Vietnam Tourist Visa: Comprehensive Guide in 2025
For most international tourists, a Vietnam tourist visa is the perfect way to have a wonderful trip and relaxation in Vietnam. In Seni World's guide below (updated for 2025), we will showcase to you all the essential points of obtaining a Vietnam tourist visa, including the difference between a tourist visa and other types of visa, how to apply, as well as the processing of a Vietnam tourist visa.
What Is A Vietnam Tourist Visa?
As of April 2025, a Vietnam tourist visa (shortened DL) is a legitimate document or stamp that offers foreign nationals permission to enter Vietnam for the sole purpose of tourism, entertainment, or visiting parents/ friends/ relatives as a traveler. The Vietnam tourist visa prohibits undertaking any form of employment or enterprise activities in Vietnam.
To clearly know the difference, we will compare the Vietnam tourist visa with other typical types of Vietnam visas:
Feature | Vietnam tourist visa (DL) | Vietnam business visa (DN) | Vietnam work visa (LD) | Vietnam student visa (DH) |
Purpose | For tourism, entertainment, and visiting parents/ friends/ relatives. | For enterprise meetings, business conferences, and short-term work. | For employment, and working for a Vietnamese business. | For studying at a Vietnamese school, college, or university. |
Duration | Commonly Vietnam tourist visa 3 months (90 days) or 30 days (multiple or single entry). | Generally, 30 days. | Up to 2 years (calls for a work permit). | Up to at least one 12 months (renewable). |
Requirements | Passport, photographs, Vietnam tourist visa application form, and potentially evidence of onward tour. | Invitation letter from a Vietnamese enterprise, passport, images, and application. | Work permit issued by the Vietnamese government, passport, images, and application. | Popularity letter from the instructional institution, passport, photographs, and application. |
Obtaining | eVisa (highly recommended), VOA (limited), Embassy or Consulate. | Embassy or Consulate, potentially eVisa for a short enterprise. | Embassy or Consulate (after obtaining a work permit). | Embassy or Consulate. |
Activities allowed | Sightseeing, relaxation, and cultural experience. | Taking part in meetings, signing contracts, short-time period projects. | Working in a particular position for a specific company. | Participating in lessons, joining academic activities. |
Vietnam Tourist Visa Exemption
Vietnam has unilaterally decided to exempt citizens of the following international locations from visitor visas for a specific period. As of March 2025, some countries that have the Vietnam tourist visa on arrival exemption and an extended stay period until March 14, 2028:
45-day visa exemption | 30-day visa exemption | 21-day visa exemption | 14-day visa exemption | 30-day visa exemption in Phu Quoc Island |
1. Germany 2. France 3. Italy 4. Spain 5. United Kingdom 6. Russia 7. Japan 8. South Korea 9. Denmark 10. Sweden 11. Norway 12. Finland 13. Belarus | 1. Singapore 2. Malaysia 3. Thailand 4. Indonesia 5. Cambodia 6. Laos 7. Kyrgyzstan 8. Kazakhstan 9. Brunei 10. Chile 11. Panama | Philippines Brunei | Myanmar | In case your sole vacation spot is Phu Quoc Island, you may be eligible for a 30-day visa exemption irrespective of your nationality, provided you meet the following conditions: - Arrive at Phu Quoc Worldwide Airport immediately from an international flight. - Depart from Phu Quoc International Airport to every other worldwide spot. - Keep a passport valid for a minimum of 6 months. |
How To Apply Vietnam Tourist Visa
There are many ways to apply for a Vietnam tourist visa, including a visa at the Embassy, a visa on arrival, and an eVisa Vietnam.
Visa At Embassy
Firstly, you can learn more about the visa at the Embassy in the content below:
Find the nearest Embassy or Consulate: You should search for the contact details (phone number, address, and website) of the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in your country.
Check requirements: Let's visit their website or directly contact them to inquire about particular requirements for a Vietnam tourist visa. Those may additionally vary slightly among distinct Embassies or Consulates. Generally, you will need:
- A Vietnam tourist visa application form (commonly downloadable from their website or available from the Embassy or Consulate).
- Your passport has a minimum of 6 months of validity and a minimum of 2 blank pages.
- Passport-sized photos (typically 2 photos, 4x6 cm).
- Supporting files (including flight booking affirmation, lodge reservation, and evidence of enough finances).
- Visa fee (varies depending on the Embassy or Consulate and the type of visa).
Submit your Vietnam tourist visa application: you may need to submit your application for the Vietnam tourist visa online via email or in person, depending on the Embassy or Consulate.
