Vietnam Visa Guide (2026): All Visa Types, Costs, Pros & How to Apply
Vietnam offers a wide range of visa options designed for tourists, business travelers, expats, students, and investors. Choosing the correct visa is critical—each category comes with its own rules, costs, and requirements.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn everything about:
- All Vietnam visa types
- Pros and cons of each
- Costs and requirements
- How to apply step-by-step
Overview of Vietnam Visa Types
Vietnam has over 20 visa categories based on purpose of visit, including tourism, business, work, investment, and study. Source: Vietnam Visa Types Guide
- Visa exemption (visa-free entry)
- E-visa (electronic visa)
- Tourist visa (DL)
- Business visa (DN)
- Work visa (LD)
- Investor visa (DT)
- Student visa (DH)
- Family/dependent visa (TT)
1. Visa Exemption (Visa-Free Entry)
Best for
Short trips and tourism
Key details
- Duration: 14–90 days depending on nationality
- Cost: Free
Pros
- No application required
- Completely free
- Fast entry at airport
Cons
- Short stay only
- No work allowed
- Limited eligible countries
How to obtain
Arrive in Vietnam with a passport valid for at least 6 months and receive an entry stamp at immigration. Official visa requirements
2. Vietnam E-Visa (Most Popular Option)
Best for
Tourism, short-term business, and most travelers
Key details
- Validity: Up to 90 days (single or multiple entry)
- Cost: $25 (single entry) / $50 (multiple entry)
Pros
- Apply 100% online
- Available to all nationalities
- Fast processing (typically 3–5 days)
Cons
- Limited to 90 days
- Cannot legally work
- Must enter via approved ports
How to obtain
- Fill out online application
- Upload passport and photo
- Pay the fee
- Download visa approval
Apply via the official portal: Vietnam eVisa application guide
3. Tourist Visa (DL)
Best for
Travelers staying longer than visa exemption
Key details
- Duration: Up to 90 days
- Cost: Typically $25–$50
Pros
- Flexible stay options
- Extendable in certain cases
- Available via multiple channels
Cons
- No employment allowed
- Not ideal for long-term stays
How to obtain
- E-visa (recommended)
- Vietnam embassy
- Visa on arrival (approval letter required)
4. Business Visa (DN1 / DN2)
Best for
Business meetings and commercial activities
Key details
- Validity: 1 to 12 months
- Requires sponsorship from a Vietnamese company
Pros
- Longer stay than tourist visa
- Multiple entry options
- Suitable for frequent business travel
Cons
- Requires company sponsorship
- Does not allow employment
How to obtain
Apply through a sponsoring company or via embassy processing.
5. Work Visa (LD1 / LD2)
Best for
Foreign employees working in Vietnam
Key details
- Validity: Up to 2 years
- Requires work permit or exemption
Costs
- Work permit: approximately $100–150
- Additional service fees may apply
Pros
- Legal employment authorization
- Long-term stay possible
- Pathway to residence permits
Cons
- Complex application process
- Employer-dependent
- Strict compliance requirements
How to obtain
- Employer applies for work permit
- Receive approval
- Apply for work visa
More details: Vietnam work visa guide
6. Investor Visa (DT1–DT4)
Best for
Entrepreneurs and investors
Key details
- Validity: 1 to 5 years depending on capital investment
Pros
- Long-term stay
- Work permit exemption possible
- Eligible for residence card
Cons
- Requires significant investment capital
- Legal complexity
How to obtain
Submit business and investment documentation through Vietnamese authorities.
7. Student Visa (DH)
Best for
Students and interns
Key details
- Validity: Typically 6–12 months
Pros
- Long-term study option
- Renewable
Cons
- Limited or no work allowed
- Requires school sponsorship
How to obtain
Provide acceptance documents from a recognized institution.
8. Family / Dependent Visa (TT)
Best for
Spouses and children of residents
Key details
- Validity: Up to 12 months
Pros
- Allows long-term family stays
- Can transition to residence permits
Cons
- Requires proof of relationship
- Dependent on sponsor visa status
How to obtain
Submit legal documents such as marriage or birth certificates.
Vietnam Visa Costs Summary
| Visa Type | Cost | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Exemption | Free | 14–90 days |
| E-Visa | $25–50 | Up to 90 days |
| Tourist Visa | $25–50 | Up to 90 days |
| Business Visa | Varies | Up to 12 months |
| Work Visa | $100+ | Up to 2 years |
| Investor Visa | Varies | 1–5 years |
How to Apply for a Vietnam Visa
E-Visa (Recommended)
- Apply online
- Upload documents
- Pay fee
- Receive approval within a few days
Embassy Visa
- Apply in person or by mail
- Processing typically takes several business days
Visa on Arrival
- Requires pre-approved letter
- Collect visa at airport
Final Thoughts
Choosing the correct Vietnam visa depends on your purpose:
- Short trips: visa exemption or e-visa
- Business travel: business visa
- Work: work visa
- Long-term stay: investor or residence options
Understanding visa requirements ahead of time prevents delays, fines, or entry issues, ensuring a smooth experience when visiting or living in Vietnam.