How to apply for a visa at Vietnam Embassy
Although Vietnam now offers e-visas to travelers from all countries and territories, many cases still require applying through a Vietnam Embassy, depending on nationality, travel purpose, and intended length of stay.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about applying for a Vietnam visa at the Embassy - who should apply, which visa type is appropriate, what documents to prepare, the step-by-step application process, and key tips to avoid rejection.
What is a visa at Vietnam Embassy?
Unlike an e-visa or visa on arrival, a Vietnam visa at the embassy is a traditional visa issued directly by the Vietnam Embassies or Consulates abroad.
Foreigners must submit their documents in person, and the visa is stamped in their passport before they travel to Vietnam.
Key features:
- No nationality restrictions: Available to applicants from all countries.
- Flexible entry purposes: Applicable for all entry purposes like work, investment, study, and long-term family visits.
- Flexible visa validity: Valid for over 30 days, with single/ multiple-entry options.
- In-person application: Documents must be submitted at a Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in the country of residence.
Who needs to apply for a Vietnam Embassy visa?
Not all travelers are eligible for an e-visa or visa on arrival, especially when they need long-term or specialized visas.
In these cases, applying through a Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate is often the most suitable and sometimes the only option.
People ineligible for e-Visa
Foreigners applying for a visa for specific purposes (work, investment, long-term business, study, etc.) or entering Vietnam through an entry point not supporting e-visas may need to apply through a Vietnam Embassy/Consulate.
Applicants for long-term visas (more than 90 days)
Vietnam e-visas are currently valid for up to 90 days.
If you require a longer period, you should apply at the embassy/consulate.
Applicants who already have an entry approval letter
Foreigners sponsored by a company or organization in Vietnam and holding an entry approval letter issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department can obtain their visa at the embassy/consulate before departure for more convenience.
Applicants unable to use a visa on arrival
If you are departing from a country that does not support Vietnam’s visa on arrival, applying at the embassy may be the only available option.
Applicants who want a visa before departure
Applying for a visa at the embassy allows you to have your visa stamped in your passport before entry.
This helps you avoid long queues for a visa on arrival and reduces the risk of issues if your port of entry changes.
Embassy visa vs. other visa options
Each visa application method has its own advantages, requirements, and level of convenience.
Below is a detailed comparison of the three most common visa methods: Visa at Embassy - E-visa - Visa on arrival:
The following table:
| Visa at Embassy | E-visa | Visa on Arrival | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application method | Apply directly or via post at a Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate | Apply online through the official e-visa system | Apply online for an approval letter first, then receive the visa at a Vietnamese airport |
| Applicable countries | All countries and territories | All countries and territories | Almost all countries and territories |
| Issuing authority | Vietnam Embassy/Consulate abroad | Vietnam Immigration Department | Vietnam Immigration Department |
| Visa format | Visa stamped directly into passport | Electronic visa (PDF format) | Visa stamped at the airport upon arrival |
| Conditions | Complete documents as required by Embassy/Consulate | - Have a valid passport - Enter Vietnam via one of 81 designated border gates |
Have a pre-approval letter |
| Purpose of entry | All purposes: travel, visit relatives, business, invest, work, study abroad, etc. | Travel, short-term business, visit relatives | Travel, short-term business, invest, work, visit relatives, and urgent cases. |
| Number of entry | Single / Multiple | Single / Multiple | Single / Multiple |
| Entry points | More flexible | Limited to 81 ports supporting e-visas | Only for air entry through Vietnam international airports |
| Visa validity | Varied, 1 month to few years | Maximum 90 days | 30 - 90 days depending on visa type |
| Processing fee | Varied, ranging USD 25 - 155 | - Single-entry: USD 25 - Multiple-entry: USD 50 |
- Approval letter fee: Varied - Single-entry: USD 25 - Multiple-entry: USD 50 |
| Payment method | At Vietnam Embassy/ Consulate | Online via card | - Service fees: Cash/ card - Stamping fee: Cash at the airport |
| Processing time | Standard: 5 - 7 days | Standard 3-5 days | For visa letter: - Standard: 2-5 days - Urgent: 4-8 hours |
| Check requirements of Vietnam Embassy/ Consulate | - Only some embassies apply - Can be shortened to 1-4 days |
Only via a local agency | Yes, 4-8 hours to 1-2 days for visa letter |
| Extension | Yes | No | Yes |
| Best for | Travelers needing long-term, multiple-entry, or secure pre-approved visas | Tourists and short-term visitors seeking a simple process | Travelers needing urgent entry or unable to obtain an e-visa |
Types of Vietnam Embassy visa
Foreign nationals can apply for most types of visas at Vietnamese embassies or consulates abroad if they meet the requirements.
