If you’re an expat planning to visit Vietnam, you’ll likely need a Vietnam Visa, unless you’re from one of the visa-exempt countries. There are a few easy ways to apply: you can choose a Visa on Arrival or an e-Visa, depending on your nationality. Alternatively, if you’re not eligible for an e-Visa, or if you prefer to have your visa stamped before arrival, you can apply at a Vietnamese Embassy in your home country. Under Vietnam’s Immigration Laws, all international visitors must have a passport (or a valid equivalent) and an entry visa issued by the country’s competent authorities unless they qualify for an exemption.
This blog aims to provide a detailed overview of Vietnam’s visa policy, including the types of visas available, the application process, and the requirements, making your travel or long-term settlement plans in Vietnam easier than ever.
Need assistance with Vietnam Visa services? Contact our team of experts at The Nest Asia today!
Understanding the Vietnam Visa
A Vietnam Visa is an official travel document that allows you to enter and stay in Vietnam for a certain period. It’s usually stamped or attached to your passport and is issued by the Vietnamese authorities.
One of the most convenient options is the E-visa, which you can apply for online through the Vietnamese Immigration Department. This visa allows stays of up to 90 days and can be issued for either single or multiple entries. You can apply yourself or go through a trusted agency. Just note that the application fee is paid online and is non-refundable, even if your visa isn’t approved.
To help you better understand your options, we’ve put together a quick overview of the main types of Vietnam Visas and what they mean:
- Business Visa: For business meetings or events. No local income is allowed during your stay.
- Work Visa: For those working or doing business. Type depends on job nature and length.
- Working Holiday Visa: Lets you work while traveling temporarily. Not available in all countries.
- Student Visa: For studying at a university or school abroad. Includes exchange programs.
- Refugee/Asylum Visa: For people fleeing danger like war or natural disasters.
- Spousal Visa: For visiting your partner if you’re from different countries.
- Transit Visa: For short stays while passing through a country on the way to another.
- Immigrant vs. Nonimmigrant Visas: Immigrant for long-term living; nonimmigrant for short visits.
Key Vietnam Visa Options for Expats and Travelers
Since the updated immigration law took effect on July 1, 2020 (Law No. 51/2019/QH14), Vietnam now offers around 21 main visa types based on different travel purposes. Here are some of the most common ones:
- LV1–LV2: For those working with Vietnamese government authorities – valid up to 12 months.
- LS: For lawyers – valid up to 5 years.
- NN1: For high-level diplomatic guests invited by top leaders (e.g., President, Prime Minister) – valid up to 12 months.
- NN2: For guests invited by deputy-level leaders – valid up to 12 months.
- NN3: For diplomats, UN-affiliated organization staff, and their under-18 children – valid up to 12 months.
- NN4: For people working with diplomats and their families – valid up to 12 months.
- HN: For attending meetings or conferences – valid up to 3 months.
- DH: For students and interns – valid up to 12 months.
- PV1: For journalists living in Vietnam long-term – valid up to 12 months.
- PV2: For journalists staying short-term – valid up to 12 months.
- TT: For dependents (parents, spouses, or kids of Vietnamese citizens or visa holders) – valid up to 12 months.
- VR: For family visits or other personal reasons – valid up to 6 months.
- SQ: Special visa cases as per Law No. 47 – valid up to 6 months.
- EV: E-visa for short-term stays – valid up to 30 days.
In addition, Vietnam offers the following six most popular visa types:
1. Tourism Visa
If you’re planning to visit Vietnam just for tourism, the Tourist Visa is what you’ll need. This visa doesn’t allow business activities—just sightseeing and exploring! You can choose between:
- 30-day single or multiple entry
- 90-day single or multiple entry
There are two easy ways to apply:
- Visa on Arrival (VOA) – Great if you’re flying into Vietnam and need a quick solution.
- E-visa – Available for citizens of 80 countries, valid for one-month, single-entry stays.
2. Business Visa
If you’re heading to Vietnam for business—meetings, exploring partnerships, or setting up a presence—but not for local employment, the Business Visa is your go-to.
There are two main types:
- DN1: For those working with legally registered businesses in Vietnam.
- DN2: For individuals providing services or operating under international agreements that Vietnam is part of.
You can choose from:
- 30-day or 90-day stay
- Single or multiple entry options
How to apply?
- Visa on Arrival (VOA) – a popular and convenient method
- E-visa – for eligible nationalities
3. Student Visa
Planning to study in Vietnam? A Student Visa is what you’ll need if you’re enrolling in a university or academic program. Interestingly, many international students first enter the country on a Tourist Visa and then convert it to a student visa after admission. This switch happens through the local Immigration Office, and many find it easier to go through a trusted visa agency to handle the paperwork. It’s a practical path if you’re moving to Vietnam for education but haven’t finalized your school details before arrival.
