Vietnam Multiple Entry Visa: Guide & How to Apply
For foreigners who need to enter and exit Vietnam frequently, a multiple-entry visa is often the most practical option. Instead of reapplying for every trip, this visa covers multiple entries over a validity period, saving significant time and cost.
A multiple-entry visa is particularly suitable for professionals, investors, individuals with family residing in Vietnam, and travelers with long, multi-country itineraries. However, eligibility requirements and application procedures vary significantly depending on the visa category and the applicant’s purpose of entry.
This guide covers everything you need to know - from multiple-entry visa types, who qualifies, to required documents, step-by-step application procedure, and important rules to ensure full compliance with Vietnam’s immigration laws.
1- What is a Vietnam multiple-entry visa?
A multiple-entry visa allows foreign nationals to enter and leave Vietnam multiple times during the visa’s validity period without having to apply for a new visa after each exit. It is suitable for those who frequently visit Vietnam for different purposes like traveling, visiting relatives, short-term business or inspecting and researching for investment.
Validity
The validity of multiple-entry visas varies from 1 month to several years depending on the type of visa. Each visa category has its own validity period and permitted length of stay per entry.
Pros:
- Flexibility: Foreigners can enter and exit Vietnam multiple times within the visa's validity, without reapplying.
- Time-saving: Only one application is required for multiple entries and exits instead of repeated applications for each trip.
- Convenience: Ideal for travelers who frequently enter and exit Vietnam.
Cons:
- High initial cost: Multiple-entry visa application fee is higher than single-entry one. However, it is more cost-effective if you plan to enter and exit Vietnam more than 2 times within the validity.
- Stricter review process: Multiple-entry visa applications are often reviewed more carefully compared to short-term, single-entry visas.
Multiple-entry visas vs. Single-entry visas:
| Single-entry visas | Multiple-entry visas | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of entries | One time only | Multiple times within validity |
| Common validity | 1 - 3 months | 1 - 12 months |
| Purposes of entries | Tourism, short-term business | Long-term business, visiting relatives, researching, investing, working |
| Cost | Lower initial fee | Higher initial fee but cost-effective for frequent entries |
| Flexibility | Low - Requires re-application for every return | High - No need to submit repeated visa applications |
| Best for | Tourists in tour groups, short-term tourists, those visiting relatives for a single trip | Business owners, workers, tourists traveling across Southeast Asia, those visiting relatives frequently |
2- Who should use a multiple-entry visa
A multiple-entry visa is not required for everyone, but it is essential for those who need the flexibility to enter and exit Vietnam multiple times within a defined period. It is particularly suitable for:
- Business travelers frequently entering/exiting Vietnam
- Expats working in Vietnam but traveling regionally
- Investors, shareholders, or company representatives
- Experts and senior managers frequently entering/exiting Vietnam
- Tourists planning multi-country trips (e.g. Vietnam - Thailand - Cambodia - return to Vietnam)
- Individuals frequently visit their Vietnamese spouse/children
3- Types of Vietnam multiple-entry visas
Among various visa types in Vietnam, not all are eligible for multiple entries. Under current regulations, the following visa categories may be issued as multiple-entry visas with a validity ranging from 3 months to 1 year:
- Business visa (DN)
- Investment visa (ĐT)
- Work visa (LĐ)
- Family visit visa (TT)
- Tourist visas (DL)
- Some special visa categories (NG, LV, NN, PV)
3.1. Business visa (DN)
- Who is eligible: Foreign nationals working with Vietnamese businesses without a formal employment contract. (e.g., experts or company representatives).
- Conditions:
- The sponsoring company must be legally registered, have a valid tax code, and provide complete legal documentation.
- Having a clear work schedule.
- Validity: Up to 12 months.
3.2. Investment Visa (ĐT1, ĐT2, ĐT3, ĐT4)
- Who is eligible: Foreigners contributing capital to Vietnamese companies or holding an investment registration certificate. (e.g., foreign business owners and investors).
- Conditions: Must provide a valid investment certificate or proof of capital contribution.
- Validity: 1- 5 years, depending on the investment capital.
3.3. Work Visa (LĐ1, LĐ2)
- Who is eligible: Foreigners working in Vietnam with a valid work permit or work permit exemption confirmation (e.g., engineers, specialists, and senior managers employed in Vietnam).
- Conditions: Must have an employment contract and be granted a work permit or work permit exemption certificate by the competent authority.
- Validity: Up to 2 years (depending on the contract duration and work permit's validity period).
