Your Ultimate Vietnam Visa Guide 2025

A Vietnam visa is a document issued by authorized Vietnamese authorities granting permission to travel to and enter Vietnam. 

There are two types of visas available for foreigners in Vietnam: the e-visa and visa on arrival. Each has different requirements, costs, and application procedures. 

This comprehensive guide will clearly explain everything you need to know about Vietnam visas, including details on what a Vietnam e-visa is, how to obtain it, its costs, and the required documents. 

It will also cover what a Vietnam visa on arrival is, who is eligible for it, the related requirements, and how to apply.

Let’s dive in! 

Note:

• Check out our all-in-one Vietnam travel guide if you’re looking for more information on travel tips to Vietnam, including the best time to visit, buying a Vietnamese SIM card, currency exchange, transportation, accommodations, and the best things to do in each city. 
• For tour recommendations, itineraries, and guide services, please WhatsApp us at +84 978755865 or email us at xinchao@phoebeandbesties.com.

What is a Vietnam e-Visa?

According to Vietnam’s Immigration Department, starting on August 15, 2023, citizens from all countries and territories worldwide can apply for electronic visas (e-visas) to enter Vietnam. 

These e-visas are valid for single or multiple entries and have a duration of 90 days.

Besides, Vietnam also grants visa exemption to 95 countries. So, before applying for a visa, make sure to check Vietnam’s visa exemption list first.  

E-Visa holders must enter and exit Vietnam through international border gates designated by the government. This includes 16 land border gates, 13 air border gates, and 13 sea border gates.   

13 Air Border Gates	16 Land Border Gates	13 Sea Border Gates
Cat Bi Airport in Hai Phong Cam Ranh Airport in Khanh Hoa Can Tho Airport in Can Tho Da Nang Airport in Da Nang Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi Phu Quoc Airport in Phu Quoc Phu Bai Airport in Hue Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh  Van Don Airport in Quang Ninh Tho Xuan Airport in Thanh Hoa Dong Hoi Airport in Quang Binh Phu Cat Airport in Binh Dinh Lien Khuong Airport in Da Lat	Bo Y in Kon Tum Cha Lo in Quang Binh  Cau Treo in Ha Tinh Huu Nghi in Lang Son Ha Tien in Kien Giang  Lao Bao in Quang Tri Lao Cai in Lao Cai La Lay in Quang Tri Moc Bai in Tay Ninh Xa Mat in Tay Ninh Mong Cai in Quang Ninh  Nam Can in Nghe An Na Meo in Thanh Hoa Vinh Xuong in An Giang Tinh Bien in An Giang Tay Trang in Dien Bien	Chan May Port in Hue Cam Pha Port in Quang Ninh Da Nang Port in Da Nang Duong Dong Port in Kien Giang Dung Quat Port in Quang Ngai Hon Gai Port in Quang Ninh Hai Phong Port in Hai Phong Nghi Son Port in Thanh Hoa Nha Trang Port in Khanh Hoa Quy Nhon Port in Binh Dinh Ho Chi Minh City Port in Ho Chi Minh Vung Ang Port in Ha Tinh Vung Tau Port in Ba Ria Vung Tau.

Vietnam Visa Requirements

If your country is not on the visa exemption list, it’s time to apply for an e-visa. The following are essential checklists to help you prepare the relevant documents and fees, as well as details on where and how to apply. 

Who Can Get Vietnam e-Visa?

To obtain an e-visa and entry to Vietnam, you must meet the following conditions: 

• You’re a foreigner outside Vietnam. 
• You possess a valid passport or international travel documents with at least 6 months’ validity. 
• If you are traveling with children under 14 years old, they must be accompanied by parents, guardians, or authorized persons. 
• You must use genuine documents and provide accurate personal information for entry, exit, or residence documents. 
• You do not have mental illnesses or infectious diseases that pose a danger to public health. 
• You have not been deported from Vietnam within 3 years from the effective date of the deportation decision. 
• You’re not required to leave Vietnam within 6 months from the effective date of the expulsion decision. 
• You’re not entering Vietnam for reasons related to epidemic prevention, control, or natural disasters.

