What is Vietnam tourist visa and how to apply for?
Sumarry brief of Vietnam tourist visa
- Visa code: DL
- Visa type: e-visa or visa on arrival
- Visa validity:
1 month single entry visa;
1 month multiple entry visa;
3 month single entry visa;
3 month multiple entry visa; - Entry ports:
Airports, land ports or seaports (for e-visa);
Only airports (for visa on arrival) - Required documents:
A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity;
A scan copy of passport and portrait photo taken within 6 months;
A valid credit or debit card for payment;
An active email address for correspondence
Who need a tourist visa for Vietnam?
Except for tourists arriving from Vietnam visa exempt countries, all travelers must obtain a visa to enter Vietnam. As of 2025, citizens of 39 countries are eligible for a visa exemption, allowing stays from 14 to 90 days.
The government also grants a 30 day visa exemption to foreigners entering Phu Quoc Island. Travelers who enter Vietnam through an international airport and continue directly to Phu Quoc Island without leaving the transit area are also exempt from obtaining a Vietnam visa.
The difference between Vietnam e-visa and visa on arrival
Both the Vietnam e-visa and the visa on arrival are issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department and carry the same validity for entry into Vietnam once granted. However, there are several key differences between the two types of visas, as shown in the table below:
| Description | Vietnam e-visa | Vietnam visa on arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Visa properties | A visa completed before departure | A visa stamped at arival airport |
| Required documents | Scan copy of passport, portrait photo taken within 6 months | Visa approval letter, 2 passport sized photos, entry and exit form |
| Stamping fee | No | Yes, 25 USD (single entry visa) or 50 USD (multiple entry visa) |
| Who can expedite? | Visitors (via the official visa portal) | Vietnam visa agency (via the Vietnam Immigration Department office) |
| Entry ports | Airports, land ports, seaports | Airports only |
| Processing time | 3 - 5 working days (normal service) or 2 - 4 working hours (rush service) | 5 working days (normal service) |
How to apply for Vietnam tourist e-visa?
Please complete the visa application form online and upload your passport information page and a recent portrait photo. All information entered must exactly match the details shown on your passport;
Make the payment for the visa service fee via bank transfer, credit card, PayPal, or other accepted payment platforms. For rush visa applications, payment through PayPal is preferred for faster processing;
After 3 – 5 working days, you will receive your e-visa via email. In urgent cases, you can apply for a rush visa service to obtain your visa within 2 working days, 1 working day, 4 working hours, or even as fast as 2 working hours;
Could I use a tourist visa for business purposes?
The tourist visa is applicable to visitors entering Vietnam for vacation or tourism purposes only. It cannot be used for business related activities. If you plan to conduct business in Vietnam, please apply for a business or working visa instead.
