How to apply for a Vietnam Tourist Visa (Updated 2026)
A tourist visa is always the first thing travelers consider when planning a trip to a new country. However, not all visitors to Vietnam need a tourist visa, and there are several ways to obtain one, depending on your nationality and travel plans.
With amendments to the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam and the introduction of new visa policies, applying for a Vietnamese tourist visa has become more and more accessible for international travelers.
Below is a comprehensive guide to Vietnam tourist. visas including conditions, visa types, required documents, application procedures, and common mistakes to avoid.
1. Vietnam tourist visa: Validity & types
Before finding out how to enter Vietnam, travelers should first understand the validity and main types of tourist visas available. Knowing the definition, different visa types, and whether you are exempt from a tourist visa will help you choose the most suitable entry option and plan your trip more effectively.
1.1. What is a tourist visa?
A Vietnam tourist visa (symbolized as a DL visa) is a visa type issued to foreigners to enter Vietnam for tourism, sightseeing, cultural experiences, or short family visits. It cannot be used for other purposes such as working, studying, investing, doing business, or signing contracts.
1.2. Validity
A tourist visa is valid for 1 to 3 months, depending on the applicant’s nationality and the approved application.
Foreigners can apply for a single-entry or multiple-entry tourist visa.
- Single entry: Enter Vietnam once within the visa validity period. After exiting, reapply for a new visa to re-enter.
- Multiple entry: Enter and exit Vietnam multiple times within the visa validity period.
1.3. Types of Vietnam tourist visa
DL visas can be classified by the number of entries (single or multiple), duration of stay (1 or 3 months), or application method (online, at the embassy abroad, or visa on arrival at the airport). However, there are 3 main types of Vietnam tourist visas under current regulations.
a - Vietnam e-visa (EV)
This type is applied for and issued completely online through the system of the Department of Immigration. E-visas are currently available for citizens of all countries and territories, with quick and simplified procedures.
- Suitable for independent travelers
- Application completed fully online
- Available to citizens of all countries and territories worldwide
- No sponsor or invitation letter required
- Valid for 30 to 90 days
- Single or multiple entry
b - Sponsored tourist visa (DL)
A DL visa is typically arranged by a licensed Vietnamese travel company and issued to travelers joining an organized tour in Vietnam.
- The Vietnamese travel company submits the application on behalf of the traveler
- Foreigners collect the visa at the airport, land border, or Vietnamese Embassy abroad
- Valid for 30 to 90 days
c - Visa exemption (Visa-free entry)
This option applies only to citizens of countries that have unilateral or bilateral visa exemption agreements with Vietnam. In this case, prior visa application is not required. The permitted length of stay is defined in the applicable agreement, ranging from 14 to 90 days (check the table below).
- No visa application required in advance
- No visa fee
- Entry stamp issued at the border
- Stay for 14 to 90 days, depending on nationality
*** List of countries exempt from Vietnam Tourist Visa (Updated 2025):
| Policy | No. | Country | Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unilateral visa exemption | 1 | Japan | 45 days | Resolution 44/NQ-CP, effective from March 15, 2025 to March 14, 2028 |
| Unilateral visa exemption | 2 | South Korea | 45 days | |
| Unilateral visa exemption | 3 | Germany | 45 days | |
| Unilateral visa exemption | 4 | France | 45 days | |
