Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful countries, attracting travelers to its lush mountains, bustling cities, and golden sand beaches. Despite rapid modernization in Vietnam’s urban centers of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, time-honored traditions remain intact amongst the locals. There are numerous ancient landmarks and colonial structures that have survived throughout the bumps and scrapes of history. Buddhist shrines can be found next to towering skyscrapers, where you can experience vibrant festivals and ceremonies dating back hundreds of years. Long, sandy beaches are home to luxurious resorts and fine-dining venues, making them ideal romantic getaways, while expansive rice terraces on the hills make for excellent hiking excursions. Whether you’re planning a historical tour of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, a relaxing beach break or simply want to escape the bustling city life, our Vietnam travel guide caters to just about any holiday preference. For the majority of visitors, the furiously commercial southern city of Ho Chi Minh City provides a head-spinning introduction to Vietnam, so a trip out into the rice fields and orchards of the nearby Mekong Delta makes a welcome next stop - best explored by boat from My Tho, Vinh Long or Can Tho . Heading north, the quaint hill-station of Da Lat provides a good place to cool down, but some travelers eschew this for the beaches of Vung Tau and Phan Thiet . A few hours' ride further up the coast, the city of Nha Trang has become a crucial stepping stone on the Ho Chi Minh-Hanoi run. Next up comes the enticing little town of Hoi An, full of wooden shop-houses and close to Vietnam's greatest Cham temple ruins at My Son . The temples, palaces and imperial mausoleums of aristocratic Hue should also not be missed. One hundred kilometers north, war-sites litter the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) , which cleaved the country in two from 1954 to 1975. Before going to Vietnam, visitors must obtain a Vietnam visa on arrival; or Vietnam E-Visa; or Vietnam visa from one of the Vietnamese diplomatic missions unless they come from one of the visa-exempt countries or countries eligible for electronic visas.

Visitors to Vietnam must obtain a visa from one of the Vietnamese diplomatic missions unless they come from one of the visa-exempt countries or countries eligible for electronic visas.

Vietnam visa exemptions

Vietnam offers visa exemptions ranging from 14 to 90 days to citizens of 24 countries holding valid ordinary passports. The full list of countries with visa exemptions is below. To view visa exemptions for diplomatic and other passports, please visit this link. 

TIP: All nationalities traveling directly to Phu Quoc Island can visit the island for 30 days visa-free. To do this you will need to show an outbound ticket on arrival in Vietnam.

Note on Vietnam visa exemptions:

Spouses or children of Vietnamese citizens are allowed to stay in the country without a visa for six months and must show papers proving their eligibility. For full requirements, please visit this link. 

Vietnam visa types by purpose of visit

According to the new immigration regulations that took effect in July 1, 2020 (Law No. 51/2019/QH14), Vietnam visa is classified into about 21 main types by the purpose of visit, namely DL, DN1, DN2, NG, DT1, DT2, DT3, DT4, LS,  DH, LV, LD1, LD2, HN, PV1, TT, SQ, etc.

1. Tourist visa (DL)

According to the new regulations taking effect since July 1, 2020, holders of tourist visas for Vietnam which are valid for more than 30 days are only given a 30-day temporary residence stamp, and they may extend visas in Vietnam if wishes to remain in the country.

Besides, the US travelers to Vietnam have 01 more option for a tourist visa to Vietnam: Vietnam 1 year multiple entry visa.

At the moment, there are up to 3 ways to get a tourist visa to Vietnam, namely:

• Getting a Vietnam visa on arrival (VOA – highly recommended for those traveling to Vietnam by air;
• Getting a Vietnam embassy visa; and
• Getting a Vietnam e-visa (available for 1-month single entry, and for nationals of 80 countries only).

2. Business visa (DN1, DN2)

The second most popular type of Vietnam visa is business visa which is now categorized into:

• DN1 visa – to be granted to foreigners who work with other businesses and organizations with legal status in accordance with the laws of Vietnam.
• DN2 visa – to be granted to foreigners who come to Vietnam to offer services, establish a commercial presence, or perform other activities under international treaties to which Vietnam is a member.

Like tourist visa for Vietnam, depending on validity and number of entries, a Vietnam business visa also can be divided into:

• 1-month single-entry visa;
• 1-month multiple entry visa;
• 3 months single entry visa; and
• 3 months multiple entry visa.

In addition, the US travelers to Vietnam have 01 more option for a tourist visa to Vietnam: Vietnam 1 year multiple entry visa.

At the moment, there are 02 ways to get a business visa to Vietnam, namely:

• Getting a Vietnam visa on arrival (VOA – highly recommended as no sponsor letter from a Vietnam company is not required to application); and
• Getting a Vietnam embassy visa.

