Vietnam Visa Requirements for American Citizens - 2025 Complete Guide
Most U.S. citizens entering Vietnam require a visa. Below we provide a detailed guide on the visa options available to American travelers, including eligibility, required documents, application procedures for electronic visas (eVisas), visa types (business, tourist, and work visas), as well as visa extension options. It also answers common questions such as “Are U.S. citizens exempt from visa requirements?” and “Can Americans apply for an emergency visa to Vietnam?”
I. Do U.S. Citizens Need a Visa to Enter Vietnam?
Yes. U.S. citizens are required to obtain a visa before entering Vietnam, regardless of the purpose—be it tourism, business, investment, employment, or family visit. As of now, Vietnam does not offer visa exemption for American citizens.
1. Why Do U.S. Citizens Need a Vietnam Visa?
Under current Vietnamese law, the United States is not among the countries eligible for visa exemption and are required to obtain a travel visa/ e-visa prior to visiting Vietnam.
Legal Basis:
- Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam (amended in 2019)
- Decree 152/2020/NĐ-CP and Decree 70/2023/NĐ-CP detailing visa types, codes, and eligibility conditions
A Vietnam visa is a legal document issued by the immigration authority, allowing American nationals to:
- Enter Vietnam lawfully
- Reside in Vietnam for the duration permitted
- Carry out the purpose stated in their visa (e.g., tourism, business, investment)
Without a valid visa or if entering under the wrong visa type, Americans may face penalties, be denied entry, or be deported from Vietnam.
2. Common Types of Vietnam Visas for U.S. Citizens
Depending on the purpose of entry, U.S. citizens must apply for the appropriate visa as outlined in the table below:
| Purpose of Entry | Visa Type | Application Method |
|---|---|---|
| Tourism | DL | Vietnam e-Visa or via the Embassy |
| Business/Commercial | DN1, DN2 | Visa sticker from Embassy or Visa on Arrival with approval letter |
| Investment/Business | DT1 – DT4 | Entry approval letter from a sponsoring organization in Vietnam |
| Family visit/Marriage | TT | Requires proof of relationship (marriage/bloodline) |
| Long-term Employment | LĐ1, LĐ2 | Requires Work Permit or proof of exemption |
5. E-Visa – The Most Convenient Option for U.S. Citizens
Among all options, the Vietnam eVisa is the most convenient and commonly used by U.S. citizens for:
- Tourist visits of less than 90 days
- Short-term business trips or conferences
- Single-entry travel
Processing time for U.S. applicants: 3–5 business days
Application: online through the Vietnam Immigration Department’s official portal
SUMMARY
U.S. citizens must obtain a visa to enter Vietnam. Based on your purpose of travel, length of stay, and frequency of entry, you can apply for an eVisa, a visa sticker, a visa on arrival, or a business-sponsored visa. Identifying the right visa type and application method—and preparing your documents carefully—will ensure a smooth, legal, and cost-effective entry into Vietnam.
II. How to apply
How do U.S. citizens apply for a visa to Vietnam? This is a common question for first-time travelers as well as for companies sponsoring American employees for work, investment, or business trips. Below is a step-by-step guide to the Vietnam visa application process for U.S. passport holders, updated according to the 2025 regulations.
Visa application process for U.S. citizens
- Step 1: Determine your purpose of entry (e.g., tourism, business, investment)
- Step 2: Choose the appropriate visa type (DL, DN, TT, EV, etc.)
- Step 3: Prepare a complete set of required documents
- Step 4: Submit your application using the applicable method (online, visa sticker, visa on arrival)
- Step 5: Receive your result and get ready to travel to Vietnam
1. What documents do U.S. citizens need to apply for a visa?
Required documents vary by visa type and method of application. Below is a summary:
a) Basic documents required for all visas:
- Original passport with at least 6 months validity
- One 4×6 cm passport photo (white background, no glasses)
- Completed visa application form (NA1 or online eVisa form)
b) Additional documents by visa type:
| Visa Type | Additional Required Documents |
|---|---|
| Tourist (DL) | None (no sponsor needed) |
| e-Visa | Scanned passport and ID photo; online application |
| Business (DN) | Sponsor letter from a Vietnamese company |
| Investment (DT) | Investment certificate, business license, proof of capital |
| Work (LĐ) | Valid work permit or exemption letter |
| Family (TT) | Proof of relationship (e.g., marriage or birth certificate) |
2. Visa application options for U.S. citizens traveling to Vietnam
a) Vietnam eVisa for U.S. Citizens
- Validity: Up to 90 days
- Entry: Single or multiple (since 2023)
- Processing time: 3–5 business days
- No sponsor required
Apply online at: https://evisa.gov.vn
- Fee: $25 USD per application for single entry & $50 USD for multiple entry.