3.4. Family visit visa (TT)
- Who is eligible: Spouses, children, and parents of Vietnamese citizens or foreigners working in Vietnam (overseas Vietnamese or foreigners with relatives residing in Vietnam).
- Conditions: Must provide proof of family relationship, such as marriage certificate, birth certificate, or household registration.
- Validity: 3 - 12 months, depending on the visa history and the sponsor's profile.
3.5. Tourist visas (DL)
- Who is eligible: Tourists who plan to enter Vietnam multiple times within a short period, such as travelers visiting several Southeast Asian countries before returning to Vietnam.
- Conditions:
- For e-visas:
- Hold a passport valid for at least 6 months
- Be eligible for Vietnam’s e-visa program
- Have a clear travel itinerary demonstrating the need for multiple entries
- Enter and exit Vietnam through approved international checkpoints
- For visa-on-arrival applications:
- Have a sponsoring travel company or agency in Vietnam
- Obtain an approval letter before departure
- Enter Vietnam by air
- Validity: 1 - 3 months.
3.6. Special visa categories (NG, LV, NN, PV)
Some special visa categories may be granted multiple entry, depending on the applicant’s profile, travel history, and assessment by the Immigration Department. These include:
- NG (Diplomatic Visa)
- Who is eligible: Members of diplomatic missions, consular offices, UN-affiliated organizations, and holders of diplomatic passports
- Validity: Up to 12 months
- LV1, LV2
- Who is eligible: Individuals working with Vietnamese ministries, government departments, or state agencies (not employed by private businesses)
- Conditions:
- Have a clear long-term work plan
- Have an official invitation from a relevant state authority
- Validity: 3 - 12 months
- NN1, NN2:
- Who is eligible: Heads of representative offices, staff of international organizations or NGOs, and personnel at foreign trade representative offices.
- Conditions:
- Have a valid operating license
- Have a confirmation from the relevant authority (e.g. Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Industry and Trade).
- Validity: Up to 12 months.
- PV1:
- Eligible: Resident foreign correspondents in Vietnam
- Conditions:
- Have an approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Have a clear work plan
- Validity: Up to 12 months
4- Conditions to apply
To be eligible for a multiple-entry visa, foreigners must meet specific legal conditions depending on their purpose of entry, sponsorship, and travel history. Key conditions include:
- A legitimate purpose of entry, such as business, investment, employment, visiting relatives…
- Sponsorship by a legally recognized business, organization, or individual in Vietnam
- Not subject to entry bans as stipulated in Article 21 of Law No. 47/2014/QH13
- Not violating Vietnamese law, like not overstaying a visa or not being deported
- Having valid documentation, including a passport with at least 6 months' validity and relevant permits like a work permit/investment certificate, or complete personal documents
- Commitment to using the multiple-entry visa for its intended purpose, not engaging in unauthorized work or overstaying.
5- How to apply
To apply for multiple-entry visas, it's essential to prepare complete, valid documents and follow the correct procedures to avoid delays, additional paperwork requirements, or the risk of rejection.
5.1. Documents
Different visa types require specific documents for a visa application. Below are the general and specific documents for the most common multiple-entry visas in Vietnam.
a. General documents
- Original passport with at least 6 months' validity and 2 blank pages.
- Visa application form NA2 or electronic form if applying online.
- 4x6cm photo with white background, taken within 6 months.
- An approval letter (if applying for multiple visas at the embassy/ consulate or visa on arrival).
- A copied business registration certificate of the sponsoring company (if applicable).
b. For business visa (DN)
- Invitation letter or service contract signed with a partner in Vietnam.
- A request letter from the sponsoring company for visa application.
- Legal documents of the sponsoring company: business registration certificate, tax code, letter of introduction.
c. For work visa (LĐ)
- Copy of work permit or work permit exemption certificate.
- Employment contract or appointment letter.
- A guarantee letter from the employer.
d. For investment visa (ĐT)
- Investment registration certificate or proof of capital contribution.
- Business registration certificate of the Vietnamese company.
- Visa application letter issued by the investing company..
e. For family visit visa (TT)
- Proof of relationship: birth certificate, marriage certificate, or household registration.
- Copy of the sponsor’s passport and/or temporary residence card in Vietnam.
- Invitation letter and guarantee letter (if required).
- Residence confirmation issued by the local police for the sponsor's place of residence.
5.2. Where to submit
Visa applications can be submitted through the following channels:
- At Vietnam Embassies or Consulates abroad.
