Guides
Vietnam 3-Month Visa: Complete Guide for Long-Stay Travelers (2026)
Whether you are traveling for business, tourism, or work, a 3-month visa gives you the flexibility to stay longer without the hassle of frequent renewals or visa runs. This guide covers everything you need to know before applying.
What is a Vietnam 3-Month Visa?
It is an entry document that permits foreign nationals to remain in Vietnam for up to 90 consecutive days from the date of entry.
Unlike the standard 30-day tourist visa, the 3-month option provides significantly more flexibility, particularly for travelers who need to make side trips to neighboring countries such as Cambodia, Laos, or Thailand and return to Vietnam within the same visa validity period.
The 3-month visa is most commonly used for tourism (DL) and business (DN) purposes, as other visa categories such as work, investor, and family visit visas are typically issued for longer validity periods of up to 12 months.
Who can apply?
The 3-month visa is particularly well-suited for:
- Digital nomads and remote workers planning an extended stay in Vietnam
- Business travelers with ongoing commercial activities requiring multiple visits
- Travelers planning to explore Vietnam in depth alongside neighboring countries
- Foreign nationals in the process of obtaining a work permit who need longer-term legal residency
- Retirees or long-stay tourists who want to avoid frequent renewals
If you intend to work in Vietnam, a tourist or business visa does not authorize employment. A valid work visa (LD) and work permit are required for any form of employment activity.
A 3-month visa offers greater flexibility for long-term travel in Vietnam. (source: pexels)
Available 3-Month Visa Types
‣ Single entry:
permits one entry into Vietnam within the validity period. Once you exit the country, the visa is void regardless of how many days remain.
This option is best suited for travelers who plan to stay in Vietnam throughout their entire trip without crossing into neighboring countries.
The applicable fee for a single-entry visa is USD 25.
‣ Multiple entry:
A multiple-entry 3-month visa allows unlimited entries and exits within the 3-month validity period, making it the preferred choice for travelers planning side trips to Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, or other neighboring countries before returning to Vietnam.
The applicable fee for a multiple-entry visa is USD 50.
Simple steps to apply
Applicants can obtain a Vietnam 3-month visa through three main methods
Via e-visa (Online)
The simplest and most convenient method, processed entirely online with no embassy visit required.
- Complete online application form and select your intended entry date and stay duration
- Upload a clear scan of your passport bio page and a recent portrait photo (4×6 cm, white background)
- Provide your accommodation address in Vietnam and intended entry and exit dates, then complete payment
- Your approved e-visa will be delivered to your registered email, print it and present alongside your passport at the immigration counter upon arrival
The e-visa validity begins from the entry date specified on the application form, not from the date you physically arrive. For a full step-by-step walkthrough, refer to our Vietnam e-visa application guide
Via on Arrival
- Obtain the Visa approval letter apply for a pre-approved visa approval letter through a licensed Vietnamese visa agency before departure.
- Prepare required documents, print the approval letter and have the following ready upon arrival:
- Original passport (valid for at least 6 months, with 2 blank pages)
- Completed NA1 Entry/Exit form
- 2 recent passport-sized photos (4×6 cm, white background)
- Prepare the stamping fee prepare USD 25 (single entry) or USD 50 (multiple entry) in cash. Cards are not accepted at the counter.
- Submit your passport, approval letter, photos, and completed NA1 form to the immigration officer at the Landing Visa Counter in the international arrivals area by each major Vietnam airport (here)
- Pay and receive your visa, wait for your name to be called, and collect your passport with the visa stamp affixed. Proceed to passport control for final entry clearance.
For a full step-by-step walkthrough of the on arrival process, refer to the complete Vietnam visa on arrival guide.
Via Embassy/ Consulate
This option is for travelers who wish to secure their physical visa sticker before departure. Unlike Visa on Arrival, this process must be completed before your flight.
- Submit original passport, photos, and the completed application form to the nearest Vietnam Embassy or Consulate in your host country.
- Pay the required visa processing fee directly to the Embassy/Consulate. Fees vary by location and are non-refundable.
- After 3–5 working days, collect the passport with the 3-month visa sticker already affixed inside.
- Upon arriving in Vietnam, bypass the Landing Visa counter. Proceed directly to Passport Control lanes to receive the official entry stamp.
Complete guide to the Vietnam 3-month visa application process
Processing time and fees
|
Application Method |
Processing Time |
Fee |
|
E-visa |
3–5 working days (urgent: 2–4 hours) |
USD 25 |
|
Visa on Arrival (approval letter) |
3–5 working days (urgent: 2–3 hours) |
USD 25 (single entry) / USD 50 (multiple entry) |
|
Embassy or Consulate |
7–10 working days (postal: 2–3 weeks) |
Varies by country |
*Note: For urgent processing, same-day and next-day options are available via the emergency visa service.
Should you need any assistance with your application, feel free to contact us via Phone/WhatsApp: (+84) 856 598 868 or info@simplevietnamvisa.com.
*Visa requirements and regulations are referenced based on the official guidelines from the Immigration Department of Vietnam
Frequently asked questions
A 3-month Vietnam visa permits a stay of up to 90 consecutive days from the date of entry, regardless of the application method chosen.
Yes. The e-visa is available to citizens of all countries and allows stays of up to 90 days with single or multiple entry options.
No. Employment requires a valid work visa (LD) and work permit issued by the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA). Working on a tourist or business visa is a violation of Vietnamese immigration law.