| Unilateral visa exemption | 5 | United Kingdom | 45 days | |
| Unilateral visa exemption | 6 | Italy | 45 days | |
| Unilateral visa exemption | 7 | Spain | 45 days | |
| Unilateral visa exemption | 8 | Sweden | 45 days | |
| Unilateral visa exemption | 9 | Norway | 45 days | |
| Unilateral visa exemption | 10 | Finland | 45 days | |
| Unilateral visa exemption | 11 | Denmark | 45 days | |
| Unilateral visa exemption | 12 | Russia | 45 days | |
| Unilateral visa exemption | 13 | Switzerland | 45 days | Resolution 229/NQ-CP, effective from August 15, 2025 to August 14, 2028 |
| Unilateral visa exemption | 14 | Czech Republic | 45 days | |
| Unilateral visa exemption | 15 | Poland | 45 days | |
| Unilateral visa exemption | 16 | Belgium | 45 days | |
| Unilateral visa exemption | 17 | Bulgaria | 45 days | |
| Unilateral visa exemption | 18 | Croatia | 45 days | |
| Unilateral visa exemption | 19 | Hungary | 45 days | |
| Unilateral visa exemption | 20 | Luxembourg | 45 days | |
| Unilateral visa exemption | 21 | Netherlands | 45 days | |
| Unilateral visa exemption | 22 | Romania | 45 days | |
| Unilateral visa exemption | 23 | Slovakia | 45 days | |
| Unilateral visa exemption | 24 | Slovenia | 45 days | |
| Bilateral visa exemption | 1 | Chile | 90 days | Not for income-generating activities |
| Bilateral visa exemption | 2 | Panama | 90 days | Not for income-generating activities |
| Bilateral visa exemption | 3 | Cambodia | 30 days | |
| Bilateral visa exemption | 4 | Indonesia | 30 days | |
| Bilateral visa exemption | 5 | Kyrgyzstan | 30 days | |
| Bilateral visa exemption | 6 | Laos | 30 days | |
| Bilateral visa exemption | 7 | Malaysia | 30 days | Travel, press & media activities, conferences, seminars, visiting relatives, business negotiation, investment, and sports activities |
| Bilateral visa exemption | 8 | Singapore | 30 days | Not for income-generating activities |
| Bilateral visa exemption | 9 | Thailand | 30 days | |
| Bilateral visa exemption | 10 | Belarus | 30 days | Total residence time not exceeding 90 days in 1 year |
| Bilateral visa exemption | 11 | Kazakhstan | 30 days | No more than 90 days per 180-day period |
| Bilateral visa exemption | 12 | Philippines | 21 days | |
| Bilateral visa exemption | 13 | Brunei | 14 days | |
| Bilateral visa exemption | 14 | Myanmar | 14 days |
2. When you need a tourist visa
Not all travelers need a Vietnam tourist visa. Citizens of some countries can enter Vietnam without a visa and stay for a specific period under unilateral or bilateral agreements. However, visa exemption does not apply in every situation. Below are 5 common situations where a DL visa is required.
When your nationality is not eligible for visa exemption
If your country is not on Vietnam’s visa-free list, you must apply for a visa before entering Vietnam. Most individuals in this case will apply for an e-visa or a regular visa at the Vietnam embassy/consulate in the country where they are residing.
When you plan to stay longer than the visa exemption period
Citizens of visa-exempt countries must apply for a tourist visa if they want to stay longer than the permitted visa-free period.
For example, Malaysian citizens are granted a 30-day visa-free stay. If they plan to stay for 60 or 90 days, they must apply for a tourist visa.
When you need multiple entries
Many visa exemption policies only allow one entry with a limited duration of stay. If you need multiple entries and exits, a multiple-entry tourist visa is required.
When you travel on a tour sponsored by a Vietnamese company
Foreigners who are not eligible for a visa-free policy but travel to Vietnam through an organized tour will need to apply for a tourist visa. In this case, the sponsoring travel company in Vietnam will handle the visa application on behalf of the traveler.
