Are you confused about the procedures for applying for a Vietnam tourist visa and don’t know where to start? This article will be a comprehensive guide, updating everything you need to know about applying for a Vietnam tourist visa for foreigners. Find out now to make your journey to explore Vietnam easier than ever!
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Who needs a Vietnam tourist visa?
Not all visitors are required to apply for a Vietnam tourist visa to enter the country. Let’s find out if you are exempt from a visa or need to prepare documents below.
Cases exempted from Vietnam tourist visa
Good news for many tourists is that it is possible to enter Vietnam without having to apply for a Vietnam tourist visa. Based on Government Resolutions and current laws, Vietnam is applying a visa exemption policy for citizens of the following countries:
| List of countries | Visa exemption period |
| Chile | 90 days |
| Germany, France, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Belarus | 45 days |
| Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Kyrgyzstan | 30 days |
| Philippines | 21 days |
| Brunei | 14 days |
So, if you are a citizen of the above countries, you can confidently prepare for your trip.
Cases where a Vietnam tourist visa is required
So when are you required to apply for a Vietnam tourist visa? Very simply, it is when you are not eligible for visa exemption or need to stay longer than the allowed time.
Specifically, you will need to apply for a visa if you fall into one of the following main categories:
- Citizens of countries not included in the visa exemption list: If your nationality is not mentioned in the table above, you are required to have a visa to enter by default.
- Need to stay longer than the visa exemption period: Visitors are exempt from visa but plan to stay in Vietnam longer than the prescribed period.
If you identify yourself as one of these cases, don’t worry! Nowadays, the procedure for applying for a Vietnam tourist visa for foreigners has become extremely convenient. Let’s find out the most popular methods in the next section to find the optimal solution for your trip.
The most popular types of Vietnam tourist visas today
So, how can you apply for a Vietnam tourist visa? Below are the most popular options and are used by many tourists today.
Vietnam E visa (Electronic visa)
This is the most modern and convenient method for international tourists today. E visa (electronic visa) allows you to complete the entire visa application process online without having to go to the Embassy.
Outstanding advantages of Vietnam E visa:
- Superior validity (Latest update): From 15/08/2023, Vietnam E visa has a stay duration of up to 90 days and allows you to choose single or multiple entries.
- Absolute convenience: The entire process from submitting application, paying fees to receiving results is done 100% online.
- Simple and quick procedure: Required documents are very simple (only need portrait photo and passport photo). Normal review time is only 3 – 5 working days.
- Wide scope of application: The E visa policy currently applies to citizens of all countries and territories.
With these benefits, E visa is the perfect answer for most travelers planning to apply for a Vietnam tourist visa.
Apply for visa at Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate abroad
Besides E visa, applying for a Vietnam tourist visa at the Embassy/Consulate is still an irreplaceable option in many cases. Imagine this is how you work “face to face” with the consulate to get a visa stamp in your passport.
So when should you consider this route? If you have problems with the E visa system, need to apply for a special visa. Or you simply feel more secure when everything is prepared.
Visa on Arrival (VOA)
Visa on Arrival (VOA), also known as visa at the airport. This is the procedure for applying for a Vietnam visa at the airport where visitors will receive a visa directly on their passport after landing at Vietnam’s international airports.
However, this is not a form of you go to the airport and then buy a visa. To use VOA, you are required to have an entry letter issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department before flying.
Detailed instructions on procedures for applying for a Vietnam tourist visa [Updated 2025]
After choosing the right type of tourist visa for foreigners, the next step is to submit the application. Below is a detailed process so you can confidently apply for a Vietnam tourist visa successfully.
Procedure for applying for Vietnam tourist E visa
This is the fastest and easiest process for you to get a Vietnam tourist visa right at home! Let’s go through 3 simple steps that anyone can do:
Step 1: You only need to prepare 01 4x6cm portrait photo (white background) and 01 photo/scan of the personal information page on your passport.
Step 2: Access the Ministry of Public Security’s Public Service Portal, fill in personal information and travel information completely and accurately according to the online form.
Step 3: After completing the application form, you will pay the fee by international card. And the E visa result will be sent to your email address after about 3 – 5 working days.
Sounds simple, right? However, to ensure the process goes smoothly and without errors, please refer to the detailed procedures for applying for a Vietnam E visa from AZ.
Visa application process at Embassy/Consulate
The visa application process at the Embassy/Consulate requires more careful preparation than the E visa. But it will bring peace of mind with a visa directly pasted in the passport. Here are the general steps you need to take:
Step 1: You need to visit the official website of the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in the country you are living in to get the most accurate information, including:
- Latest visa application form.
