6 Common Types of Vietnam Visa

The 6 most frequently used Vietnam Visa Types

Vietnam Tourist Visa

Designed for foreign travelers visiting Vietnam for holidays, leisure trips, or short personal visits, not for work, study, or long‑term business. Vietnam Tourist visa (usually category DL is the most common visa for travelers who want to visit cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, or popular tourist islands such as Phu Quoc and Da Lat.

Typical purposes:

• Short sightseeing or city trips (1–2 weeks).
• Multi‑city itineraries without business or study commitments.
• Staying in hotels, hostels, or homestays as a regular visitor.

For many nationalities, the easiest route is the Vietnam eVisa. Some countries still apply via embassy or consulate.

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How to get a Vietnam Tourist Visa

1. Via Vietnam eVisa

The simplest way to get a Vietnam visa is to apply online. Depending on the processing option selected, approval can be delivered within a few hours to a few working days

• Step 1: Visit our online application form here to begin your application.
• Step 2: Upload your scanned passport bio page and portrait photo separately, complete all required fields, and pay the applicable fee to submit.
• Step 3: Once your application is processed, your registration code and e-visa approval will be sent directly to your registered email address.
• Step 4: Download and print your e-visa. Verify all personal details are correct before traveling.

If you need your visa sooner, our emergency visa service offers expedited processing options. Contact directly to our team via: WhatsApp (+84) 856 598 868 or info@simplevietnamvisa.com for personalized assistance.

2. Via Visa on arrival

• Step 1: Submit your application at least 5–7 days before departure. You can apply directly through the official government portal (https://evisa.gov.vn/) or contact us
• Step 2: Once the approval letter is received by email, print a hard copy and prepare two passport-sized photos along with your valid passport.
• Step 3: Upon landing at your designated Vietnam international airport, proceed to the Visa on Arrival counter and submit all documents to receive your visa stamp.

Stamping fee must be paid in cash (USD) upon arrival, 25$ for single entry or 50$ for multiple entry.

3. Via the Vietnamese embassy / consulate

If your country is not eligible for eVisa, you can apply at the Vietnamese embassy or consulate instead: fill a paper form, submit your passport and photos, pay the fee, and wait 3–7 working days to receive the tourist visa sticker in your passport.

Vietnam Business Visa

The Vietnam business visa ( DN1 / DN2) is for foreign professionals who visit Vietnam for meetings, negotiations, contracts, or short‑term business activities, not for long‑term employment.

It suits:

• Executives, consultants, project managers, or technical staff.
• Anyone coming for client visits, project support, or short‑term business trips.

Available in several configurations to suit different travel situations:

1 month – single or multiple entry

3 months – single or multiple entry

6 months – multiple entry only

1 year – multiple entry only

As a general rule, shorter-stay visas have a higher approval rate and are easier to obtain than longer-term options.

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How to get a Vietnam Business Visa

There are three common ways to apply for this type of visa.

1. Via Vietnam eVisa

For trips not exceeding 30 days, the Vietnam business visa can be applied for entirely online:

• Visit xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn, select “Business Activities” as your travel purpose, upload your scanned passport bio page and portrait photo separately, complete all required fields, and pay the USD 25 government fee
• A registration code will be issued upon submission, use it to track your application status at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/tra-cuu-ho-so and to download your e-visa once approved

An example of a DN-coded Vietnam business visa 

2. Via Visa on arrival

Applicators obtained upon arrival at one of Vietnam’s designated international airports.

• Apply for your approval letter at least 5–7 days before departure at evisa.gov.vn
• Upon receiving the approval letter by email, print a hard copy and prepare two passport-sized photos and your valid passport
• At the visa on arrival counter upon landing, present all documents and pay the stamping fee in cash, USD 25 to USD 130 depending on your chosen validity period and number of entries

3. Via the Vietnamese embassy / consulate

Alternatively, applications can be submitted in person at the nearest Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate. Required documents and applicable fees vary by location, contact the relevant embassy directly for the most current guidelines before proceeding.

Vietnam Work Visa

Types such as LD1, LD2, TT, or LĐ is for foreign employees who are legally hired by a Vietnamese company or transferred from an overseas branch, and who need a work permit or work‑permit exemption.

The most straightforward route for applicants residing outside Vietnam is to apply at the nearest Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate. Your employer in Vietnam must first obtain an LD visa approval letter on your behalf. Once received, submit the following at the embassy:

1. Completed visa application form
2. Valid passport
3. Passport-sized photo
4. Work permit or exemption certificate
5. LD visa approval letter

Processing times and fees vary by location, contact the relevant embassy directly for current requirements.

Via Visa on Arrival

If your employer has obtained the appropriate LD approval letter, you may also collect your Vietnam work visa upon arrival at one of Vietnam’s 8 designated international airports:

1. Obtain the LD visa approval letter through your employer
2. Print the letter and prepare all required documents before departure
3. Upon arrival, proceed to the visa on arrival counter and present all documents
4. Pay the stamping fee in cash and receive your visa stamp

Vietnam visa for family visit

Denoted as TT or VR visa, this visa issued to foreign nationals wishing to stay in Vietnam for up to 12 months to visit immediate family members. Eligibility applies if your spouse, parent, or child is either a Vietnamese citizen or a foreigner holding one of the following visa types: LV2, LS, DT1, DT2, DT3, NN1, NN2, DH, PV1, LD1, or LD2. In the latter case, the TT visa validity will be at least 30 days shorter than the sponsor’s passport validity.

