Essential Information on Vietnam Tourist Visa for Travelers

Vietnam is a beautiful S-shaped land with many famous and captivating landscapes. Each city, each region has destinations attracting millions of tourists from all over the world. But first, you will need a Vietnam tourist visa before exploring this beautiful country. Let Asia King Travel guide you through the visa application process by the article below!

Vietnam is a beautiful country with friendly people. Source: Luu Huong

What is a Vietnamese Tourist Visa

Vietnam tourist visa (abbreviated as DL) is issued to foreigners entering Vietnam for tourism purposes only. It does not permit foreigners intending to work during their stay. Foreigners can choose between applying for an entry letter or an e-visa. Travelers can apply for a tourist visa through the official e-visa system or, in certain circumstances, obtain a visa through a Vietnamese embassy, consulate, or authorized sponsor.

Vietnam tourist visa is ONLY for tourism purposes. Source: Vietnamvisavoa

A tourist visa is valid for up to 90 days. The number of entries allowed (single or multiple) depends on the specific visa type. Visa exemptions may apply based on bilateral agreements.

As of 2026, Vietnam offers e-visas valid for up to 90 days to citizens of all countries and territories, subject to immigration requirements. Many visitors can also enjoy visa-free stays of up to 45 days, depending on their nationality.

Single Visa and Multiple Visa

To better understand Vietnam visas, knowing more about single-entry and multiple-entry visas may be helpful. Most countries worldwide have regulations for these two distinct types of visas. Travelers can only apply for one visa type per trip.

Your visa type will dictate how many times you can visit Vietnam. Source: Vietnamnet

Single-entry visa: restricts you to one entry into the country under a validity period. Once you leave the country, you will need to apply for a new visa to re-enter.

Multiple-entry visa: allows travelers to enter and exit Vietnam multiple times during the visa's validity period. A multiple-entry e-visa can be valid for up to 90 days, and there is no general 30-consecutive-day limit for each stay under this type of e-visa. However, travelers must leave Vietnam before their permitted stay expires.

For example: if you plan to visit Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos before returning to Vietnam, a multiple-entry visa may be the most convenient option. A single-entry visa becomes invalid once you leave Vietnam, even if its original validity period has not expired.

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Types of Vietnam Tourist Visa

E-Visa

• A type of Vietnamese visa issued electronically.
• Travelers from all countries and territories can apply for an e-visa directly through the Vietnam Immigration Department web portal.
• Vietnam e-visas are available for single or multiple entries, with a validity of up to 90 days.
• The official application websites are https://evisa.gov.vn and https://thithucdientu.gov.vn.
• E-visa holders must enter and exit Vietnam through border checkpoints authorized to accept electronic visas.

 Applying for a Vietnamese e-visa is the most common and fastest way nowadays

Entry Letter

• A document for foreigners participating in tours organized by international travel agencies in Vietnam.
• The travel agency will be responsible for applying for visas for foreign tourists. 
• When an entry approval letter is required, it must be arranged and approved by the competent Vietnamese authorities before the traveler departs.
• Depending on the approved procedure, travelers may collect their visas at a designated Vietnamese diplomatic mission or an authorized international border checkpoint.

Travel agencies will take care of tourists' entry letters

Visa on Arrival

Visa on Arrival (VOA) is available in certain approved circumstances. Unlike an e-visa, a visa on arrival generally requires travelers to obtain an official visa approval letter before traveling to Vietnam.

Travelers cannot simply arrive at a Vietnamese airport and expect to receive a tourist visa without prior authorization.

Important points to remember:

• A valid pre-arranged visa approval letter is required.
• The visa must be collected at an authorized entry checkpoint specified in the approval.
• Additional visa issuance or stamping fees may apply, depending on the authorization and visa category.
• Travelers should confirm the applicable procedure with the relevant immigration authorities or Vietnamese embassy before departure.