When you do not meet visa exemption conditions
Even if your nationality is eligible for visa exemption, you must still meet certain entry conditions. Otherwise, you may still need to apply for a visa. Common situations include:
- Passport valid for less than 6 months
- No return or onward flight ticket
- Being subject to an entry ban or having a history of immigration violations
3. Vietnam Tourist Visa Updates
Since 2023, some laws and resolutions have been issued or amended to simplify visa procedures and facilitate entry and exit for foreign visitors to Vietnam. Key updates include:
- Expansion of e-visa eligibility: Vietnam e-visa is now open to citizens of all countries and territories, instead of 80 countries previously. (Law No. 23/2023/QH15 - effective from August 15, 2023)
- Longer e-visa validity: The maximum validity of a Vietnam e-visa has been increased from 30 to 90 days. (Law No. 23/2023/QH15 - effective from August 15, 2023)
- Single or multiple-entry e-visas: E-visas can now be issued for either single entry or multiple entries. (Law No. 23/2023/QH15 - effective from August 15, 2023)
- More entry points accepting e-visas: The number of international border gates accepting e-visas has been increased from 42 to 81. (Resolution No. 389/NQ-CP - effective from December 2, 2025)
- Longer visa-free stay under unilateral exemption: The temporary stay period under Vietnam’s unilateral visa exemption policy for some countries has been increased from 15 days to 45 days. (Resolution No. 128/NQ-CP - effective from August 15, 2023)
- Extension of unilateral visa exemption policy for 12 countries: The unilateral visa exemption allowing a 45-day stay has been extended until March 14, 2028, including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland. (Resolution No. 44/NQ-CP - effective from March 15, 2025 to March 14, 2028)
- Expansion of visa exemption to 12 European countries: Vietnam has granted a 45-day visa exemption to 12 European countries under the Tourism Development Stimulus Program, including Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Poland, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia. (Resolution No. 229/NQ-CP - effective from August 15, 2025 to August 14, 2028)
4. Conditions
To apply for a Vietnamese tourist visa, foreigners must meet the following conditions:
- Hold a passport with at least 6 months of validity from the date of entry and at least 2 blank pages.
- Have a clear travel plan and a detailed itinerary
- Have sufficient funds to cover expenses for the entire duration of stay.
- Not be subject to entry bans according to the law
- Provide complete documents, photos, and fees according to the visa application method
5. How to apply for a Tourist Visa
Each visa application method requires different documents and procedures. To avoid delays, supplementary document requests, or even rejection, preparing the correct documents and following the correct procedure is essential.
5.1. Applying for an e-visa
The e-visa application process is simple and requires fewer documents, but all information must be accurate. After issuance, incorrect information cannot be adjusted and may result in a new application.
Documents:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Photo of the passport data page
- Passport photo (4x6cm, white background, taken within 6 months, without a hat or glasses)
- Travel information: expected entry date, purpose of entry, entry point, residential address in Viet Nam
- An international card for fee payment
Procedure:
- Step 1: Access the Vietnam Immigration e-visa portal (https://evisa.gov.vn/)
- Step 2: Fill in personal and travel information, upload a portrait photo and an image of the passport photo page
- Step 3: Pay the fee online
- Step 4: Track the application and receive the result via email after 3-5 working days
- Step 5: If the visa is granted, download and print the e-visa to present at the registered entry point
Note: E-visas cannot be edited after they are issued. Applicants should carefully check all information on the visa upon receipt. If there are errors, you may need to reapply or use a visa service to obtain a new visa urgently.
5.2. Applying for a DL visa through a sponsoring travel company
This method applies to foreigners joining a tour organized by a Vietnamese travel company.
Documents:
- Visa approval letter
- Business license of the sponsoring travel company
- Passport and personal information
- Detailed travel itinerary
Procedure:
- Step 1: The travel agency submits the application for a visa approval letter to the Immigration Department (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang)
- Step 2: Receive the visa approval letter from the Immigration Department
- Step 3: The traveler obtains the visa at a Vietnam international airport (for Visa on Arrival) or at the Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate in the country of residence
5.3. Applying for a stamped visa at a Vietnam Embassy/Consulate
In case an e-visa application is refused due to incomplete or incorrect passport information, or the applicant already has a sponsorship letter, a visa at a Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate is an alternative option.
Documents:
- Original passport valid for at least 6 months
- Visa application form provided by the embassy or consulate
- Passport photo (4x6 cm)
- Travel itinerary or accommodation information in Vietnam
- Invitation or sponsorship letter (may be required in some cases)
Procedure:
- Step 1: Submit all documents to the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate
- Step 2: Pay the visa fee according to the embassy’s regulations
- Step 3: Wait for processing, usually about 5-7 working days
- Step 4: Collect the original passport with the visa stamped in it
5.4. Visa-exempt entry
Foreigners whose nationalities are eligible for Vietnam’s visa exemption policy do not need to apply for a visa before traveling. Upon arrival at the Vietnamese border:
- Immigration officers will check the traveler’s passport
- A temporary entry stamp will be placed in the passport showing the permitted length of stay (ranging from 14 to 90 days, depending on the nationality under Vietnam’s visa exemption agreements)
Note: If travelers wish to stay longer than the visa-free period, they must apply for a visa before entering Vietnam or arrange a visa extension while in Vietnam.
