Vietnam offers various visa types categorized by purpose and duration, providing specific options for foreigners planning to visit this Southeast Asian nation. The visa system primarily includes Tourist visas (DL), Business visas (DN1, DN2), Student visas (DH), Investor visas (DT1-DT4), and Working visas (LD1, LD2), each designed for different visit purposes with varying validity periods.
This comprehensive guide explains the complete Vietnam visa classification system, detailed application procedures for each type, and the latest policy updates. Whether you’re planning a short vacation, business trip or long-term stay, understanding the nuances of Vietnam’s visa requirements will ensure your entry process goes smoothly.
Vietnam visa types for foreigners
Vietnam offers 27 different visa Vietnam types for foreigners. These Vietnam visa options are grouped based on why you’re visiting and how long you plan to stay.
Need professional assistance with your Vietnam visa application? Contact VisaNow at HOTLINE 1900 63 63 50 for immediate support and expert guidance.
Types of Vietnam visas based on entry purpose
Here are the six main types of visas based on why you’re visiting Vietnam:
Vietnam business visa
Business visas are for foreigners doing business in Vietnam.
- DN1: For foreigners working with Vietnamese companies.
- DN2: For foreigners offering services, setting up business offices, or joining economic activities.
Business visas can be valid for 30 days or 90 days, with a maximum stay of 1 year.
Vietnam work visa
Work visas are for foreigners employed in Vietnam.
- LĐ1: For foreigners exempt from work permit requirements.
- LĐ2: For foreigners who need work permits.
Important: You need a work permit or exemption document to apply for a work visa. Without these, you should first get a business visa, then apply for a work visa after getting your work permit. Work visas allow stays of up to 2 years.
Investment visa in Vietnam
Investment visas depend on how much money you invest in Vietnam. If you’re planning to invest in Vietnam, our Vietnam investors service can provide professional consultation tailored to your investment level.
- ĐT1: For investors with 100 billion VND or more.
- ĐT2: For investors with 50-100 billion VND.
- ĐT3: For investors with 3-50 billion VND.
- ĐT4: For investors with less than 3 billion VND.
Stay periods: 5 years for ĐT1 and ĐT2, 3 years for ĐT3, and 1 year for ĐT4.
Vietnam tourist visa
Tourist visas (code DL) are for travel purposes only, not for working in Vietnam. Depending on your travel plans, you can choose between different visa Vietnam options:
- 30-day single-entry visa: Enter Vietnam once and stay up to 30 days
- 30-day multiple-entry visa: Enter and exit Vietnam many times within 30 days
- 90-day single-entry visa: Enter Vietnam once and stay up to 90 days
- 90-day multiple-entry visa: Enter and exit Vietnam many times within 90 days
The maximum stay allowed for a tourist visa is 3 months (90 days) from your entry date.
There are two popular ways to get a tourist visa Vietnam:
- E-visa: This is the simplest and fastest option, available for citizens of most countries. You can apply online and receive your visa by email. Check our guide on Vietnam e-visa cost to understand the fees involved.
- Visa on Arrival (VOA): This method is good for travelers who need a visa urgently. You can submit your application and pay the fee when you arrive at Vietnam’s international airports.
Tourist visas are perfect for sightseeing, visiting friends, or short-term travel in Vietnam. Remember that working on a tourist visa is illegal and can result in fines or deportation.
Vietnam family visa
If you’re planning to visit family members in Vietnam, a Vietnam family visa might be your best option:
- TT: For spouses and children under 18 of foreigners with certain visas, or for foreign relatives of Vietnamese citizens. The maximum stay is 1 year.
- VR: For foreigners visiting relatives or other purposes. The maximum stay is 180 days.
Electronic visa application process for Vietnam
E-visa (Electronic Visa, code EV) is a digital visa issued by Vietnam’s Immigration Department since February 2017. This is one of the most convenient Vietnam visa options for short-term visitors.
The e-visa application process is simple:
- Fill out the online application form with your personal information
- Upload a digital photo and a scan of your passport
- Pay the application fee online
- Receive your e-visa via email within 3-5 working days
- Print your e-visa to show upon arrival in Vietnam
The biggest advantage of an e-visa is that you can complete the entire process at home without visiting any embassy or consulate. No need to mail your passport or stand in long lines.
However, e-visas are only for tourism and short business trips. They cannot be used for employment or long-term stays. If you plan to work or stay longer in Vietnam, you will need to apply for a different type of visa.
