Many travelers who have never ventured abroad, hold a strong passport, or are accustomed to visiting countries that don’t require a visa, might not realize that a visa is an essential document for most international trips. Vietnam is no exception to this rule. Join us to explore the full details of Vietnam visa policy.

1. What is a Vietnam visa policy?

A Vietnam visa is an official document issued or stamped on a traveler’s passport by Vietnamese immigration authorities, such as the Vietnam Embassy, Consulate, or Vietnam Immigration Department. 

This document confirms that the applicant’s credentials have been verified and grants them permission to enter and stay in Vietnam for a specified period. It serves as official authorization for entry into Vietnam.

It’s important to note that a visa is distinct from a Vietnam passport. While a visa allows entry into the country, a Vietnam passport is issued to Vietnamese citizens to facilitate their international travel.

2. Types of Vietnam visa policy

Currently, under Vietnam visa policy, there are two main types of visas:

• Loose-Leaf Visa: This type of visa is typically issued to travelers whose passports do not have any blank pages.
• Stamp Visa: This visa is directly stamped into the passport.

3. Types and Codes of Vietnam visa policy

Vietnam visas are categorized into 21 different types, each corresponding to a specific purpose of visit. These classifications are in accordance with Law No. 51/2019/QH14, which amends and supplements various articles related to the entry, exit, transit, and residence of foreigners in Vietnam. This law came into effect on July 1, 2020, as issued by the National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

► For comprehensive information on the different types of Vietnam visas and their codes, visit https://vietnamtouristservices.com/vietnam-visa-options-update-2024/

4. Who Doesn’t Need a Visa to Enter Vietnam?

Currently, not all travelers are required to obtain a visa for entry into Vietnam. The country’s visa exemption policy allows certain individuals to enter without a visa, as detailed below.

4.1.Visa Exemption for Holders of Regular Passports

As of now, citizens of 26 countries holding regular passports do not need a visa to enter Vietnam. However, the exemption can be either unconditional or conditional, depending on the circumstances. The duration of visa-free entry ranges from 14 to 90 days, depending on the country.

Additionally, a 30-day visa exemption is available for those entering specific coastal economic zones designated by the Government, provided these zones meet the following criteria:

• They have an international airport,
• They possess a distinct geographical boundary separate from the mainland,
• They align with socio-economic development policies,
• They do not pose a threat to Vietnam’s national defense, security, or social order.

4.2.Visa Exemption Policy for Overseas Vietnamese Nationals with Foreign Passports

Holders of a Certificate of Visa Exemption do not need a visa to enter Vietnam, regardless of their nationality. This certificate is valid for up to 5 years or until 6 months before the passport’s expiration date, whichever is shorter. It is available to Vietnamese citizens living abroad, as well as their spouses and children. 

The visa exemption allows for a stay of up to 180 consecutive days, with the possibility of extending for an additional 180 days. There are no restrictions on the number of entries or exits during the stay, nor is there a minimum waiting period required between each 180-day stay.

4.3.Visa Exemption Policy for Holders of Special Passports

Holders of diplomatic or service passports from the following countries do not require a visa to visit Vietnam: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Iraq, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nicaragua, North Korea, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, and Venezuela. Additionally, holders of diplomatic passports from the Czech Republic, Estonia, Israel, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Switzerland and Uzbekistan are also visa-exempt.

Vietnam has also signed visa waiver agreements for diplomatic and service passports with Ethiopia (August 2018), Greece (July 2018), Namibia (November 2013), and Cameroon (December 2017), though these agreements have yet to come into effect.

4.4.Visa Exemption Policy for Travelers to Phu Quoc Island

All travelers who arrive directly on Phu Quoc Island from a third country are eligible for a visa exemption, allowing them to stay on the island for up to 30 days without needing a visa. This exemption applies even to those who would otherwise require a visa to enter other parts of Vietnam.

5. How to Obtain a Vietnam visa policy

For travelers who are not eligible for visa exemption, obtaining a visa to enter Vietnam is straightforward, with three main options available:

• Apply at a Vietnam Embassy: Submit your visa application in person or by mail at a Vietnam embassy or consulate.
• Apply for a Visa on Arrival: Pre-apply online and receive your visa upon arrival at a designated Vietnamese airport.
• Apply for an e-Visa: Complete the application online and receive an electronic visa, which allows for entry through specific points of entry.

1. Vietnam Embassy Visa (Also Known as Pre-arranged Vietnam Visa)

This is the traditional method for obtaining a Vietnam visa, issued by Vietnamese diplomatic missions abroad, such as embassies or consulates.

To obtain this type of visa, applicants typically need to:

• Visit the Embassy/Consulate Website: Start by visiting the website of the Vietnamese embassy or consulate where you plan to apply.
• Complete the Application Form: Fill out the visa application form, attach your photo, and sign it.
• Submit Documents in Person: Travel to the Vietnam embassy or consulate to submit your completed form, original passport, and any other required documents. Pay the visa fee at this time.
• Wait for Processing: Return home and wait for the visa to be processed, which typically takes 3 to 5 working days.
• Collect Your Visa: Return to the embassy or consulate to pick up your passport, now stamped with the visa.

This process is available for both tourists and business travelers, with visas valid for up to 1 year. The cost of this visa varies depending on the visa type and the specific embassy or consulate. For contact details of Vietnamese embassies and consulates worldwide, refer to the Vietnam Embassy Directory.

2. Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA – Also Known as Vietnam Airport Visa)

Issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department, the Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA) has become the most popular method for obtaining a visa, thanks to its five key advantages.

To obtain a Vietnam Visa on Arrival, applicants need to follow these three straightforward steps:

• Complete the Online Application: Visit the website of a Vietnam visa service center, fill out the online application form, and pay the service fee to the center.
• Receive the Visa Approval Letter: After typically 2 working days, you will receive a visa approval letter via email.
• Get Your Visa at the Airport: Present the visa approval letter along with your original passport at the Vietnam airport upon arrival. Pay the stamping fee, and your visa will be stamped into your passport.

Important Notes for Vietnam VOA:

• Urgent Processing Available: Same-day or urgent processing is an option if needed.
• Validity for Tourists and Business Travelers: This visa type is available for both tourists and business travelers, with a validity of up to 1 year.
• Air Travel Only: This visa is valid only for those entering Vietnam by air.

To get a Visa on Arrival for Vietnam, you will need to pay two fees: 

• The service fee (paid online) 
• The stamping fee (paid upon arrival at the airport).

3. Vietnam Electronic Visa (E-Visa)

The Vietnam Electronic Visa (E-Visa) is the newest method for obtaining a visa to Vietnam, introduced on February 1, 2017, as part of a 2-year pilot program. Initially available to nationals of 80 countries, the E-Visa allows for single-entry visits of up to 30 days. The processing time is 3 working days, and the cost is US$25. As of February 2019, the list of eligible countries has expanded to 200.

For full details about the Vietnam E-Visa, including:

• Eligible nationalities,
• Applicable ports of entry,
• Steps to obtain an E-Visa,
• E-Visa fees,
• Important notes regarding the E-Visa,

You can visit the Our Vietnam E-Visa guide. This brief overview covers the main ways to obtain a visa for Vietnam today. A comprehensive guide is available to help you decide which option best suits your needs. The Vietnam visa policy is regularly updated to reflect any changes.