6. Processing time & fees
The processing time and fee vary depending on the visa application method.
6.1. For e-visas
Processing time: approximately 3-5 working days
Fee:
- Single-entry visa: USD 25
- Multiple-entry visa: USD 50
6.2. For visas at the embassy
Processing time: approximately 5-7 working days
Fee: USD 30-70, depending on the country
6.3. For visas through a sponsoring travel company:
Processing time:
- For the visa approval letter: approximately 2-5 working days
- Stamping the visa at the airport: approximately 15-60 minutes, depending on the queue
- Receiving the stamped visa at the embassy: varies
Fee:
- Approval letter fee: approximately USD 10-30, depending on the service provider
- Visa stamping fee at the airport (cash):
- Single-entry visa: USD 25
- Multiple-entry visa: USD 50
| Processing time | Fees | |
|---|---|---|
| E-visa | 3-5 working days | Single-entry visa: USD 25 Multiple-entry visa: USD 50 |
| Visa at Embassy/ Consulate | 5-7 working days | USD 30-70, depending on the country |
| Visa through a sponsoring travel company | 2-5 working days - applying for a visa approval letter 15-60 minutes - collecting the visa at the airport |
Visa approval letter: USD 10-30 Single-entry visa: USD 25 Multiple-entry visa: USD 50 |
Important notes:
- Visa fees are usually non-refundable regardless of whether the visa is granted or not.
- Visa processing time may be longer than expected if further checks or additional documents are required.
- In case of urgent entry, foreigners can consider expedited or urgent visa services from a local visa agency. Processing time can be shortened to 1-2 working days or even 2-4 hours. Service fees vary depending on the provider.
7. Common mistakes while applying for a Vietnam tourist visa
Understanding these mistakes can help applicants avoid delays, rejection, or entry problems while applying for a tourist visa to Vietnam. Below are the 7 most common mistakes and how to avoid them.
7.1. Incorrect or missing personal information
This is one of the most common mistakes in e-visa applications. Applicants may enter incorrect information such as their full name, passport number, date of birth, or passport expiry date, leading to application rejection.
How to avoid:
- Carefully check the information before submitting.
- Write your full name exactly as shown on your passport.
- Compare the information on the application form with your passport before submitting.
7.2. Invalid portrait and passport photo
Applications may be rejected if the uploaded photos do not meet the requirements. Common issues include blurry photos, dark backgrounds, or unclear passport scans where the information cannot be read.
How to avoid:
- Ensure the photo meets the requirements: 4x6cm, white background, face looking straight ahead, no hats or glasses.
- Check your passport scan to ensure all information is visible before submitting.
7.3. Passport with less than 6 months' validity
Holding a passport with at least 6 months' validity from the date of entry and at least 2 blank pages is one of the conditions for a tourist visa application. Otherwise, the application may be rejected, or entry may be denied.
How to avoid:
- Check your passport validity before applying.
- Renew your passport if it has less than six months of validity remaining.
7.4. Wrong entry port selection
E-visas are currently accepted at designated international border crossings (15 air border gates, 27 land border gates, and 39 sea border gates). Visa on arrival is issued only at 8 designated international airports. If travelers enter through a border gate different from the one registered in the application, entry may be refused.
How to avoid:
- Confirm your entry point before submitting the visa application.
- Check the official list of eligible entry points.
- If your travel plan changes, apply for a new e-visa or ask the sponsoring company to update the approval letter.
7.5. Applying too late or not tracking the application
Submitting the application too close to the travel date may result in the visa not being issued in time. Some applicants also fail to check their email and miss requests for additional documents, leading to a longer review and delay in visa issuance.
How to avoid:
- Apply at least 2-3 weeks before the intended entry date.
- Regularly check your email and visa status in the system if applying for an e-visa.
- Double-check with the Embassy if the processing time takes longer than usual when applying for a stamped visa.
- In case urgent entry is needed, consider using an expedited/urgent visa service through a visa agency.