- At Vietnamese international border gates, if an entry approval letter has been obtained in advance.
- Through a legally authorized visa agency.
- Directly at the Vietnam Immigration Department if the applicant is already in the country and eligible for a visa purpose change.
5.3. Procedure
There are 3 main ways to apply for a multiple-entry visa: at the Vietnam embassy/consulate, visa on arrival (VOA), or e-visa (online visa). The most suitable option depends on the applicant's travel purpose, eligibility, and needs.
a. When to choose each option
- Choose an e-visa if:
- Purpose: tourism or short-term business (up to 90 days)
- No sponsoring company in Vietnam
- Your nationality is eligible
- Prefer a simple, fast online process
- Choose an embassy visa if:
- Purpose: work, investment, or family visit
- Need a long-term multiple-entry visa (more than 90 days)
- Want a visa issued before departure
- Choose VOA if:
- Have a sponsoring company in Vietnam
- Entering Vietnam by air
- Need a visa urgently
- No Vietnamese embassy or consulate nearby
b. Step-by-step procedure
- Step 1: Identify visa type and duration
- Determine your purpose: business, investment, employment, family visit, etc.
- Choose the duration: 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, or up to 1 year (multiple entry)
- Step 2: Prepare complete documents
- Step 3: Apply for an visa approval letter (if required)
- The sponsor submits the application to the Immigration Department in Hanoi, Da Nang, or Ho Chi Minh City
- Processing time: approximately 5 working days
- Step 4: Complete the visa process with the approval letter. Choose one of the following:
- Submit documents at a Vietnamese Embassy/ Consulate to get the visa stamped before travel.
- Obtain a visa on arrival at a Vietnam international airport (air travel only).
- Step 5: Receive and verify your visa
- Check entry type (single or multiple), validity period, and permitted length of stay
- Contact the issuing authority immediately if any information is incorrect
- Step 6: Enter Vietnam with the multiple entry visa and declare temporary residence within 12–24 hours after arrival.
6- Processing time & fees
Different application methods will have different processing times and costs.
6.1. Processing time
- E-visa (online): 3-5 business days (extend to 5-7 days during peak periods or if additional review is required)
- Embassy/Consulate visa:
- Entry approval letter: 5-7 business days (longer if further review is needed)
- Visa stamping at the embassy: 1-3 business days
- Visa on arrival (VOA):
- Entry approval letter: 5-7 business days (longer if further review is needed)
- Note: Process can be shortened to 1-3 business days if using an urgent visa service from a visa agency.
- Visa stamping at the airport: 15-60 minutes, depending on queue length
6.2. Fees
If you apply without a third-party service, you only need to pay the government fee, which varies by visa type and application method. If you use a visa service, you will pay both the government fee and an additional service fee, depending on the provider.
Government fees (visa stamping at embassy or border gate):
- Up to 3 month visa: USD 50
- 3-6 month visa: USD 95
- 6-12 month visa: USD 135
- 12-24 month visa: USD 145
- 24-60 month visa: USD 155
Service fees (vary by agency):
Service fees depend on the applicant’s nationality, urgency level, and legal capacity of the sponsor. For urgent processing or more complex cases, fees may be higher.
- 3-month visa (business, work, or family visit): USD 80-150
- 6-12 month visa (investment or work): USD 150-250
7- Can a multiple entry visa be extended?
Multiple-entry visas may be extended in certain cases, depending on the visa type and specific conditions. The extension only prolongs the permitted stay in Vietnam and does not change the visa's validity period. When the visa expires, a new visa must be obtained.
7.1. When multiple visa extensions are eligible
- Having a valid or pending work permit.
- Being an investor or representative of a legally operating business in Vietnam.
- Being spouses, children, or parents of a Vietnamese citizen or a legally residing foreigner.
- Having a legitimate reason for stay and a clear sponsoring entity/individual.
7.2. When multiple visa extensions are NOT eligible
- Multiple-entry tourist visa (DL visa): generally not extendable, except in rare cases
- Visa expired too long ago
- Overstayed visas
- Violations of immigration regulations
7.3. Documents required for extension:
- Original passport valid for at least 6 months and with 2 blank pages.
- Visa extension application form (NA5).
- Introduction or guarantee letter from the sponsoring business, organization, or relative.
- Legal documents of the sponsoring organization (e.g., business registration certificate, tax code, employment contract).
- Supporting documents based on visa type (e.g., work permit, investment certificate, proof of family relationship).
