranian living in the UAE is affected as well.
• Dual citizens can use their other passport. For example, a Moroccan-French or Tunisian-French dual citizen can enter Vietnam on the French passport for up to 45 days without a visa. Then use that same passport for check-in, entry and exit.
• Refugee travel documents: if you travel on a travel document issued by another country, the rules for that document may differ, so contact us before you apply.
• Already refused? The government fee is not refunded. If you paid a service, ask it about its own refund policy.

Country by country: who cannot get a Vietnam visa

Vietnam visa for Moroccan citizens

Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security counted 2,304 arrivals from Morocco in 2019 and 1,050 in 2022. However, applications on Moroccan passports are currently not being approved. Many Moroccans also hold French, Spanish, Italian, Belgian or Dutch passports, and all five countries are on Vietnam’s 45-day visa-free list.

Vietnam visa for Iranian citizens

Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security counted 3,027 arrivals from Iran in 2019 and 758 in 2022. However, applications on Iranian passports are currently not being approved. Iranians who also hold a German, British, Swedish or other listed passport can travel on that passport instead. In addition, payments with Iranian cards are generally not possible on international visa systems.

Vietnam visa for Afghan citizens

Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security counted 2,785 arrivals from Afghanistan in 2019 and 155 in 2022. However, applications on Afghan passports are currently not being approved. Afghans living abroad on a refugee travel document or a second passport should contact us first, because the rules depend on the document, not on birthplace.

Vietnam visa for Nigerian citizens

Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security counted 2,055 arrivals from Nigeria in 2019 and 621 in 2022. However, applications on Nigerian passports are currently not being approved. Nigerian-British dual citizens can enter on the British passport for up to 45 days without a visa. Business visitors should first ask their Vietnamese partner to check with the immigration department.

Vietnam visa for Tunisian citizens

Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security counted 1,822 arrivals from Tunisia in 2019 and 742 in 2022. However, applications on Tunisian passports are currently not being approved. Tunisian-French and Tunisian-Italian dual citizens can enter on the European passport for up to 45 days without a visa.

Vietnam visa for Kenyan citizens

Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security counted 1,808 arrivals from Kenya in 2019 and 504 in 2022. However, applications on Kenyan passports are currently not being approved. Kenya has allowed dual citizenship since 2010. So Kenyan-British dual citizens can enter Vietnam on the British passport for up to 45 days. Students and business visitors should first ask their Vietnamese host to check with the immigration department.

Vietnam visa for Algerian citizens

Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security counted 1,411 arrivals from Algeria in 2019 and 423 in 2022. However, applications on Algerian passports are currently not being approved. Many Algerians also hold French citizenship, and France is on Vietnam’s 45-day visa-free list. So an Algerian-French dual citizen can enter on the French passport instead.

Vietnam visa for Lebanese citizens

Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security counted 1,251 arrivals from Lebanon in 2019 and 499 in 2022. However, applications on Lebanese passports are currently not being approved. Lebanon has a large diaspora, so check your other passport first: a French passport gives 45 days without a visa, while Australian, Canadian, American and Brazilian passports still need an e-visa.

Vietnam visa for Ugandan citizens

Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security counted 1,553 arrivals from Uganda in 2019 and 228 in 2022. However, applications on Ugandan passports are currently not being approved. Uganda has allowed dual citizenship since 2009, so a Ugandan-British dual citizen can enter Vietnam on the British passport for up to 45 days.

Vietnam visa for Syrian citizens

Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security counted 802 arrivals from Syria in 2019 and, unusually, almost as many, 798, in 2022. However, applications on Syrian passports are currently not being approved. Many Syrians now live in Germany or Sweden; if you have become a citizen there, you can enter Vietnam on that passport for up to 45 days without a visa.

Vietnam visa for Ghanaian citizens

Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security counted 725 arrivals from Ghana in 2019 and 480 in 2022. However, Vietnam is currently not approving applications on Ghanaian passports. Ghana allows dual citizenship, so a Ghanaian-British dual citizen can travel on the British passport instead.

Vietnam visa for Cameroonian citizens

Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security counted 773 arrivals from Cameroon in 2019 and 442 in 2022. However, Vietnam is currently not approving applications on Cameroonian passports. Cameroon generally does not allow dual citizenship, so most travelers have no second passport to fall back on; business visitors should ask their Vietnamese partner to check with the immigration department first.

