halongbaycruise.infoIndependent cruise guide, Vietnam

entry and money

Cat Ba Island ATM: bring cash from Hanoi, and the Vietnam e-visa

Do not count on an ATM on Cat Ba Island: bring the dong you need from Hanoi or Halong City. Before that, settle entry for your trip to Halong Bay, Vietnam. US and Australian passports need a Vietnam e-visa. A single-entry Vietnam e-visa costs VND 640,000 (about US$25, AUD 36 or GBP 19) per person, paid only on evisa.gov.vn. A full British citizen passport can visit for up to 45 days without a visa, as the UK FCDO advises. Prices on this guide are in Vietnamese dong (VND), with US, Australian and British money from State Bank of Vietnam rates and their date.

Written by Updated

two tools

Your entry rule and dong in your money

Pick your passport and enter your days in Vietnam: the line that applies is marked, with the fee and who states it. Below it, type any dong amount, such as a cash price on Cat Ba Island, to see it in your money.

Your passport and your trip

Passport

Pick your passport. Enter your days in Vietnam to mark the line that fits your trip.

United States passport

  • E-visa needed. On the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism's list of visa-exempt countries, US citizens are not listed (e-visa or visa needed). An e-visa is valid for up to 90 days, as the e-visa portal states.
  • Longer than that: one e-visa does not cover a stay beyond its maximum length. Plan your exit date inside it.

Portal fee, single entry: US$25 . Multiple entry: US$50 . The fee is non-refundable if the visa is not granted.

The US Department of State tells travelers to request a Vietnam e-visa only through the official Government of Vietnam website and says applications are usually processed within 3 to 5 working days (page updated 2 July 2026).

Australian passport

  • E-visa needed. On the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism's list of visa-exempt countries, Australian citizens are not listed (e-visa or visa needed). An e-visa is valid for up to 90 days, as the e-visa portal states.
  • Longer than that: one e-visa does not cover a stay beyond its maximum length. Plan your exit date inside it.

Portal fee, single entry: US$25 . Multiple entry: US$50 . The fee is non-refundable if the visa is not granted.

Smartraveller warns that travelers have been scammed by private online visa services and travel agents, and advises applying only through the Government of Vietnam's official website or offices (advice updated 24 September 2026).

United Kingdom passport (full British citizen)

  • No visa for a short trip. The UK FCDO advises that a full British citizen passport can visit Vietnam without a visa for tourism or business for up to 45 days. The Vietnam National Authority of Tourism states this exemption runs until 14 March 2028. A listed condition for visa-free entry is a return ticket or proof of onward travel.
  • Longer than that: an e-visa. For a longer stay the FCDO names an e-visa as one option, allowing a stay of 90 days, multiple entries. Apply on the same portal as everyone else.
  • Longer still: one e-visa does not cover a stay beyond its maximum length. Plan your exit date inside it.

E-visa fee if you need one, single entry: US$25 . Multiple entry: US$50 .

UK FCDO travel advice for Vietnam, entry requirements (updated 21 September 2026).

The one place to apply: evisa.gov.vn, the Vietnam National E-Visa portal of the Ministry of Public Security.

Dong in your money

VND 500,000 is about US$20, AUD 28 or GBP 15.

The rates behind every price on this guide State Bank of Vietnam rates; the Vietcombank column is what a bank pays for your notes
CurrencyState Bank of VietnamVietcombank cash buying
US dollar VND 25,637 per USDcentral rate, applying on 14 November 2026 VND 25,500 per USDtable for 14 November 2026
Australian dollar VND 17,615 per AUDweekly rate, for the week from 12 November 2026 VND 17,024.18 per AUDtable for 14 November 2026
British pound VND 34,175 per GBPweekly rate, for the week from 12 November 2026 VND 33,161.18 per GBPtable for 14 November 2026
Common amounts
DongIn US, Australian and British money
VND 100,000about US$3.9, AUD 5.7 or GBP 2.9
VND 200,000about US$7.8, AUD 11 or GBP 5.9
VND 500,000about US$20, AUD 28 or GBP 15
VND 1,000,000about US$39, AUD 57 or GBP 29
VND 2,000,000about US$78, AUD 114 or GBP 59
VND 5,000,000about US$195, AUD 284 or GBP 146

applying

Applying for the e-visa on evisa.gov.vn

The Vietnam National Authority of Tourism states Vietnam issues e-visas to citizens of all countries and territories, and warns travelers to apply only on the official government portal and to avoid unauthorized third-party agencies charging inflated fees. Type the portal's address yourself rather than following a search ad: evisa.gov.vn.

