Vietnam Entry Visa for Tourists

Vietnam tourist visa is an official entry document issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department to foreign nationals wishing to visit Vietnam for leisure, sightseeing, or visiting friends and family.

It is coded DL under Vietnam’s immigration classification system and does not permit the holder to work, conduct business, or engage in any commercial activities during their stay.

Vietnam tourist visa types and validity

The Vietnam tourist visa (DL) is available with the following validity options: 30 days vs 90 days (available via e-visa)

Both options are available for single or multiple entries depending on the application method and traveler’s needs.

• Single entry: Permits one entry into Vietnam within the visa validity period. Once you exit the country, the visa is no longer valid.
• Multiple entry: Allows unlimited entries and exits within the visa validity period, ideal for travelers planning to visit neighboring countries such as Cambodia, Laos, or Thailand and return to Vietnam.

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Who should apply for a Tourist Visa?

Visa is available to citizens of all nationalities. However, travelers from certain countries may be eligible for visa-free entry for a specified period. If your nationality is not on the exemption list, or if your intended stay exceeds the exemption period, a tourist visa is required. Check our Vietnam visa exemption guide to confirm your eligibility.

This visa is suitable for travelers entering for:

• Leisure travel and sightseeing
• Visiting friends or relatives residing in Vietnam
• Short-term cultural or educational visits
• Medical tourism (non-employment related)

Note: The DL visa does not authorize employment, business activity, or investment. Travelers with such intentions must apply for business visa guide or work visa guide for details.

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General eligibility conditions

To qualify for this service, applicants must provide all necessary documents and accurate personal information before submission.

• Not be subject to any entry prohibition under Vietnamese immigration law as stipulated in Article 21 of Law No. 47/2014/QH13
• Be currently residing outside of Vietnam at the time of application
• Hold a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity from the intended date of entry
• Have at least one blank page available for immigration stamps
• Have a clear and legitimate purpose of visit

The following documents are generally required regardless of the application method:

• Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity and one blank page
• Recent passport-sized photo (4×6 cm, white background, no glasses)
• Completed visa application form
• Accommodation details in Vietnam
• Proof of onward or return travel (recommended)

How to apply

Three application methods are available, each suited to different travel situations and timelines.

E-visa

The simplest and most convenient method, processed entirely online with no embassy visit required. The electronic visa allows stays of up to 90 days with single or multiple entry and is available to citizens of all nationalities.

1. Submit your application through our online form
2. Upload a clear scan of your passport bio page and a recent portrait photo (4×6 cm, white background)
3. Provide your accommodation address in Vietnam and intended entry and exit dates
4. Complete payment of the applicable fee
5. Your approved visa will be delivered to your registered email address within the stated processing timeframe
6. Print and present it alongside your passport at the immigration counter upon arrival

*Note: The validity period begins from the entry date specified on the application form. Ensure the date entered matches your actual travel plans.

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Visa on arrival

Available exclusively for travelers entering by air at one of Vietnam’s 8 designated international airports. A pre-approved visa approval letter must be obtained through a licensed agency before departure.

1. Contact our team to apply for your approval letter via Phone/WhatsApp (+84) 856 598 868 or info@simplevietnamvisa.com. Standard processing takes 3–5 working days; urgent options are available
2. Print the approval letter and prepare two passport-sized photos (4×6 cm), your valid passport, and the stamping fee in cash
3. Upon landing, proceed to the Visa on Arrival counter and present all documents to receive your stamp

*Note: The stamping fee: USD 25 (single entry) or USD 50 (multiple entry), must be paid in cash. Cards are not accepted.

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Embassy/Consulate

A viable option for travelers who prefer in-person processing or whose circumstances require embassy-issued documentation.

1. Contact the nearest Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate for current document requirements and fees, these vary by location
2. Complete the application form at visa.mofa.gov.vn or download the PDF version
3. Submit in person or by post with your original passport, photo, and applicable fee
4. For postal applications, include a prepaid self-addressed return envelope (FedEx or USPS recommended)

Note: In-person processing takes 7–10 working days; postal applications typically take 2–3 weeks. Always verify requirements directly with the relevant embassy before applying.

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Processing time and fees 

All fees are non-refundable in the event of rejection. Apply well in advance to allow sufficient processing time. 

How to extend your stay

Extending a tourist visa in Vietnam is possible but not guaranteed. To be eligible, applicants must hold a valid DL visa with no overstay or immigration violations, have a valid reason for the extended stay, and be sponsored by a Vietnamese individual or organization willing to act as guarantor.

1. Prepare all required documents: valid passport, completed Form NA5, current visa, and supporting documents justifying the extension
2. Submit to the Immigration Office in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang, or to the relevant provincial authority
3. Standard review takes 5 working days from receipt of a complete application
4. If approved, pay the extension fee and sign for confirmation
5. Incomplete applications will be returned for correction

Submit your extension application well before your current visa expires. If denied, you must exit Vietnam before your permitted stay ends. Frequent back-to-back extensions may attract additional scrutiny from immigration officers.

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Common mistakes you should avoid

• Applying too late: Submit at least 2–3 weeks before departure to allow sufficient processing time and address any issues
• Incorrect photo: Non-compliant photos are among the most common causes of rejection, check Vietnam visa photo requirements guide before submitting
• Wrong entry date: The e-visa validity starts from the date entered on the form, not the arrival date. A mismatch can result in denial of entry
• Using a tourist visa for work or business: Conducting employment or commercial activities on a DL visa is a violation of Vietnamese immigration law and may result in fines, deportation, or a future entry ban
• Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay, renew before applying if it is close to expiry
• Overstaying: Even one day of overstay is a violation and may result in fines or a future entry ban

Whether applying for the first time or needing urgent processing, our team is available 24/7 to assist. For time-sensitive travel, explore our emergency visa service for same-day processing options.

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

Frequently Asked Questions