Kickstart your journey with our guide on apply for Vietnam visa. Discover the effortless application process and set the stage for immersing in Vietnam’s mesmerizing landscapes, vibrant culture, and deep-rooted history. Whether you’re a solo traveler or with a group, being informed about the visa procedure is paramount. Equip yourself with this vital knowledge and ensure a smooth entry to explore the wonders of Vietnam.
The gateway to Vietnam
Vietnam beckons with bustling streets, tranquil waters, historic gems, and vibrant urban energy. Your captivating adventure begins with your Vietnam visa – the key to unlocking a world of diverse experiences. Our guide will navigate you through the visa process so you can embark on your adventure well-prepared and excited. By the end of this guide, you’ll be ready to apply with confidence.
Understanding the visa types
Vietnam offers various visa types to suit different travel purposes. Understanding these visa types will help you choose the one that fits your travel plans. Here’s a comprehensive guide to Vietnam’s main visa categories:
- Tourist visa (DL Visa): If you’re planning a leisure trip to Vietnam, the tourist visa is your go-to option. It allows for a single entry and a stay of up to 30 days. You can explore the country’s stunning landscapes, historical sites, and vibrant culture.
- Business visa (DN1, DN2 Visa): For business-related activities, you’ll require a business visa. This category has two subtypes, DN1 and DN2, depending on your specific business needs.
- Student/Internship visa (DH Visa): Students and interns coming to Vietnam for educational purposes should apply for this visa.
- Investor visa (DT1, DT2, DT3, DT4 Visa): For those planning to invest in Vietnam or have already done so.
- Working visa (LD1 – LD2 Visa): If you intend to work in Vietnam, you’ll need a working visa. This category also has two subtypes, LD1 and LD2, depending on your specific employment situation.
- Diplomatic visa (NG Visa): This visa type is for foreign diplomats and officials visiting Vietnam for diplomatic missions.
- Official visa (LV1 – LV2 – LV3 Visa): Officials representing international organizations or governments may be eligible for this category.
- Visitor visa (TT Visa): This visa is for family members of diplomats, officials, or international organization staff in Vietnam.
- Crew visa (NR Visa): Crew members working on foreign ships and aircraft in Vietnam should apply for this visa.
- Journalist visa (DN Visa): Journalists and media representatives visiting Vietnam for work will need this visa.
- Religious visa (DH Visa): For those engaged in religious work and planning to conduct religious activities in Vietnam.
- NGO/Charity visa (DH Visa): For members of NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations) or charity organizations. They want to participate in charitable activities in Vietnam.
Step-by-step visa application process
We’ll break down the application process into simple steps, so you know exactly what to do:
Step 1: Determine your visa type
Identify the purpose of your visit to Vietnam (e.g., tourism, business, study) and select the appropriate visa type.
Step 2: Complete the visa application form
Complete the online application form, usually found on the Vietnam Immigration Department’s official website or with authorized service providers.
Step 3: Gather required documents
- Collect the necessary documents
- Passport-sized photos.
- Any additional documents specified for your visa type.
Step 4: Pay the visa application fee
Pay the visa application fee using the available payment methods, such as credit cards or bank transfers. The fee may vary depending on your visa type and processing time.
Step 5: Submit your application
Submit your visa application, including the completed application form, required documents, and proof of payment. You can typically complete this process online.
Step 6: Receive the visa approval letter
Once we process and approve your application, we will send you a visa approval letter (Issued by Vietnamese Government). Typically, we send this letter to your email.
Step 7: Print the visa approval letter
Print a copy of your visa approval letter. You will need this document for your travel.
Step 8: Get a visa stamp
Upon your arrival in Vietnam, present your printed visa approval letter to the immigration authorities. They will issue the visa stamp on your passport, granting you entry into Vietnam.
Be aware that requirements and processes can differ based on your citizenship and the visa type you seek. Please keep in mind that the visa requirements can differ based on your citizenship and the type of visa you need. For the latest visa info, visit the Vietnam Immigration Department’s website, contact authorized service, or inquire at international airports.
Visa exemptions
Vietnam has reciprocal visa exemptions with certain countries. Depending on your nationality, you may be eligible for visa-free entry for a specific duration. It’s crucial to check if your country is on the list of visa-exempt nations.
Vietnam offers visa exemptions to citizens of certain countries, allowing them to enter without a visa for specific periods. To ensure a smooth trip, check if your country is on the list of visa-exempt nations before you travel.