3. Student/internship visa (DH)

A Vietnam student visa is granted to those who are attending a university course in Vietnam.

Normally this Vietnam visa type is arranged after arrival in Vietnam. You can enter Vietnam with a tourist visa, and then apply for a change in visa status at the Immigration Office after enrolling in the course. The easiest way to get this type of visa for Vietnam is to have an agency do it for you

4. Investor Visa (DT1, DT2, DT3, DT4)

An Investor visa for Vietnam is a type of visa granted to foreign investors in Vietnam. It is categorized as:

• DT1 – to be granted to foreign investors in Vietnam and representatives of foreign organizations investing in Vietnam with a capital contribution of at least VND100 billion, or investing in the business fields and areas of investment incentives decided by the Vietnam Government. Valid for up to 5 years.
• DT2 – to be granted to foreign investors in Vietnam and representatives of foreign organizations investing in Vietnam with a capital contribution of VND50 – under VND100 billion, or investing in the business fields of investment encouragement decided by the Vietnam Government. Valid for up to 5 years.
• DT3 – to be granted to foreign investors in Vietnam and representatives of foreign organizations investing in Vietnam with a capital contribution of VND3 – under VND50 billion. Valid for up to 3 years.
• DT4 – to be granted to foreign investors in Vietnam and representatives of foreign organizations investing in Vietnam with a capital contribution of less than VND3 billion. Valid for up to 12 months.

5. Working visa (LD1 – LD2)

Vietnam working visa is issued to foreigners who come to work in Vietnam, like teaching, etc. It is categorized into:

• LD1 – to be granted to foreigners who come to work in Vietnam with work permit exemption certificate, unless otherwise provided for in international treaties to which Vietnam is a member.
• LD2 – to be granted to foreigners who must have work permit Vietnam to work.

This type of visa for Vietnam is valid for 2 years at maximum. In case you wish to stay in Vietnam for longer, you need to apply for an LD temporary residence card which is valid for up to 02 years.

            How to get Vietnam work visa?

To get a visa for doing a job in Vietnam,

1. You need to request the company in Vietnam for which you will work to apply for an LD visa approval letter at Vietnam Immigration Department; and then
2. You will then get visa stamped at the Vietnam mission in foreign countries or at your port of entry upon your arrival there, depending on the type of visa approval letter you are issued.

Note:

• The most important document for the Vietnam work visa application is a work permit or work-permit-free written confirmation. If you wish to obtain this type of visa but have no work permit or work-permit-free written confirmation, you apply for a business visa first with the determined company you will work for. After you have your work permit, you will easily apply for a working visa for Vietnam.
• Normally, an application for a Vietnam work visa does not require a criminal record or health check.
• Vietnam work visa cost consists of two kinds of fee: working visa approval letter fee and stamping fee at Vietnam embassy or Vietnam port.

6. Diplomatic visa (NG)

A Vietnam Diplomatic visa is granted to:

• members of a delegation visiting Vietnam at the invitation of the Vietnamese ministries or other high ranked government officials;
• consulate personnel in Vietnam;
• those who go for the work with consulate members or visit them for a short period.

There is no fee for a diplomatic visa to Vietnam unless it has been decided by the Vietnamese embassy and the applicant’s home country.

To apply for the Vietnam diplomatic visa, the applicant has to submit an official letter from the local government agency, consulates, or foreign embassies, to the concerned agencies in the applicant’s home country.

A Diplomatic visa for Vietnam is valid for up to 12 months.

Vietnam visa types by length of stay and validity

By this criterion, Vietnam visa is normally categorized into:

• 1 month single entry visa
• 1 month multiple entry visa
• 3 months single entry visa
• 3 months multiple entry visa
• 6 months multiple entry visa
• 1 year multiple entry visa

There are 3 methods to apply a visa to Vietnam

1. Apply for Vietnam visa on Arrival
2. Apply for Vietnam E-Visa
3. Apply for Vietnam visa at the Vietnamese Embassies or Consulates

What is Vietnam visa on arrival?

• Vietnam visa on arrival (also known as Vietnam landing visa, or Vietnam airport visa) is a convenient alternative way to obtain valid permission to visit Vietnam. It can be picked up at one of Vietnam international airports upon arrival.
• Vietnam Visa on Arrival is only valid for air travelers.
• After completing the online application form and paying the processing fee, you will receive, via email, your Approval Letter from between one hour to two business days, depending on the status of visa processing you have selected.
• Copies of your Approval Letter will also be forwarded on your behalf to Vietnam Immigration checkpoints at each of Vietnam’s three international airports in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang (online visa approval only applies to air travelers who arrive at one of Vietnam’s international airports; travelers arriving by land or sea must apply for a visa through a Vietnam Embassy).
• When you arrive in Vietnam, the Immigration officers will have your documents ready and will be able to issue you your entry visa quickly.