Visa issuance at embassies mostly depends on the visa entry permit issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department and may require additional special documents when necessary.
Types of Vietnam Embassy visa include:
- Tourist Visa (DL): Foreigners entering Vietnam for tourism, sightseeing, leisure (non-work purposes).
- Business Visa (DN1, DN2): For foreigners entering Vietnam to work with Vietnamese businesses or conduct commercial activities.
- Work Visa (LĐ1, LĐ2): For foreigners working long-term in Vietnam with an official contract (requiring a work permit or exemption document).
- Investment Visa (ĐT1 - ĐT4): Foreign investors or representatives contribute capital to Vietnamese enterprises (classified by investment capital level).
- Studying Visa (DH): Foreign students studying and doing internships in Vietnam.
- Family-visit Visa (TT, VR): For spouses, parents, or children of Vietnamese citizens, or of foreigners legally residing in Vietnam (requiring documentation proving family relationship).
- Special visa types: Journal (PV1, PV2), Meeting/Conference (HN), Diplomacy affairs (NG, LV, NN).
Required documents
Required documents vary depending on the visa type and the embassy’s regulations.
Generally, applicants need to prepare basic documents that are applicable to most visa types and some supporting documents related to their travel purpose.
5.1. Basic documents
- Original passport with at least 6 months' validity and 2 blank pages for visa stamping.
- Visa application form NA1 (varies by embassy).
- Passport photos (4x6 cm, white background, taken within the last 6 months, no hat or glasses)
- Visa fee (varies by embassy).
5.2. Additional documents (upon visa type)
Tourist Visa (DL)
- Round-trip ticket
- Travel itinerary
- Hotel confirmation
- Proof of financial means (if required)
Business Visa (DN)
- Invitation letter from the company in Vietnam
- Business license of the inviting company
- Sponsorship/entry permit letter
- Business trip information
Work Visa (LĐ)
- Work permit or exemption from work permit
- Employment contract
- Sponsorship letter from the company in Vietnam
- Professional documents or work experience (depending on the case)
Investment Visa (ĐT)
- Investment certificate
- Business profile of Vietnamese company
- Sponsorship letter
Family-visit Visa (TT/VR)
- Documents proving family relationship
- Copy of residence permit of the sponsor in Vietnam
- Invitation or sponsorship letter
Study Visa (DH)
- Admission letter
- Proof of financial means
- Study schedule
5.3. Important notes
- Vietnamese embassies/consulates in different countries may have different requirements.
- Some embassies require notarized translations into Vietnamese or English for original documents that are not in English.
- An entry permit is not required for tourist visas (DL), but is usually required for work visas, investment visas, etc.
- Applications should be submitted at least 2-3 weeks before the expected entry date.
- Incomplete or incorrect documents may prolong processing time.
Step-by-step process
The application process for a Vietnam visa at the embassy include 5 steps:
Step 1: Determine the correct visa type
Identify the appropriate visa type for your travel purpose, such as tourist, business, or work visa.
Step 2: Contact the Vietnamese Embassy/ Consulate
Contact the Vietnamese Embassy/ Consulate in your area (check details via: https://mofa.gov.vn/en/web/ministry-of-foreign-affairs/outside-vietnam) to confirm required documents, procedures, fees, and processing times.