7.6. Choosing the wrong visa type
Applying for a tourist visa but actually coming to Vietnam for work, or applying for a single-entry visa but needing multiple entries, are common mistakes. Using a visa for the wrong purpose may lead to penalties, visa cancellation, deportation, and loss of time and money.
How to avoid:
- Clearly define the purpose of your trip.
- Choose a tourist visa only for tourism or short visits.
- Select a multiple-entry visa if you need to enter Vietnam more than once within the visa validity period.
- Apply for the appropriate visa type if you plan to work or conduct business activities.
7.7. Not checking visa information after issuance
Even after a visa is issued, errors may appear due to incorrect information provided during the application process. This can lead to denial of entry and the need for a new visa application.
How to avoid:
- Review all important information: full name, passport number, visa validity, number of entries, entry date, entry port.
- If any information is incorrect, apply for a new visa before traveling or use an expedited visa service if urgent entry is required.
8. Vietnam tourist visa extension
Vietnam tourist visas can be extended in some cases, but not all types are eligible. Currently, Vietnam e-visas cannot be extended. Extending a DL visa is possible if it is arranged by a licensed travel company in Vietnam and certain conditions are met.
8.1. When a tourist visa can be extended
Tourist visa extension is usually available in some cases:
- The traveler entered Vietnam with a visa issued by an embassy or a visa on arrival sponsored by a Vietnamese travel company
- Humanitarian or medical reasons (serious illness or accident)
- Flight cancellations or denial of entry by another country
- Other force majeure situations
8.2. Conditions
To extend a DL visa, the following conditions usually apply:
- A licensed Vietnamese travel company must act as the sponsor and handle the extension procedure
- Have a legitimate reason for the extension (unfinished travel plans, health issues, flight delays/cancellations, accidents, etc.)
- The current visa must still be valid
- Must not have violated immigration regulations
- Have confirmation of temporary residence in the locality
- The original passport must still be valid for at least 6 months
8.3. Documents
- Visa extension application form (NA5)
- Valid original passport of the foreign traveler
- Temporary residence confirmation issued by local police
- Travel itinerary or program
- Business license of the sponsoring travel agency
- Letter of introduction authorizing a representative of the travel company to submit the application
- Legal documents of the travel company (if submitting for the first time)
8.4. Submission
Visa extension applications can be submitted to:
- Vietnam Immigration Department (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang), or
- The Immigration Management Office of the Provincial or City Police where the traveler is temporarily residing.
Processing time: 5-7 working days
8.5. Important notes
- E-visas cannot be extended in Vietnam. When an e-visa expires, travelers must leave Vietnam and apply for a new visa to return.
- Always check the visa validity and plan the extension before the visa expires. The extension should be applied for 7-10 days before the visa expiry date.
- The visa cannot be extended after it expires. This may be considered overstaying and result in administrative fines, deportation, and difficulty obtaining future visas.
- If the visa is close to expiration, travelers may contact a visa agency for expedited extension services.
9. FAQs
What is the maximum validity of a Vietnamese tourist visa?
Currently, a Vietnamese tourist visa has a maximum validity of 90 days.
Can I visit relatives with a tourist visa?
Yes. A tourist visa allows foreigners to enter Vietnam for tourism, sightseeing, or short-term visits to relatives. However, you are not allowed to work or engage in income-generating activities with a tourist visa in Vietnam.
Is it possible to convert a tourist visa to a work visa?
In most cases, a tourist visa cannot be converted to a work visa. Foreigners usually have to leave the country and reapply for a work visa or go through the sponsorship procedure as required.
Which application method should I choose for a tourist visa?
Currently, the e-visa is the most popular and convenient option because the procedure is fully online and the processing time is relatively fast.
Visas issued at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate are usually suitable for special cases, and visa on arrival is mainly used by travelers joining organized tours sponsored by licensed Vietnamese travel companies and entering Vietnam by air.
Can foreigners apply for a tourist visa extension themselves?
No, foreigners must have a licensed Vietnamese travel company acting as a sponsor and arranging the extension on their behalf. Note that tourist e-visas cannot be extended in Vietnam.
