Vietnam Visa guide

Vietnam Visa Ultimate Guide 2025

In recent years, Vietnam has become one of Southeast Asia’s most talked-about destinations, and not just for its natural wonders or street food. Foreign investment is growing rapidly, digital nomads are setting up base in cities like Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City, and travelers are flocking in from all over the world.

Whether you’re coming for a few days or staying a few months, understanding the Vietnam visa system is your first step to making the most of your stay.

Vietnam Visa Exemption

According to Vietnam Ministry of Public Security Immigration Department, foreigners who are citizens of countries that are unilaterally exempted from visas by Viet Nam when entering Viet Nam will be granted a 45-day temporary residence certificate (see the list of countries with unilateral visa exemption from Viet Nam). Foreigners exempted from visas under international treaties to which Viet Nam is a party will be granted a temporary stay period according to the provisions of the international treaty. If the international treaty does not stipulate the temporary stay period, a 30-day temporary residence period will be granted (see the list of visa-exempt countries).

Visa Exemption 2025 Update: According to the Vietnam Tourism Promotion and Development Program, from August 15, 2025, to August 14, 2028, citizens of 12 European countries can enjoy visa-free entry to Vietnam for tourism: Switzerland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Poland, Luxembourg, Croatia, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia.

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What Types of Vietnam Visas Are Available and How to Apply?

Vietnam offers several visa types, depending on your travel purpose. Here’s an overview for your best preparation.

Which Is The Best Vietnam Visa Option For Travelers?

The most common is the tourist visa, now available as an E-visa for over 80 nationalities and Visa on Arrival (VOA).

How Does the Vietnam E-visa Work?

The E-visa can only be used for entry and exit through border gates that are on the list approved by the Government of Viet Nam. It is easy to apply for, costs between USD 25–50 for single entry and multiple entry, and allows you to stay up to 90 days. The E-visa is perfect for casual travelers or those visiting friends and family.

How to Apply for Vietnam E-visa?

E-visa applications can be made online at Vietnam’s official immigration portal in three steps:

Step 1: Fill out the application form
Step 2: Complete payment
Step 3: Receive E-visa online

How Does the Vietnam Visa on Arrival Work?

Visa on Arrival is only available for air travelers with prior approval letters and landing at one of eight designated international airports in Vietnam. You will then receive the visa upon landing.

How much for the Vietnam Visa on Arrival?

Approval letter fee (varies depending on service provider).
Visa stamping fee at Vietnam airports (USD 25 for single entry, USD 50 for multiple entry).
Approval letter processing time: 1–2 working days (or 2–3 hours for urgent cases).
Visa stamping at the airport: 15–30 minutes (up to 1–2 hours during peak season).

Thanks to its flexible processing times (in just 1–2 working hours, or even on weekends), this option is frequently used for emergency situations.

How to Apply for a Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA)?

To obtain a Visa on Arrival, travelers must have a pre-approval letter via local visa agency first, issued by Vietnamese immigration authorities. This type of visa is a convenient option for air travelers entering Vietnam.

Step 1: Apply for an Approval Letter (best to apply through a Vietnam agency specializing in visa services). Contact My Vietnam Tours for a Vietnam visa as we offer a 100% refund guarantee if the visa is not issued.
Step 2: Print the approval letter along with other documents such as your passport (valid for at least six months), photos, a completed Vietnam visa application form (NA1), and Entry and Exit form (M3). Present these at the airport.
Step 3: Obtain the visa stamp at the Visa on Arrival counter at the airport. Present your prepared documents and pay the stamping fee.

To Sum Up: Travelers coming to Vietnam should apply for an E-visa for the best convenience, and use a Visa on Arrival for emergencies and when traveling by air only.

Which Is The Best Vietnam Visa Option For Business?

The business visa (code DN, short for “Doanh Nghiệp” in Vietnamese) allows foreign citizens to enter Vietnam to engage in business activities, including attending meetings, exploring investment opportunities, establishing a commercial presence in Vietnam, or MICE tourism.

