How to Get a Vietnam Visa – The Latest Guide for Tourists

Getting your Vietnam visa is the very first step to start your adventure in this beautiful Southeast Asian country.

Whether you’re planning a short holiday, a long cultural journey, or a business trip, understanding the visa rules will make your travel smoother and worry-free. This comprehensive guide will help you know exactly how to get a Vietnam visa, which type to choose, and what to prepare before you go.

1. Do You Need a Visa to Enter Vietnam?

Before diving into the application process, the first thing to check is: Do you actually need a visa to enter Vietnam?

Vietnam offers visa exemptions to citizens of several countries, allowing travelers to visit without a visa for a certain period. This policy has made short trips and regional travel much easier.

Visa-Exempt Countries (as of 2025)

Citizens from over 38 countries can visit Vietnam without a visa, staying from 14 to 90 days depending on nationality. These countries are:

Country	Duration of Stay
Brunei, Myanmar	14 days
Philippines	21 days
Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Laos, Cambodia, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus	30 days
South Korea, Japan, Russia, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, Kazakhstan, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Poland, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia	45 days
Chile, Panama	90 days

Note:

• British National Overseas (BNO) passport holders are not eligible for visa exemption for Vietnam
• Belarus and Kazakhstan can enjoy 45-day visa exemption but not  exceeding 90 days within 180 continuous days.

If your country is not on the exemption list — or if you want to stay longer than the permitted duration — you’ll need to apply for a visa before entering Vietnam.

👉 See our full Vietnam Visa Exemption List (Updated 2025)

2. What are Vietnam Visa Options for Tourists

When getting your Vietnam visa, travelers have several choices depending on how they apply, how many times they plan to enter, and what their purpose of visit is. Here are the most popular Vietnam visa options currently, grouped into three simple categories:

A. By Application Method

This is the most common way travelers choose their visa type — based on how and where they apply.

1. Vietnam E-Visa (Electronic Visa) – ✅ The easiest and most popular choice
   The e-visa allows you to apply fully online without visiting an embassy. You simply fill out the form, upload your documents, and receive your approved visa by email within a few days.
   • Valid for up to 90 days
   • Single or multiple entry
   • Accepted at airports, land borders, and seaports
2. Visa on Arrival (VOA) – For air travelers only
   You apply online for an approval letter before flying, then receive the visa stamp upon arrival at major international airports in Vietnam (Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, etc.).
   • Suitable for travelers who need urgent processing
   • Requires waiting time at airport counters
   • Only valid for air entry
3. Visa via Embassy or Consulate – Traditional but complicated
   Some travelers prefer getting their visa stamped directly in their passport before departure.
   • Applied at a Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in your country
   • Recommended for complex cases

B. By Number of Entries

Once you know how to apply, the next step is choosing how many times you plan to enter Vietnam during your trip.

1. Single-Entry Visa
   • Allows one entry only. Once you leave Vietnam, the visa expires.
   • Best for short vacations or travelers visiting Vietnam once within a single trip.
2. Multiple-Entry Visa
   • Lets you enter and exit Vietnam several times within the visa validity period.
   • Perfect for those planning regional trips — for example, traveling between Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand and returning to Vietnam later.

C. By Purpose of Visit

Finally, you can choose your visa based on why you are coming to Vietnam.

1. Tourist Visa (DL)
   • For leisure, sightseeing, and short-term travel.
   • Usually valid for 30–90 days.
   • Can be applied via e-visa or visa on arrival.
2. Business Visa (DN)
   • For attending meetings, conferences, or working with partners in Vietnam.
   • Often valid for up to 90 days, with single or multiple entries.
   • Require a sponsoring company in Vietnam.

💡 Tip:

If you’re unsure which Vietnam visa type best fits your travel plan, don’t worry — our visa experts at Vietnam Discovery are here to help.

We can advise the right visa option based on your nationality, travel route, and trip duration, and even assist you with the application process for a smooth entry into Vietnam.

3. Vietnam E-Visa (Most Popular Choice in 2025)

Among all visa options, the Vietnam e-visa stands out as the most convenient and widely used by tourists in 2025.

What is a Vietnam E-Visa?

A Vietnam e-visa is an official digital visa issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department through an online application system. No embassy visits, no paperwork, no waiting in long lines — everything happens online.

Who Can Apply?

Currently, travelers from all countries and territories around the world are eligible for a Vietnam e-visa — including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, India, and almost all European nations.