Applicants over 18 years old whose guarantor is also a foreigner are subject to a maximum TT visa validity of 6 months. Those wishing to remain in Vietnam beyond this period may apply for a Dependent Residence Card.

The majority of the application process is handled by the applicant’s relative in Vietnam.

If the sponsor is a Vietnamese citizen, the following documents are required:

• Form NA3 to request entry permission as a dependent (for applicants not yet in Vietnam)
• Form NA5 to apply for a visa or extension (for applicants already in Vietnam)
• Certified copy of the sponsor’s ID card and household registration book
• Supporting documents proving the legal relationship between applicant and sponsor

If the sponsor is a foreign national, the required documents are:

• Form NA2 to apply for the dependent visa (for applicants not yet in Vietnam)
• Form NA5 to apply for a visa or extension (for applicants already in Vietnam)
• Applicant’s original passport (if already in Vietnam)
• Sponsor’s passport and current visa or residence card
• Documents proving the legal relationship between applicant and sponsor
• An introduction letter authorizing the sponsor to process the visa application on the applicant’s behalf at the Vietnam Immigration Department

All documents must be submitted to the Immigration Office in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Processing takes approximately 5 working days from the date of submission.

Vietnam Investor Visa

The Vietnam investor visa (coded DT) is a long-term immigration document issued to foreign nationals investing in Vietnam, available in four subcategories : DT1 (10 years), DT2 (5 years), DT3 (3 years), and DT4 (5 years),making it one of the most flexible long-term visa options available to foreigners.

To qualify for a Vietnam investor visa, applicants must meet the following conditions:

• Hold a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity
• Have a qualifying investment registered with Vietnamese authorities
• Hold a valid Investment Registration Certificate (IRC) or Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC)
• Not be subject to any entry prohibition under Vietnamese immigration law

To apply for a Vietnam Investor Visa

1. Register your investment with the relevant Vietnamese authority and obtain your Investment Registration Certificate
2. Have your invested company submit a DT visa approval letter application to the Vietnam Immigration Department
3. Once the approval letter is issued, apply for your visa at the nearest Vietnamese Embassy or collect it upon arrival at a designated international airport
4. Pay the applicable stamping fee and receive your visa

Approval letter processing typically takes 5–7 working days. Stamping fees range from USD 25 to USD 135 depending on entry type and validity period.

Vietnam Student/Internship Visa

The Vietnam student visa (coded DH) and internship visa (coded TT) are issued to foreign nationals enrolled in a recognized Vietnamese educational institution or undertaking a formal internship program with a Vietnamese organization.

Both visa types allow stays of up to 12 months and are renewable, making them the appropriate entry document for anyone pursuing academic study or structured work experience in Vietnam.

The visa is for:

• International students admitted to a Vietnamese university, college, or language school
• Foreign nationals completing a formal internship or training program with a Vietnamese company or institution
• Exchange program participants placed at a Vietnamese host organization

You have to prepare:

• Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity
• Completed visa application form (NA2 for those outside Vietnam)
• Acceptance letter from the Vietnamese educational institution or internship sponsor
• DH or TT visa approval letter issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department on behalf of the sponsoring institution
• Passport-sized photo (4×6 cm, white background)

How to apply:

1. Host institution in Vietnam submits the DH or TT approval letter application to the Vietnam Immigration Department
2. Once the approval letter is issued, apply at the nearest Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate, or collect upon arrival at a designated international airport
3. Stamping fee payable in cash upon arrival, ranging from USD 25 to USD 50 depending on entry type.

Vietnam Diplomatic Visa

This visa is issued to foreign government officials, diplomats, and representatives of international organizations entering Vietnam on official business. Holders of a valid diplomatic or official passport may also be eligible for visa-free entry depending on bilateral agreements between Vietnam and their home country.

The following documents are generally required:

• Valid diplomatic or official passport
• Completed visa application form
• Recent passport-sized photo (4×6 cm, white background)
• Official invitation or sponsorship letter from a competent Vietnamese authority
• Proof of diplomatic status or official government appointment
• Supporting documents confirming the purpose and duration of the official visit

The Vietnam diplomatic visa is not available through standard online channels. Applications must be submitted through official government or diplomatic channels, typically coordinated between the applicant’s home government and the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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How to choose the right Vietnam visa type

For faster processing and personalized guidance on any Vietnam visa type, contact our team directly. We are available to assist with your application from start to finish.

– Phone/WhatsApp: (+84) 856 598 868
– Email: info@simplevietnamvisa.com

*Visa requirements and regulations are referenced based on the official guidelines from the Immigration Department of Vietnam

Frequently asked questions