Vietnam Visa

Vietnam, a fascinating country in Southeast Asia, attracts visitors with its rich history, breathtaking landscapes ranging from rice terraces to tropical beaches, and a vibrant culture. Whether for tourist explorations, business ventures, or longer-term stays – entry into Vietnam requires a visa or corresponding permission for most foreign nationals. The Vietnamese visa system offers various options, including visa exemptions for certain nationalities, e-Visas, and traditional visas applied for through embassies. A precise understanding of these regulations is crucial for successfully navigating the visa application process and ensuring a smooth journey to Vietnam.

Do I need a visa for Vietnam?

Whether you need a visa to enter Vietnam primarily depends on your nationality, the planned length of your stay, and the purpose of your travel.

Visa Exemption: Vietnam grants visa exemption for short stays to citizens of some countries. This includes, for example, nationals of ASEAN countries, as well as citizens of certain European and Asian countries (such as Germany, France, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, Russia, Japan, South Korea) who can enter visa-free for tourism purposes for up to 45 days (as of May 2025, subject to change). Conditions apply, such as a passport valid for at least 6 months and possibly proof of a return or onward flight ticket.

E-Visa: For many nationalities not covered by visa exemption or wishing to stay longer (up to 90 days), the electronic visa (e-Visa) is a popular and practical option.

Visa via Embassy/Consulate or Visa on Arrival (with approval letter): For other purposes, longer stays, or if you are not eligible for visa exemption or e-Visa, a visa must traditionally be applied for at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate. The so-called "Visa on Arrival" is only possible with a pre-obtained "Visa Approval Letter" and only for entry via specific international airports.

It is essential to check the current regulations for your specific situation with official Vietnamese missions or via the national web portal for immigration before your trip.

Visa Categories for Vietnam

Vietnam offers various types of visas tailored to the respective purpose of travel and duration of stay. Here are the most common categories:

Visa Exemption

Nationals of certain countries can enter Vietnam without a visa for short stays (duration varies, e.g., 14, 21, 30, or 45 days). This primarily applies for tourism purposes. Countries with a 45-day exemption include (as of May 2025) Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Russia, Japan, and South Korea, among others. ASEAN citizens often enjoy 30 days. It's important to check if a certain period must elapse between two visa-free stays.

Key Requirements:

  • Documents: Valid passport (generally valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry, with at least two blank pages), proof of a return or onward flight ticket (may be requested).
  • Application Process: No formal application needed; exemption is granted upon entry if conditions are met.
  • Fees: None.

E-Visa (Electronic Visa)

The Vietnamese e-Visa is an online option for nationals of currently over 80 countries (list may change). It allows for tourism or short-term business stays of up to 90 days and can be applied for as a single-entry or multiple-entry visa. The e-Visa must be applied for and approved online before travel.

Key Requirements:

  • Documents: Scanned data page of the passport (valid for at least 6 months after the visa expires), digital passport photo in 4x6 cm format (white background, without glasses), valid international credit/debit card for fee payment, temporary residential address in Vietnam, and planned entry/exit dates and ports.
  • Application Process: Complete the online application on the official Vietnamese e-Visa portal, upload documents, and pay the fee. Processing time is usually 3-5 working days. The approved e-Visa is sent as a PDF file via email and must be printed and carried.
  • Fees: Approx. 25 USD for a single-entry visa, approx. 50 USD for a multiple-entry visa (as of May 2025, subject to change).

Tourist Visa (Application via Embassy/Consulate or "Visa on Arrival" with Approval Letter)

For longer tourist stays (beyond the duration of visa exemption or e-Visa) or for nationals not eligible for e-Visas.

  • Via Embassy/Consulate: Traditional application before travel.
  • "Visa on Arrival" (VOA): Only for air travelers via specific international airports (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Hai Phong). Requires a "Visa Approval Letter" obtained in advance online through an agency or an inviting partner in Vietnam. The actual visa is then issued upon arrival at the airport for a stamping fee.

Key Requirements:

  • Embassy/Consulate: Passport, completed application form, passport photos, possibly an invitation letter or proof of travel booking. Details vary by mission.
  • Visa on Arrival: Visa Approval Letter, valid passport (min. 6 months), 2 passport photos (4x6 cm), completed entry/exit form (M3 form, often available online in advance), cash in USD for the stamping fee.
  • Application Process:
    • Embassy/Consulate: Personal or postal submission of documents, await processing time.
    • Visa on Arrival: Apply for Approval Letter online (usually takes 2-3 working days, express options available), present at VOA counter upon arrival and receive visa.
  • Fees:
    • Embassy/Consulate: Vary greatly depending on the embassy, visa type, and duration.
    • Visa on Arrival: Agency fee for the approval letter (variable) + stamping fee at the airport (approx. 25 USD for single-entry, 50 USD for multiple-entry up to 3 months – as of May 2025).

Business Visa (DN1, DN2)

DN1 for individuals working with enterprises and other organizations with legal status under Vietnamese law. DN2 for individuals offering services, establishing a commercial presence, or conducting other activities under international treaties to which Vietnam is a party. Usually requires sponsorship/invitation from a Vietnamese business partner or organization.

Key Requirements:

  • Documents: Valid passport, application form, passport photos, official invitation letter or sponsorship from the Vietnamese company/partner, proof of the Vietnamese partner's business activity/registration.
  • Application Process: Can be applied for via a Vietnamese embassy/consulate or, in some cases, as an e-Visa (for short business trips) or as a "Visa on Arrival" (with a specific approval letter for business purposes). The Vietnamese partner is often involved in the process.
  • Fees: Vary depending on the application method, duration, and type of visa.

Work Visa (LD1, LD2) and Work Permit

For foreigners intending to work long-term in Vietnam. A work visa (LD1 or LD2) can only be applied for after a Work Permit or a certificate of work permit exemption has been issued by the Vietnamese Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (DOLISA). LD1 is for those with a work permit exemption certificate; LD2 is for those requiring a work permit.

Key Requirements:

  • Documents: Valid Work Permit (or exemption certificate), valid passport, health check certificate, criminal record check, employment contract, relevant qualifications, application forms for work permit and visa.
  • Application Process: Very complex and time-consuming.
    1. The employer in Vietnam applies for the Work Permit (or exemption certificate) for the foreign employee at DOLISA.
    2. After obtaining the Work Permit, the work visa can be applied for at a Vietnamese embassy/consulate abroad or (if the applicant is already legally in Vietnam, e.g., on a business visa) at the Vietnamese Immigration Department.
  • Fees: Fees apply for the work permit and the visa; these vary.

Other Visa Categories

Vietnam also offers other specific visa types, e.g., for investors (DT1-DT4), students/interns (DH, HN), journalists (PV), relatives (TT – e.g., of holders of certain other visa types or Vietnamese citizens), etc. The requirements for these categories are very specific and often require direct coordination with Vietnamese authorities or the inviting partner.

Visa for Vietnam: Final Points to Consider

Planning a trip to Vietnam begins with understanding the visa regulations. Although options like visa exemption and the e-Visa have simplified the process for many travelers, it is crucial to carefully check the regulations appropriate for your nationality, purpose of travel, and duration of stay. The information on this page provides an initial orientation. As visa policies and procedures can change, we strongly recommend that you always rely on the latest information from the official websites of the Vietnamese government, including the websites of Vietnamese embassies and consulates in your country and the Vietnamese immigration portal. Online-Visa.com strives to provide comprehensive information but cannot replace legal advice or guarantee absolute timeliness without cross-referencing with said official sources. Careful and early planning of your visa application is key to a successful trip to Vietnam.