Vietnam Visa Guide: Everything You Need to Know
A comprehensive guide to Vietnam visa types, eligibility, application process, fees, and requirements. Whether you're visiting for tourism, business, or study, find the right visa for your trip.
Last updated: April 2026
Overview
Vietnam welcomes millions of international visitors each year. Depending on your nationality and purpose of travel, you may need an E-Visa, Visa on Arrival, or qualify for visa exemption. Since 2023, Vietnam has significantly expanded its E-Visa program to cover citizens of all countries, extended the maximum stay to 90 days, and introduced multiple-entry options.
This guide covers every visa type available for Vietnam, who they are best suited for, how to apply, what documents you need, and key tips to ensure a smooth entry. All information is current as of 2026 and verified against Vietnam's official immigration policies.
Vietnam Visa Types
Vietnam offers six main visa categories. Choose the one that matches your travel purpose and duration.
E-Visa
The most popular option for tourists and short-term visitors. Apply entirely online, receive your visa via email. Accepted at all international airports, seaports, and 13 land border crossings.
Tourists, short business trips
Up to 90 days
Single or Multiple
3 business days
$25 (gov) + service fee
Visa on Arrival
Available only for air travelers. Requires a pre-approved invitation letter from an authorized agency. Stamp your visa at the airport immigration counter upon arrival.
Urgent travelers, group tours
Up to 90 days
Single or Multiple
1-2 business days
$25-50 (stamp fee) + service fee
Visa Exemption
Citizens of certain countries can enter Vietnam without a visa for a limited period. No application needed — just show up with a valid passport. Available for 25 countries including ASEAN nations, select EU, and East Asian countries.
Eligible nationalities, short stays
15-90 days (varies by country)
Single entry
None required
Free
Business Visa
For professionals attending meetings, conferences, negotiations, or exploring investment opportunities. Requires an invitation or sponsorship letter from a Vietnamese company or organization.
Business travelers, investors
Up to 12 months
Single or Multiple
5-7 business days
$25+ (varies by duration)
Work Visa
Required for foreigners employed by Vietnamese companies. Must be sponsored by your employer and typically requires a work permit. Duration aligns with your employment contract.
Employees, contractors
Up to 2 years
Multiple
7-10 business days
$50+ (varies by duration)
Student Visa
For international students enrolled in Vietnamese educational institutions. Requires an acceptance letter from the school or university. Duration matches your study program.
University & language students
Up to 12 months
Single or Multiple
5-7 business days
$25+ (varies by duration)
Visa Types at a Glance
| Visa Type | Best For | Max Stay | Entry | Processing | Gov. Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-Visa | Tourists, short business trips | Up to 90 days | Single or Multiple | 3 business days | $25 (gov) + service fee |
| Visa on Arrival | Urgent travelers, group tours | Up to 90 days | Single or Multiple | 1-2 business days | $25-50 (stamp fee) + service fee |
| Visa Exemption | Eligible nationalities, short stays | 15-90 days (varies by country) | Single entry | None required | Free |
| Business Visa | Business travelers, investors | Up to 12 months | Single or Multiple | 5-7 business days | $25+ (varies by duration) |
| Work Visa | Employees, contractors | Up to 2 years | Multiple | 7-10 business days | $50+ (varies by duration) |
| Student Visa | University & language students | Up to 12 months | Single or Multiple | 5-7 business days | $25+ (varies by duration) |
How to Apply for a Vietnam Visa
Follow these steps to apply for your Vietnam E-Visa through WayJet. The entire process takes about 3 minutes online.
Determine Your Visa Type
Check if you are eligible for visa exemption based on your nationality. If not, the E-Visa is the most convenient option for most travelers. Business or long-term visitors may need a specific visa category.
Prepare Your Documents
You will need a passport valid for at least 6 months from your planned entry date, a passport-sized photo (4x6cm, white background), and your travel itinerary including accommodation details.
Submit Your Application Online
Fill out the application form on WayJet with your personal details. Our AI-powered passport OCR can auto-fill most fields from your passport photo, reducing errors and saving time.
Pay the Processing Fee
Pay the government fee ($25 for E-Visa) plus the service fee securely via credit card, PayPal, Alipay, or WeChat Pay. Rush processing (as fast as 4 hours) is available for an additional fee.
Receive Your Visa
Your approved E-Visa will be sent to your email within 3 business days (or faster with rush processing). Print the approval letter and present it at immigration upon arrival in Vietnam.
Required Documents
Prepare the following documents before starting your application. Requirements may vary slightly depending on visa type.
Photo Specifications
- Size: 4cm x 6cm (passport photo standard)
- Background: Plain white, no patterns or shadows
- Recency: Taken within the last 6 months
- Face: Clearly visible, no glasses, neutral expression, ears visible
Important Tips
- 1Apply at least 1 week before your departure to allow for processing delays and unexpected issues.
- 2Double-check that your name on the application matches your passport exactly — even a small typo can cause rejection or entry denial.
- 3Print your E-Visa approval letter in color. Some immigration officers may ask for a printed copy even though digital copies are officially accepted.
- 4Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry, not from your application date.
- 5If you plan to exit and re-enter Vietnam, make sure you have a multiple-entry visa. Single-entry visas become invalid after your first departure.
- 6Keep a digital copy of all your documents (passport, visa, itinerary) in cloud storage as a backup in case of loss.
Approved Entry Points
International Airports
- Noi Bai (HAN) — Hanoi
- Tan Son Nhat (SGN) — Ho Chi Minh City
- Da Nang (DAD) — Da Nang
- Cam Ranh (CXR) — Nha Trang
- Phu Quoc (PQC) — Phu Quoc
- Cat Bi (HPH) — Hai Phong
- Can Tho (VCA) — Can Tho
- Lien Khuong (DLI) — Da Lat
Land Border Crossings
- Mong Cai — China border
- Huu Nghi — China border
- Lao Bao — Laos border
- Cau Treo — Laos border
- Cha Lo — Laos border
- Moc Bai — Cambodia border
- Xa Mat — Cambodia border
- Ha Tien — Cambodia border
- Lao Cai — China border
- Na Meo — Laos border
- Bo Y — Laos/Cambodia border
- Tinh Bien — Cambodia border
- Vinh Xuong — Cambodia border
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Apply for Your Vietnam Visa?
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