Do I Need a Visa for Vietnam?

It is important to determine whether you need a visa for Vietnam based on your nationality.

Citizens of certain countries are allowed to travel to Vietnam without a visa for a short-term period, typically ranging from 14 to 90 days. For example, citizens of countries like Chile, Cambodia, Singapore, and Thailand enjoy visa-free travel to Vietnam for various durations. However, it’s essential to check the specific visa exemption rules for your country, as there might be limitations or conditions for re-entry within a certain timeframe:

• Belarus* (visa-free travel for up to 15 days)
• Brunei (visa-free travel for up to 14 days)
• Cambodia (visa-free travel for up to 30 days)
• Chile (visa-free travel for up to 90 days)
• Denmark* (visa-free travel for up to 15 days)
• Finland* (visa-free travel for up to 15 days)
• France* (visa-free travel for up to 15 days)
• Germany* (visa-free travel for up to 15 days)
• Indonesia (visa-free travel for up to 30 days)
• Italy* (visa-free travel for up to 15 days)
• Japan* (visa-free travel for up to 15 days)
• Kyrgyzstan (visa-free travel for up to 30 days)
• Laos (visa-free travel for up to 30 days)
• Malaysia (visa-free travel for up to 30 days)
• Myanmar (visa-free travel for up to 14 days)
• Norway* (visa-free travel for up to 15 days)
• Philippines (visa-free travel for up to 21 days)
• Russia* (visa-free travel for up to 15 days)
• Singapore (visa-free travel for up to 30 days)
• South Korea* (visa-free travel for up to 15 days)
• Spain* (visa-free travel for up to 15 days)
• Sweden* (visa-free travel for up to 15 days)
• Thailand (visa-free travel for up to 30 days)
• United Kingdom* (visa-free travel for up to 15 days)

*Citizens of these countries must wait at least 30 days between visits if they want to re-enter Vietnam.

What Are the Types of Vietnam Visas?

The Vietnam Immigration Department issues the following types of visas to foreigners wishing to enter Vietnam:

1. Vietnam Tourist Visa (DL): This visa is issued to foreigners entering Vietnam for tourism and recreational purposes, not related to business or studying.
2. Vietnam Business Visa (DN): This is a short-term visa issued to business people who will enter Vietnam to attend meetings, hold conferences, or engage in other business-related activities.
3. Vietnam Work Visa (DN/LD): This visa is issued to foreigners entering Vietnam to work or conduct business with a Vietnamese company. There are different types of work visas depending on the nature and duration of the work.
4. Vietnam Student or Internship Visa (DH): This visa is issued to foreigners who are entering Vietnam to study in a Vietnamese educational institution or to participate in an internship program.
5. Vietnam Diplomatic Visa (NG1 – NG4): This visa is issued to foreign diplomats or government officials and their accompanying/visiting family members.
6. Vietnam Investor Visa (DT): This visa is issued to foreigners who will enter Vietnam in order to invest in a business in the country. It is related to retirement visa alternatives in Vietnam.
7. Vietnam Transit Visa: This visa is required if you are changing planes in a Vietnamese airport and intend to leave the airport’s international transit area.

These are the main types of visas issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department. Each type has its own specific requirements and conditions for entry into Vietnam.

What are the Vietnam Visa Requirements?

When you apply for a Vietnam visa, you must have several documents to support your application. They include:

• Your passport, which has at least another six months’ validity.
• Passport-size pictures, taken recently with the following Vietnam specifications:
  • Size: 4 cm x 6 cm
  • White background
  • You must be centered in the picture, staring ahead with a neutral facial expression
  • If you wear headgear for religious purposes or you have a wig, you may keep it in the picture but must also be wearing on arrival
  • You must not be wearing any glasses
• The Vietnam Visa Application Form. Depending on which country you are applying from, you can either download it or get the Vietnam Visa Application Form at the Embassy/Consulate.
• Proof you have paid the Vietnam Visa fee
• Any other additional documents that the Vietnam Embassy/Consulate may require. This could include a Letter of Invitation or Sponsorship from someone in Vietnam, depending on the reason why you are traveling.
• If you are applying for Vietnam Visa On Arrival:
  • Pre-obtained Letter of Approval
  • Entry and Exit Form (many also refer to this as a Vietnam Visa Application Form). You will receive this on the airplane and you have to complete it before handing it in at the Immigration Officers at the port of entry
  • Cash to pay the Vietnam visa stamping fee