Required Documents for Vietnam e-Visa 

• Your Identity Card
• Your address and contact information in your home country
• Your address and contact information in Vietnam
• Your occupation
• Your purpose for visiting Vietnam
• Information about your relatives or friends, if applicable (full name, address, and phone number)
• Information about your sponsor company in Vietnam (name, address and contact details)
• Type of visa with single or multiple entry
• Details of previous Vietnam visas, if applicable
• Arrival date
• Arrival port and departure port
• Passport portrait (4×6 size, colored photo, white background, looking straight ahead without glasses)
• Passport scan copy

Besides, you’ll also need to answer these questions: 

• How long do you plan to stay in Vietnam? 
• Have you visited Vietnam in the last year? If yes, when did you visit? 
• Have you ever violated any Vietnamese laws or regulations?

Vietnam e-Visa Cost 2025

As of 2025, the e-visa fee is 25 USD for a single-entry visa and 50 USD for a multiple-entry visa.

You will pay the e-visa application fee online through the Vietnam e-visa website. If your visa application is not granted, the visa fee is non-refundable. 

How to Apply for Vietnam e-Visa

You can apply for a Vietnam e-visa through the Vietnam e-visa official website. The process is fairly straightforward and involves three steps: 

• Fill out the application form
• Pay the application fee
• Receive your e-visa through email or on the Vietnam e-visa homepage

Regarding the processing time, a Vietnam e-visa typically takes 4-6 working days to complete under normal conditions. Keep in mind that this excludes Saturdays, Sundays, and Vietnamese public holidays. 

Many travelers experience visa application delays due to incorrect personal details submitted on the official website. Common issues include blurry or low-quality photos, mismatched passport numbers, or full names that aren’t compliant with ICAO guidelines. 

To ensure faster processing, thoroughly double-check all information in your e-visa application before submission. 

What is Vietnam Visa on Arrival? 

A Vietnam visa on arrival is a type of visa that allows travelers to obtain their entry permit upon arriving at specific international airports in Vietnam. 

This option is quick and flexible, requiring only 1-2 hours of processing time, even on weekends, which is why it’s usually for emergencies. If you’re not in an emergency situation, it’s highly advisable to get a Vietnam e-visa. 

Bear in mind that a visa on arrival is applicable only for foreigners traveling to Vietnam by air. Keep reading to see the designated airports where you can get your visa stamped upon arrival. 

Applicable Airports for Visa On Arrival 

The following airports allow for a visa on arrival: 

• Tan Son Nhat International Airport – SGN (Ho Chi Minh City)
• Noi Bai International Airport – HAN (Hanoi)
• Da Nang International Airport – DAD (Da Nang)
• Cat Bi International Airport – HPH (Hai Phong)
• Cam Ranh International Airport – CXR (Khanh Hoa)
• Lien Khuong International Airport – DLI (Da Lat)
• Can Tho International Airport – VCA (Can Tho)
• Phu Quoc International Airport – PQC (Phu Quoc)

How Long is Visa On Arrival Valid for?

It really depends on which visa type you opt for, specifically: 

Visa Types	Visa On Arrival Validity
Vietnam Tourist Visa	Up to 30 days based on nationality and travel itinerary Single entry only Unextendable
Vietnam Business Visa	Up to 90 days Single and multiple entry Extendable, ONCE ONLY with a sponsor from the same organization or company

Vietnam Visa On Arrival Requirements

If you have traveled to other Southeast Asian countries like Thailand, Cambodia, or Laos, you know that obtaining a visa on arrival from these countries is relatively straightforward. You simply fill out the entry form, pay the visa fee, and get stamped into the country right at the border. 

On the other hand, visa on arrival process in Vietnam is a whole different story. You need to secure a visa approval letter in advance, which you will use to get your visa stamped onto your passport at the airport. 

Additionally, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Vietnam.

So, what is a visa approval letter and where can you get it?

A visa approval letter is a document issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department to visitors. It serves as official permission, allowing you to board a flight to Vietnam and receive a visa stamp in your passport upon arrival at a Vietnamese airport.