4. Working Visa
If you’re coming to Vietnam for a job—say, teaching or working in a company—the Working Visa is the standard option. It comes in two categories:
- LD1 for those exempt from needing a work permit under specific international agreements
- LD2 for those who do need a work permit
These visas are valid for up to 2 years and can be extended via a Temporary Residence Card (TRC). Typically, your employer in Vietnam will help secure the necessary visa approval from the Immigration Department. Once approved, your visa can be stamped on arrival or at a Vietnamese embassy abroad. It’s a structured but manageable process, especially with employer support.
5. Investor Visa
If you’re planning to invest in Vietnam, the Investor Visa is tailored to support foreign entrepreneurs and business owners. This visa type is categorized based on the amount of capital you invest:
- DT1: For investments of VND 100 billion or more, or in sectors prioritized by the government. Valid up to 5 years.
- DT2: For investments ranging from VND 50 to under 100 billion. Also valid for up to 5 years.
- DT3: For smaller-scale investments from VND 3 to under 50 billion, with a validity of up to 3 years.
- DT4: For investments under VND 3 billion, valid for up to 12 months.
This tiered visa system allows flexibility depending on your business scale and sector.
6. Vietnam Visa for Diplomatic Purposes
The Diplomatic Visa is designated for members of official delegations invited by Vietnamese government leaders, as well as consular staff and their short-term visitors. This visa is generally free of charge, unless stated otherwise by agreements between Vietnam and the applicant’s home country. To apply, individuals must present an official letter from their home government or consulate. Diplomatic visas can be valid for up to 12 months, depending on the nature of the visit and the agreement terms.
Requirements & Documents for Vietnam Visa Application
To apply for a Vietnam Visa, you’ll need a few key documents:
- Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival and have at least two blank pages. Temporary passports might not be accepted.
- Visa Approval Letter: Required for business visa applications.
- Passport Photos: Two recent 4×6 cm photos, taken without glasses.
- Visa Application Form: Needed if applying for a Visa on Arrival.
* Additional Vietnam Visa Notes
- Travelers transiting through a Vietnam airport should check visa requirements with their airline.
- Visitors arriving directly to Phu Quoc Island by boat or plane and staying less than 30 days don’t need a visa.
- If you qualify for visa-free entry, your passport still must be valid for at least six months from entry.
- Visa approval letters are valid only for airport entry. If arriving by land or cruise, apply at your local embassy.
How to Apply for a Vietnam Visa?
There are three main ways to apply for a Vietnam Visa, depending on your nationality and travel plans:
- At a Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate: Submit your application in person before your trip.
- Online (E-visa): Available for citizens of eligible countries—apply through Vietnam’s official e-visa portal.
- Visa on Arrival: Apply online for a visa approval letter, then get your visa stamped upon arrival at a Vietnam airport.
Processing Time & Duration of a Vietnam Visa
Processing Time
The time it takes to process a Vietnam Visa depends on how you apply:
- E-visa: Around 3 working days.
- Visa on Arrival: The approval letter typically takes 2–4 working days, depending on the agency.
- Embassy/Consulate Visa: Processing times vary by location.
Visa Duration
The length of your visa depends on its type and purpose:
- Single-entry visas: Valid for 1 or 3 months.
- Multiple-entry visas: Valid for 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, or 1 year.
Tourist visas are usually single-entry, while business or work visas often allow multiple entries and longer stays.If you hold a Vietnam Work Visa, you may qualify for a Temporary Residence Card valid for up to 2 years. And, Investor Visas can be issued for up to 5 years.
How Much Does a Vietnam Visa Cost?
Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect to pay for a Vietnam Visa:
Vietnam eVisa
- Flat fee: US$25
Visa on Arrival (VOA)
Stamping fees vary based on your visa type and duration, and don’t forget — this is in addition to the service fee for getting the approval letter:
- 1-month single entry: US$25
- 1-month multiple entry: US$50
- 3-month single entry: US$25
- 3-month multiple entry: US$50
- 6-month multiple entry: US$95
- 12-month multiple entry: US$135
Visa via Embassy/Consulate
- The fee differs depending on the specific embassy or consulate where you apply.
Be sure to budget for both the service fee and the official stamping fee when using Visa on Arrival!
“Can I Extend My Visa in Vietnam?” – Some Expats Ask
Yes, expats can extend their stay in Vietnam by applying through the local Immigration Office. There are two main options available:
- Vietnam Visa Extension: This allows you to extend your current visa without changing its category. For example, if you hold a one-month visa, you may be eligible to extend it for another month, depending on your visa type.
- Vietnam Visa Renewal: This is for expats who want to switch their visa category or who entered Vietnam under a visa exemption and now need a valid visa to continue staying.
Please note that visa regulations can change frequently. Expats need to consult the nearest Immigration Department office in Vietnam for the most updated guidance, as extensions may not be available for all visa types or nationalities.
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Disclaimer: The Nest Asia is not an authorized provider of official government or non-government services. The information provided is intended for general guidance only. While we strive to offer accurate and timely information, we make no representations or warranties regarding its completeness or accuracy.