There are two types of Vietnam business visa: DN1 and DN2, according to Point d, Paragraph 3, Article 1 of the Amended Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam (effective from 01/07/2020).

Visa DN1: Issued to foreigners working for a business or organization with legal personality as defined by Vietnamese law.
Visa DN2: Issued to foreigners entering Vietnam to offer services, establish a commercial presence, or engage in other activities under international agreements to which Vietnam is a party.

Both types of DN visa are valid for up to 12 months.

How to Apply for a Vietnam Business Visa?

FYI, you cannot convert directly from a tourist visa to a business visa. You must exit Vietnam and apply for a business visa from abroad. To obtain a Vietnamese business visa easily, first you must understand the conditions and procedures.

Conditions to Apply for Vietnam Business Visa

To be granted a business visa, applicants must meet the following conditions:

Possess a valid passport or international travel document that is valid according to regulations.
Have a company or business with legal status in Vietnam sponsoring the application.
Not fall under the cases prohibited from entry as stipulated in Article 21 of Law No. 47/2014/QH13.
Provide documentation proving the purpose of entry (e.g., invitation letter, etc., depending on the case).

Legal basis: Article 10 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam.

Required Documents for Vietnam Business Visa

Visa application form for issuance or extension of temporary residence (Form NA5)
One recent photograph, size 4 x 6 cm
Passport or valid international travel document of the foreigner.
Certified copy of the business license or decision issued by the competent authority regarding the establishment of the organization.
Letter of introduction with the official seal and signature of the authorized person of the organization.

Vietnam Business Visa Application Procedures

Step 1: Prepare the required documents in accordance with the law.

Step 2: Submit the documents:

Submission Methods:

Directly: Applicants, including Vietnamese citizens, organizations, individuals, and legally residing foreigners in Vietnam, can submit their documents in person during office hours at the Provincial Immigration Management Office of the Public Security.
Online: submit via the National Public Service Portal or the Ministry of Public Security Portal.
Postal Service: If required, supplementary documents can be sent via public postal services as notified by the Immigration Management Agency on the respective portals.

Document Review:

If the documents are complete and valid: the receiving officer will issue an appointment slip for result collection and request the payment of fees (which may be processed online through the portal, with an electronic receipt provided).
If the documents are incomplete or invalid: the officer will guide the applicant or notify them via the portal to complete the application.
If requirements are not met: the application will be rejected with a written notice or notification on the portal stating the reasons.

Note: For documents submitted via the National Public Service Portal or the Ministry of Public Security Portal that fall under the jurisdiction of the Immigration Department, the information will be forwarded to the Immigration Department and the applicant will be notified.

In the case of online submission, the applicant may choose to receive the result via postal service and must pay the corresponding delivery fee.

Step 3: Collect the Result

In person: Applicants can collect the result directly at the Provincial Immigration Management Office of the Public Security. When collecting the result, the applicant must bring the appointment slip and payment receipt for verification.
By postal service: If receiving results via postal service, follow the instructions provided by the postal service.
If the visa is not granted, a written notice or notification on the portal will explain the reasons for rejection.

Processing Time: Typically 3–5 working days from the receipt of a complete application.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Incomplete Documents: Can lead to delays or visa rejection.
Late Submission: Insufficient processing time before your trip.
Using Unofficial Visa Services: May result in fraud or receiving a counterfeit visa.
Misunderstanding Visa Conditions: Note that a business visa does not permit paid employment if the appropriate work permit has not been obtained.

Getting a business visa for Vietnam isn’t complicated, but it does call for a bit of prep and careful attention to the rules. Follow this guide, have your paperwork ready, and you’ll be all set to get your visa sorted and get down to business in Vietnam stress-free.

Final Note

Visa rules can change from time to time, so it’s always worth double-checking the latest updates. You can find them on the official government website or get expert help from a trusted travel agency like My Vietnam Tours for a smooth, stress-free application. And remember, we offer a 100% refund guarantee if your visa isn’t approved, so feel free to reach out and enjoy the best benefits we have to offer.

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