Some offices may require appointments or accept applications by post or through visa centers.
Step 3: Prepare the required documents
Prepare documents as instructed, commonly include: Original passport, 4x6cm photos, visa application form, entry approval letter (if applicable) and supporting documents for each visa type.
A notarized translation may be required.
Step 4: Submit the application and pay the fee
Submit your application in person, by post, or through an authorized visa center.
Fees depend on the visa type, number of entries, and length of stay.
Step 5: Wait for processing
Processing typically takes 5 to 7 working days, but may take longer if additional documents are needed or further review is required.
Step 6: Receive your visa and verify the details
The visa will be stamped into your original passport if approved.
Always check all visa details, including name, passport number, visa validity, and number of entries.
If any errors are found, contact the issuing authority immediately for correction.
Processing time
A Vietnamese Embassy visa typically takes 5-7 working days, excluding weekends and holidays.
However, it may vary depending on each embassy's procedures, the visa type, or additional document requirements.
Some agencies offer expedited processing within 1-2 working days for an additional service fee.
Visa fees
Visa fees vary between countries due to local operating costs or exchange rates, but generally follow Vietnam’s official consular fee schedule below:
- Single-entry visa : USD 25
- Multiple-entry visa :
- Valid for up to 90 days: USD 50
- Valid for more than 90 days to 180 days: USD 95
- Valid for more than 180 days to 1 year: USD 135
- Valid for more than 1 year to 2 years: USD 145
- Valid for more than 2 years to 5 years: USD 155
Note : If you use the urgent visa service processed within 1–2 working days, an extra USD 20-50 will be added.
Notes when applying for a visa at Vietnam embassy
To avoid delays or unexpected issues, here are some important notes when applying for a visa at Vietnamese Embassy:
- Check requirements of Vietnam Embassy/ Consulate : Procedures, forms, and required documents may vary by location. Always check the official website or contact the embassy before applying.
- Apply at least 2-3 weeks before your entry date: Standard processing takes 5-7 working days, but may be longer during peak season or if additional documents are required. Applying 2-3 weeks in advance gives you enough time to supplement documents, check your visa, or correct any errors.
- Ensure submitted information is accurate : Details on the application must exactly match your passport, especially your full name, passport number, and date of birth, to avoid delays or rejection.
- Review your visa immediately after issuance - Check your name, passport number, validity period, number of entries after receiving the visa. Request corrections promptly if any errors are found.
- Not all embassies issue every visa type : Some embassies only process short-term visas such as tourist or business visas. Check carefully with the embassy to apply to the correct location.
- Translate and notarize documents as required: Documents not in English or Vietnamese may need certified translation and notarization before submission.
- Consider using a reputable visa service : If you are unfamiliar with the process, a reliable visa agency can help avoid mistakes, incomplete documents, delays, or repeated rejections.
FAQs
What types of Vietnamese visas can be applied for at the embassy?
Most types of Vietnamese visas can be applied for at the Embassy/Consulate, including tourist, business, work, investment, student, and family visit visas. Some long-term visas may require an additional entry permit.
How long does it take to apply for a visa at the Embassy?
It usually takes 5-7 working days to apply for a visa, depending on the type of visa and the Embassy. The process may take longer if the document is incomplete or due to a high volume of applications during peak season.
Is it possible to get an expedited visa service at the Embassy?
Yes. Some Embassies/Consulates offer expedited processing services for an additional fee. In some cases, the processing time can be shortened to 1-2 working days.
When should I apply for a visa at the Embassy?
It is advisable to apply for a visa at the Embassy if you need a long-term visa (more than 90 days), a multiple-entry visa, a work/investment/study visa with a sponsorship/invitation letter, or if you want a visa stamped in your passport before your trip.
How much does a Vietnamese visa cost at the Embassy?
The cost ranges from approximately 25-155 USD, depending on the type of visa, validity period, number of entries, and the specific Embassy. Extra fees may be added for expedited processing services.
