What Is a Visa? Types of Visas and How Foreign Nationals Can Apply for a Vietnam Visa

Professional Vietnam Visa Consultation Services

1. What is a Visa?

A visa is an official document issued by the competent authority of a country to a foreign national, allowing them to enter Vietnam for a specified period and for a specific purpose, except in cases where visa exemption applies under Vietnamese law.

A visa is typically stamped or affixed to a passport, confirming that the holder is authorized to enter and stay in Vietnam under specified conditions and within a designated period.

2. Types of Vietnam Visas, Their Codes, and Validity

Vietnam visas are categorized based on the purpose of entry.

2.1 Tourist Visa (DL)

Purpose: Tourism, sightseeing, and leisure travel.
Maximum stay: Up to 3 months.
Entry type: Single-entry or multiple-entry.
Format: Visa sticker in the passport or Electronic Visa (eVisa).
Requirements: Passport valid for at least six months. Applicants may also be required to provide a return air ticket and proof of financial capacity.
Electronic Visa (eVisa): The most popular option. It is applied for online, valid for up to 90 days, available for single or multiple entries, but cannot be extended.

See also: Requirements and procedures for obtaining a Vietnam tourist visa for foreign nationals.

2.2 Business Visa (DN1, DN2)

Purpose: For foreigners entering Vietnam for business activities with enterprises or organizations.
Categories:
DN1: Short-term business visits.
DN2: Long-term business activities, negotiations, or market research.
Validity: Up to 12 months.
Requirements: Invitation letter or sponsorship letter from a Vietnamese company, along with a clear business itinerary.
Note: This visa does not permit direct employment under a labor contract but may be converted into a work visa or temporary residence card if eligible.

2.3 Work Visa (LD1, LD2)

Purpose: Legal employment in Vietnam.

2.4 Investor Visa (DT1, DT2, DT3, DT4)

Purpose: For foreign investors implementing investment projects in Vietnam.

Investment Categories:

DT1: Investment capital exceeding VND 100 billion or investment in preferential sectors.
DT2: Investment capital from VND 50 billion to under VND 100 billion.
DT3: Investment capital from VND 3 billion to under VND 50 billion.
DT4: Investment capital under VND 3 billion.
Validity: Typically from 1 to 5 years and renewable.
Requirements: Valid Investment Registration Certificate.

2.5 Family Visit Visa (TT, VR)

Purpose: Visiting relatives who are Vietnamese citizens or foreigners legally residing in Vietnam.

2.6 Study/Internship Visa (DH)

Purpose: Studying or undertaking internships at educational institutions in Vietnam.
Validity: Up to 12 months and renewable.
Requirements: Invitation or admission letter from an educational institution.

2.7 Journalist Visa (PV1, PV2)

PV1: Resident foreign correspondents and journalists.
PV2: Journalists on short-term assignments.
Validity: Up to 12 months.

2.8 Conference/Seminar Visa (HN)

Purpose: Participation in conferences, seminars, or international meetings in Vietnam.
Validity: Up to 3 months.

2.9 Official Duty Visa (B1, B2, B3, B4)

B1: Working with Vietnamese government agencies, courts, or procuracies.
B2: Participating in licensed investment projects.
B3: Working with Vietnamese enterprises.
B4: Working at representative offices or branches of foreign organizations in Vietnam.

3. Common Methods of Applying for a Vietnam Visa

Currently, there are three common methods of obtaining a Vietnam visa, depending on the applicant's nationality, purpose of entry, and eligibility.

3.1 Electronic Visa (eVisa)

Applied online through the official Vietnam Ministry of Public Security eVisa portal.
Suitable for tourism and short-term business visits (generally up to 90 days).
Available to citizens of more than 80 countries.
Advantages: Fast, convenient, and no need to visit a Vietnamese embassy or obtain a visa before arrival.
Limitations: Cannot be extended and may only be used to enter Vietnam through one of the 33 designated international border checkpoints (including Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, Da Nang, etc.).

3.2 Visa on Arrival (VOA)

Foreign nationals receive their visa upon arrival at an international airport in Vietnam after obtaining an Immigration Approval Letter issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department.
Suitable for applicants sponsored by Vietnamese companies or organizations, typically for business, work, investment, or family visit purposes.
Available at major international airports, including Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, Da Nang, Cam Ranh, and Phu Quoc.
Not available to nationals of certain countries subject to stricter visa regulations.

3.3 Visa Application at a Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate

The traditional application method, where applicants submit documents in person or by mail to a Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate abroad.
Suitable for most visa types, especially long-term visas, multiple-entry visas, work visas, investor visas, and student visas.
Advantages: Supports a wide range of visa categories, including long-term and multiple-entry visas.

4. Vietnam Visa Application Procedures

4.1 Applying at a Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate

Step 1: Prepare all required documents.

Step 2: Submit the application in person or by mail to the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate.

Step 3: The embassy reviews the application and issues an appointment for visa collection if the application is approved.

Step 4: Receive the visa affixed to the passport after approximately 5–7 working days.

Note: This method is suitable for most visa types, especially long-term or multiple-entry visas, or when applicants are not eligible for an online visa.

4.2 Visa on Arrival (VOA)

Step 1: The sponsoring company or organization in Vietnam applies for an Immigration Approval Letter from the Vietnam Immigration Department.

Step 2: The foreign applicant receives the approval letter by email or post.

Step 3: Upon arrival at an international airport in Vietnam (Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, Da Nang, Cam Ranh, Phu Quoc, etc.), the applicant presents the approval letter, passport, passport photos, visa application form, and visa stamping fee to receive the visa sticker.

Note: This method is not available for nationals of certain countries with stricter visa requirements.

4.3 Electronic Visa (eVisa)

Step 1: Visit the official Vietnam Ministry of Public Security eVisa portal.

Step 2: Complete the online application form with personal information and travel purpose.

Step 3: Upload a passport photo and a scanned copy of the passport.

Step 4: Pay the visa fee online (USD 25 for a single-entry visa or USD 50 for a multiple-entry visa).

Step 5: Wait approximately 3–5 working days for processing and receive the eVisa via email.

Note: The eVisa is available only for tourism and short-term business purposes, cannot be extended, and is valid only at designated international ports of entry.

5. Immigration Procedures After Obtaining a Vietnam Visa

After obtaining a Vietnam visa or an Immigration Approval Letter, foreign nationals should complete the following immigration procedures:

Present a valid passport with a visa or a valid eVisa/Immigration Approval Letter upon arrival.
Provide supporting documents if requested, such as a return air ticket, proof of accommodation, or health certificate (if applicable).
Pay any outstanding visa fee, if it has not been paid in advance.
Carefully verify all visa details after receiving the visa.
Complete immigration and security clearance procedures before entering Vietnam.

6. Vietnam Visa Extension

When a Vietnam visa is about to expire and the foreign national wishes to continue staying in Vietnam, a visa extension may be requested.

Applications may be submitted to the Vietnam Immigration Department, local Immigration Offices, or through an authorized immigration service provider.
Required documents generally include:
Passport
Current visa
Visa extension application form
Supporting documents proving the purpose of stay (employment contract, invitation letter, investment certificate, etc.)
Processing time is generally 5–7 working days.

Important Note: Vietnam eVisas cannot be extended. Foreign nationals holding an eVisa must leave Vietnam and apply for a new visa if they wish to continue their stay.