Vietnam

Navigating Vietnam's Dynamic Immigration Framework

If you're planning to explore Vietnam's stunning landscapes, conduct business in Ho Chi Minh City, or pursue educational opportunities in Hanoi, understanding the country's visa requirements is your first crucial step toward a successful journey.

Understanding Vietnam's Entry Options

Vietnam operates a comprehensive immigration system centered around a 90-day electronic visa available to citizens of all countries and territories worldwide, alongside visa exemptions for citizens of 38 countries with stays ranging from 14 to 90 days depending on nationality. Whether you're seeking tourist exploration of Ha Long Bay and cultural sites, business ventures in Southeast Asia's emerging markets, academic programs at Vietnamese universities, or long-term residence opportunities, you need to determine which entry pathway applies to your situation.

Key Visa Categories and Requirements

Travelers can apply for visas through Vietnamese embassies or consulates, or online via the government's electronic visa system, with e-visas requiring no visa sponsor. The e-visa fee is USD 25 for single entry or USD 50 for multiple entry, and e-visas are accepted at 83 entry and exit points - 17 international airports, 27 land border gates, and 39 seaports - after a December 2025 government resolution nearly doubled the approved list. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry, and travelers may be required to show proof of a return ticket or onward travel.

Current Immigration Policy Highlights

On July 1, 2026, Vietnam's amended immigration law took effect, introducing two new visa types: the UD1 visa for high-quality talent or foreigners eligible for preferential treatment, and the UD2 visa for their spouses and children under 18, both valid for up to five years. Additionally, since August 15, 2025, Vietnam has offered a special 5-year visa exemption card for select high-profile foreigners such as top investors, scientists, executives, and cultural figures, allowing multiple entries and stays of up to 90 days per visit. A widely discussed 10-year golden visa for investors and long-stay travelers remained under government review as of mid-2026 and has not yet been enacted. This comprehensive guide provides end-to-end navigation through Vietnam's official entry requirements, ensuring your Southeast Asian adventure begins smoothly with proper authorization and compliance with current regulatory standards.

Your visa requirements for Vietnam depend on your nationality and intended length of stay. Citizens from select countries enjoy visa exemptions, while most travelers require advance visa arrangements or can obtain visas on arrival.

Visa-Free Entry Countries

Vietnam offers visa exemptions to ordinary passport holders from 38 countries, with stays ranging from 14 to 90 days depending on nationality.

The following nationalities can enter Vietnam without a visa:

• 90 days: Chile, Panama (bilateral agreements)
• 45 days: Germany, France, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland (unilateral waiver extended in March 2025 until March 14, 2028)
• 45 days: Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Hungary, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia (added August 15, 2025, valid until August 14, 2028)
• 30 days: Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus
• 21 days: Philippines
• 14 days: Brunei, Myanmar

Vietnam has extended visa waivers until March 14, 2028 for the 12 long-standing beneficiary countries and until August 14, 2028 for the 12 European countries added in 2025. Belarus and Kazakhstan hold 30-day stays under bilateral agreements, effective January 2025 and May 2024 respectively. The 30-day waiting period between two visa-exempt stays has been eliminated under the updated law on foreign entry and residence in Vietnam, effective from July 1, 2020.

Passport Requirements

All travelers must present a passport valid for at least 6 months from entry date. Your passport must have at least 2 blank pages for immigration stamps. Damaged or insufficient validity passports will result in entry denial.

Countries Requiring Visas

US citizens are not eligible for Vietnam visa exemption and must obtain a valid Vietnam visa before entering the country, regardless of travel purpose or length of stay. Citizens from the United States, India, and Australia must apply for a visa as they are not on the exemption list. Most other nations including Canada, New Zealand, and China must also obtain visas before travel. Options include:

• E-visa applications online valid for maximum of 90 days, single or multiple entry
• Embassy or consulate visa processing
• Visa on arrival with pre-approval letter

Vietnam expanded the list of entry and exit points that accept e-visas in December 2025: 83 checkpoints - 17 international airports, 27 land border gates, and 39 seaports - now accept e-visa holders.

Transit and Special Cases

Transit passengers staying under 24 hours without leaving the international transit area typically do not require visas. However, verify with your airline as policies vary by airport.

Phu Quoc island is a notable exception: travelers of all nationalities can stay visa-free for up to 30 days if they arrive directly from abroad or via international transit, remain on the island, and hold an onward or return ticket leaving within 30 days. Continuing to mainland Vietnam afterward requires a regular visa or e-visa.

Vietnamese nationals residing abroad indefinitely, their spouses, and their children may apply for a Certificate of Visa Exemption with a maximum validity of five years, during which time the holder can enter Vietnam and stay for up to six months without applying for a visa.

Diplomatic and official passport holders may have different requirements. Consult relevant diplomatic missions for specific information.

Verify Your Status

Visa policies change frequently. Always confirm current requirements through official government immigration websites or authorized visa services before booking travel, especially for business or extended stays. Travelers may be required to show proof of a return ticket or onward travel.