- Original passport must be valid for at least 06 months and have blank pages for visa.
- 01 passport photo 4x6cm (or 2×2 inches depending on request), white background, taken within the last 6 months.
- Official dispatch from Vietnamese competent authority on approval for visa issuance at the Embassy.
Note: If you submit your application by mail, you must enclose a prepaid envelope with a registered mailing service (such as USPS, UPS, FedEx…) and clearly state your address for passport return.
Step 2: You have two ways to submit your application:
- Submit in person: Come to the Embassy/Consulate office during working hours to submit your application and pay the fee.
- By post: Put all prepared documents in a large envelope and send it by registered mail to the Embassy’s address.
Step 3: The normal processing time is from 3 to 7 working days from when the Embassy receives a valid application. After processing, the passport and visa inside will be returned to you via the provided envelope or you can come to pick it up directly according to the appointment letter.
In short, this visa application process for foreigners requires carefulness and exact compliance with the requirements of each representative agency.
Cost and processing time for Vietnam tourist visa
One of the biggest questions when applying for a Vietnam tourist visa is how much does it cost and how long does it take? The section below will answer all of those questions in the clearest and most detailed way.
How long does it take to process a Vietnam tourist visa?
The processing time for a Vietnam tourist visa will vary significantly depending on the method you choose. Below are the standard processing times for each type:
- Vietnam tourist E visa: According to regulations, E visa processing time is 3 – 5 working days from when the system receives complete and valid documents and fees.
- Visa at the Embassy: It may take you 10 to 12 working days (approximately 2 weeks) to complete the entire process.
Whichever method you choose, always prepare and submit your Vietnam tourist visa application as early as possible. Ideally, this is about 2-3 weeks before your intended departure date.
Vietnam tourist visa application fee
Vietnam tourist visa application fee is the necessary cost to issue a visa, which may vary depending on the visa type and nationality. Below is a detailed table of visa types and costs
| Visa type | Fees |
| Single entry visa | 25 USD/piece |
| Visa valid for no more than 90 days | 50 USD/piece |
| Visa valid for 90 days to 180 days | 95 USD/piece |
| Visa valid for 180 days to 01 year | 135 USD/piece |
| Visa valid for 01 year to 02 years | 145 USD/piece |
| Visa valid for 02 years to 05 years | 155 USD/piece |
| Visas issued to persons under 14 years of age (regardless of duration) | 25 USD/piece |
| Visas for air and sea transit passengers for sightseeing and tourism | 5 USD/person |
| Entry and exit permit for foreigners residing in Vietnam without passport | 200,000 VND/issue |
Note: The fee table provided is for reference only. Fees will vary depending on the form and time. In addition, service fees at Viet Uy Tin are not included in this price.
Can I extend my Vietnam tourist visa?
This is one of the biggest questions for tourists who want to extend their journey to explore Vietnam. However, the answer is that currently, extending a Vietnam tourist visa (DL) is not possible.
Under current law, tourist visas for foreigners are not eligible for temporary residence extension. And visitors are required to exit the country when their visas expire to ensure that they comply with the original purpose of entry.
So, make the most of the new policy by applying for an E visa with a maximum duration of 90 days right from the start. This is the smartest and safest way to have a complete long-term trip.
Fast Vietnam tourist visa application service at Viet Uy Tin
Although the process of applying for a Vietnam tourist visa has been simplified, there are still potential risks. That is why Viet Uy Tin’s professional service was born – to become a reliable companion. Help you remove all worries and make the complicated process simpler than ever.
Below are the reasons why thousands of customers have trusted and chosen Viet Uy Tin:
- Absolute safety – Say no to errors: A small mistake in filling out the form or incorrect photo specifications can also cause your application to be rejected. Viet Uy Tin’s team of experts will carefully review every detail, ensuring your application is 100% accurate before submitting.
- Save time & effort: Instead of having to figure out the status of your application yourself, let us help you complete your application properly.
- Transparency of process & costs: You will be clearly advised about the application processing roadmap, government fees and service fees from the beginning. Viet Uy Tin commits to no hidden costs, helping you to be completely proactive about your budget.
- Dedicated Consulting: Any questions you have, no matter how small, will be answered by our team of experts. We are not only a service provider, but also a companion throughout your visa application process.
Don’t let bureaucracy affect your excitement for your upcoming trip. With Viet Uy Tin, a Vietnam tourist visa is no longer a worry, but a sure start to a memorable journey.
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