Pay the fee: pay the specified visa fee. They generally specify approved payment methods.
Receive your visa: if your application is accepted, you'll get hold of your passport back with the visa sticker affixed to it.
Visa On Arrival
Visa On Arrival is also known as VOA. Here are some steps to apply via this method:
Apply for a visa approval letter: You should contact a Vietnam visa agency to apply for a pre-approved visa letter. You must provide your passport information, travel dates, and port of arrival in Vietnam. A little service fee will be charged here.
Get hold of the approval letter: the visa company will email you the visa approval letter (commonly within 2 - 5 working days, and faster for urgent offerings). You must print this letter.
Prepare files: Collect the following to take with you:
- Printed visa approval letter.
- Your passport has a minimum of 6 months of validity and a minimum of 2 blank pages.
- Passport-sized photos (typically 2 photos, 4x6 cm).
- Finished entry/exit form (NA1) - often furnished via the agency or available at the airport.
- Cash for the visa stamping fee (USD is usually approved).
Upon arrival: at a designated Vietnamese international airport (Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, Da Nang, Can Tho, Phu Quoc, Cam Ranh, Lien Khuong, and Cat Bi), continue to the "Visa On Arrival" or "Landing Visa" counter.
Show files & pay stamping fee: Submit your documents and pay the stamping fee to the immigration officer. The cost is about $25 for a single-entry visa and $50 for a multiple-entry visa (for 1 or 3 months validity).
Get hold of your visa: the officer will stamp your visa into your passport.
E-Visa Vietnam
Finally, you can apply for a Vietnam tourist visa through an online application process.
- Access the official eVisa website.
- Complete the Vietnam tourist visa on arrival online form and upload the required files, including:
- Personal details.
- Passport information.
- Travel dates.
- Port of arrival in Vietnam.
- Digital copy of your passport data page.
- Passport-sized photos (typically 2 photos, 4x6 cm).
- Pay the eVisa fee, the cost is about $25 for a single-entry visa and $50 for a multiple-entry visa. You should have a valid credit or debit card for online payment.
- Receive your eVisa through email as a PDF document.
- Print your e-visa with a physical copy to show with your passport upon arrival in Vietnam.
Recommendation:
For most travelers, the e-visa is the most comfortable and recommended way to apply for a Vietnam tourist visa in 2025. This is a “green” online technique and is widely available at entry points.
Besides applying directly on the official website of the government, you can apply through Seni World - a reputable visa agency for the best support. Via Seni World, you can save time and effort, and limit the errors when preparing and applying for the Vietnam tourist visa on arrival. In case there are mistakes or errors, you will not be refunded the visa fee. Fear not selecting us to have a great experience in Vietnam tourist via.
Vietnam Tourist Visa Processing Time
At present, the processing time for a Vietnam tourist Visa varies depending on the application method, including:
E-Visa | Visa On Arrival | Visa At The Embassy/Consulate | |
Processing time | Standard process: 3 working days. Urgent process: 1 - 2 working days. Super urgent process: a few hours with an extra fee. | Standard process: about 2 - 5 working days. Urgent process: about 4 - 8 hours. Super urgent process: a few hours with an extra fee. | Standard process: about 5 - 7 working days. Some Embassies/ Consulates offer expedited services for an additional fee. |
Upon arrival at the Vietnamese international airport | Visa checking in a few minutes. | Visa stamps can range from 15 minutes to 1 hour. | Visa checking in a few minutes. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I Able To Extend My Vietnam Tourist Visa While In Vietnam?
Visa extensions are possible but can be complicated and depend on your visa type and circumstances. So you should apply for the proper length to begin with, or seek advice from a visa agency in Vietnam for extension alternatives.
What Do I Need To Do If My Vietnam Tourist Visa Application Is Rejected?
If your visa application is rejected, you should contact the Embassy/Consulate or the e-visa portal for the particular reasons for the denial. You will be capable of reapplying after addressing the issues.
Where Can I Find Information About A Vietnam Tourist Visa?
You should visit the official visa websites for Vietnam tourist visa application or contact a trusted visa agency for more advice and information.
Conclusion
The Vietnam tourist visa is an important thing in planning your trip to Vietnam. Choose the best application method for you and remember to carefully check the latest regulations and make sure you have the necessary documentation for a Vietnam tourist visa application. Besides, asking a visa agency for support is the best way to save time and effort, as well as get extra advice. With 10 years in visa, eVisa, and traveling services, Seni World will help you in processing the Vietnam tourist visa. Contact us for support, and apply via our website for support A-Z.