- Track application status via email and download the eVisa once approved
Note: The e-Visa is only valid at international checkpoints that support electronic visa entry.
b) Visa sticker at Vietnamese embassy or consulate in the U.S.
Suitable for longer-term visas such as business, investment, or work.
Application process:
- Prepare complete documents (including sponsor letter if applicable)
- Schedule an in-person appointment at the Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate in the U.S. (e.g., Washington DC, Houston, San Francisco, New York, Houston)
- Receive the visa sticker in your passport within 5–7 business days
c) Visa on arrival
- For air travelers arriving in Vietnam
- Requires a prior entry approval letter issued by a Vietnamese sponsor (company or organization)
- Collect the visa upon arrival at international airports (e.g., Nội Bài, Tân Sơn Nhất, Đà Nẵng)
- Advantages: Fast processing, urgent visa can be issued within 2–4 hours
- Limitations: Only available for air travel and requires a valid sponsorship letter
3. Processing time & estimated fees
| Visa Type | Processing Time | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| E-Visa | 3–5 business days | $25 (Single), $50 (Multiple) |
| Embassy Visa | 5–7 business days | $50–150 (depending on visa type) |
| Visa on Arrival | 1–3 business days | $25–135 + service fee (if urgent) |
III. Conditions and requirements for different Vietnam visa types
Vietnam issues several types of visas for U.S. citizens, depending on the purpose of entry. Choosing the correct visa type helps applicants prepare accurate documentation and avoid legal issues while staying in Vietnam.
1. Vietnam tourist visa (DL)
The DL visa is the most popular type for Americans entering Vietnam for:
- Tourism and sightseeing
- Short-term vacations
- Visiting friends without a family relationship
Key features:
- Validity: Up to 90 days
- US passport holders can apply for a Vietnam e-Visa online
- Allows single or multiple entries (with official approval)
- No local sponsors required
How to apply:
- Submit your eVisa application via the Vietnam Immigration Portal (Evisa.gov.vn)
- Or apply for a visa at the Vietnamese Embassy in the United States (if you currently reside in the US) or find the nearest Vietnamese embassy to your current country of residence.
2. Business – work visit visa (DN1, DN2)
The DN visa is issued to U.S. citizens entering Vietnam for:
- Short-term work assignments with Vietnamese companies
- Signing business contracts
- Attending conferences, seminars, and events
Classification:
- DN1: Working with a Vietnamese legal entity
- DN2: Working with NGOs or foreign organizations in Vietnam
Requirements:
- Sponsorship letter from the Vietnamese company
- Valid for up to 90 days, renewable
- Available as a visa sticker or visa on arrival (with prior approval letter)
3. Investor visa (Visa DT1 – DT4)
Applies to Americans who are:
- Foreign investors contributing capital or establishing a company in Vietnam
- Representatives of investment capital in Vietnamese enterprises
Visa Types Based on Investment Value:
| Visa Type | Investment Capital | Visa Validity |
|---|---|---|
| DT1 | Over VND 100 billion | Up to 5 years |
| DT2 | VND 50–100 billion | Up to 5 years |
| DT3 | VND 3–50 billion | Up to 3 years |
| DT4 | Under VND 3 billion | Up to 12 months |
Note: Required documents include the investment registration certificate, business license, or proof of capital contribution.
4. Work visa (LĐ1, LĐ2)
Issued to U.S. citizens working in Vietnam long-term under employment contracts with Vietnamese organizations or companies.
- LĐ1: For U.S. citizens who require a work permit
- LĐ2: For U.S. citizens exempt from the work permit requirement
Requirements:
- Valid work permit or exemption letter
- Employment contract
- Sponsorship letter from the employer
Work visas are commonly valid for 1–2 years and allow multiple entries.
5. Family visit – marriage visa (TT)
The TT visa is issued to U.S. citizens who:
- Are married to a Vietnamese citizen
- Having parents or children residing legally in Vietnam
Required Documents:
- Proof of relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate, family book)
This visa can be valid for up to 12 months and extended if necessary. It can also be issued on arrival if supported by a sponsorship letter from a Vietnamese relative.
6. Electronic visa
The eVisa (code: EV) is highly favored for its convenience:
- Fully online application, no paperwork required
- Available to citizens of all countries, including the United States
- Valid for up to 90 days
- Allows single or multiple entries depending on the stated purpose
Ideal for tourism, short-term business trips, and brief family visits.
