Understanding Vietnam visa options is essential for planning your trip. Depending on your purpose, trip length, and the requirements for the following six most common types of Vietnam visas, you can determine which one to apply for and how to get it issued.
Vietnam Visa Options: Types and Validity Update 2024
1.Vietnam visa types: Purpose of the visit
As of July 1, 2020, Vietnamese Immigration regulations recognize 21 main types of visas.
Here are six of the most common Vietnam visa options:
1.1. Tourist visa
If you are visiting Vietnam solely for tourism, you will need to obtain a Vietnam tourist visa. According to the latest regulations, even if your tourist visa is valid for more than 30 days, you will receive only a 30-day temporary residence stamp upon entry. If you wish to stay in Vietnam longer, you can extend your visa.
The most commonly issued visa for Vietnam is the Tourist Visa, typically valid for 15 to 30 days (Source: Collected)
Additionally, Vietnam tourist visas can be classified into four types based on their validity and number of entries. The categorization and the process for obtaining a Vietnam tourist visa are summarized in the following table:
| Types of Vietnam tourist visa | Ways to get a tourist visa |
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1.2. Business visa
If you are visiting Vietnam for business purposes, a business visa is ideal. It is categorized into DN1 and DN2. The DN1 visa is issued for those working with a company or organization with legal status in Vietnam, while the DN2 visa is for individuals offering services or goods in Vietnam with their own commercial presence.
A Vietnam tourist visa can be divided based on its validity and the number of entries allowed:
- 1-month single/multiple entry
- 3-month single/multiple entry
- 6-month business visa
- 1-year multiple entry
There are three common ways to apply for a Vietnam business visa:
1.3. Visa on Arrival
- Similar to a tourist visa, a business visa can be issued upon arrival at an international airport in Vietnam.
- Apply online 3-5 days in advance for an approval letter at vietnamtouristservices.com.
- Print the approval letter and bring it along with two passport-sized photos and your valid passport to get your visa stamped at the airport in Vietnam.
- The stamping fee ranges from USD 25 to USD 50, depending on the visa’s validity and number of entries.
Visa at the Embassy
- Visit a Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate and follow their instructions to submit your application. The fee may vary.
E-Visa
- If your trip is no longer than 30 days, you can apply for a business visa online.
- Go to xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn, select “Business Activities” as your trip purpose, upload your scanned passport and passport photo, complete the application form, and pay the USD from $25 – $75 application fee.
- You will receive a registration code to check the status of your application and print your e-visa at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn.
1.4. Investor visa
The Vietnam Investor Visa is for foreigners investing in a business in Vietnam. There are four types, based on the investment amount and visa validity:
- DT1 Visa: For investors contributing at least VND 100 billion (~ USD 4,253,510). Valid for 10 years.
- DT2 Visa: For investors contributing VND 50 billion – VND 100 billion (~ USD 2,126,755 – USD 4,253,510). Valid for 5 years.
- DT3 Visa: For investors contributing VND 3 billion – VND 50 billion (~ USD 127,605.3 – USD 2,126,755). Valid for 3 years.
- DT4 Visa: For investors contributing up to VND 3 billion (~ USD 127,605.3). Valid for 1 year.
DT1, DT2, and DT3 visas can be extended with a temporary residence card
1.5. Student visa
A Vietnam student visa is granted to those attending a university course in Vietnam.
Typically, this visa is arranged after you arrive 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 your course. The easiest way to obtain this visa is to have an agency handle the application for you.
1.6. Working visa
A Vietnam working visa is issued to those traveling to Vietnam for work, such as teaching. The maximum validity of a working visa is 2 years. If you plan to stay longer, you must apply for a 2-year LD temporary residence card. This visa is typically categorized into two main types:
- LD1 Visa: Granted to individuals working in Vietnam under a work permit exemption certificate, unless international treaties to which Vietnam is a party provide otherwise.
- LD2 Visa: Granted to individuals who need a work permit to work in Vietnam.
A foreign employee with a work permit works legally and has protected labor rights. (Source: Collected)
To get a Vietnam working visa, follow these two steps carefully to save time and cost:
- Step 1: Ask your employing company in Vietnam to apply for an LD visa approval letter from the Department of Vietnam Immigration.
- Step 2: Depending on the type of visa approval letter issued, you will receive your stamped visa either at the Vietnam embassy in your home country or upon arrival at the Vietnam port of entry.
Important Requirements and Fees:
- You need a work permit or a written confirmation that you are exempt from needing a work permit. If you don’t have this document yet, apply for a business visa through your employing company in Vietnam. The visa application process is smoother with an issued work permit.
- No Criminal Record or Health Check Required: These are not necessary for a Vietnam working visa application.
- Fees: You must pay for both the working visa approval letter and the visa stamping fee at the Vietnam embassy or the port of entry.
1.7. Diplomatic visa
A Vietnam Diplomatic visa is issued to individuals primarily engaged in diplomatic activities. This includes members of visiting delegations invited by Vietnamese ministries or high-ranking government officials, embassy personnel in Vietnam, and individuals working with or visiting embassy members for a short period.
Unlike other Vietnam visa options, the Vietnam Diplomatic visa does not require a fee, except as determined by the Vietnam embassy and the applicant’s home country. To apply for this visa, you must submit an official letter from local government offices, consulates, or foreign embassies to the relevant agencies in your home country. The visa’s validity can be up to 12 months
2. Vietnam visa options: Length of stay and Validity
As previously mentioned, there are 21 main types of Vietnamese visas, as outlined by Law No. 51/2019/QH14 passed by the National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. This law revises and updates several sections regarding the entry, exit, transit, and residence of foreigners in Vietnam.
Below are some popular Vietnam visa options:
| Visa Type | Description and Information on Vietnam Visa Options | Validity |
| NG1 – NG4 | Vietnam Diplomatic Visas | No more than 12 months |
| LV1 – LV2 | Collaborating with authorities and organizations in Vietnam | No more than 12 months |
| ĐT | Vietnam Investor Visas | No more than 05 months |
| DN | Working with businesses in Vietnam | No more than 12 months |
| NN1 – NN2 | Chief Representative of a foreign company’s office or Head of a foreign NGO project office in Vietnam | No more than 12 months |
| NN3 | NGO staff or representative office personnel in Vietnam | No more than 12 months |
| DH | Vietnam Student/Internship Visa | No more than 12 months |
| HN | Meetings/Conferences | No more than 03 months |
| PV1 | Journalists with permanent residence in Vietnam | No more than 12 months |
| PV2 | Journalists with short-term assignments in Vietnam | No more than 12 months |
| LĐ | Foreign workers/Vietnam working visa | No more than 2 years |
| DL | Vietnam tourist visa | No more than 03 months |
| TT | Dependents of LV1, LV2, ĐT, NN1, NN2, DH, PV1, LĐ visa holders | No more than 12 months |
| VR | Family visits and other purposes | No more than 06 months |
Note: Visa on arrival is intended for tourism purposes only and may not be used to obtain other types of Vietnam Visa Options.
Our Airport fast-track service will help you get through faster. (Source: Collected)
3. Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the longest visa that I can obtain for Vietnam?
The longest visa you can get is the 5-year visa exemption. This allows you to visit Vietnam anytime over a period of 5 years without needing to apply for another visa. Once you have this exemption, you’re free to travel to Vietnam as often as you like for five years.
2. I am visiting Vietnam for a business conference. What type of visa do I need to apply for?
Contact support: For additional questions or if you have already submitted your visa application on our website
3. Does Vietnam offer a retirement visa?
No, Vietnam does not have a specific retirement visa. However, there are other options available for those who wish to live in the country long-term.
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