Vietnam offers multiple visa categories designed to accommodate diverse travel purposes, from short-term tourism to long-term business operations. Understanding the specific visa type requirements ensures proper documentation and smooth entry procedures.

Tourist and Visitor Visas

DL visa (Tourist) serves leisure travelers with single or multiple-entry options. Standard validity options include 30-day single-entry visas, and tourist visas can extend up to 90 days with multiple-entry options. Vietnam E-visa is valid for maximum of 90 days, single or multiple entry, making it a convenient option for many tourists.

Business Visa Categories

The Vietnam DN visa (often called a business visa) is for foreigners entering Vietnam for business-related purposes. Under current rules, DN is divided into DN1 and DN2. DN1 visa: issued to foreigners who work with legally registered businesses or organizations in Vietnam. DN2 visa: issued to foreigners who come to Vietnam to provide services, establish a commercial presence, or engage in other activities under international agreements that Vietnam is part of. Typical validity: up to 12 months (case-dependent).

Work and Employment Visas

• LD1 visa - For foreigners who work in Vietnam with a work permit exemption certificate, unless international agreements Vietnam is part of provide otherwise
• LD2 visa - For foreigners who are required to obtain a work permit to work in Vietnam
• PV1 visa - Journalists and media professionals

This type of visa is valid for up to 2 years. If you plan to stay longer in Vietnam, you will need to apply for an LD temporary residence card, which can be valid for up to 2 years.

Student and Academic Categories

DH visa (Student) 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. Student visas typically require educational institution sponsorship and proof of enrollment.

Investor Visa Categories

DT1 visa - Granted to foreign investors in Vietnam and representatives of foreign organizations investing in Vietnam with 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 visa - Granted to foreign investors with capital contribution of VND50 to under VND100 billion, or investing in the business fields of investment encouragement decided by the Vietnam Government. Valid for up to 5 years. DT3 visa - Granted to foreign investors with capital contribution of VND3 to under VND50 billion. Valid for up to 3 years. DT4 visa - Granted to foreign investors with capital contribution of less than VND3 billion.

Special Categories

• TT visa (Transit and Dependent) - Maximum 5 days for airport transit, or up to 12 months for family visits
• VR visa (Family) - Visiting Vietnamese relatives, with stays up to 180 days
• SQ visa (Diplomatic) - Official government business, valid for up to 12 months
• UD1 and UD2 visas (introduced July 1, 2026 under the amended immigration law) - High-quality talent eligible for preferential treatment, plus their spouses and children under 18, valid for up to 5 years

Processing and Validity Options

The standard processing time for a pre-approved visa letter is 2 to 3 working days, while an e-visa usually takes 3 to 5 working days to process. However, urgent visa applications can be completed within 1 working day for both types. In cases requiring super urgent processing, visas can be issued in as fast as 2 hours. Multiple-entry visas provide flexibility for frequent travelers, with validity periods extending up to 12 months for business visas, 2 years for work visas, and up to 5 years for certain investor categories depending on visa type and applicant qualifications.

Standard Processing Times

• E-Visa: 3 working days standard processing from submission
• Visa on Arrival Approval Letter: 2-4 working days for standard processing
• Embassy/Consulate Visa: 5-10 working days depending on location and workload
• Urgent E-Visa Processing: 1-2 working days or 4-8 working hours available

Visa Fees & Costs

E-Visa Government Fee: $25 USD for single-entry, $50 USD for multiple-entry (up to 90 days validity)
Visa on Arrival Stamping Fee: $25 USD for single-entry, $50 USD for multiple-entry (paid in cash at airport)
Visa on Arrival Approval Letter: Service fee varies by provider, typically $15-100 USD depending on processing speed
Rush E-Visa Processing: Additional $65-80 USD for expedited 1-2 day service
Emergency Processing: $50-135 USD for 4-8 hour processing (available through authorized agents)
Fee Regulation Update 2026: Finance Ministry Circular 28/2026/TT-BTC, effective April 1, 2026, replaced the previous fee circulars while keeping government visa fees unchanged, payable in VND or USD

Application Locations

• Official E-Visa Portal: the government portal operated by the Vietnam Immigration Department is the only direct channel for online e-visa applications
• Vietnamese Embassies and Consulates: Processing available worldwide at diplomatic missions
• Visa on Arrival: Available at 8 major international airports including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Nha Trang
• Authorized Visa Agents: Licensed service providers offering approval letter assistance and expedited processing

Essential Documents

• Passport valid for 6 months beyond arrival date with at least one blank page
• Completed application form with accurate personal information matching passport details
• Recent passport photo (4x6 cm) with white background, clear and properly framed
• Payment via international credit card, debit card, or cash (USD or VND for airport stamping fees)
• For Visa on Arrival: printed approval letter, entry/exit form, and two passport photos

Peak Season Impact

High Season (November-April): Processing may extend to 5-7 working days due to increased application volume
Tet Festival (Lunar New Year in late January-February): Government offices closed for 7-10 days causing significant delays
Summer Months (May-August): Faster processing times with lower tourist volumes and reduced queue times

Step 1: Determine Your Visa Category

Identify the appropriate visa type based on your travel purpose, nationality, and intended duration of stay. Tourist visas (DL), business visas (DN), and other categories each carry specific codes and eligibility requirements. Different visa types require distinct documentation and have varying processing times.