Vietnam visa for Libyan citizens

Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security counted 617 arrivals from Libya in 2019 and 193 in 2022. However, Vietnam is currently not approving applications on Libyan passports. Libya generally requires official permission to hold a second nationality, so most travelers have no other passport to use. Students and business visitors should ask their Vietnamese school or partner to check with the immigration department before paying any fees.

Vietnam visa for Zimbabwean citizens

Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security counted 530 arrivals from Zimbabwe in 2019 and 160 in 2022. However, Vietnam is currently not approving applications on Zimbabwean passports. Since the 2013 constitution, Zimbabweans by birth may hold dual citizenship, so a Zimbabwean-British dual citizen can travel on the British passport and stay up to 45 days visa-free. A residence permit in South Africa or another country does not help, because the result depends on the passport.

Vietnam visa for Iraqi citizens

Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security counted 487 arrivals from Iraq in 2019 and 137 in 2022. However, Vietnam is currently not approving applications on Iraqi passports, including those the Kurdistan Region issues. Iraq allows dual citizenship, so an Iraqi-Swedish or Iraqi-German dual citizen can travel on the European passport and stay up to 45 days visa-free.

Vietnam visa for Ethiopian citizens

Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security counted 367 arrivals from Ethiopia in 2019 and 150 in 2022. However, Vietnam is currently not approving applications on Ethiopian passports. Ethiopia does not allow dual citizenship, so most travelers have no second passport. Former Ethiopians who now hold another country’s passport follow the rules for that passport instead.

Vietnam visa for Ivorian citizens

Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security counted 450 arrivals from Côte d’Ivoire in 2019 and 81 in 2022. However, Vietnam is currently not approving applications on Ivorian passports. Ivorians who also hold a French passport can travel on it instead and stay up to 45 days visa-free.

Vietnam visa for Liberian citizens

Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security counted 467 arrivals from Liberia in 2019 and only 32 in 2022. However, Vietnam is currently not approving applications on Liberian passports. Since 2022, Liberians by birth may hold a second citizenship, so a Liberian who also holds a passport from a country on Vietnam’s exemption list can travel on that passport.

Vietnam visa for Yemeni citizens

Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security counted 352 arrivals from Yemen in 2019 and 127 in 2022. However, Vietnam is currently not approving applications on Yemeni passports. Many Yemenis live and work in Saudi Arabia or the UAE, but a residence permit there does not change the result, because it depends on the passport.

Vietnam visa for Sudanese citizens

Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security counted 305 arrivals from Sudan in 2019 and 116 in 2022. However, Vietnam is currently not approving applications on Sudanese passports. South Sudan has its own entry below. Sudanese living in Egypt or the Gulf face the same result, since a residence permit does not replace the passport.

Vietnam visa for South Sudanese citizens

South Sudan has been independent since 2011, and the Ministry of Public Security arrival table we use (2019 to 2023) has no separate row for it. In our own processing, Vietnam is currently not approving e-visas or visa on arrival letters on South Sudanese passports. This applies whether the passport was issued in Juba or at a South Sudanese embassy abroad. Living in Kenya, Uganda, Egypt or the Gulf does not change the result, because the passport decides the rule.

Vietnam visa for Namibian citizens

Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security counted 264 arrivals from Namibia in 2019 and 102 in 2022. However, Vietnam is currently not approving applications on Namibian passports. Many Namibians live and work in South Africa, but a residence permit there does not change the result, because it depends on the passport.

Vietnam visa for Angolan citizens

Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security counted 202 arrivals from Angola in 2019 and 119 in 2022. However, Vietnam is currently not approving applications on Angolan passports. Angolans who also hold a Portuguese passport can apply for an e-visa on that passport instead; Portugal is not on the exemption list, so a visa is still needed.

Vietnam visa for Malian citizens

Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security counted 265 arrivals from Mali in 2019 and 26 in 2022. However, Vietnam is currently not approving applications on Malian passports. Malians who also hold a French passport can travel on it instead and stay up to 45 days visa-free.

Vietnam visa for Palestinian passport holders

Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security counted 154 arrivals on Palestinian passports in 2019 and 101 in 2022. However, Vietnam is currently not approving applications on passports issued by the Palestinian Authority. Palestinians who also hold another nationality, for example Jordanian, follow the rules for that passport instead.

Vietnam visa for Senegalese citizens

Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security counted 211 arrivals from Senegal in 2019 and 37 in 2022. However, Vietnam is currently not approving applications on Senegalese passports. Senegalese who also hold a French or Italian passport can travel on it instead and stay up to 45 days visa-free.