The fee is paid through the portal's e-payment gateway and is non-refundable if the visa is not granted, as the portal states. The US Department of State says applications are usually processed within 3 to 5 working days, so apply well before your flight, not the week of it.

Before you apply

  • A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of entry, with at least 2 pages blank, as the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism states.
  • Your entry and exit points. E-visa holders must enter and leave through international border gates designated by the Government; the tourism authority counts 83 border gates (airports, land gates and seaports).
  • The same passport at both ends: the UK FCDO states Vietnamese authorities require visitors to enter and exit using the same passport.

entry points

E-visa gates near Halong Bay and Cat Ba

Most cruise travelers fly into Hanoi and ride to the bay by road; see Hanoi to Halong Bay for the shuttles and their times. The Vietnam National Authority of Tourism's list of e-visa entry points includes the airports and the port closest to the bays:

E-visa entry points near the bays
Entry pointWhereOn the e-visa list
Noi Bai International AirportHanoiYes
Van Don International AirportQuang Ninh province, for Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long BayYes
Cat Bi International AirportHai Phong city, for Cat Ba Island and Lan Ha BayYes
One more entry point: Hon Gai Port

Hon Gai Port, Quang Ninh province, on the tourism authority's list of e-visa seaport entry points: Yes. It matters if you arrive on an international cruise ship rather than by air.

customs

At the border: forms and customs

The UK FCDO states that from 15 April 2026, foreign nationals entering through Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City are encouraged to complete a digital arrival card, which is currently not mandatory. It also states, without giving the year, that from 1 July travelers to or through Vietnam may be required to complete a health declaration; check the advice again in the week you fly.

Customs rules, as the FCDO states them:

  • Cash in Vietnamese currency above VND 15,000,000 must be declared on entry or exit, and foreign currency above US$5,000 .
  • Prescription medicine must be declared when its total import value is above US$100, and carrying prescribed addictive or psychotropic medicine for more than 7 days' supply is illegal.
  • Vapes and related products are banned (cannot be bought or brought in).

For scams, health and safety on the boats, see safety on Halong Bay, which quotes each government's advice with its date.

Cat Ba town harbour
The waterfront square and hotel row on Cat Ba town's harbor.Photo: Christophe95 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

cash

No Cat Ba Island ATM to count on: carry dong

If you are asking whether there is a Cat Ba Island ATM you can rely on, plan as if there is not: bring the dong you need for the island from Hanoi or Hai Phong, in small notes. Bay fees, park tickets, taxis and street food are priced in dong, and every fee on this guide prints in VND first.

Change money only at official exchange counters with a clear sign. The UK FCDO advises this because changing money elsewhere is illegal. Vietcombank's cash buying rate for notes sits below the State Bank of Vietnam rate this guide converts with: the table in the tool above shows both side by side, each with its date.

If your cruise is paid online when you book, the cash you carry is for fees a listing does not include, tips and the island itself. What each cruise includes, and which bay fees sit on top, is on Halong Bay cruise prices.

rates

How this guide turns dong into your money

Every converted price on this guide uses one set of rates: the State Bank of Vietnam central rate for the US dollar (VND 25,637 per USD, applying on 14 November 2026) and its cross rates for customs valuation for the Australian dollar and the British pound, for the week from 12 November 2026. Amounts are rounded the same way everywhere and always marked "about", because your card or the exchange counter will not give you exactly that.

Partner prices listed in Australian dollars are converted through dong with both dates shown. The rates and every headline cost are also published as files on the data page, if you want to check a figure or reuse it.

questions

Questions about the e-visa and money

How much is the Vietnam e-visa?

The Vietnam National E-Visa portal states the fee is US$25 for a single-entry e-visa and US$50 for a multiple-entry one. It is paid through the portal's e-payment gateway and is non-refundable if the visa is not granted. The Vietnam National Authority of Tourism warns against unauthorized third-party agencies that charge inflated fees.

Do UK citizens need a visa for Vietnam?