Country | Effective date | Passport Types Included | |
1 | Argentina | 13/11/1999 | Diplomatic passports, official passports |
2 | Albania | 1/10/1956 | Diplomatic Passports, Official passports, Group Passports for official mission |
3 | Algeria | 02/01/1995 | Diplomatic Passports, Official passports |
4 | Afghanistan | 26/2/1988 | Diplomatic Passports, Official passports |
5 | Bangladesh | 10/7/1999 | Diplomatic Passports, Official passports for Vietnamese citizens
Diplomatic Passports, International Passports with “official” seal for Bangladesh citizens |
6 | Belarus | 24/11/1993 | Diplomatic Passports, Official passports |
7 | Brazil | 12/2/2005 | Diplomatic passports |
8 | Brunei | 1/11/1997 | Diplomatic Passports, Official passports |
9 | Bulgaria | 1/6/1966 | Diplomatic Passports, Official passports; Group Passports or Ordinary Passports for official mission |
10 | Cambodia | 30/11/1979 | Diplomatic and Official passports; Diplomatic and Official Lassez-passezs |
11 | Chile | 25/6/2005 | Diplomatic Passports, Official passports |
12 | China | 15/3/1992 | Diplomatic Passports, Official passports, Ordinary Passports for official mission |
13 | Cuba | Currently in force | Diplomatic Passports, Official passports, Ordinary Passports for official mission, Seaman’s Passports for Vietnamese citizens
Diplomatic Passports, Official passports, Service Passports or Maritime Passports for Cuban citizens |
14 | Czech | 13/2/2000 | Diplomatic passports, Official passports |
15 | Dominica | 29/9/2007 | Diplomatic passports, Official passports |
16 | Ecuador | 29/9/2007 | Diplomatic passports, Official passports |
17 | France | 1/7/2005 | Diplomatic passports |
18 | Hungary | 1/8/1993 | Diplomatic Passports, Official passports |
19 | India | 23/3/1995 | Diplomatic Passports, Official passports |
20 | Indonesia | 19/9/1998
4/12/2003 |
Diplomatic Passports, Official passports
Ordinary Passports with valid periods of at least 6 months |
21 | Iran | 1/6/1994 | Diplomatic passports |
22 | Iraq | 1/12/2001 | Diplomatic Passports, Official passports |
23 | Japan | 1/5/2005 | Diplomatic passports, Official passports |
24 | Kyrgyzstan | Currently in force | Diplomatic passports, Official passports, Ordinary Passports for official mission |
25 | Laos | 17/7/1977
05/3/2004 |
Diplomatic Passports, Official passports, Ordinary Passports for official mission,
Ordinary Passports with valid periods of at least 6 months |
26 | Malaysia | 25/11/2001 | Diplomatic passports, Official passports, Ordinary Passports |
27 | Mexico | 4/2/2002 | Diplomatic passports, Official passports |
28 | Moldova | 23/5/2003 | Diplomatic passports, Official passports |
29 | Mongolia | 6/2/2000 | Diplomatic passports, Official passports |
30 | Montenegro | 1/9/2000 | Diplomatic passports, Official passports, Special passports |
31 | Morocco | 19/12/2004 | Diplomatic passports, Official passports, Special passports |
32 | Mozambique | 9/2/2009 | Diplomatic passports, Official passports |
33 | Myanmar | 11/8/1998 | Diplomatic passports, Official passports |
34 | Nicaragua | Currently in force | Diplomatic passports, Official or Service passports |
35 | Pakistan | 2/3/2007 | Diplomatic passports, Official passports |
36 | Panama | 4/11/2002 | Diplomatic passports, Official passports for Vietnamese citizens
Diplomatic passports, Official passports, Special Passports, Consular passports |
37 | Democratic People’s Republic of Korea |
01/10/1956
01/4/1966 |
Diplomatic Passports, Official passports; Group Passports for official mission
Ordinary Passports for official mission |
38 | Peru | 2/6/2006 | Diplomatic passports, Official passports for Việt Namese citizens
Diplomatic passports, Special passports for Peruvian citizens |
39 | Philippines | 19/02/1997
16/2/1999 1/4/2000 |
Diplomatic passports
Official Passports, Holders of Ordinary Passports having an invitation to join ASEAN activities organized by ASEAN Secretariat or Governmental agencies Ordinary Passports with valid periods of at least 6 months, together with return air tickets or air tickets for leaving the country |
40 | Paraguay | 26/10/2008 | Diplomatic Passports, Official passports |
41 | Romania | 1/12/1956 | Diplomatic Passports, Official passports; Group Passports or Ordinary Passports for official mission |
42 | Russia | 20/2/1994 | Diplomatic passports, Official passports |
43 | Serbia | 1/9/2000 | Diplomatic passports, Official passports |
44 | Singapore | 10/5/1997
01/12/2003 |
Diplomatic Passports, Official passports
Ordinary Passports with valid periods of at least 6 months, together with return air tickets or air tickets for leaving the country |
45 | Slovakia | 10/8/1992 | Diplomatic Passports, Official passports |
46 | South Africa | 23/6/2007 | Diplomatic Passports, Official passports |
47 | Republic of Korea | 13/1/1999 | Diplomatic Passports, Official passports |
48 | Sri Lanka | 19/9/2003 | Diplomatic passports, Official passports |
49 | Thailand | 10/5/1997
9/7/2000 |
Diplomatic Passports, Official passports
Ordinary Passports |
50 | Tunisia | 20/1/2009 | Diplomatic Passports, Special passports |
51 | Turkey | 1/10/1998 | Diplomatic Passports |
52 | Ukraine | 6/12/1993 | Diplomatic Passports, Official passports |
53 | Uruguay | 15/6/2008 | Diplomatic Passports, Official passports |
54 | Venezuela | 17/11/2006 | Diplomatic Passports, Official passports |
Expedited processing
Sometimes, the urge to travel strikes, leading to an unplanned journey, with the option to quickly enter and exit Vietnam. We’ve got you covered with information on expedited visa processing.
This service is created for:
- Those require a visa to Vietnam with short notice before their departure
- Those with errors in their current visa
- Those whose visa applications were not approved in time and wish to avoid rescheduling their Vietnam-bound flights.
Discover the expedited visa process to ensure your adventure commences as per your preferences:
- Visit the Official Vietnam eVisa website (Electronic Visa)
- Fill out the application form
- Choose expedited processing
- Upload required documents
- Pay the expedited processing fee
- Receive your eVisa via email for printing and use on arrival
Conclusion
Your Vietnam visa is your ticket to explore this vibrant country. It offers options for residence in Vietnam, making multiple entries, and various types to match your travel requirements. We’ve guided you through the application steps and emphasized the importance of checking visa exemptions for your nationality.
If you need to get your Vietnam visa quickly and prefer a smooth start to your adventure, our detailed guidance has you covered. Whether you’re enticed by lively streets or serene waters, Vietnam offers diverse experiences for your journey.