Vietnam Visa Guide 2025 | Exemptions, Types, Tips

Vietnam is one of the best destinations in Asia favored by tourists from all over the world. As part of the relaunch of its tourism industry following the recent global outbreak, the Vietnamese government has introduced a series of simplified new immigration policies. These measures make obtaining a visa for Vietnam easier and faster than before.

Visa Exemption for Vietnam

Before you ask how to get a visa for Vietnam, note that certain specific countries can travel to Vietnam without a visa for a set period, like the French (cocorico). The lists below indicate the countries and regions that have concluded visa exemption agreements with Vietnam (for ordinary passports).

13 new countries with a 45-day exemption until 14/03/2025:

• Belarus
• Denmark
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Italy
• Japan
• Norway
• Russia
• South Korea
• Spain
• Sweden
• United Kingdom

Other countries with visa exemption in 2024:

No.	Country	Duration of Stay
1	Brunei	14 days
2	Myanmar	14 days
3	Cambodia	30 days
4	Indonesia	30 days
5	Laos	30 days
6	Malaysia	30 days
7	Philippines	21 days
8	Singapore	30 days
9	Thailand	30 days

Other Visa Exemptions for Vietnam

1. Special Economic Zone of Phu Quoc

Tourists can stay on Phu Quoc Island for up to 30 days without a visa. To visit other regions of Vietnam, a visa is necessary unless a specific exemption applies.

2. Visa Exemptions by Duration

90 days without a visa for citizens of the following countries, with an ordinary or diplomatic passport:

• Armenia, Algeria, Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, France, Hungary, India, Iraq, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Myanmar, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Russia, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, Venezuela.
• Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany, France, Israel, Italy, Poland, Spain, Switzerland (only with a diplomatic passport).

60 days without a visa:

• Uzbekistan (only with a diplomatic passport).

30 days without a visa:

• Angola, Azerbaijan, China, Croatia, Kazakhstan, Myanmar.
• Iran (only with a diplomatic passport).

3. Special Exceptions

Citizens with diplomatic or official passports without a visa:

• Afghanistan, Albania, Belarus, Cuba, North Korea, Nicaragua, Romania.

APEC Business Travel Cards

Holders of APEC business travel cards are exempt from visas for a maximum duration of 60 days.

Types of Visas for Vietnam

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date in Vietnam.

The urgent processing service for electronic visas (less than 48 hours) is available,

Tourist Visa

There are two durations for the tourist visa: 1 month and 3 months. Applicants can choose between a single entry or multiple entries. Once arrived in Vietnam, tourists can request an extension of their tourist visa if they wish to extend their stay. The application can be made here.

Business Visa

This visa is for those traveling to Vietnam for professional reasons. It is possible to apply for a business visa for multiple entries of 3 or 6 months, even without being employed in the country.

Other Types of Visas

Other visa categories, including work visas, diplomatic visas, official visas, and student visas, are intended for specific stays and are only available under certain conditions and with specific procedures.

Electronic Visa for Vietnam (E-Visa)

The E-Visa is a digital travel document allowing foreign tourists to enter Vietnam. This type of visa can be obtained online, offering a simpler and more convenient procedure than the traditional physical visa process.

Entry Points Accepting E-Visa in Vietnam

E-Visa holders can enter Vietnam through various pathways:

Airports:

• Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi)
• Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City)
• Da Nang International Airport (Danang)
• Cam Ranh International Airport (Khanh Hoa)
• Phu Quoc International Airport (Phu Quoc Island)
• Can Tho International Airport (Can Tho)
• Phu Bai International Airport (Hue)
• Cat Bi International Airport (Hai Phong)
• Lien Khuong International Airport (Da Lat)
• Van Don International Airport (Quang Ninh)

Land Border Gates:

• Huu Nghi Border Gate (Lang Son)
• Lao Cai Border Gate (Lao Cai)
• Tay Trang Border Gate (Dien Bien)
• Mong Cai Border Gate (Quang Ninh)
• Na Meo Border Gate (Thanh Hoa)
• Cha Lo Border Gate (Quang Binh)
• Nam Can Border Gate (Nghe An)
• Cau Treo Border Gate (Ha Tinh)
• Lao Bao Border Gate (Quang Tri)
• La Lay Border Gate (Quang Tri)
• Bo Y Border Gate (Kon Tum)
• Moc Bai Border Gate (Tay Ninh)
• Xa Mat Border Gate (Tay Ninh)
• Ha Tien Border Gate (An Giang)
• Tinh Bien Border Gate (An Giang)
• Song Tien Border Gate (An Giang)

