Vietnam travel guide for New Zealanders

New Zealand passport holders can enter Vietnam without a visa for up to 45 days. For longer stays, or if you plan to work or study, you need a visa or an e-visa. Entry rules can change, so confirm with the official sources before you travel.

As a New Zealand citizen, you can stay in Vietnam for up to 45 days without a visa. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date, and you should have a return ticket and proof of accommodation.

For stays longer than 45 days, apply for an e-visa or a visa through the Vietnamese embassy. E-visas are available for tourism and business, and you can apply online. Processing times vary, so apply well in advance.

Entry rules can change, so check the latest advice from the New Zealand Government and the Vietnamese immigration authorities before you book.

The New Zealand Embassy is in Hanoi, and there is a Consulate-General in Ho Chi Minh City. They can help with passports, notarial services, and emergency assistance. For urgent help, contact the 24/7 emergency line of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) in Wellington.

If you are in Vietnam and need consular help, the embassy is your first point of contact. For emergencies, call the MFAT emergency line from anywhere in the world.

Vietnam is generally inexpensive for New Zealanders. A budget traveller might spend around NZ$40–60 per day, covering a hostel, street food, and local transport. A mid-range traveller could spend NZ$100–150 per day, including a comfortable hotel, restaurant meals, and some tours.

Flights from New Zealand to Vietnam typically cost NZ$800–1,500 return, depending on the season and how far in advance you book. Internal flights between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are around NZ$50–100 one-way.

These are 2026 estimates; prices vary with season and your choices.

There are no direct flights from New Zealand to Vietnam; you will connect through Australia, Singapore, or another hub. Flight time from Auckland to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City is about 12–14 hours including a stopover, plus a few hours for the connection.

Auckland to Ho Chi Minh City is the most common route, with airlines like Air New Zealand and Vietnam Airlines offering connections. From Christchurch or Wellington, add a domestic leg to Auckland first.

Use a flight-time planner to compare options from your home city.

Vietnam uses plug types A and C, with a standard voltage of 220 V and frequency 50 Hz. New Zealand uses type I plugs, so you will need an adapter. Your devices should handle 220 V, but check your chargers; if they are rated 100–240 V, they are fine.

Power cuts are rare in cities but possible in rural areas. Carry a power bank for long days out.

Tipping is not expected in Vietnam, but it is appreciated in tourist areas. Round up the bill at restaurants, and tip tour guides and drivers a small amount if you are happy with the service. In spas, a tip of 10–15% is common in high-end places.

In local markets and street stalls, tipping is not customary; just pay the price you agree on.

In an emergency, call 113 for police, 114 for fire, and 115 for an ambulance. Operators may not speak English, so ask a local or your hotel to help if needed.

For consular help, contact the New Zealand Embassy or the MFAT emergency line.