Vietnam Entry Visa Procedures for Foreigners 2026

What is a Vietnam entry visa and who needs one?

An entry visa is a document issued by a competent Vietnamese authority that allows a foreigner to enter, exit, and stay in Vietnam for a defined period. It is mandatory, except for cases exempted under an international treaty or Vietnam's unilateral visa exemption policy.

Those who need an entry visa include foreigners coming to Vietnam for tourism, family visits, business, employment, investment, study, or other lawful purposes who are not covered by a visa exemption.

Legal basis

Entry procedures for foreigners in Vietnam are governed by the following documents:

• Law No. 47/2014/QH13 on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam (effective from 1 January 2015).
• Law No. 51/2019/QH14 amending and supplementing a number of articles of Law No. 47/2014/QH13 (effective from 1 July 2020).
• Law No. 23/2023/QH15 amending and supplementing the Law on Exit and Entry (effective from 15 August 2023), which raised the maximum e-visa validity to 90 days and extended the temporary stay for citizens of unilaterally visa-exempt countries to 45 days.
• Competent authority: the Vietnam Immigration Department - Ministry of Public Security.

Visa types and which one to choose

There are three common entry routes. The e-visa suits tourists and short-term business travelers who apply online themselves. A visa via an entry approval letter suits people entering for work, investment, or family visits with a sponsoring organization or enterprise in Vietnam. Visa on arrival applies in certain cases prescribed by law.

Choosing a visa type should be based on nationality, purpose, and length of stay. Clarify your purpose before applying to avoid selecting the wrong visa type.

• E-visa: applied online, suitable for tourism and short-term business.
• Visa via entry approval letter: suitable for work, investment, and family visits, requiring a sponsor.
• Visa on arrival: granted at the border gate in certain cases prescribed by law.

The 90-day e-visa: conditions and how to apply

Since 15 August 2023, under Law No. 23/2023/QH15, the e-visa has been extended to a maximum of 90 days and may be single or multiple entry. It is convenient because foreigners can apply online themselves without a sponsor.

The e-visa is submitted through the National Public Service Portal or the website of the Vietnam Immigration Department. Applicants should prepare a portrait photo, a scan of the passport data page, and trip details, then track the result online.

Entry approval letter via a sponsoring enterprise

For foreigners entering Vietnam to work, invest, or visit family through an organization or enterprise in Vietnam, the common route is to apply for an entry approval letter. The sponsor submits the application to the Vietnam Immigration Department.

Once approved, the foreigner receives the visa at a Vietnamese representative mission abroad or at the border gate as notified, depending on the case. This route suits longer stays tied to employment or investment relationships.

Documents and the general process

Documents and steps vary by route, but generally include the following:

• Determine the purpose of entry and the suitable visa type.
• Prepare documents: a valid passport, photo, and evidence of purpose (invitation letter, contract, sponsor company documents if any).
• Submit online (e-visa) or through a sponsor at the Vietnam Immigration Department.
• Track and receive the result; obtain the visa on entry according to the applicable route.

Fees, processing time, and common notes

Costs include the state fee prescribed by law and a service fee (if you use a support provider); fee levels and processing times are for reference only and may change under regulations. You should check the original legal texts and official notices of the Vietnam Immigration Department at the time of application.

Common notes: carefully check the information on your passport and application form to avoid discrepancies, ensure the passport is still valid, and select the correct visa type for your actual purpose. Applying under the wrong type or with incorrect information may lead to refusal or the need to reapply.