Why Vietnam visa on arrival?

       Getting Vietnam visa on arrival is:

• Fast: For cases of emergency visa, you can get the approval letter for a Vietnam tourist visa on arrival within 02 – 04 working hours or a business visa on arrival within 2 -3 working days.
• Convenient: No hard documents and passports sent off. Just minimal information required.  Things will be done online.
• Low cost: It is rather cheap compared with other forms of getting a visa for Vietnam.

How to apply for Vietnam visa on arrival?

• STEP 1: Fill in the application using the correct information regarding your name, passport number, date of birth, nationality, gender, and arrival date. We accept most major credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, and American Express.
   
• STEP 2: Confirm and pay. Vietnam visa fees are quite reasonable. For the visa approval letter, you pay a fee online, $19 and up, depending on the type of visa and how many you are requesting. You will also pay a fee upon arrival for the visa stamp. This will cost an additional $25 for a single entry visa and $50 for multiple entries. The stamping fee is paid in cash in either Vietnamese dong or US dollars, so be prepared to have the correct fee amount before you depart for Vietnam. 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 3: Receive and print the approval letter. As soon as you submit your application and payment, we will start processing your visa request. Once you have submitted your online application for a visa approval letter, you will typically receive the approval letter via email within 2 business days. It is very important that you print the letter, in color if possible, and bring it with you. It is a good idea to keep your visa approval letter with your passport, so you know where it is and can conveniently find it when you arrive at the airport in Vietnam. You will also need to prepare and bring at least two (4cm x 6cm) passport photos.
   
• STEP 4: Get your visa stamp upon arrival at one of four Vietnam international airports. Travelers arriving at airports in Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City or Nha Trang, are required to complete an Entry/Exit form (available at the airports or by previous download from our website). You will then present your approval letter, passport, photos, and cash payment for the stamping fee in order to receive the visa stamp in your passport. Just follow the signs and instructions at the airport, and you will be ready for a rewarding visit.
   

Which documents require for Vietnam visa on arrival?

• Passport: A passport with at least 6-month validity from the date of travel, with at least one blank page for stamping by the Vietnam Immigration Officer. Temporary passport may be declined.
• Photo: Two passport sized photos (4x6 cm and must be recently taken with no glass-wear)
• Application entry/exit form (available at the airports or by previous download from our website)
• Stamping Fee: Pay by cash upon arrival - $25 for single entry and $50 for multiple entry
• Approval Letter: print this letter, in color if possible

How much does it cost for applying Vietnam visa on arrival?

       In order to get your Vietnam visa on arrival, you must pay two types of fees:

• The APPROVAL LETTER FEE (paid online).
  • We accept all major credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Diners Club
  • This fee must be paid in advance to process visa Approval Letters for urgent service in 1 business day/ or 4 hours, as well as for normal service of 2 business days.
     
• The STAMPING FEE (paid in cash at Vietnamese airports). Applicants pay Stamp Fees directly at the airport in cash using either Vietnam dong or U.S. dollars. Following are Stamp Fee updates for 2019 (price per person):
  • $25 for 1 month/3 month Single Entry visa
  • $50 for 1 month/3 month Multiple Entry visas

Vietnam visa on arrival fee

What is Vietnam E-visa?

An electronic visa (E-visa) is one of visa types issued to foreigners by Vietnamese Immigration Department via electronic system. Vietnam E-visa is valid for maximum of 30 days, single entry. The e-Visa costs 25 USD for card payments. It requires three full working days to process. As of July 2020, Vietnam's e-Visa is available to nationals of 80 countries. 

• The e-Visa is valid for 30 days, from the proposed date of entry indicated during the application.
• e-Visa holders may remain in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam for a maximum of 30 consecutive days after the initial entry date.
• Once the first 30 days have passed, and renewal be needed it, e-Visa holders in Vietnam may be considered to grant new visa if being invited/guaranteed by authority/organization/individual in Vietnam in accordance with Law on foreigners' entry into, exit from, transit through, residence in Vietnam.
• The applicant’s passport must be valid for at least 01 month after arrival to Vietnam and it must have at least two blank pages for the immigration and border control officer.
• Minors with their own passport must complete a full e-Visa application. Minors aged 14 and under included on their parent’s passport will have to be included on their parents e-Visa application.
• Applicants are required to carry a copy of their e-Visa at all times during their stay.