To obtain a visa approval letter, you must have sponsorship from a company legally established and operating in Vietnam. This can be a tour agency, a foreign-invested company, or a representative office of a foreign organization, etc.  

On top of that, your sponsoring company must have an account on the Ministry of Public Security’s Public Service Portal website to obtain a Vietnam visa approval letter. 

The visa approval letter is typically issued free of charge. However, your sponsoring company will need to cover the costs associated with preparing the necessary documents and completing the visa approval letter procedure.

Who Can Get Vietnam Visa On Arrival?

Travelers of all nationalities can apply for a visa on arrival in Vietnam. Based on the purpose of your visit, you will need sponsorship from the appropriate company. 

Specifically, if you choose a Vietnam tourist visa upon arrival, you will need sponsorship from a tour agency, operator, or company for your Vietnam visa approval letter. 

Conversely, if you apply for a Vietnam business visa on arrival, you will need sponsorship from the company you will work with after entering Vietnam.

Vietnam Visa On Arrival Fees 2025

Regarding the cost of a visa on arrival, you’ll need to pay a service fee and a stamping fee. 

The service fee, which you pay in advance, covers the cost of obtaining the visa approval letter. This fee varies based on the type of visa, such as tourist, business, or family-visit, as well as the processing time. 

Meanwhile, the stamping fee is paid in cash at Vietnam International Airport when you receive your visa stamp. The cost is 25 USD for a single-entry visa and 50 USD for a multiple-entry visa valid for up to 3 months. 

Your children, if they have their own passports, are charged the same fees as adults.

How to Apply For a Vietnam Visa On Arrival

If you already have a sponsoring company, they will guide you through the process step by step. The following are the nitty-gritty procedures you need to complete when applying for a Vietnam visa on arrival. 

First and foremost, submit the online application form for the visa approval letter. You will need to fill out the required personal information, including your full name, date of birth, passport number, type of visa, date of arrival and departure, and more. 

Ensure you review your spelling to avoid any typos before hitting send. A confirmation email will be sent to you before you make the service fee payment. 

Next, receive the visa approval letter as a PDF file via your email. Before boarding your flight, prepare two hard copies of the visa approval letter along with the following documents: 

• Your passport (which must be valid for at least six months)
• A filled-out Vietnamese visa application form (also known as the entry and exit application form)
• 2 photos (4 cm x 6 cm with a white background)
• Cash for the stamp fee  

Lastly, get your visa stamped on arrival at Vietnam International Airport. At the Visa On Arrival counter, hand in all the documents you’ve prepared to the officer. After receiving your visa stamp and passport, move to the Immigration Counter to get your entry stamp. 

Tips for a Successful Visa Grant

Common mistakes leading to a failed Vietnam visa grant include rushing the application, spelling errors, and inadequate research. The Vietnamese government frequently updates visa requirements, so before planning your trip to Vietnam, ensure you stay informed of the latest updates. 

• Remember to check beforehand if your country is eligible for a visa exemption.
• Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months. 
• Apply for your visa in advance, ideally 2 to 3 months before your intended travel date. 
• Make sure there are no typos in the visa application form. 
• Double-check your full name and passport number to ensure they match the information you filled out on the visa application form. 
• Contact reputable visa agencies for visa-on-arrival services if you don’t have a sponsoring company. Thoroughly inspect their reviews, total cost, and the entire process to avoid scams. Currently, there is no official website for a visa on arrival in Vietnam. 
• Always keep 2-4 hard copies of your e-visa or visa on arrival with you. 

Travel Vietnam Confidently with Phoebe and Besties! 

This Vietnam visa guide equips you with all the essential information about how to successfully obtain Vietnam e-visas and visas on arrival. 

For an e-visa, make sure to check the Vietnam visa exemption list and apply 2-3 months before your travel date. Regarding a visa on arrival, remember to get a visa approval letter from a sponsoring company beforehand. 

If you have any questions on this topic, let us know. We’re more than happy to address all of your concerns. 

As dedicated and experienced local travel experts, Phoebe and Besties aim to provide you with excellent tour and car services that fit your plan and budget, along with insightful guides to help you travel to Vietnam safely and confidently. 

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