What type of visa do you need?

There are several types of visas that you may apply for in order to enter Vietnam, and the purpose of your trip will help determine which type of visa you should apply for. This list of visas will explain the primary purpose of each type of visa you may obtain in order to visit Vietnam.

+ Tourist Visa

The tourist visa is the most popular type of visa, and it is fairly easy for all nationalities to obtain. A tourist visa is usually valid for 1 month, allowing single or multiple entry. There will be a price difference according to the amount of time and if it is a single or multiple entry visa.

Tourist visa may be extended only once for 30 days. It is recommended that you do the process to extend your visa through a tour agency. It should only take two or three days and is easiest in the city Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Danang and Hue.

If you arrive in Vietnam with a single entry visa, then want to travel to a bordering country, and later return to Vietnam, you must have a re-entry visa. Arrange it before you leave Vietnam, otherwise, you will have to go through the entire visa process again. See here for our visa renewal service.

+ Business Visa

A business visa allows entry for the purpose of work. They are usually valid for three to six months, allowing single or multiple entry. In general, business visas are easy to get, but there may be a significant difference in price versus a tourist visa (The prices are about double those of a tourist visa). Note that a business visa is not a work permit – it only allows entry for the purpose of work. In order to work in Vietnam, you must have a work permit also.

+ Student Visa

A student visa is usually arranged after your arrival in Vietnam. It’s acceptable to enter Vietnam on a tourist visa, enroll in a Vietnamese language course or admission evidence from a school in Vietnam and then apply at the immigration police for a change in status. In reality, the easiest way to do it is to contact a travel company and have them help you make the application.

+ Transit Visa (or visa for city visiting)

The maximum duration of this type of visa is 5 days. The Immigration Department will issue transit visa for groups in tour, accompanied with a tour guide. The group must have exact itinerary and have guarantee of a travel agency which organizing the tour.

+ Vietnam Diplomatic Visa

– No fees required for Vietnam diplomatic visa unless otherwise agreed upon between Vietnam and applicant’s country.

– On applying Vietnam diplomatic visa, the applicant must submit an official letter from the concerned agencies of local government, foreign embassies or consulates accredited to the applicant’s country, international organizations, or other accredited organizations based in that country.