Travelers can apply directly for e-Visas here: Vietnam e-Visa Official Website

Vietnam E-visa requirements

• A passport with six (6) months’ validity
• A photo in .jpg format of your full passport data page
• A passport photo in .jpg format (4x6, white background, without glasses)
• A valid international credit or debit card
• An email address for support purposes
• A temporary address within Vietnam
• Your entry and exit dates and entry and exit points/airports

How to apply for Vietnam E-visa?

1. Open the official website for Vietnam’s e-Visa Application
2. Upload .jpg images of your passport data page and passport photo
3. Fill up all required info from your passport data page
4. Fill up all required info regarding your trip
5. Pay the e-Visa fee using any of the payment methods offered
6. Receive your registration code and save the number

TIP: Be sure to save your registration number – you will need it to check and download your visa later on.

How much does it cost for applying Vietnam E-visa?

The e-Visa costs 25 USD for card payments. The fee will not be refunded if the application is refused.

How long does it take to get a Vietnam E-visa?

It requires three full working days to process the Vietnam E-visa

Which conditions for being granted Vietnam E-visa?

• Outside Vietnam foreigners;
• Holding valid passport;
• Not falling into the cases of suspension from entry prescribed in Article 21 of Law on foreigners' entry into, exit from, transit through, residence in Vietnam.

List of ports that allowed foreigners enter and exit Vietnam by E-visa

e-Visas will be accepted at all of international airports in Vietnam, including the major hubs of Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, Can Tho City, and Phu Quoc Island. Here is a complete list of eligible port of entry:

List of countries that allowed Vietnam E-visa issuing

Citizens from the following countries are eligible to apply online for an Vietnam e-Visa.

What is Vietnam Embassy visa?

Vietnamese Embassy visa is a kind of travel documents granted by Vietnamese competent authorities, providing permission to travel to and enter Vietnam         

How to apply for Vietnam Embassy visa?

Entry visas to Viet Nam can be applied IN PERSON or BY POST  (by the applicant or anyone on his/her behalf) at the Embassies or Consulates. Contact your nearest Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate for details.

The procedure to get a visa at Vietnam embassy/consulate varies. Some embassies accept submissions by post and in person. But some accept in-person submissions only.

Here comes the normal procedure to get a Vietnam embassy visa:

• Step 1: Prepare the documents and fees required by the embassy;
• Step 2: Travel to the embassy to submit the application documents, pay for visa fee and also get arrangement note for visa processing, and then travel back to home and wait;
• Step 3: Travel to the embassy again to get the visa and passport.

Important note:

To get a visa for Vietnam in this way, you should be aware that:

• The visa documents and procedure vary depending on the embassy. So, to save your time and cost, you should call or email them for details before visiting the embassy;
• The application form should be downloaded on the website of the embassy/taken right at the front desk of the embassy as it may not be the same for all embassies/consulate;
• The Vietnam visa fee also varies depending on the embassy;
• You get the visa stamped on your passport before your trip to Vietnam.

How much does it cost for applying Vietnam Embassy visa?

Visa fees will depend on the type of visa for which you are applying.

How long does it take to get a Vietnam Embassy visa?

At a Vietnam Embassy, the visa procedure will take around five days to process.

General requirements for getting a visa at Vietnam embassy

Those who are planning to apply for a visa to Vietnam at the embassy/consulate should ensure that:

• Their passport is valid for at least 06 months following the date of entry into Vietnam;
• Their passport has at least 2 blank pages.

Required documents for getting a Vietnam embassy visa

The required documents for getting a visa at Vietnam embassy/consulate may vary depending on the embassy/consulate with which you wish to submit your applications. But at least the following documents are required:

1. Original passport: meeting the requirements above
2. An application form: which is printed out from the website of the embassy with which you are applying for the visa, completed and glued with your photo
3. Sponsor letter from a Vietnam-based company required for those who are applying for Vietnam business visa.

International travel agencies have the right to request that a competent state agency (the Vietnam Immigration Department, or VID) approve the entry, exit, or transit of tourists as stated in Article 13 of Decree No. 92/2007/ND-CP. This decree details the implementation of a number of the Articles of the Laws on Tourism, including regulations regarding the rights and obligations of international tourist agencies. International travel agencies, therefore, can legally request the VID’s assistance in approving visa Approval Letters for their tourist clients.