Step 2: Gather Required Documentation

Compile essential documents including:

• Valid passport with minimum 6 months validity remaining at the time of submission
• Completed visa application form with all required fields
• Passport-sized photographs meeting official specifications (plain background, no glasses, facing forward)
• Supporting documents specific to your visa category, as missing or incorrect paperwork will result in delays
• Previous entry information if you have visited Vietnam before
• Temporary residential address in Vietnam (hotel or accommodation details)

All foreign documents must be translated into Vietnamese and notarized for certain visa types.

Step 3: Complete Application Forms

Submit applications through official channels: Vietnam Immigration Department (in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang), Vietnamese embassies or consulates abroad, or the online e-visa portal. Online applications go through the official Vietnam electronic visa portal operated by the Immigration Department, where you submit the form, upload documents, and later check results. Ensure that personal details such as full name, date of birth, and nationality are consistent across all documents.

Step 4: Schedule Appointment and Submit

For embassy or consulate submissions, book appointments at designated locations and arrive punctually with organized documentation. Present all required original documents and copies if requested, and verify all information at the submission counter. Receive an acknowledgment receipt and a scheduled date for result collection. Vietnam does not currently require biometric collection for e-visa applicants; the process is entirely online with uploaded photos and passport scans.

Step 5: Pay Processing Fees

Visa fees typically range from 25 USD to 140 USD, depending on the visa type and validity period. E-visa fees are paid via electronic payment gateway as prescribed by the Immigration Department, and the fee will not be refunded if the application is refused. For in-person submissions, fees can be paid in cash or by bank transfer at the submission office. Retain payment receipts for tracking purposes.

Step 6: Track Application Progress

Standard visa processing in Vietnam takes 3 to 5 working days, while urgent processing takes 1 to 2 days, and e-visas take 3 days. Processing time is calculated from the date the Immigration Office receives sufficient information and the e-visa fee is paid. Check your application status regularly in the visa search section of the official e-visa portal, as no email notification is sent if your application contains errors. For urgent or expedited visa services, processing may take 1 to 2 working days, and in some cases can be completed within 4 to 8 hours.

Step 7: Collect Your Visa

Retrieve approved visas in person at the submission office (Immigration Department, Embassy, or Consulate), by email for electronic visas (e-visa), or at the airport with a stamped visa upon arrival for applicants with a valid entry approval letter. For e-visas, print the approval document and present it with your passport at immigration. Verify all details immediately upon receipt to ensure accuracy.

Preparing the visa application requires absolute accuracy, with personal details consistent across all documents and all documents valid at the time of submission. Common mistakes to avoid include incomplete documentation, incorrect photograph specifications, mismatched information across forms, and uploading low-quality document scans. If your application faces rejection, review the grounds for refusal carefully and consider reapplication with corrected documentation.

Vietnam's electronic visa is valid for a maximum of 90 days, is issued as either a single-entry or multiple-entry document, and is open to passport holders from all countries and territories. Because the 90-day validity window and the single-or-multiple choice cause the most confusion among applicants, this section explains exactly how the dates and entries work in 2026.

How the 90-Day Validity Works

When applying on the official government e-visa portal, you state an intended date of entry. The validity window opens on that date and closes no more than 90 days later, and both dates are printed on the issued document. You may enter later than your stated start date, but never before it, and you must exit before the expiry date regardless of when you actually arrived. The window cannot be shifted after issuance, so travelers whose plans change significantly usually submit a fresh application.

Single Entry vs Multiple Entry

• Single entry (USD 25): one entry within the validity window; once you leave Vietnam, the visa is used up even if unused days remain
• Multiple entry (USD 50): unlimited entries and exits during the 90-day window, ideal for combining Vietnam with side trips to Cambodia, Laos, or Thailand
• Every stay must fit inside the overall validity period; leaving and re-entering does not extend the expiry date

Travelers planning any regional hop, border excursion, or cruise stop should choose multiple entry from the start, because a single-entry e-visa cannot be converted after issuance.

Practical Rules to Remember

• Apply only through the official Immigration Department portal; third-party sites sell the same document with service markups
• Details must match your passport exactly - a mismatched name or passport number is the most common reason for rejection
• The government fee is non-refundable if the application is refused
• Standard processing takes about 3 working days, longer around Tet and in the November-April high season
• Print a paper copy; airlines and border officers routinely ask for it alongside your passport

An approved e-visa is usable at any of Vietnam's 83 designated checkpoints - 17 international airports, 27 land border gates, and 39 seaports. Enter through the checkpoint selected in your application; you may exit through any approved gate. E-visas are generally not extendable inside Vietnam, so travelers who want a longer stay either exit and reapply or switch to a sponsored visa category such as business, work, or investor visas.