Vietnam has been a popular tourist destination for travelers worldwide for several years. From its vibrant cities to ancient landmarks, golden beaches and green mountains, Vietnam has a lot to offer tourists.
But, before you visit, you need to check out the Vietnam visa requirements. Many international visitors to Vietnam require a Vietnam tourist visa to enter the country. Luckily, it’s a pretty straightforward visa to get.
To make the process even easier, we’ve answered the most frequently asked questions among tourists looking to get a visa for Vietnam.
Frequently asked questions about getting a Vietnam tourist visa
Here’s everything you need to know about getting a Vietnam tourist visa and understand the current Vietnam travel restrictions.
Do I need a visa to visit Vietnam?
Most international travelers need a visa to enter Vietnam. Vietnam offers tourist visa exemptions ranging from 14 to 90 days to citizens of 24 countries holding valid ordinary passports. This includes many Asian and European countries, as well as Chile. Find the complete list of countries exempted here.
The most popular types of visas are Vietnam eVisa, Tourist visa (DL), business visa (DNL, DN2), student/internship visa (DH), investor visa (DT1, DT2, DT3, DT4), working visa (LD1-LD2) and diplomatic visa (NG). These visas cover visiting Vietnam for tourism, attending meetings and conferences, studying, and employment in Vietnam.
Is Vietnam issuing tourist visas?
Vietnam suspended foreign nationals from entering from 22 March 2020. However, Vietnam will be opening its borders again to foreign visitors on 15 March 2022. Tourist visas will once again be issued to international travelers. The proposed reopening date is 3 months earlier than previously scheduled.
What types of restrictions does Vietnam currently have?
While borders will be opening for international travelers, they are still subject to some health requirements. These include:
- Having valid proof of full vaccination against COVID-19
- Producing a negative PCR COVID-19 test before departure (within 72 hours of arriving in Vietnam)
- Lateral flow test on arrival
- Quarantine on arrival for 1 day, until they receive a negative test result
- Take out health insurance to cover the trip (minimum coverage of $50,000 is requested)
Travel to Vietnam remains restricted for foreigners who do not meet the above requirements. Restrictions on entry will remain in place for unvaccinated foreigners. In addition, visitors who are not double-vaccinated are required to isolate at a hotel for one week and take PCR tests on days 1 and 7.
COVID-19 recovery certificates may also be accepted.
Please note that all restriction information is correct at time of publishing in March 2022 but this is subject to change.
Can I get an e-Visa for Vietnam?
Nationals from 80 countries, including the USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and many Asian, European and South American countries, can get Vietnam’s e-Visa.
The e-Visa takes only three days to process and costs US$25. It is a single-entry visa and is valid for 30 days.
You can enter Vietnam on an e-Visa at any of the country’s eight international airports, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Danang, as well as 14 land crossings and seven seaports.
Find out more information and apply for Vietnam’s e-Visa here.
How can I get a multi-entry Vietnam visa?
If you want a Vietnam multiple entry visa or are planning to stay more than 30 days, you can apply for a visa on arrival.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- A 4×6 passport photo with a white background and no glasses
- A completed visa application form
- A passport valid for six months from the date you plan to enter Vietnam
- Payment (25 USD to 50 USD) for visa fees (in cash)
- A Letter of Approval which needs to be applied for online before arrival
On arrival, you’ll need to present the above documents and pay a fee to get a visa stamp. This will cost an additional US$25 for a single-entry visa and US$50 for multiple-entry visa. You’ll need to pay this in cash, in either US dollars or Vietnamese dong.
How can I get a business visa for Vietnam?
If you are traveling to Vietnam for business, you can get a Vietnam business visa. There are two types of Vietnam business visas, categorized as DN1 and DN2.
The DN1 visa is for foreigners who work with other businesses and organizations with legal status in Vietnam. The DN2 visa is for foreigners who visit Vietnam to offer services, establish a commercial presence or perform other activities under international treaties to which Vietnam is a member.
Vietnam business visas range from 30 days to 12 months and can be either single entry or multiple entry. Like the tourist visa, you can also get a business visa on arrival or apply for one at your nearest embassy before arrival. Note that a sponsorship letter from a licensed company in Vietnam is required if you apply through the local embassy in your country.
Vietnam needs your tourism!
Like all countries reliant on international tourism, Vietnam has missed foreign visitors! So, if Vietnam has ever been on your travel list, now is the time to start planning your visit.
Check out some of our favorite Vietnam travel blogs for some inspiration when planning your trip:
Travel DudesI’m sure you’ve had similar experiences I had whilst traveling. You’re in a certain place and a fellow traveler, or a local, tip you off on a little-known beach, bar or accommodation. Great travel tips from other travelers or locals always add something special to our travels. That was the inspiration for Travel Dudes.