Validity and Entry Rules

• Valid for up to 90 days
• Available for single or multiple entries
• Accepted at 42 international checkpoints, including airports (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Phu Quoc), land borders, and seaports

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

Applying for an e-visa is simple. Just follow these steps:

1. Visit the official government website: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn.
2. Fill out the online form with your personal and travel details.
3. Upload a recent passport photo and a scan of your passport’s bio page.
4. Pay the visa fee online (USD 25 for single entry, USD 50 for multiple entries).
5. Wait 3–7 working days for processing.
6. Receive your e-visa by email and print it for presentation at the border.

✨ Pro tip: Always double-check that your details (name, date of birth, passport number) match exactly with your passport to avoid entry issues.

👉 Read more: Vietnam E-Visa 2025: Step-by-Step Application Guide

4. Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA)

If you’re arriving by air and missed the e-visa deadline — or need a visa valid – the Visa on Arrival (VOA) is a flexible alternative.

When to Choose VOA

VOA applies only to travelers arriving by air at major international airports like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, or Phu Quoc. It’s not available at land borders or seaports.

How It Works

1. Apply online through a reliable visa agent (like Vietnam Discovery Visa Service).
2. Receive a Visa Approval Letter issued by the Immigration Department.
3. Print the letter and prepare two passport-sized photos.
4. Upon arrival, head to the Visa on Arrival counter, show your documents, and pay the stamping fee (USD 25–50).
5. Get your visa stamped directly into your passport.

Pros:

• Great for urgent travel.
• No need to visit an embassy.

Cons:

• Only valid for air entry.
• Requires waiting at the airport for stamping.

👉 Related: Vietnam Visa on Arrival – Still Available in 2025?

5. Vietnam Visa from Embassy or Consulate

For travelers who prefer having their visa ready before departure, applying through a Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate might be a good choice, but not the best.

How It Works

1. Contact the nearest Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in your country to confirm their latest requirements.
2. Prepare your documents, including:
   • Application form
   • Original passport (valid for at least 6 months)
   • Passport-sized photo
   • Visa fee (amount varies by visa type and nationality)
3. Submit your application in person or by mail.
   • Processing time: around 7–10 working days (in person) or 2–3 weeks (by mail).

Pros

• Visa issued directly in your passport before travel
• Available for tourist and business visas

Cons

• Must often apply in person
• Requirements vary by embassy or consulate — always check before applying

💡 Tip: To save time and avoid confusion, contact Vietnam Discovery — our team can guide you through the exact steps and help coordinate with the nearest Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate.

6. Vietnam Visa Fees and Processing Time

Here’s a quick comparison to help you choose the best option:

Visa Type	Application Method	Fee (USD)	Processing Time	Validity
E-Visa	Online	$25–50	3–7 working days	Up to 90 days
VOA	Online + Airport	$25–50 (stamping) + service fee	1–5 working days	Up to 90 days
Embassy Visa	In person/by mail	Varies	Varied	Up to 90 days

💡 Tip: Always apply at least 2 or 3 weeks before your flight to avoid last-minute stress.

7. Extending or Renewing Your Vietnam Visa

Fallen in love with Vietnam and want to stay longer? You’re not alone — many travelers do!

There are two main ways to extend your stay:

1. Visa Extension: Extend your current visa without leaving the country. Depending on your visa type, extensions can add from 15 up to 90 days.
2. Visa Run: Leave Vietnam briefly (for example, to Laos or Cambodia) and re-enter with a new visa or e-visa.

8. Practical Tips for a Smooth Visa Experience

Getting your visa is straightforward — but a few small details can make your journey even smoother:

• Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your entry date.
• Your name and passport number on the visa must exactly match your passport.
• Print your e-visa or approval letter before traveling; digital copies aren’t always accepted.
• Check your entry and exit ports carefully; entering at a different port may cause problems.
• Never overstay your visa — fines and delays at the airport can spoil your trip.

9. Need Help? Get Your Visa Approved Quickly with Vietnam Discovery

If you prefer a stress-free process, let VietnamDiscovery handle it for you.
With years of experience assisting international travelers, our visa team provides:

• Fast and secure visa application support
• Official processing with the Vietnam Immigration Department
• 24/7 customer care in English
• Optional airport fast-track and arrival assistance

We take care of the formalities — so you can focus on what truly matters: discovering Vietnam’s breathtaking beauty.

10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

11. Conclusion

Applying for a Vietnam visa in 2025 is easier than ever — thanks to the expanded e-visa system, faster online processing, and more entry points nationwide.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, Vietnam welcomes you with open arms and simplified entry procedures.

With a little preparation — or the help of trusted professionals at VietnamDiscovery — you’ll breeze through the visa process and step confidently into your Vietnamese adventure.

So start your journey today. The breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality of Vietnam are waiting for you.