Quick comparison
| Visa Type | Purpose | Application Method | Sponsorship Required | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DL | Tourism | eVisa, visa sticker | No | Up to 90 days |
| DN1, DN2 | Business, work visits | Visa on arrival, sticker | Yes | 90 days+ |
| DT1–DT4 | Investment | Visa sticker | Yes | 12–60 months |
| LĐ1, LĐ2 | Employment | Visa sticker | Yes | 12–24 months |
| TT | Family reunion, marriage | Visa on arrival, sticker | Yes | 12 months |
| EV (eVisa) | Short tourism/business | Online only | No | Up to 90 days |
Recommendations for choosing the right visa
- If you’re a U.S. tourist visiting Vietnam for under 90 days → eVisa is the best option
- If you’re coming to work, invest, or marry a Vietnamese national → apply for the appropriate visa category
- If you’re in urgent need of entry → use an emergency visa service or apply for visa on arrival with a pre-approved invitation letter
IV. Local tips and advices
To avoid potential risks during the Vietnam visa application process, U.S. citizens should pay close attention to legal requirements, document preparation, and entry conditions. Below are key things to get your visa is approved quickly, correctly, and legally.
- All U.S. travelers must obtain a valid visa before entering Vietnam unless they already hold a Temporary Residence Card or have a 5-year visa exemption certificate.
- Do not use a tourist visa (DL) to work, conduct business, or invest in Vietnam.
- Choose the right visa types for your travel purpose
- E-Visa: Best for tourism or short business trips; does not require a sponsor
- Visa on Arrival: Suitable for urgent travel with prior approval from a Vietnamese sponsor
- Embassy/Consulate Visa: Recommended for long-term purposes (e.g., work, investment); should be arranged in advance from the U.S.
- Double-check all details on your visa documents (electronic visa, visa approval letter or visa stickers)
- Full name, date of birth, and passport number
- Visa type, code, and stated purpose
- Expiry date and number of entries (single/multiple)
- Permitted port of entry
Mistakes can lead to entry refusal at the airport or a requirement to reapply for the correct visa.
- U.S. passports must:
- Be valid for at least 6 months from the intended date of entry
- Contain at least 2 blank pages (for sticker visas)
- Do not overstay your visa which may result in:
- Fines
- Future entry bans
- Legal complications
- Not all visa types can be extended within Vietnam. e-Visas are generally non-renewable unless under special circumstances. It’s best to consult a reputable visa extension service if you need to stay longer.
- Once admitted into Vietnam, keep the following documents safely:
- Printed eVisa or visa sticker
- Entry approval letter (if applicable)
- Passport and entry/exit declaration form (if required)
For long-term stays or if you change your residence, register your temporary residence with the local police authority.
V. Frequently asked questions
- Are U.S. citizens exempt from visa requirements when entering Vietnam?
No. As of 2025, Vietnam does not grant visa exemption to U.S. passport holders. All American travelers must obtain a valid visa before entering Vietnam, regardless of whether their visit is for tourism, business, or visiting relatives.
Note: Exception applies for the 5 year visa exemption program for Vietnamese-American travelers.
- How long is the Vietnam e-Visa valid for U.S. citizens?
The e-Visa is valid for up to 90 days, allowing either single or multiple entries.
- Can U.S. citizens get a visa on arrival for Vietnam?
Yes, but only if they have a pre-approved visa approval letter issued by a Vietnamese sponsor (company or organization).
Note: Visa on arrival is only valid for air travel and must be collected at international airports in Vietnam.
- Is it possible to apply for an emergency visa for U.S. citizens?
Yes. Urgent visa processing (emergency visa Vietnam for U.S. citizens) is available for special cases and can be completed within 4-6 business hours, provided that a sponsor in Vietnam issues an emergency invitation letter.
- What documents are needed for a business visa to Vietnam for U.S. citizens?
- Valid passport (at least 6 months remaining)
- Sponsorship/Invitation letter from a Vietnamese enterprise
- Completed visa application form (NA2)
- Supporting documents showing the business purpose of the trip
Business visas are usually issued for 1 to 3 months, and may be extended depending on the situation.
- Can U.S. citizens extend their Vietnam visa?
It depends on the visa type. Business, investment, and work visas are usually eligible for extension within Vietnam. However, tourist e-Visas are not generally extendable. It is advised to contact a licensed visa service provider for proper guidance and legal compliance.
- What should a U.S. citizen do if their Vietnam visa expires while still in the country?
- If the overstay is less than 3 days, you may self-extend with a minor fine
- If overstayed more than 3 days, a violation record will be processed and fines can range from VND 500,000 to 20,000,000
- Serious overstays may lead to deportation or entry bans
- Can a U.S. citizen enter Vietnam multiple times with a visa?
Yes, but only if the applicant chooses a multiple-entry visa during the application. This is available with the newer multi-entry eVisa (since 2023).
Note: Be sure to clearly state your purpose and travel schedule to be issued the correct visa type.
