Visa rules for Vietnam

As another jewel in Southeast Asia, Vietnam is renowned for its rich history, culture, and breathtaking countryside. Travel enthusiasts, expats, and business people are now more than ever flocking to this amazing country. If you are one of them, knowing the visa rules for Vietnam is the first step of many that you need to accomplish, especially if your visit includes attending to business matters, studying, or visiting family. We will capture all aspects of Vietnam’s Visa policies, including types, eligibility, application, exemptions, and as of now, March 31, 2025, the most current changes.

Types of Vietnam visas

Vietnam offers a variety of visa types for different reasons like tourism, business, work, studying, or visiting family members. Each category includes but is not limited to.

Vietnam Visas for tourism purposes (DL)

It is reserved for tourists interested only in sightseeing.
Can be applied as a single entry visa which is valid for 30 days or a multiple entry visa which allows tourism for up to 90 days.
While in Vietnam travel agencies or immigration offices can help extend the DL visa for 30 additional days.

Business Visa (DN)

It is allocated for people visiting Vietnam for work, meetings, conferences, or undertakings. As a general rule, the DN visa is valid for a year or up to twelve months.
Requires the issuance of an invitation letter or sponsorship from a registered business situated in Vietnam.

Work Visa (LD)

For Foreign nationals who wish to work in Vietnam for a long period of time.
Requires a work permit from the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs and the employer who is willing to sponsor.
Remains valid for up to two years, and subsequent renewal is possible.

Student Visa (DH)

For foreign students who wish to study in Vietnam.
Requires proof of admission from a recognized institution or university.
Remains valid for the entire duration of the study program.

Visitor Visa (TT)

For someone wishing to travel to Vietnam to meet family members or relatives who are citizens or legally residing in Vietnam.
Normally remains valid for one year, but this is subject to the specific relationship and documentation provided.

E-Visa

The e-visa was introduced in 2017, expanding options for tourists and visitors from certain countries.
Single entry and valid for thirty days (extended to ninety for some nationalities as of late changes).
Submitted online via the official immigration website of Vietnam.

Visa on Arrival (VOA)

Restricted to passengers arriving by air, the visa is granted at some international airports (for instance, at Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City).
Requires a pre-approved invitation letter from a sponsoring travel agency based in Vietnam.
Well known for the freedom of traveling but has higher fees and waiting periods upon arrival.

Visa exemption policies

Vietnam implements a visa-free policy for citizens from certain countries under specific terms. The reasons behind this policy are primarily to promote tourism and improve relations with other countries as part of the Vietnam program for the exemptions are expected to continue until March 31, 2025. Some of such cases are:

ASEAN countries. Citizens from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand are able to travel visa-free for increases from 14 to 30 day-stays, which depend on contracts between certain countries.
European countries. Citizens of France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom can travel owing the COVID-19 Visa Waiver Program with a 45-day visa exemption for tourism purposes (increased from 15 days in 2023).
Other countries. Japan, South Korea, Russia, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and Finland remain countries that enjoy the 15 to 45-day no-visa terms as per the latest policies.
Phu Quoc island. All foreign travelers can enter Phu Quoc island visa-free for up to 30 days as long as they come by direct international flights or ferries and their travel is confined to the island only.

Travelers using these exemptions will need to possess a passport valid for at least 6 months and tickets confirming the onward journey (such as a return flight). Failure to comply with such a condition will lead to fines, planned entry, or resulting stay and can lead to unreasonable consequences.

Application process

The application process for a Vietnam visa depends on the type and method chosen. Here’s a breakdown:

Embassy or consulate application

Applicants submit their passport, a completed application form, photos (4×6 cm), and the applicable fee to a Vietnamese embassy or consulate in their home country.
Processing time: 5–7 working days, though expedited services may be available for an additional fee.
Suitable for those needing long-term or specialized visas (e.g., work or student visas).

E-Visa application

Visit the official Vietnam Immigration Department website (https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/).
Upload a passport scan, a digital photo, and pay the fee (approximately $25 USD).
Processing time: 3–5 working days.
Upon approval, print the e-visa and present it at the port of entry.

Visa on arrival

Obtain an approval letter through a licensed Vietnamese travel agency online (fees range from $10–$50 USD, depending on the agency and visa type).
Present the letter, passport, photos, and pay a stamping fee ($25 for single-entry, $50 for multiple-entry) at the airport.
Processing time at the airport: 15–30 minutes, though queues can extend this.

Eligibility and requirements

General requirements for most Vietnam visas include:

A passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry.
Two passport-sized photographs (4×6 cm against a white background).
Visa payment according to the type and nationality (fees differ from type to type).
For business, work, or student visas, additional documentation such as invitation letters, work permits, or admission letters becomes necessary.

Citizens from countries not qualifying for visa exemption or e-visa grants (for instance, some African or Middle Eastern countries) have to apply through an embassy or consulate and are likely to undergo some strict examination or take a longer time to process them.

Recent updates (as of March 31, 2025)

The government for Vietnam mitigates its visa policies intermittently with aim to furnish tourism and foreign investment resources. Important updates are:

Enhanced E-Visa validity: The e-visa validity period for applicable nationalities was increased from 30 to 90 days in August 2023 . Permitting multiple entries for some countries is now allowed.
Expanded visa exemptions: In 2024 other select European countries received a permanent aid for free visa for 45 days which indicates that the tourism sector is recovering briskly after pandemic.
Streamlined work permits: Foreign personnel in economically crucial areas like technology or education can apply for work visas without a lot of paperwork if there is an employer willing to sponsor them.

Overstaying and penalties

In Vietnam, overstaying a visa is considered a serious offense. The consequences include:

Fines of $10–$30 *USD* for every day overstayed. The fine varies depending on how long the visa was overstayed.
Exceeding the allowed period of stay may lead to detention or deportation.
A time-restricted ban on re-entry, ranging from months to years depending on the severity of the case.

Travelers can avoid these penalties by seeking extensions at local immigration offices or authorized agencies before their visa is close to expiring.

Guidelines for travelers

Have a plan: Make sure you check for exemptions and the need for an e-visa or visa well ahead so as to not run into any last-minute complications.
Official websites: Be on the lookout for unofficial sites that charge unreasonable fees to issue e-visas or approval letters.
Documentation: Have a printed copy of the visa, approval letter or e-visa on hand at all times since electronic records may not be accepted at remote border control stations.
Currency: Make sure that you have cash in the proper currency because visa payment is made solely in USD at airport borders. Having the appropriate denomination will prevent undue delays.

Conclusion

Although it may look confusing at first glance, the processes related to Vietnam’s visa requirements are relatively easy, provided that there is sufficient preparation done ahead of time. From the tourists admiring Ha Long Bay, the businesspeople analyzing prospects in Ho Chi Minh City, to the students learning in Hanoi, Vietnam has different kinds of visas to cater to every individual’s purpose.

Up until and including March 31, 2025, the nation is still trying to find the right amount of visitor friendly policies without compromising security, making the country both inviting and controlled. Do make sure to check updated guidance from the Immigration Department of Vietnam or the local embassy to avoid issues when traveling.

This guide is meant to get you started but policies change over time, so it is advisable to confirm details ahead of the trip. Have a nice trip to Vietnam!