Most international visitors need a visa to go to Vietnam. The type of Vietnam visa they should apply for depends on their:

• Nationality
• Reason for visiting
• Duration of the trip

On this page, travelers will find a list of Vietnam visas. The most popular types of visas for Vietnam are explained in detail to help visitors select the correct permit.

How Many Types of Visas Are There in Vietnam?

There are around 20 types of visas for foreign visitors to Vietnam. Travelers must check the different visa requirements and apply for the relevant entry permit.

Passport holders from eligible countries can apply for a Vietnam visa online. The eVisa is valid for a range of short-term travel purposes, including:

• Tourism
• Official visits
• Business trips
• Visiting family
• Studying

The eVisa for Vietnam is valid for stays of up to 30 days. To remain in Vietnam for any of the purposes listed for longer than 1-month, an embassy visa is required. More information below.

Most Common Types of Visas for Vietnam

These are the most popular types of visas for Vietnam. They cover purposes of travel including tourism, attending meetings and conferences, studying, and employment in Vietnam.

• Vietnam eVisa
• Tourist visa (DL)
• Business visa (DNL, DN2)
• Student/internship visa (DH)
• Investor visa (DT1, DT2, DT3, DT4)
• Working visa (LD1-LD2)
• Diplomatic visa (NG)

Other Vietnam visas include visas for lawyers, diplomats, journalists, and family visits.

Types of Tourist Visa to Vietnam

The Tourist visa for Vietnam is suitable for people visiting the country on vacation.

There are 3 ways to apply for a tourist visa for Vietnam:

1. Online, the Vietnam eVisa
2. Visa on arrival in Vietnam
3. At a Vietnamese embassy

The Vietnam eVisa is the most convenient option for tourists. The eVisa application process is 100% online and travelers receive the approved tourist visa by email.

Tourists can stay in Vietnam for up to 30 days with an eVisa. It is a single-entry permit.

Vietnam tourist visa price and payment

Vietnam tourist visa fees vary depending on whether they are obtained online, on arrival, or at the embassy.

The Vietnam eVisa processing fee is paid securely online using a debit or credit card.

Travelers who opt for a visa on arrival need to carry the correct amount in US dollars to pay for the visa in cash at the port of entry.

How long does it take to get a tourist visa for Vietnam?

Tourists who apply online receive the approved eVisa by email in 4 days to 6 days It is the quickest and most efficient way to apply for a tourist visa in advance.

If applying through the embassy, travelers should check tourist visa processing times.

Passengers who arrive in Vietnam without a visa will need to join the queue at the airport, complete the visa application, and wait for the approved visa. They must also apply for a Vietnam pre-approval letter several days in advance.

Business Visa for Vietnam

Foreigners can apply for a Vietnam eVisa for business if they will stay no longer than 30 days. It takes just a few minutes to submit the request online.

For longer business-related stays, foreigners need a dedicated business visa for Vietnam.

There are 2 ways to get a business visa for Vietnam:

1. Business visa on arrival (pre-obtained letter of approval required)
2. Business visa from the Vietnamese embassy

Single and multiple-entry business visas are available for up to 12 months.

Vietnam business visa fees

The cost of a business visa for Vietnam depends on the type of visa requested.

Single-entry 1-month business visas are the least expensive, and multiple-entry 12-month business visas are the most expensive.

The price of business visas for Vietnam is in US dollars.

How long does it take to get a business visa for Vietnam?

Business travelers who apply for an eVisa will receive the permit by email in 4 days to 6 days 

To get a business visa on arrival in Vietnam, foreigners need an approval letter. They must request a business visa approval letter at least 7 working days in advance.

Business visa processing times at the Vietnamese embassy vary. Applicants should check processing times with their nearest Vietnamese representation.

Working Visa for Vietnam

To be employed in Vietnam long-term, foreigners need a work visa. There are 2 categories of work visas for Vietnam:

• LD1—for foreigners with Vietnam work permit exemption certificate
• LD2—for foreigners who need a work permit for Vietnam

Applicants for this type of Vietnam visa need to apply for an LD visa approval letter from the Vietnam Immigration Department.

Student Visa for Vietnam

Foreigners can enroll on a course lasting no more than 30 days with an eVisa, for example, a language or cookery course.

Students should apply for a student visa for Vietnam if they are registered with a Vietnamese university.

To apply for this type of visa for Vietnam, students need a pre-approval confirmation and letter of acceptance from the university.

Student visas are only available on arrival if there is no Vietnamese representation in the applicant’s home country. Supporting documents are still required.

Which Type of Visa for Vietnam Do I Need?

Foreigners who meet Vietnam eVisa requirements should apply online. The Vietnam eVisa is the most convenient option for tourists and other travelers visiting the country for up to 30 days.

All other travelers should consider the purpose of their visit, how many times they need to enter the country, and how long they wish to stay. The answers to these questions will determine which Vietnam visa they require.

Visas to stay in Vietnam for longer than 1-month are available through an embassy.