2. Types of Vietnam Visas

Vietnam offers different visa categories based on travel purpose and duration:

Tourist Visa (DL Visa)

Valid for 30 or 90 days (single or multiple entry).

Suitable for short-term leisure trips.

Can be obtained through E-Visa, Visa on Arrival (VOA), or an Embassy/Consulate.

Business Visa (DN1, DN2 Visa)

Required for business meetings, short-term work assignments.

Valid for up to 1 year.

Requires an invitation letter from a Vietnamese company.

Work Visa (LD1, LD2 Visa)

For foreigners working in Vietnam.

Requires a work permit issued by the government.

Valid for up to 2 years.

Investor Visa (DT Visa)

Available for foreign investors in Vietnam.

Divided into DT1 – DT4 categories based on investment amount.

Valid from 1 year to 10 years.

Other Special Visas

Student Visa (DH Visa): For foreign students enrolling in Vietnamese institutions.

Family Visa (TT Visa): For dependents of foreigners working in Vietnam.

3. Vietnam Visa Application Methods

4. Vietnam Visa Fees & Processing Time Comparison

E-Visa: Applied online through the government portal, takes 3-5 days for processing (urgent option available within 4 hours). Best for tourists and short visits and allows entry through 33 international entry points.

Visa on Arrival: Requires an Approval Letter and visa stamp at the airport, takes 2-3 days for processing (urgent within 4 hours). Best for emergency air travel and available only at airports.

Embassy Visa: Applied through an embassy or consulate, takes 5-7 days for processing. Best for long-term stays, work, or study and can be used at any border entry point.

a. E-Visa (Electronic Visa for Vietnam)

What is an E-Visa?

An E-Visa is an electronic visa issued online by the Vietnam Immigration Department, eliminating the need for a visa approval letter or visa stamping at the airport.

Who Can Apply for an E-Visa?

Available for citizens of 80+ countries

Allows entry via 33 international border gates (airports, land borders, and seaports)

Valid for up to 90 days, single or multiple entries

How to Apply for an E-Visa?

1. Visit the official Vietnamese government website: evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn
2. Fill out the online application form, upload your passport and photo
3. Pay the visa fee online (usually $25 for a single-entry visa)
4. Wait for processing (normally 3-5 working days)
5. Download and print the E-Visa for presentation at immigration upon arrival

Urgent E-Visa Processing (4 Hours)

For urgent travel, travelers can apply for a fast-track E-Visa through visa agencies:

Processed within 4-8 hours

Service fees vary (typically $50–$150, depending on urgency)

Pros & Cons of E-Visa

✅ 100% online process, no need for a visa approval letter
✅ Can enter Vietnam via airports, land borders, and seaports
✅ No need to queue at the airport for a visa stamp
❌ Available only to eligible nationalities
❌ Cannot extend the visa online (must visit the Immigration Office in Vietnam for extension)

b. Visa on Arrival (VOA)

What is Visa on Arrival (VOA)?

Visa on Arrival (VOA) allows travelers to obtain their visa upon arrival at a Vietnamese international airport. However, applicants must obtain a pre-approved visa letter before departure.

Who is Eligible for VOA?

Only travelers entering Vietnam by air can apply for VOA

Requires a visa approval letter from a Vietnamese visa agency

Availability depends on nationality (check eligibility before applying)

How to Apply for a Visa on Arrival?

Apply for a visa approval letter through an accredited visa agency

Receive the letter via email (processing time: 2-3 working days, or faster for urgent requests)

Prepare required documents, including:

A passport valid for at least six months

The visa approval letter

A completed NA1 entry-exit form

A passport-size photo (4x6 cm)

Visa stamping fee (usually $25–$50, depending on the visa type)

Obtain the visa upon arrival at the airport after submitting documents and paying the stamping fee

Processing Time & Urgent Visa Options

Standard processing: 2-3 working days

Urgent processing: 4-8 hours (additional service fees apply)

Pros & Cons of VOA

✅ Ideal for travelers arriving by air
✅ Available in urgent cases
❌ Requires waiting in line at the airport to receive the visa
❌ Must pay an additional visa stamping fee upon arrival

c. Embassy/Consulate Visa – Best for Long-Term Stay & Special Cases

Key Facts

Suitable for business, work, study visas.
Requires an in-person visit to a Vietnamese embassy/consulate.
Valid for 30 days – 1 year.

How to Apply for an Embassy Visa

1. Find the nearest Vietnamese embassy/consulate.
2. Submit required documents:

Valid passport.

Completed visa application form.

Passport photos.

Visa fee (varies by country).

1. Wait 5-7 business days for processing.

💡 Tip: This method is best for long-term stays and those who prefer to have a visa before departure.

5. Which Visa Should You Choose?

Choose VOA if:

You are arriving by air and need a visa quickly

You prefer a multiple-entry visa for long-term stays

Choose E-Visa if:

You want a hassle-free online application

You are entering Vietnam via any border gate (air, land, or sea)

You want to avoid airport queues

Choose Urgent E-Visa if:

You need a visa within 4-8 hours

You are in a time-sensitive travel situation

6. Common Vietnam Visa Issues & How to Avoid Them

Why Do Visa Applications Get Rejected?

Passport validity issue (less than 6 months).

Incorrect or mismatched information in the application.

Overstaying a previous visa.

What to Do If Your Visa Is Denied?

Reapply with correct information.

Contact a trusted visa agency for assistance.

Apply for an urgent visa if your trip is near.

Photo issues:

Blurry or low-quality photos are not accepted.

Incorrect background

Wearing glasses, hats, or accessories that obscure facial features.

Incorrect photo size or format.

Tip: Take a new selfie for your visa application. Use a plain white background, remove glasses, and make sure your face is clearly visible without any obstructions.

Final Thoughts

Vietnam offers flexible visa options for foreign travelers, with VOA and E-Visa being the most popular choices. If you have time, E-Visa is the easiest option. If you need urgent approval, opt for a VOA or an urgent E-Visa service.

For the latest visa policies, always check official government websites or consult a reliable visa agency before traveling.

If you need our further assistance with this or for more information about  Visa on arrival, please contact us directly via  Whatsapp: +84904329289 or by email: info@friendstravelvietnam.com