Vietnam Visa Types, Requirements, and Application
Are you finding ways to apply for a Vietnam visa? About visa requirements? This article is suitable for you! We will provide you with the ultimate guides for registration, fees, and processing time as well as some useful tips for a smooth process. Let’s get started!
Who needs a visa to enter Vietnam?
Most foreigners require a visa to enter Vietnam, with some exceptions. Citizens of the following countries can visit Vietnam without a visa for specific periods:
If you are not a citizen of one of these countries, you will need to apply for Vietnam visa.
Vietnam visa types
Tourist visa (DL)
This visa is for foreigners entering Vietnam for tourism and recreational purposes, not for business or studying. It can be a single-entry or multiple-entry visa, valid for 30 days or 90 days.
Business visa (DN1, DN2)
- DN1 visa: For foreigners working with businesses and organizations legally operating in Vietnam.
- DN2 visa: For foreigners entering Vietnam to provide services, establish a commercial presence, or carry out other activities within the framework of international treaties to which Vietnam is a member.
These business visas can be single-entry or multiple-entry, valid for 30 days or 90 days.
Student/Internship visa (DH)
This visa is for foreign students attending a university course or internship in Vietnam. It is typically arranged after arrival, by changing from a tourist visa to a student visa at the Immigration Office.
Investor visa (DT1, DT2, DT3, DT4)
This type of visa is for foreign investors and representatives of foreign organizations investing in Vietnam.
- DT1: For investors with a capital contribution of at least 100 billion Vietnamese Dong (VND) or investing in encouraged business fields. Valid for up to 5 years.
- DT2: For investors with capital contributions of 50 billion to under 100 billion VND or investing in encouraged business fields. Valid for up to 5 years.
- DT3: For investors with capital contributions of 3 billion to under 50 billion VND. Valid for up to 3 years.
- DT4: For investors with a capital contribution of less than 3 billion VND. Valid for up to 12 months.
Working visa (LD1, LD2)
- LD1: For foreigners working in Vietnam with a work permit exemption certificate.
- LD2: For foreigners who need a work permit to work in Vietnam.
This visa is valid for a maximum of 2 years. To stay longer, you must apply for an LD temporary residence card valid for up to 2 years.
Diplomatic visa (NG)
This visa is for members of delegations invited by high-ranking Vietnamese government officials, consular personnel, and those working with or visiting consular members.
Vietnam visa requirements
Here are some Vietnam visa requirements that you need to pay attention to:
Passport and photographs
- A passport with at least 6 months.
- Recent passport-size photographs following specific guidelines:
- – Size: 4 cm x 6 cm.
- – White background.
- – If you wear headgear for religious purposes or have a wig, you may keep it on, but must also wear it upon arrival.
- – You must not wear glasses.
Visa application form
- A completed Vietnam visa application form can be downloaded or obtained at the embassy/consulate, depending on the country you are applying from.
Visa fee payment
- Proof of payment of the Vietnam visa fee, which varies depending on the visa type and application method.
Additional documents
- A letter of invitation or sponsorship from someone in Vietnam.
- A letter of approval from the Vietnam Immigration Department (for certain visa types).
- Work permit or work permit exemption certificate (for work visas).
Visa on arrival requirements
- A pre-obtained letter of approval.
- An entry and exit form (also called a Vietnam visa application form) that you will receive on the plane and must be completed before handing it over to immigration officials at the port of entry.
- Cash to pay the Vietnam visa stamping fee.
How to apply for Vietnam visa?
Below is the step-by-step guide for Vietnam visa application:
Apply at an embassy or consulate
- Step#1. Contact the Vietnamese embassy or consulate responsible for your jurisdiction to make an appointment or learn about any specific requirements.
- Step#2. Collect the required documents for your Vietnam visa (as mentioned in the previous section).
- Step#3. Submit the documents for this visa fee.
- Step#4. Wait for the visa to be processed.
- Step#5. Collect your passport and learn about the visa decision.
Apply online (Vietnam e-Visa)
- Step#1. Start an online application through the Vietnam Immigration Portal if you are from one of the eligible countries.
- Step#2. Attach a scanned copy of your passport and a passport-size photograph.
- Step#3. Enter all the required information on the online application form.
- Step#4. Pay the Vietnam e-Visa fee (USD 25).
- Step#5. Wait for the visa to be processed.
- Step#6. Check the website to learn if a decision has been made.
- Step#7. If you received the e-visa, download the PDF file and print two copies.
Apply for visa on arrival
- Step#1. Apply for a visa approval letter online through a travel agency or visa application agency if you enter Vietnam through one of the designated international airports.
- Step#2. Enter your passport information and pay the service fee.
- Step#3. Wait for the request to be processed (2 to 4 business days).
- Step#4. Receive visa approval letter on arrival via email.
- Step#5. Print the approval letter and travel to Vietnam. Bring at least 4 passport-size photographs, your passport, and enough cash to pay the Vietnam visa on Arrival stamping fee.
- Step#6. Line up at the visa counter at Vietnam airport and apply for a visa stamp in your passport.
- Step#7. Pay the visa fee upon entry (25 USD for a single-entry visa or 50 USD for a multiple-entry visa).
Vietnam visa fees
- E-Visa: USD 25
- Visa on arrival:
- – Single entry, 1 month: Stamp fee 25 USD upon arrival (plus additional service fee for approval letter) .
- – Multiple entry, 1 month: Stamp fee of 50 USD upon arrival (plus additional fees additional service for approval letter) Single entry, 3 months: Stamp fee of 25 USD upon arrival (plus additional service fee for approval letter).
- – Multiple entry, 3 months: Stamping fee USD 50 stamp upon arrival (plus additional service fee for approval letter).
- – Multiple entry, 6 months: Stamp fee USD 95 on arrival (plus additional service fees) Multiple entry, 12 months: Stamp fee USD 135 upon arrival (plus fees additional services) additional services for approval letter).
- Visa application at an embassy/consulate: The fee depends on the specific embassy or consulate, so it is essential to check with them directly.
Processing time for Vietnam visa
- E-Visa: About 3 working days. The e-Visa application is processed entirely online, and the processing time is generally around three working days from the time of submission.
- Visa on arrival: Between 2-4 working days for the Letter of Approval. The processing time can sometimes be longer, depending on the company you’re using to request the Letter of Approval. Once you have obtained the Letter of Approval, you will need to present it at the airport upon arrival in Vietnam to have your visa stamped in your passport.
- Visa application at an embassy/consulate: Processing time depends on the relevant embassy or consulate. Processing times can vary among different embassies and consulates due to factors such as the volume of applications, local procedures, and staffing levels.
Tips when applying for Vietnam visa
Here are some tips for Vietnam visa registration:
- Plan: Check processing times for your specific visa type and application method. Don’t wait until the last minute. Planning early ensures you have enough time to complete your application and receive your visa.
- Collect necessary documents: Carefully review visa requirements. Make sure you have all the necessary documents, including photos that meet the guidelines.
- Fill out the form correctly: Fill out the visa application form completely and accurately. Verify all information you provide. Use clear, easy-to-read text if you are filling out a paper form.
- Pay the correct fee: Check the exact visa fee for your visa type and application method. Use the appropriate payment method, whether online, cash, or another accepted payment method. Keep proof of payment as it may be requested during registration.
- Review issued visa: Once your visa has been issued, carefully review all the details, including the period of validity, number of entries allowed, and any conditions or restrictions mechanism. Make sure the information on your visa matches your application and travel plans.