- Temporary residence certificate issued by the local police station.
7.4. Where to apply
After preparing complete documents, submit them to the Immigration Department – Ministry of Public Security in Hanoi, Da Nang, or Ho Chi Minh City.
- Processing time: 5-7 working days (may be longer if further review needed)
Note: Make sure to submit your application at least 7 days before your visa expires to avoid overstaying and penalties.
8- Can a multiple entry visa be converted to a different purpose?
Multiple-entry visas can be converted to a different purpose, but only in specific cases and when all legal requirements are met. Not all visa types are eligible for a purpose change.
8.1. Cases where conversion is permitted:
- Convert DN/LĐ/TT visa => LĐ1 / LĐ2 visa: if you have a work permit or exemption from a work permit.
- Convert DN, DL visa => ĐT1/ ĐT2 / ĐT3/ ĐT4 visa: if you are an investor contributing capital to a Vietnamese enterprise.
- Convert DN, DL visa => TT visa: if you have spouses/parents/children who are Vietnamese citizens or are legally residing in Vietnam
- Convert DL, DN => DN, NN, TT visa: if you are legally invited or sponsored by a competent authority in Vietnam.
8.2. Cases where conversion is NOT permitted:
- Not providing supporting documents for the new purpose.
- Using a visa for a purpose different from the original entry (e.g, using a family-visit visa for working).
- Overstaying on the original visa or the visa has expired.
8.3. Basic procedure:
- Prepare complete documents according to the new purpose.
- Submit the visa conversion application to the Immigration Department.
- Pay the fee and wait for 5-10 working days.
- Receive the visa with a new purpose if approved.
9- Important notes when applying for a multiple-entry visa
To stay compliant with Vietnamese law and avoid any disruption to your travel plans, here are the key things you should know before applying for a Vietnam multiple-entry visa.
9.1. Multiple-entry visas are not available to everyone
Multiple-entry visas are typically granted to individuals with a clear purpose of entry, a transparent travel history, and a legitimate sponsor. If you are entering Vietnam for the first time, not for some purposes like investment, long-term employment, or family visits, your application may be rejected.
9.2. Nationality restrictions may apply
Applicants from certain countries with higher immigration risk may be limited to single-entry visas with shorter validity, unless they provide strong sponsorship and complete documentation.
9.3. Always verify visa details before entry
Make sure to check the visa type (DN, LĐ, ĐT, TT…), visa validity, number of entries, and maximum length of stay to make timely adjustments and avoid issues upon arrival.
9.4. Temporary residence registration is mandatory
All foreigners must declare temporary residence within 12–24 hours of arrival. This can be completed by the accommodation provider or at the local police office.
9.5. Multiple-entry visas do not allow continuous stay
- A multiple-entry visa does not allow continuous stay for its entire validity. Each entry usually permits a stay of maximum 30 or 90 days, depending on the visa type. This period is always clearly shown on the visa upon entry.
- After each stay period, you must exit and re-enter Vietnam if you wish to continue staying. Overstaying may result in fines, deportation, or temporary entry bans.
- If you plan to remain in Vietnam, apply for an extension at least 7–10 days before your current stay expires.
9.6. Extensions are limited
Extensions of stay cannot be done too many times. Each extension must be reviewed individually and the number of extensions is limited. In many cases, you may be required to exit Vietnam or apply for a new visa.
10- FAQs
- What is the fastest application method to get a multiple-entry visa?
The fastest option is an e-visa, processed in about 3–5 working days with no sponsor required. However, it is limited to certain cases, valid for up to 90 days, and not extendable.
In case you have a sponsor in Vietnam, a visa on arrival (VOA) is an alternative if you use a visa service to get an expedited approval letter (1-3 days).
- Can I apply for a multiple-entry tourist visa online?
Yes. You can apply for a multiple-entry tourist e-visa on the official Vietnam Immigration portal.
- Can a multiple-entry tourist visa be extended?
No if you are holding an e-visa, and Yes if you are holding a visa on arrival.
VOA may be extended if:
- You have a sponsor in Vietnam
- You have a legitimate reason (e.g., unfinished itinerary, flight delays)
- You have complied with all immigration regulations during your stay
- Is there a limit on the number of entries?
No. You can enter and exit multiple times within the visa’s validity period.
- Can I extend a multiple entry visa without leaving Vietnam?
Yes, in some cases. Extensions only apply to the permitted stay and depend on the visa type, purpose, and supporting documents. Tourist visas are generally not eligible for extension.