Not for a short trip. The UK FCDO advises that a full British citizen passport can visit Vietnam for tourism or business for up to 45 days without a visa, and the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism states the exemption runs until 14 March 2028. For a longer stay, the FCDO names an e-visa allowing a stay of 90 days, multiple entries.

Where do I apply for a Vietnam e-visa?

Only on the government portal, evisa.gov.vn, run by the Immigration Department of the Ministry of Public Security. The US Department of State and Australia's Smartraveller both tell travelers to use the official government website, and Smartraveller warns that travelers have been scammed by private online visa services.

How long does a Vietnam e-visa take?

The US Department of State says Vietnam e-visa applications are usually processed within 3 to 5 working days. Apply well before you fly, and have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date. The fee is not refunded if the visa is refused, so check every field before you pay.

How much cash can I bring into Vietnam?

The UK FCDO states cash must be declared at customs above VND 15,000,000 in Vietnamese currency, or above US$5,000 in foreign currency. The same applies when you leave. Change money only at official exchange counters with a clear sign.

Sources

  1. Smartraveller warns that travelers have been scammed by private online visa services and travel agents and advises applying only through the Government of Vietnam's official website or offices. Australian Government DFAT, Smartraveller, Vietnam travel advice (updated 24 Sep 2026, still current 14 Nov 2026), 24 September 2026.
  2. The US Department of State tells travelers to request a Vietnam E-visa only through the official Government of Vietnam website. US Department of State, Vietnam travel advisory and country information (page last updated 2 Jul 2026; advisory issued 24 Jun 2026), 2 July 2026.
  3. The US Department of State states that E-visa applications for Vietnam are usually processed within 3 to 5 working days. US Department of State, Vietnam travel advisory and country information (page last updated 2 Jul 2026; advisory issued 24 Jun 2026), 2 July 2026.
  4. The UK FCDO states cash taken into or out of Vietnam must be declared above, in Vietnamese currency, VND 15,000,000. UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Foreign travel advice: Vietnam, 21 September 2026.
  5. The UK FCDO states cash taken into or out of Vietnam must be declared above, in foreign currency, US$5,000 . UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Foreign travel advice: Vietnam, 21 September 2026.
  6. The UK FCDO states prescription medication taken into Vietnam must be declared at customs when its total import value is above US$100. UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Foreign travel advice: Vietnam, 21 September 2026.
  7. The UK FCDO states it is illegal to carry prescribed addictive or psychotropic medicine for more than 7 days' supply. UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Foreign travel advice: Vietnam, 21 September 2026.
  8. The UK FCDO states that vapes and related products in Vietnam are banned (cannot be bought or brought in). UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Foreign travel advice: Vietnam, 21 September 2026.
  9. The UK FCDO advises changing money only at official exchange counters with a clear sign, because changing money elsewhere is illegal. UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Foreign travel advice: Vietnam, 21 September 2026.
  10. The Vietnam National E-Visa portal states the fee for a single-entry e-visa is US$25 . Ministry of Public Security, Immigration Department, Vietnam National E-Visa portal (evisa.gov.vn), application notes.
  11. The Vietnam National E-Visa portal states the fee for a multiple-entry e-visa is US$50 . Ministry of Public Security, Immigration Department, Vietnam National E-Visa portal (evisa.gov.vn), application notes.
  12. The Vietnam National E-Visa portal states a Vietnam e-visa is valid for a maximum of 90 days. Ministry of Public Security, Immigration Department, Vietnam National E-Visa portal (evisa.gov.vn), application notes.
  13. The Vietnam National E-Visa portal states the e-visa fee is paid through the portal's e-payment gateway and, if the visa is not granted, is non-refundable. Ministry of Public Security, Immigration Department, Vietnam National E-Visa portal (evisa.gov.vn), application notes.
  14. The Vietnam National E-Visa portal states e-visa holders must enter and exit Vietnam through international border gates designated by the Government. Ministry of Public Security, Immigration Department, Vietnam National E-Visa portal (evisa.gov.vn), application notes.
  15. The Vietnam National Authority of Tourism states Vietnam issues e-visas to citizens of all countries and territories. Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (vietnam.travel), Vietnam Visa Requirements, 26 October 2026.