When using an e-visa, make sure to enter Vietnam through one of the approved entry points. If you try to enter through a non-approved checkpoint, you will be denied entry even with a valid e-visa.
Have more questions about your Vietnam e-visa application? VisaNow’s visa specialists are ready to help. Contact HOTLINE 1900 63 63 50 for answers to all your visa-related questions.
Vietnam visa classification by duration and entries
Vietnam visas are also classified by how long they last and how many times you can enter:
- 1-month single-entry: Enter once, stay up to 30 days
- 2-month multiple-entry: Enter multiple times within 60 days
- 3-month single-entry: Enter once, stay up to 90 days
- 3-month multiple-entry: Enter multiple times within 90 days
- 6-month multiple-entry: Enter multiple times within 180 days
- 1-year multiple-entry: Enter multiple times within 365 days
With single-entry visas, you can enter Vietnam only once. If you leave, you need a new visa to return. With multiple-entry visas, you can leave and re-enter Vietnam during the visa’s valid period. Your choice depends on your travel plans and specific needs during your stay in Vietnam.
Understanding Vietnam visa codes system
Vietnam uses specific codes on visas to show their purpose and conditions. Here are the main visa Vietnam codes:
| Visa Code | Purpose | Maximum Validity |
| NG1 | For guests invited by the General Secretary of the Communist Party, President, National Assembly Chairperson, or Prime Minister | Up to 1 year |
| NG2 | For guests invited by the Permanent Secretary of the Party Central Committee, Vice President, Vice Chairperson of the National Assembly, Deputy Prime Minister, etc. | Up to 1 year |
| NG3 | For diplomatic representatives, consular officers, representatives of international organizations, and their spouses, children under 18, and household staff | Up to 1 year |
| NG4 | For those working with or visiting members of diplomatic missions, consular posts, or international organizations | Up to 1 year |
| LV1 | For those working with central departments of the Communist Party, National Assembly, Government, ministries, or provincial authorities | Up to 1 year |
| LV2 | For those working with socio-political organizations, social organizations, or the Chamber of Commerce and Industry | Up to 1 year |
| LS | For foreign lawyers practicing in Vietnam | Up to 5 years |
| ĐT1 | For foreign investors with capital contributions of 100 billion VND or more, or in prioritized sectors | Up to 5 years |
| ĐT2 | For foreign investors with capital contributions between 50-100 billion VND, or in encouraged sectors | Up to 5 years |
| ĐT3 | For foreign investors with capital contributions between 3-50 billion VND | Up to 3 years |
| ĐT4 | For foreign investors with capital contributions below 3 billion VND | Up to 1 year |
| DN1 | For foreigners working with businesses and organizations with legal status in Vietnam | Up to 1 year |
| DN2 | For foreigners offering services, establishing commercial presence, or conducting activities under international treaties | Up to 1 year |
| LĐ1 | For foreigners working in Vietnam exempt from work permit requirements | Up to 2 years |
| LĐ2 | For foreigners working in Vietnam who require work permits | Up to 2 years |
| DL | For foreigners entering Vietnam for tourism purposes | Up to 90 days |
| TT | For foreign spouses and children under 18 of foreigners with specific visa types, or foreign parents, spouses, or children of Vietnamese citizens | Up to 1 year |
| VR | For foreigners visiting relatives or entering for other purposes | Up to 180 days |
| EV | Electronic visa | Up to 90 days |
When examining your visa, you’ll find the visa code printed clearly on the document. This code indicates not only the purpose of your stay but also the specific conditions and limitations applicable to your visa category.
Latest Vietnam visa policy updates
In August 2023, Vietnam made important changes to its visa Vietnam policy:
- E-visa for everyone: Now citizens from all countries can apply for e-visas (before it was only 80 countries).
- Longer e-visas: E-visas now last up to 90 days instead of just 30 days. They can also be single-entry or multiple-entry.
- Longer visa-free stays: Citizens from 13 countries including South Korea, Japan, Russia, UK, France, and Germany can now stay 45 days without a visa (up from 15 days). For more information on which nationalities qualify, check our detailed guide on Vietnam visa exemption.
- Easier application: The visa application process is now simpler, with more online options.
- More entry points: More airports and border crossings now accept e-visa holders.
Common questions about Vietnam visa
What are the penalties for overstaying a Vietnam visa?
Why might a Vietnam visa be rejected?
What’s the difference between a visa sticker and an e-visa?
Can foreigners work in Vietnam with a tourist visa?
If you need more help with Vietnam visa options, contact VisaNow at HOTLINE 1900 63 63 50 for quick assistance.