Vietnam visa for Mozambican citizens

Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security counted 165 arrivals from Mozambique in 2019 and 82 in 2022. However, Vietnam is currently not approving applications on Mozambican passports. Business visitors, including those working with Vietnamese companies in Mozambique, should ask their partner to check with Vietnam’s immigration department before paying any fees.

Vietnam visa for Guinean citizens

Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security counted 216 arrivals from Guinea in 2019 and 19 in 2022. However, Vietnam is currently not approving applications on Guinean passports. This entry covers the Republic of Guinea, with its capital in Conakry, not Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea or Papua New Guinea.

Vietnam visa for Burkinabe citizens

Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security counted 219 arrivals from Burkina Faso in 2019 and 17 in 2022. However, Vietnam is currently not approving applications on Burkinabe passports. Burkinabe who also hold a French passport can travel on it instead and stay up to 45 days visa-free.

Vietnam visa for Seychellois citizens

Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security counted 174 arrivals from Seychelles in 2019 and 36 in 2022. However, Vietnam is currently not approving applications on Seychellois passports. Seychellois who also hold a British or French passport can travel on it instead and stay up to 45 days visa-free.

Vietnam visa for Malagasy citizens

Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security counted 171 arrivals from Madagascar in 2019 and 16 in 2022. However, Vietnam is currently not approving applications on Malagasy passports. Malagasy who also hold a French passport can travel on it instead and stay up to 45 days visa-free.

Vietnam visa for Somali citizens

Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security counted 154 arrivals from Somalia in 2019 and 7 in 2022. However, Vietnam is currently not approving applications on Somali passports. Many Somalis live in Kenya, the Gulf or Europe. A residence permit there does not change the result. However, a Somali who is also a British, Swedish or Norwegian citizen can travel on that passport visa-free for up to 45 days.

Vietnam visa for Malawian citizens

Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security counted 122 arrivals from Malawi in 2019 and 39 in 2022. However, Vietnam is currently not approving applications on Malawian passports. Since 2019, Malawians may hold dual citizenship, so a Malawian who also holds a British passport can travel on it visa-free for up to 45 days.

Vietnam visa for Zambian citizens

Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security counted 126 arrivals from Zambia in 2019 and 27 in 2022. However, Vietnam is currently not approving applications on Zambian passports. Zambia has allowed dual citizenship since 2016, so a Zambian who also holds a British passport can travel on it visa-free for up to 45 days.

Vietnam visa for Rwandan citizens

Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security counted 108 arrivals from Rwanda in 2019 and 30 in 2022. However, Vietnam is currently not approving applications on Rwandan passports. Rwandans who also hold a Belgian or French passport can travel on it instead and stay up to 45 days visa-free.

Vietnam visa for Togolese citizens

Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security counted 122 arrivals from Togo in 2019 and 14 in 2022. However, Vietnam is currently not approving applications on Togolese passports. Togolese who also hold a French or German passport can travel on it instead and stay up to 45 days visa-free.

Vietnam visa for Botswana citizens

Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security counted 89 arrivals from Botswana in 2019 and 17 in 2022. However, Vietnam is currently not approving applications on Botswana passports. Botswana generally does not allow adults to keep a second citizenship, so most travelers have no other passport to use. Business visitors should ask their Vietnamese partner to check with the immigration department before paying any fees.

Vietnam visa for Beninese citizens

Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security counted 70 arrivals from Benin in 2019 and 21 in 2022. However, Vietnam is currently not approving applications on Beninese passports. Beninese who also hold a French passport can travel on it instead and stay up to 45 days visa-free.

Vietnam visa for citizens of the Republic of the Congo

Vietnam’s arrival statistics list Congo as a single entry: 134 arrivals in 2019 and 31 in 2022. However, Vietnam is currently not approving applications on passports from the Republic of the Congo, with its capital in Brazzaville. Citizens who also hold a French passport can travel on it instead and stay up to 45 days visa-free.

Vietnam visa for citizens of the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The same pause applies to passports from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with its capital in Kinshasa. The DRC does not allow dual nationality, so most travelers have no second passport. Congolese who have become Belgian or French citizens follow the rules for that passport, which is visa-free for up to 45 days.

Vietnam visa for Gambian citizens

Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security counted 79 arrivals from Gambia in 2019 and 6 in 2022. However, Vietnam is currently not approving applications on Gambian passports. Gambians who also hold a British passport can travel on it instead and stay up to 45 days visa-free.