Visa on Arrival is an alternative way for anyone struggling with the common visa application process. Source: Vietnamvisavoa

Vietnam Tourist Visa Requirements

Tourists when applying for a Vietnam visa must meet the following requirements. Their passports must be valid for at least 6 months and contain at least 2 blank pages. They are eligible to enter according to Vietnamese law. Furthermore, they must provide evidence of their intent to visit for tourism. To apply for a tourist visa, you will need:

• Visa application form.
• Passports with more than 6 months in valid and 2 blank visa pages.
• Two 4x6 centimeters portrait photos of the applicant, clear frontal face. Photos were taken under 6 months.
• Hotel or Accommodation booking evident.
• Round-trip plane ticket.
• Traveling schedule.

Please make sure your visa application is complete and accurate. Source: Times of India

To apply for a Vietnam tourist e-visa in 2026, travelers should prepare the following:

• A valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity recommended.
• A clear digital image of the passport's information page.
• A recent digital portrait photograph showing the applicant facing forward without glasses.
• A completed online e-visa application form.
• A valid email address to receive application updates.
• Planned entry and exit dates and border checkpoints.
• Details of the intended accommodation in Vietnam.
• A valid payment method to pay the e-visa application fee.

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Step-by-Step to Apply Vietnam Tourist Visa

Procedures for e-visa

• Step 1: Access the Vietnam Immigration Department website and enter the information required for an e-visa application. Complete all required fields on the visa application form accurately. Upload a passport photo and a portrait photo.
• Step 2: Pay the e-visa fee via international payment methods or a bank account.
• Step 3: Check the e-visa application results. Use the electronic application code to check the application status. If approved, download and print documents to receive the entry visa for Vietnam.

The website has clear instructions

Procedures for Entry Letter

• Step 1: International travel agencies in Vietnam will facilitate the visa sponsorship process for foreign tourists. Native immigration authorities will assess applications.
• Step 2: After receiving the entry letter, travel agencies will forward it to the tourist to obtain a tourist visa as per the previously registered information.
• Step 3: Tourists opting for visa collection at the embassy should present their passports. If they register at the border gate, they will receive their visas during the immigration procedures.

Procedures for Visa on Arrival

• Step 1: Complete the online Vietnamese Visa Application and pay the service fee, similar to applying for an e-visa.
• Step 2: You will receive the visa approval letter and immigration declaration form via email within 2-3 working days. You need to print out both documents and complete the declaration form in full.
• Step 3: On arrival at a Vietnamese International Airport, go to the Visa on Arrival counter. Present your visa approval letter, completed immigration declaration form with a photo, and passport. Pay the stamping fee to have your visa affixed to your passport.

Visa fees and processing time

The fee for a Vietnam tourist visa depends on the visa type you choose. A single-entry visa costs USD 25, while a multiple-entry visa costs USD 50. This fee applies to both e-visas and visa entry letters. Extra fees may apply for additional services.

Prepare your Vietnam tourist visa application in advance to avoid any rush. Source: Vietnam Legal

The processing time to get a visa will also differ based on the method and may be influenced by Vietnamese and international holidays. E-visas generally take 3-5 working days to process, while visas collected at the airport may take 5-7 working days.

Visa Exemption

Visa-free entry is granted to citizens of certain countries based on bilateral or unilateral agreements with Vietnam. The duration of visa-free stays varies depending on the specific agreement, usually 30 or 45 days.

Travelers exempt from visas do not need to pay visa fees or go through the standard visa application process.

As of October 2026, Vietnam has unilateral 45-day visa exemption policies covering 24 countries under two major government resolutions, in addition to visa exemptions available under bilateral agreements and other arrangements.

Group 1 – 12 countries (March 15, 2025 – March 14, 2028)

Citizens of the following countries may enter Vietnam visa-free for up to 45 days, provided they meet the applicable entry conditions: France, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland.

Group 2 – 12 additional European countries (August 15, 2025 – August 14, 2028)

Under Resolution No. 229/NQ-CP, citizens of the following countries can enjoy visa-free stays of up to 45 days when visiting Vietnam for tourism: Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland.