  16. The Vietnam National Authority of Tourism states the visa exemption under Resolution 44/NQ-CP (UK and 11 other countries) runs until 14 March 2028. Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (vietnam.travel), 'Vietnam waives visas for citizens from 12 countries' (Resolution 44/NQ-CP), 10 March 2025.
  17. The UK FCDO advises that holders of a full British citizen passport can visit Vietnam without a visa for tourism or business for up to 45 days. UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Foreign travel advice: Vietnam, 21 September 2026.
  18. The UK FCDO advises British travelers who want to stay longer than 45 days that one option is an e-visa allowing a stay of 90 days, multiple entries. UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Foreign travel advice: Vietnam, 21 September 2026.
  19. On the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism list of countries with 45-day unilateral visa exemption (25 countries) and 30-day ASEAN exemptions, citizens of the United States are not listed (e-visa or visa needed). Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (vietnam.travel), Vietnam Visa Requirements, 26 October 2026.
  20. On the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism list of countries with 45-day unilateral visa exemption (25 countries) and 30-day ASEAN exemptions, citizens of Australia are not listed (e-visa or visa needed). Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (vietnam.travel), Vietnam Visa Requirements, 26 October 2026.
  21. The Vietnam National Authority of Tourism states all foreign travelers entering Vietnam need a passport valid beyond the date of entry for at least 6 months. Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (vietnam.travel), Vietnam Visa Requirements, 26 October 2026.
  22. The Vietnam National Authority of Tourism states a passport for entry to Vietnam needs blank pages numbering at least 2 pages. Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (vietnam.travel), Vietnam Visa Requirements, 26 October 2026.
  23. The Vietnam National Authority of Tourism lists as a condition for visa-exempt (45-day) entry return ticket or proof of onward travel. Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (vietnam.travel), Vietnam Visa Requirements, 26 October 2026.
  24. The Vietnam National Authority of Tourism warns travelers to apply for an e-visa only on the official government portal and to avoid unauthorised third-party agencies charging inflated fees; the official domain is evisa.gov.vn. Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (vietnam.travel), Vietnam Visa Requirements, 26 October 2026.
  25. The Vietnam National Authority of Tourism states the number of international border gates (airports, land gates, seaports) open to e-visa holders is 83 border gates. Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (vietnam.travel), Vietnam Visa Requirements, 26 October 2026.
  26. The Vietnam National Authority of Tourism lists Noi Bai airport (Hanoi) among e-visa entry points: yes. Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (vietnam.travel), Vietnam Visa Requirements, 26 October 2026.
  27. The Vietnam National Authority of Tourism lists Van Don International Airport (Quang Ninh province) among e-visa entry points: yes. Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (vietnam.travel), Vietnam Visa Requirements, 26 October 2026.
  28. The Vietnam National Authority of Tourism lists Cat Bi International Airport (Hai Phong city) among e-visa entry points: yes. Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (vietnam.travel), Vietnam Visa Requirements, 26 October 2026.
  29. The Vietnam National Authority of Tourism lists Hon Gai Port (Quang Ninh province) among e-visa seaport entry points: yes. Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (vietnam.travel), Vietnam Visa Requirements, 26 October 2026.
  30. The UK FCDO states that from 15 April 2026 foreign nationals entering via Tan Son Nhat Airport (Ho Chi Minh City) are encouraged to complete a digital arrival card, which is currently not mandatory. UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Foreign travel advice: Vietnam, 21 September 2026.
  31. The UK FCDO states, without printing the year, that from 1 July travelers to or through Vietnam may be required to complete a health declaration. UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Foreign travel advice: Vietnam, 21 September 2026.
  32. The UK FCDO states Vietnamese authorities require visitors to enter and exit Vietnam using the same passport. UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Foreign travel advice: Vietnam, 21 September 2026.
  33. Exchange rates. VND per unit of each currency. USD: State Bank of Vietnam (Ngân hàng Nhà nước Việt Nam), Tỷ giá page, 14 November 2026; AUD: State Bank of Vietnam (Ngân hàng Nhà nước Việt Nam), Tỷ giá page, 12 November 2026; GBP: State Bank of Vietnam (Ngân hàng Nhà nước Việt Nam), Tỷ giá page, 12 November 2026
  34. Headline costs. Added up from the listed prices, bay fees and fares each cost names; each part has its own source in this list

Photographs

  1. Cat Ba town harbour. Photo: Christophe95 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0