Vietnam entry visa for foreigners
An entry visa is the legal condition allowing a foreigner to enter Vietnam for tourism, business, investment or visiting relatives. We help prepare, submit and track applications for the visa type that best fits your purpose of entry.
Overview of entry options
Depending on nationality and purpose, foreigners may enter Vietnam via a visa approval letter, an electronic visa (e-visa), a visa on arrival, or a visa stamped at a Vietnamese mission abroad. Each option has different conditions, processing times and costs.
Which visa type should you choose?
An e-visa suits individual travellers with short stays whose nationality is on the eligible list. A visa approval letter suits applicants sponsored by a company or entity in Vietnam, needing multiple entries or longer stays. Visa on arrival is convenient when flying into Vietnam but still requires a pre-approval letter.
Services in the Entry Visa group
Choose the service that matches your situation for detailed guidance on documents, process and processing time.
- Visa Approval LetterObtain an entry approval letter sponsored by a Vietnam-based company/entity, used to receive a visa at the border gate or an embassy.
- Vietnam E-visaElectronic visa submitted online, suited to individual travellers with short stays.Coming soon
- Visa on ArrivalReceive the visa at an international airport after obtaining a pre-approval letter.Coming soon
- Visa ExtensionExtend the lawful period of stay for foreigners already in Vietnam.Coming soon
Legal basis
Entry, exit and residence of foreigners in Vietnam are governed by Law No. 47/2014/QH13 (as amended and supplemented by Law No. 51/2019/QH14 and Law No. 23/2023/QH15) on entry, exit, transit and residence of foreigners in Vietnam, and related guiding documents.
Frequently asked questions about entry visas
What are the ways a foreigner can obtain a Vietnam entry visa?
There are four common options: visa approval letter, e-visa, visa on arrival, and a visa stamped at a Vietnamese mission abroad. The choice depends on nationality, purpose and length of stay.
How long does it take to process an entry visa?
Depending on the visa type, processing usually takes 3–7 working days. This is for reference and may change under the regulations of the immigration authority.
Can an entry visa be extended?
In many cases a visa can be extended if the purpose of stay still qualifies and a sponsor is available. See details under the Visa Extension service.
Need advice on the right visa type?
Send us your nationality and purpose of entry, and we will advise the optimal visa option and the documents to prepare.
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