Vietnam is a natural fit for Kenyan travellers — affordable, visually stunning, and just USD 25 for a 90-day e-visa. Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City are all accessible on one simple online application. No yellow fever certificate needed, no embassy queue.
Key Warnings
Use only the official portal evisa.gov.vn — third-party agents charge USD 53–185+ for exactly the same visa. There is no benefit to using an agent.
Your photo must have a completely plain white background. Wrong backgrounds are the most common rejection reason. Use a professional passport photo service.
Your e-visa specifies a start date — you cannot enter Vietnam before this date. Set it carefully based on your actual flight.
Insider Tips
The multiple-entry e-visa (USD 50) is excellent value for a Southeast Asia trip — Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, then back to Vietnam on the same visa.
Kenya is NOT yellow fever endemic, so you have no yellow fever certificate complications on any common routing to Vietnam.
Apply at least 7–10 working days before travel. Photo rejection and resubmission is the main delay — a professional photo avoids it.
Phu Quoc island (PQC) offers 30 days visa-free for all nationalities including Kenyans — fly directly there for a short beach break without the e-visa. For any other destination in Vietnam, the e-visa is needed.
Nairobi–Vietnam connections typically go through Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines), Dubai (Emirates), or Doha (Qatar Airways). Ethiopian Airlines has some of the most affordable fares on this route.
Step-by-Step Guide
Go to the official portal — evisa.gov.vn
Visit evisa.gov.vn (also accessible at thithucdientu.gov.vn — both are official). Avoid third-party sites charging 2–7× the official price. Click 'Grant E-Visa' and select Kenya as your nationality.
Fill in your travel details
Enter your passport details, planned entry and exit dates, and intended port of entry (airport, land border, or seaport). Double-check your entry date — you cannot arrive in Vietnam before the e-visa start date.
Upload passport scan and photo
Upload a colour JPEG scan of your passport bio-data page. Upload your digital passport photo (plain white background, JPEG, max 1024 KB). The photo format is the most common rejection reason — use a professional service.
Pay USD 25 (single) or USD 50 (multiple)
Pay by Visa or Mastercard. Save your payment receipt.
Wait 3–5 working days
Check your email (including spam) for the e-visa approval. Log back into the portal to check your application status if needed.
Complete digital arrival card for Ho Chi Minh City (if arriving at SGN)
Since April 2026, a digital arrival card is mandatory before landing at Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN, Ho Chi Minh City). Complete it online before your flight.
Print your e-visa and travel
Print a hard copy of your e-visa to present alongside your passport at the port of entry. Accepted at all 83 international entry points — all major airports, seaports, and land border crossings.
Required Documents
Valid Kenyan passport scan (bio-data page)Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date in Vietnam. Minimum 2 blank pages. Upload a clear, colour JPEG scan of the bio-data page only.
Digital passport photo — white background (JPEG, 4×6 cm)The most common rejection reason. Requirements: plain white background only (no patterns, shadows), face occupying 70–80% of frame, neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open, no glasses, taken within 6 months, max 1024 KB JPEG.
Visa or Mastercard for online paymentEnsure your card is enabled for international online transactions before starting the application.
Active email addressYour e-visa approval is sent here. Check spam/junk folders if not received within 5 working days.
Latest Updates
2026-04-15
Vietnam introduced a mandatory digital arrival card for all international passengers arriving at Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN). Must be completed before landing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Kenyans get a Vietnam e-visa online?
Yes — Kenyan passport holders can apply for a Vietnam e-visa entirely online at evisa.gov.vn. No embassy visit is required. The fee is USD 25 for single entry (~KES 3,240) or USD 50 for multiple entry (~KES 6,480). Processing takes 3–5 working days and the e-visa allows up to 90 days stay.
Do Kenyans need a yellow fever certificate for Vietnam?
No — Vietnam does not require a yellow fever certificate from Kenyan travellers. Kenya is not classified as a yellow fever endemic country, so you will not face yellow fever certificate requirements at Vietnamese immigration or at most transit airports on common routes.
Why was my Vietnam e-visa photo rejected?
Vietnam has strict photo requirements: plain white background, face filling 70–80% of the frame, no glasses, neutral expression, JPEG format, max 1024 KB. Any colour, pattern, or shadow in the background causes rejection. Use a professional passport photo service to avoid resubmissions.
Can Kenyans visit Phu Quoc without a visa?
Yes — Phu Quoc island offers 30 days visa-free entry for all nationalities including Kenyans, for direct arrivals at Phu Quoc Airport (PQC). If your trip is only Phu Quoc, you don't need the e-visa. For Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Ha Long Bay, or any other part of Vietnam, the e-visa is required.
What is the difference between single and multiple entry Vietnam e-visa?
Both allow up to 90 days per entry. The single entry (USD 25) is for one trip to Vietnam. The multiple entry (USD 50) lets you leave and re-enter Vietnam multiple times within the e-visa validity period — ideal for a Southeast Asia circuit (Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and back). If you plan to exit and re-enter Vietnam during your trip, get the multiple entry.