Vietnam visa for Gabonese citizens

Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security counted 48 arrivals from Gabon in 2019 and 29 in 2022. However, Vietnam is currently not approving applications on Gabonese passports. Gabonese who also hold a French passport can travel on it instead and stay up to 45 days visa-free.

Vietnam visa for Nigerien citizens

Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security counted 71 arrivals from Niger in 2019 and 2 in 2022. However, Vietnam is currently not approving applications on Nigerien passports. This entry covers Niger, with its capital in Niamey; Nigeria is listed separately above. Nigeriens who also hold a French passport can travel on it visa-free for up to 45 days.

Vietnam visa for Sierra Leonean citizens

Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security counted 27 arrivals from Sierra Leone in 2019 and 41 in 2022. However, Vietnam is currently not approving applications on Sierra Leonean passports. Arrivals actually rose after the pandemic, so the pause affects a growing group. Sierra Leoneans who also hold a British passport can travel on it visa-free for up to 45 days.

Vietnam visa for Burundian citizens

Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security counted 38 arrivals from Burundi in 2019 and 5 in 2022. However, Vietnam is currently not approving applications on Burundian passports. Burundians who also hold a Belgian or French passport can travel on it instead and stay up to 45 days visa-free.

Vietnam visa for Cape Verdean citizens

Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security counted 32 arrivals from Cape Verde in 2019 and 4 in 2022. However, Vietnam is currently not approving applications on Cape Verdean passports. Many Cape Verdeans also hold a Portuguese passport. Portugal is not on the exemption list, so that passport needs an e-visa, but it is not affected by the pause.

Vietnam visa for Eswatini citizens

Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security counted 29 arrivals from Eswatini in 2019 and 10 in 2022. However, Vietnam is currently not approving applications on Eswatini passports. Eswatini was called Swaziland until 2018, and older documents may still use that name. Business visitors should ask their Vietnamese partner to check with the immigration department before paying any fees.

Bangladeshi and Pakistani citizens

These two nationalities have their own pages with more detail: Vietnam visa for Bangladeshi citizens and Vietnam visa for Pakistani citizens.

Sri Lankan and Turkish citizens

Our applications on these two passports are also paused, because many have been refused in our recent cases. Vietnam has not announced anything about them, and the e-visa portal still accepts both passports, but the government fee is not refunded if an application is refused. See Vietnam visa for Sri Lankan citizens and Vietnam visa for Turkish citizens.

When will these nationalities be able to get a Vietnam visa again?

No date has been announced. In the meantime, the most reliable signs that visas have reopened are an official notice from the Vietnamese embassy that covers your country, and e-visa approvals for your passport on evisa.gov.vn. We will update this page, with the date, as soon as approvals resume for any of these passports. For the rules that apply to every other nationality, see our pages on the Vietnam e-visa, who is exempted from Vietnam visa and Vietnam visa on arrival.

FAQ

Which countries cannot get a Vietnam visa right now?

As of November 2026: Bangladesh, Pakistan, Morocco, Iran, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Tunisia, Kenya, Algeria, Lebanon, Uganda, Syria, Ghana, Cameroon, Libya, Zimbabwe, Iraq, Ethiopia, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Yemen, Sudan, South Sudan, Namibia, Angola, Mali, Palestine, Senegal, Mozambique, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Seychelles, Madagascar, Somalia, Malawi, Zambia, Rwanda, Togo, Botswana, Benin, the Republic of the Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gambia, Gabon, Niger, Sierra Leone, Burundi, Cape Verde and Eswatini.

Is this an official ban?

Vietnam has not published an official list. This page is based on actual application results and, for Bangladesh, on news reports.

Can I get a visa on arrival instead?

No. Visa on arrival needs a pre-approved letter, and those are affected by the same pause.

I have a second passport. Can I travel?

Yes. The rules for the passport you travel on apply. For example, French and British passport holders can stay up to 45 days without a visa.

Sources: our own application processing (November 2026); TBS News (July 2025); Bangladesh Monitor (April 2026); Vietnam Ministry of Public Security arrival figures; Vietnam Government Resolutions 44/NQ-CP and 229/NQ-CP. Last reviewed: 9 November 2026. We are an independent visa service, not a government website.

Checking a different passport? Our Vietnam visa requirements by nationality list covers all 197 passports from A to Z.