Vietnam Visa: How to Apply for a Vietnam Visa

Vietnam is one of the most incredible countries I’ve had the opportunity to visit. I was lucky to spend a month there, travelling from North to South, back in 2019. In the lead up to my trip, I applied for an e-Visa 6 days before my flight and it wasn’t processed in time. Forcing me to apply for a separate Visa on Arrival and pay extra for urgent processing. The whole process was more complex than I had expected and motivated me to create this guide to help future travellers heading to Vietnam. Since then, there have been a lot of changes to the Vietnam Visas, therefore this blog has been updated to reflect the current visas. As always, be sure to double check with government websites to guarantee the latest advice.

The Main Types of Vietnam Visa

There are several types of Visa options, depending on your intention to travel. Here are the main ones, but for the purpose of this blog, I’ll primarily be focusing on the tourist visas.

Tourist Visa (DL): The tourist visa is perfect for leisure travelers or tourists looking to explore Vietnam for a short period of time. There are single-entry options which are valid for 30 days, allowing one entry. Along with multiple-entry options, allowing unlimited entry for up to 90 days.

Business Visa (DN): The business visa is for those intending to visit Vietnam for work, business meetings or short-term employment. There are single and multiple entry options, with validity for 1-12 months depending on purpose and employer sponsorship.

Investor Visa (DT1-DT4): Ideal for individuals or company representatives with significant financial investments in Vietnam. These last up to 5 years and can be applied for with small investments, all the way up to VND100 billion.

Work Permit and Temporary Resident Visa (LĐ/TT): For employees with long-term work contracts with Vietnamese companies or international businesses operating in Vietnam. This is valid for 1-3 years.

Student Visa (DH): Foreign students enrolled in educational institutions in Vietnam. Validity is determined by course length but is usually up to 12 months.

Vietnam Visa Application Process

There are several ways to apply for a Vietnam Visa! This includes the E-Visa, Visa on Arrival and via the Embassy.

E-Visa Application

The E-Visa is probably the easiest and cheapest way to obtain a Vietnam Visa. Available to citizens in over 80 countries, the entire process is done online and is typically processed within 3 working days. It allows for both single and multiple entries and permits a stay of up to 90 days in Vietnam. Here is a link to the E-Visa application from the official government site. Alternatively you can apply for the E-Visa Application via third party agencies, and although this does cost more, can sometimes be a bit clearer/easier.

Vietnam e-Visa Requirements

A Passport which is valid for at least 6 months.
A clear, scanned copy of your full passport data page in .jpg format.
A passport-sized photo in .jpg format with a white background
Your entry and exit dates AND points of entry. You can enter and exit via air, land and sea. Check out this official list of every port you can use to enter and exit Vietnam from.
A valid credit or debit card for the e-visa payment fee.
A temporary address in Vietnam which can include a hotel, homestay, family address etc.

The application process is fairly straightforward. Upload all passport images and fill in any required information, before making the payment. After this, you’ll receive a registration code – SAVE THIS NUMBER!!! Once you’ve applied, it’ll take a few days before your visa is released.

To download your Vietnam e-Visa, you’ll need to enter your registration code, email and DoB to gain access to a pdf file. Print two copies of this – one for the border entry and one to keep with you during your travels as a just-in-case. Upon arrival in Vietnam, take your printed e-Visa and passport straight to immigration. You won’t need to follow signs to Visa on Arrival.

Visa on Arrival (VOA)

Unlike other countries, where VOA visas can be obtained upon arriving at border gates (e.g. Bali Visa on Arrival), Vietnam’s process is different. For this visa, travellers need to apply for a pre-approved visa letter via a travel or visa agency, in order to get the visa stamp upon arrival. The Vietnam Visa on Arrival (V.O.A) is for air travel only. This is a great option for emergency cases, as it’s possible to obtain this visa letter in just a few hours.

VOA Process

Find a visa agency and complete an online application for an approval letter. This can take 3-5 business days for standard processing and up to 8 hours for urgent processing.

Once you’ve received the approval letter via email, print a hard copy! Prepare 2 passport sized photos to be attached to this printed approval letter. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months and you’ll need to prepare cash for the stamping fee at the airport. This is $25 USD for a single entry visa and $50 USD for multiple entry visa and they only accept cash!

Once you arrival at an international airport in Vietnam, follow signs for Visa on Arrival and hand over your passport and documents at the counter. Again, this is your passport, printed approval letter, 2 passport sized photos and stamping fee in USD cash.

There is typically a wait for this, in terms of queueing and processing time. I waited around 90 minutes for mine…not ideal after a long flight with layovers. When you’re called forward, pay your stamping fee, collect your passport (with your new Vietnam visa inside) and head to immigration.

Embassy or Consulate Application

The third way to obtain a Vietnam visa is via your nearest Vietnamese Embassy or consulate. To apply, visit your nearest Vietnamese embassy with: visa application form (fill this out ahead of time!), valid passport (with at least 6 months remaining), self-addressed envelope and the visa fee in your local currency. You’ll need other supporting documents if you’re applying for visas other than the tourist one.

The processing time varies, but it typically takes 5-7 working days. So be organised and apply well in advance to give yourself enough time. Fill documents out ahead of time and arrive early at the embassy to avoid queues. Once your forms are handed in, you’ll be sent to a payment counter.

Again, if you arrive into Vietnam via land or sea, you MUST have your visa already: via an embassy or e-Visa.

Vietnam Visa Exemptions

Some countries are exempt from needing a visa to enter Vietnam. As of 2024, there are now 25 countries that do not require a visa up to a period of time. You can find a detailed list of countries that are exempt from needing a visa to enter Vietnam here.

Note: A period of at least 30 days is required between two visa-free visits.

Tips on the Vietnam Visa Process

My biggest advice when applying for a Vietnam Visa;

Be organised and apply for your visa well in advance! You’ll need to note your date AND point of entry when applying – the visa will only be valid from this date. Getting it a bit in advance won’t hurt and will save any last minute stress.

Bring cash – I recommend brining cash in both Vietnamese Dong AND USD. When I arrived in Vietnam, the one ATM on our side of immigration was out of order. Luckily I had cash but other travellers were stuck and had to wait for security to bring them to another ATM in the airport. Not ideal after a long flight.

Hope this helps anyone looking to apply for a Vietnam visa! Enjoy your time in this beautiful country. I did a full trip from North to South, starting in Hanoi and ending in HCMC and loved every second of it! Other key areas I’d urge you to explore are Tam Coc and Hoi An! Read my guide on the best time to visit Vietnam for more information around planning a trip around the varying weather.