Article 13. Rights and obligations of international travel enterprises

1. An international travel enterprise has the following rights:
   • To enjoy business autonomy and take responsibility for tourism business activities;
   • To request a competent state agency to approve the entry, exit or transit of tourists;
   • To have their lawful tourism business activities protected by the State;
   • To participate in tourism promotion activities; join in professional associations;
   • Other rights provided for by law.
2. An international travel enterprise has the following obligations:
   • To set up, register and conduct its business in accordance with law;
   • To employ only tourist guides who possess international tourists guide’s cards to guide foreign tourists and observe regulations on the employment of laborers;
   • To notify the provincial-level state agency charge of tourism of the replacement of its travel business administrator within 30 days after such replacement;
   • To monitor and make full and accurate statistics on the number of tourists to whom it has provided tourism services;
   • To assure the conditions for, an interests of, tourists in accordance with the concluded agreements;
   • Other obligations prescribed by law.
   • For full English Translation Version, please see here: Decree No. 92/2007/ND-CP.

Vietnam visa exemption

Vietnam Visa exemption is granted to:

1. Citizens of Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Laos for visits of 30 days at the maximum.
2. Citizens of Philippines for visits of 21 days at the maximum.
3. Citizens of Japan, South Korea, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Russia and Finland for visits of 15 days at the maximum.
4. Citizens of Brunei for visits of 14 days at the maximum.
5. Citizens of France holding valid diplomatic or official passports for visits of 90 days at the maximum or several visits of 6 months at the maximum.
6. Citizens of Chile holding valid diplomatic or official passports for visits of 90 days at the maximum.
7. APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) Holders from Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member economies for visits of 60 days at the maximum.
8. For those who travel to Phu Quoc Island – Vietnam : Foreigners and Vietnamese nationals bearing foreign passports who enter Vietnam through an international border gate and then travel to Phu Quoc Island and stay in Phu Quoc less than 15 days will also be granted Vietnam visa exemption. Passports must be valid for at least 45 days. After arriving in Phu Quoc Island, if visitors want to travel to other localities or stay in the island for more than 15 days, the immigration department will be responsible for issuing visas right on the spot.

National Ordinance No. 24/2000/PL-UBTVQH10

Related to entry, exit, and residence of foreigners in Vietnam, the Standing Committee of Vietnam National Assembly issued a National Ordinance No. 24/2000/PL-UBTVQH10 on 28 April, 2000. The ordinance includes 7 chapters and 26 articles stating specifically who is responsible for what in terms of Vietnam visa issuance, and who can get a visa to enter Vietnam and for how long.

Of the 26 articles, the following selected articles will help you understand how and why a travel agency can legally assist you in getting a visa Approval Letter.

Article 2.

1. Vietnamese agencies and organizations, Vietnam – based foreign agencies and organizations as well as international organizations, Vietnamese citizens and foreigners lawfully residing in Vietnam may invite foreigners into Vietnam.
2. Agencies, organizations and individuals that invite foreigners into Vietnam shall have to ensure the compliance with foreigners’ entry purposes, ensure financial matters and their cooperation with the State bodies to settle arising problems for foreigners.

Article 5.

1. Agencies, organizations and individuals that invite foreigners into Vietnam shall send their written requests to the entry and exit management agency of the Ministry of Public Security or the consular office of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.
2. A written request shall be replied within no more than 5 working days after the receipt of the request.

Article 6.

1. Foreigners applying for entry shall be granted visas at Vietnam’s international border gates in the following cases:
   • They enter for funerals of their relatives, for visits to their seriously ill relatives;
   • They depart from countries where Vietnamese diplomatic missions and/or consulates are not available;
   • They enter for visits under programs organized by international tour enterprises of Vietnam;
   • They enter to provide urgent technical support for programs, projects; to give first-aid to seriously ill persons, accident victims; to provide rescue for victims of natural disasters and epidemics in Vietnam;
   • For other urgent reasons.
2. The exit and entry management agency of the Ministry of Public Security shall issue visas as prescribed in Clause 1 of this Article.

For the full version of the Ordinance, please download here:  National Ordinance No. 24/2000/PL-UBTVQH10.

Vietnam Public Holidays in 2019

Here is a list of Vietnamese national public holidays in 2019. Kindly note that on these special days, the Vietnam Immigration Department closes, and no Vietnam visa Approval Letters are issued until the next normal business day (business days are Monday through Friday only and exclude Saturday and Sunday). Special holiday/weekend visa fee must be applied if visa approval letters are requested during these holiday/weekend periods.

• JAN 01 Western New Year’s Day
• FEB 20 to FEB 27 Vietnamese Lunar New Year
• APR 15 Hung Kings Temple Festival
• APR 30 Reunification Day
• MAY 01 International Labor Day
• AUG 19 and AUG 20 Foundation Day of Vietnam Public Security System
• SEP 02 and SEP 03 National Independence Day (Marks Vietnam’s declaration of independence in 1945)