Southeast Asia's reciprocal visa exemptions make multi-country travel more accessible. Source: MFAIC Cambodia

Extend Vietnam Tourist Visa

At present, Vietnamese regulations do not permit extensions for tourist visas. These certificates have a specific validity period and you cannot renew them. To extend your stay, you must leave the country and apply for a different type of visa that aligns with your purpose of visit.

Staying for more than 3 months for tourism seems unreasonable. This regulation aims to strictly manage foreigners’ entry, exit, and stay in the country. It also maintains public security and prevents illegal activities.

Avoid individuals claiming they can extend your visa without official confirmation, it is likely a fraud. Source: travelobiz

Special 30-Day Visa Exemption for Phu Quoc Island

Foreign passport holders may visit Phu Quoc Island without a visa for up to 30 days if they meet the applicable entry conditions. This special exemption also applies to certain travelers transiting through an international entry point in Vietnam and continuing directly to Phu Quoc.

However, travelers planning to visit mainland destinations such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, or Ha Long Bay should verify whether they need a visa or qualify for another exemption.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vietnam Tourist Visas

1. Do I need a visa to visit Vietnam in 2026?

It depends on your nationality, passport type, and intended length of stay. Citizens of certain countries, including France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, Belgium, and Switzerland, may visit Vietnam visa-free for up to 45 days under the applicable policies. Other travelers can generally apply for an e-visa valid for up to 90 days.

2. Can I stay in Vietnam for 90 days with an e-visa?

Yes. Vietnam offers e-visas with a maximum validity of 90 days for single or multiple entries. However, your actual authorized stay depends on the validity dates printed on your approved e-visa.

3. How much does a Vietnam tourist e-visa cost?

The official fee is USD 25 for a single-entry e-visa and USD 50 for a multiple-entry e-visa. These government fees are non-refundable, including when an application is rejected.

4. How long does it take to get a Vietnam e-visa?

The official processing period is normally three working days. However, processing may take longer in some cases, so applying at least one to two weeks before your trip is recommended.

5. Can I enter Vietnam multiple times with one visa?

Yes, if you have a valid multiple-entry visa. This option is particularly useful for travelers combining Vietnam with nearby destinations such as Cambodia, Laos, or Thailand. A single-entry visa generally cannot be reused once you leave Vietnam.

6. Do French citizens need a visa for Vietnam?

French passport holders can visit Vietnam visa-free for up to 45 days under the policy valid through March 14, 2028, provided they meet the entry requirements. For longer stays, they may apply for a suitable visa, including an e-visa valid for up to 90 days.

7. Do Belgian and Swiss citizens need a visa for Vietnam?

Belgian and Swiss citizens can enter Vietnam visa-free for tourism for up to 45 days under the policy effective from August 15, 2025, to August 14, 2028, provided they meet the relevant conditions.

8. Can I apply for a Vietnam e-visa while already in Vietnam?

The standard e-visa application procedure is intended for foreigners outside Vietnam. Travelers who are already in the country and wish to obtain a new visa should consult the immigration authorities about their eligibility and available options.

9. Can I travel to Phu Quoc without a visa?

Yes. Foreign passport holders may be eligible for a special 30-day visa exemption when visiting Phu Quoc Island. However, additional conditions apply, particularly if you intend to travel elsewhere in Vietnam.

10. What happens if my Vietnam e-visa application is rejected?

If your e-visa application is rejected, the government application fee will not be refunded. You should review the reason or instructions provided, verify your personal details, and contact the official e-visa support service if necessary. A new application and fee may be required.

11. Is a visa on arrival available in Vietnam?

Yes, but only under applicable approval procedures. Travelers generally need to obtain an official visa approval letter before departure. For most tourists, the electronic visa system is the more convenient option.

12. Where can I apply for a Vietnam tourist e-visa safely?

You can apply directly through the official Vietnam Immigration Department website at https://evisa.gov.vn or https://thithucdientu.gov.vn. Be careful with third-party websites charging additional fees or presenting themselves as official government portals.

Conclusion

Don't let visa complications hold you back from dreaming of a Vietnam holiday. Start your journey today with Asia King Travel’s help. Contact us now to get any information about your tourist visa and make a perfect trip!

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