Vietnam, located in Southeast Asia, is celebrated for its rich history, diverse culture, and breathtaking landscapes. For those planning a visit, understanding Vietnam’s visa requirements is essential. These guidelines ensure a seamless entry into the country, allowing travelers to explore bustling cities like Hanoi and picturesque regions such as the Mekong Delta. Familiarizing yourself with Vietnam’s visa regulations ensures a smooth and enjoyable journey, enabling you to fully experience all that this captivating destination has to offer.
Visa Type
Vietnam visa requirements are actually a combination of two approaches. Visitors must apply in advance for a visa approval letter, and then obtain the official visa stamp in their passports upon arrival in the country. Fortunately, the application for a visa approval letter can be completed and submitted online. The following are main category of Vietnam visa.
1. Tourist Visa (DL): Single-entry or multiple-entry. Valid for up to 30 days.
2. Business Visa (DN): Single-entry or multiple-entry. Valid for up to 12 months.
3. Work Visa (LD): Issued to individuals who come to work in Vietnam. Usually valid for 2 years.
4. Student/Internship Visa (DH): Issued to students or interns. Valid for the duration of the study or internship program.
5. Investor Visa (DT): Issued to investors or representatives of foreign companies in Vietnam. Valid for 1 to 5 years depending on the investment capital.
6. Diplomatic Visa (NG): Issued to diplomats and government officials. Validity depends on the length of the official mission.
7. Official Visa (LV1, LV2): Issued to individuals working with Vietnamese authorities or international organizations in Vietnam.
8. Relative/Dependent Visa (TT): Issued to dependents of Vietnamese citizens or foreign workers in Vietnam. Validity depends on the sponsor’s visa duration.
9. Transit Visa: Short-term visa for travelers transiting through Vietnam to another destination. Usually valid for a few days.
It’s important to apply for the appropriate visa based on the purpose of your visit and ensure that you have all the necessary documentation for your application.
Online Visa Procedure
Online visa for Vietnam can be filled in 3 steps.
Step 1: In this step, you are required to enter the exact personal information of the applicant(s) including a scanned bio-page of your passport and your recent front-facing photograph. You should check more about document requirements on our website. This step is started with filling out the secure online form. This step is necessary for obtaining an approval letter, which you will need to show upon arrival in Vietnam to get your visa stamp. Fill in the application using the correct information regarding your name, passport number, date of birth, nationality, gender, and arrival date. Make sure your passport has plenty of blank pages for visa stamps before you leave. Also, be sure that your passport will have at least six months of validity remaining at the date of your arrival in Vietnam. If your passport is nearing its expiration date, get it renewed well before you leave.
Step 2: Double check your information to make sure it is correct. Then you need to choose the payment method and fill in the secure payment to pay for the visa fee. After receiving the full payment for visa service fee and government fee, one email will be sent for the additional documents to complete your application. You will also pay a fee upon arrival for the visa stamp. The stamping fee is paid in cash in either Vietnamese dong or US dollars.
Step 3: After finishing step 2, please check your email for confirmation. The Vietnam e-Visa will be processed and sent to you via email. When you receive your Vietnam e-Visa sent via email, print out your Vietnam e-Visa to board the airplane. Show your Vietnam e-Visa for airport check-in.
Visa Fees
- Tourist Visa (DL):
- E-visa (single entry, 30 days): Around $25 USD.
- Visa on Arrival (single entry, 1 month): Service fee around $17-25 USD + Stamping fee $25 USD.
- Visa on Arrival (multiple entry, 1 month): Service fee around $25-30 USD + Stamping fee $50 USD.
- Visa on Arrival (single entry, 3 months): Service fee around $30-45 USD + Stamping fee $25 USD.
- Visa on Arrival (multiple entry, 3 months): Service fee around $50-70 USD + Stamping fee $50 USD.
- Business Visa (DN):
- Single entry (1 month): Service fee around $70-100 USD + Stamping fee $25 USD.
- Multiple entry (1 month): Service fee around $80-120 USD + Stamping fee $50 USD.
- Single entry (3 months): Service fee around $110-150 USD + Stamping fee $25 USD.
- Multiple entry (3 months): Service fee around $150-190 USD + Stamping fee $50 USD.
- Longer durations (up to 1 year): Fees can vary significantly, often $200+ USD for service fees plus a higher stamping fee.
- Work Visa (LD):
- Fees can range from $100 to $300 USD or more, depending on the duration and processing speed.
- Student/Internship Visa (DH):
- Fees typically range from $50 to $100 USD or more, depending on the length of the program.
- Investor Visa (DT):
- Fees can be quite high due to the longer duration, ranging from $100 to $400 USD or more.
- Diplomatic Visa (NG):
- Usually issued free of charge.
- Official Visa (LV1, LV2):
- Similar to diplomatic visas, these might also be issued free of charge or at a minimal fee.
- Relative/Dependent Visa (TT):
- Fees are similar to the primary visa holder’s visa, ranging from $100 to $200 USD or more.
- Transit Visa:
- Generally cheaper, around $5 to $10 USD for a very short stay.
* * It’s always best to check the latest fees with the Vietnamese embassy or consulate, or the official Vietnam immigration website, as fees can vary by country and over time.
Visa Free Countries
Visa-free countries are destinations that permit travelers with a specific passport to enter and stay within their borders for a designated period without requiring a prior visa.
- ASEAN Countries:
- Thailand: 30 days
- Malaysia: 30 days
- Singapore: 30 days
- Indonesia: 30 days
- Cambodia: 30 days
- Laos: 30 days
- Philippines: 21 days
- Brunei: 14 days
- Myanmar: 14 days
- Other Countries:
- Chile: 90 days (for holders of diplomatic or official passports)
- Kyrgyzstan: 30 days
- Belarus: 15 days
- Denmark: 15 days
- Finland: 15 days
- France: 15 days
- Germany: 15 days
- Italy: 15 days
- Japan: 15 days
- Norway: 15 days
- Russia: 15 days
- South Korea: 15 days
- Spain: 15 days
- Sweden: 15 days
- United Kingdom: 15 days
Visa Exemption for Diplomatic or Official Passport Holders Only:
- Countries with 90-day Exemption:
- Afghanistan
- Argentina
- Azerbaijan
- Bangladesh
- Belarus
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Bulgaria
- China (not applicable to ordinary passport holders)
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Cuba
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Ecuador
- Egypt
- Estonia
- Georgia
- Hungary
- India
- Iran
- Kazakhstan
- Kenya
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Mexico
- Moldova
- Mongolia
- Montenegro
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Myanmar
- Namibia
- Netherlands
- North Macedonia
- Panama
- Peru
- Poland
- Romania
- Serbia
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- South Africa
- South Korea
- Sri Lanka
- Tanzania
- Thailand
- Tunisia
- Turkey
- Ukraine
- Uzbekistan
- Venezuela
- Countries with 60-day Exemption:
- Pakistan
- Philippines
- Countries with 30-day Exemption
- Angola
- Kazakhstan
The visa exemption policies can change, so it’s always a good idea to check the latest information from the Vietnamese embassy or consulate before planning your trip.