Vietnam Visa Guide 2026: Everything You Need to Know

Planning a trip to Vietnam’s stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich culture? Understanding the Vietnam visa requirements is key to a smooth journey. As of December 2025, Vietnam’s visa policies are traveler-friendly, with e-visas available to all nationalities and expanded exemptions. This comprehensive guide covers visa types, exemptions, application processes, fees, and more to help you prepare confidently.

What Is a Vietnam Visa?

A Vietnam visa is an official document issued by the Vietnamese government that authorizes foreign nationals to enter, stay, and exit the country for a specific period and purpose, such as tourism, business, or family visits.

Why Do You Need a Vietnam Visa?

A Vietnam visa ensures:

  • Legal entry and stay: Prevents issues like fines, deportation, or bans for overstays or unauthorized entry.
  • Purpose-specific compliance: Matches your travel reason (e.g., tourism vs. business).
  • Access to services: Required for longer stays involving banking, housing, or other activities.

Most travelers need one, unless eligible for an exemption.

Visa Exemptions in Vietnam

Vietnam offers visa-free entry to citizens of select countries for short stays (tourism, business, etc.). Key exemptions include:

  • 45 days: Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom.
  • 30 days: ASEAN countries (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand).
  • 14-21 days: Limited for some (e.g., Philippines 21 days).

Phu Quoc Island: Up to 30 days visa-free for all nationalities if arriving directly and staying on the island.

Check your nationality—policies can change!

Types of Vietnam Visas

Vietnam visas vary by purpose:

  • Tourist (DL): For leisure, up to 90 days.
  • Business (DN1/DN2): For meetings, negotiations; requires sponsorship for longer terms.
  • E-Visa: Versatile for tourism/business, up to 90 days.
  • 5-Year Exemption: For overseas Vietnamese and close relatives (spouses/children/parents).
  • Others: Student (DH), Work (LD), Investor (DT).

How to Apply for a Vietnam Visa: Step-by-Step

The easiest method for most is the e-visa.

  1. Determine your type: Based on purpose and duration.
  2. Choose method: E-visa (recommended), embassy, or limited visa on arrival.
  3. Prepare documents: Passport (6+ months validity, 2 blank pages), photo, scans.
  4. Submit: Online for e-visa; in-person/mail for embassy.
  5. Pay fees: Online or at counter.
  6. Wait: 3-7 days typically.
  7. Receive: Print e-visa or collect stamped passport.

Where to Apply for a Vietnam Visa

  • E-Visa (Recommended): Official portal https://evisa.gov.vn. Fully online, fast, no sponsor needed for short stays.
  • Embassy/Consulate: For complex/long-term visas; find nearest via Vietnamese foreign affairs site.
  • Visa on Arrival: Limited in 2025 (air only, urgent/sponsored cases); requires pre-approval letter—not recommended over e-visa.

Vietnam Visa Requirements

  • Passport: 6+ months validity, 2 blank pages.
  • Photo: 4×6 cm, white background, no glasses, neutral expression.
  • Application form: Online or NA1 for embassy.
  • No blacklist or prior violations.

What Is the Vietnam E-Visa and How Does It Work?

The Vietnam e-visa is the most convenient option—fully online, available to all countries.

  • Validity: Up to 90 days, single/multiple entry.
  • Purposes: Tourism, business, family visits.
  • Entry points: 83+ (airports, land borders, seaports)—expanded in Dec 2025.
  • Process: Apply online, upload scan/photo, pay, receive PDF via email (print required).
  • Extensions: Generally not; exit and reapply.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Vietnam Visa?

  • E-Visa: 3-7 working days (standard); urgent options limited.
  • Embassy: 5-14 days.
  • Factors affecting time: Holidays (e.g., Tet), errors, peak seasons.

Plan ahead!

How Much Does a Vietnam Visa Cost?

  • E-Visa: $25 USD (single-entry) / $50 USD (multiple-entry)—non-refundable.
  • Embassy/Business: Varies ($50-135+ stamping fees).
  • Additional: Possible service fees for agents.

Vietnam Entry and Exit Requirements

  • Entry: Valid visa/e-visa/exemption, passport.
  • Exit: No overstay; possible checks for debts/legal issues.
  • Restrictions: Permits needed for some areas.

What Is the Vietnam Business Visa?

For professional activities:

  • DN1: Working with Vietnamese entities (sponsored).
  • DN2: Service provision/investments under treaties.
  • Up to 12 months (often 3 initially); sponsorship required.
  • Short business? Use e-visa (select business purpose).

What Is the Vietnam 5-Year Visa Exemption?

For overseas Vietnamese and relatives (spouses/children/parents):

  • Multiple entries, 5 years validity.
  • Up to 180 days per stay (extendable).
  • Apply via embassy/immigration.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Who is eligible for Vietnam e-visa? All nationalities.
  2. Validity? Up to 90 days.
  3. Cost? $25 single / $50 multiple.
  4. Processing? 3-7 days.
  5. Print needed? Yes.
  6. Extension? Limited; reapply outside.
  7. Official site? https://evisa.gov.vn

Common Misconceptions

  • Visa on Arrival widely available: No—use e-visa.
  • E-visa guarantees entry: Final decision at border.
  • Exemptions extendable easily: Varies.

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