Seaports:

• Hon Gai Port (Quang Ninh)
• Cam Pha Port (Quang Ninh)
• Hai Phong Port (Hai Phong)
• Nghi Son Port (Thanh Hoa)
• Vung Ang Port (Ha Tinh)
• Da Nang Port (Danang)
• Nha Trang Port (Khanh Hoa)
• Quy Nhon Port (Binh Dinh)
• Dung Quat Port (Quang Ngai)
• Vung Tau Port (Ba Ria – Vung Tau)
• Sai Gon Port (Ho Chi Minh City)
• Duong Dong Port (Phu Quoc)

How to Apply for an E-Visa for Vietnam?

You can apply for an E-Visa either by yourself or via a travel agency.

1. Visit the Vietnam E-Visa national portal.
2. Fill out the online application form.
3. Upload an image of your passport page and a portrait photo at the required quality.
4. Receive your registration code.
5. Pay the visa fees online (25 USD for a single entry, 50 USD for multiple entries).
6. Follow the status of your application using your registration code on the E-Visa search page.
7. If approved, print your E-Visa for entry/exit from Vietnam.

Visa on Arrival in Vietnam (VOA)

The visa on arrival program was relaunched in 2024 after the pandemic. This program is now accessible via 8 airports, as opposed to only 3 previously. The application process remains similar to before.

Recent Changes:

• VOA for travel purposes: Valid for up to 25 days without the possibility of extension.
• VOA for business purposes: Valid for up to 3 months with the possibility of a single extension.

Airports Accepting VOA:

• Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi)
• Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City)
• Da Nang International Airport (Danang)
• Cat Bi International Airport (Hai Phong)
• Cam Ranh International Airport (Khanh Hoa)
• Phu Quoc International Airport (Phu Quoc Island)
• Can Tho International Airport (Can Tho)
• Lien Khuong International Airport (Da Lat)

For other entry points, tourists must obtain an Evisa or another applicable type of visa.

How to Apply for a VOA?

Tourists must be sponsored by a tour operator to apply for the VOA.

Application Process:

• Send us your passport and travel details.
• Pay the service fees by credit or debit card.
• Receive the visa approval letter by email.
• Prepare and bring the necessary documents for your trip.
• Upon arrival, present all documents at the landing visa counter to obtain your visa.

Required Documents for VOA:

• Visa approval letter for Vietnam (printed).
• Passport with a validity of 6 months from the date of arrival.
• Two 4×6 cm identity photos.
• Entry and exit form (printed and filled out).
• Money for stamp fees (25 USD for a single entry, 50 USD for multiple entries).

Note: The standard timeframe to obtain the approval letter is 7 to 10 business days. An urgent service can reduce this timeframe to about 24 hours, subject to additional fees.

Comparison: E-Visa vs. Visa on Arrival (VOA) for Vietnam

If you are undecided between applying for an E-visa or a Visa on Arrival (VOA) for your trip to Vietnam, the following table offers a detailed comparison to help you make an informed decision.

Criteria	E-Visa	Visa on Arrival (VOA)
Purpose	Travel only	Travel and professional purposes
Fees	– Same registration fees	Identical
	– Service fees vary according to processing time	Identical
Convenience	– Simple procedure and reduced administrative formalities	Requires a sponsor (tour operators or travel companies)
	– No application form if you use services	Numerous forms and documents required, even with services
Acceptance Points	Accepted at 32 borders in Vietnam	Accepted only at 8 international airports in Vietnam
Issuance Time	Usually 3 to 5 business days	Longer, 7 to 10 business days; can be expedited in emergencies
Risk	Very low, provided correct information is given	Low, but dependent on the ability to obtain a sponsor

Advantages and Disadvantages

E-Visa:

• Advantages: Faster and simpler to obtain, can be used at multiple entry points, less dependence on third parties.
• Disadvantages: Limited to travel and not adaptable for professional needs without other documentation.

Visa on Arrival (VOA):

• Advantages: Flexible for travel and business, can be obtained quickly in emergency situations.
• Disadvantages: Fewer entry points accepting VOA, requires more documentation and a sponsor.