Dreaming of heading to Vietnam, with its lush rice fields, misty mountains, and rooftop cafés in Hanoi? Whether you’re a traveler, student, expat, or digital nomad, there’s one essential step before your trip, getting your Vietnam visa. This important formality allows you to enter the country legally and enjoy your stay to the fullest, whether it’s for a few weeks or several months.
Since 2023, Vietnam has simplified its administrative procedures and now offers an online e-visa available to many nationalities. Entering and staying in the country has never been easier. In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about the Vietnam visa, the different types available, how to apply, tips to extend your stay, and options for settling in the country long-term.
1. Do you Need a Visa for Vietnam?
Before stressing over paperwork, here’s some good news: you might not even need a visa for Vietnam. If you’re coming from France, Belgium, Switzerland, or Germany, you can stay up to 45 days without one. All you need is your passport, your ticket, and you’re free to enjoy your trip and take in Vietnam’s stunning landscapes.
But if you plan to extend your trip, then you’ll need an e-visa. Don’t worry, it’s super easy, everything is done online without turning you into a paperwork expert. Since August 2023, Vietnam has introduced the e-visa system to let travelers complete the entire process digitally. The e-visa is valid for 90 days, with single or multiple entry options. You can arrive through 33 official entry points, including airports, land borders, and seaports.
| Duration | Visa |
| – 45 days | no visa |
| Between 46 and 90 days | e-visa |
| Long Stay (work, studies, business) | specific visas depending on your activity |
2. The E-visa for Vietnam
Since the reform of August 2023, the Vietnam e-visa has become the easiest way to travel to Vietnam. This Vietnam visa can be obtained entirely online through the official government website. You only need a passport valid for at least six months after your entry date, a digital ID photo, and an address of accommodation in Vietnam (hotel, hostel, or housing). This visa is suitable for tourism, business trips, or temporary stays for digital nomads, with a maximum duration of 90 days.
Duration and Validity
The e-visa allows you to stay in Vietnam for up to 90 days, with the option of single or multiple entry. The validity dates are fixed, meaning you must leave the country before the visa expires. It is accepted at 33 official entry points, including the international airports of Hanoi, Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Ho Chi Minh City.
How to Apply
The process is quick and takes place on the official website of the Vietnamese government. You simply need to fill out the online form, upload your photo, passport information, and chosen entry point, then pay the fee, 25€ for a single entry or 50€ for multiple entries.
The visa is usually sent by email within three to five business days. Remember to print your e-visa or keep a digital copy on your phone, it will be checked at boarding and again upon arrival.
Extension of the E-visa
The e-visa cannot be renewed online. However, it is possible to extend your stay in Vietnam through an authorized local agency or at the Department of Immigration.
Extensions range from 15 to 90 days, depending on your situation. However, overstaying your authorized period will result in a fine and may complicate future visa applications.
3. The Different Types of Visas in Vietnam
Getting a visa for Vietnam is much simpler than it seems. Depending on how long you plan to stay and what you intend to do, whether it’s tourism, work, study, or relocation, there’s a Vietnam visa suited to your situation.
The Tourist Visa
The Vietnam visa tourist remains the most common option, perfect for exploring the country at your own pace, from Hanoi and the northern mountains to the beaches of Da Nang. The application is done entirely online through the official Vietnamese government website.
Good to know:
- Duration: up to 90 days
- Entry: single or multiple
- Price: between 25€ and 50€
- Processing time: 3 to 5 business days
You just need to fill out the form, upload a photo and your passport, pay online, and wait to receive your visa by email. You can then enter through one of the 33 official entry points (airports, land borders, or seaports).
You can extend your stay directly in Vietnam through a local agency or the Department of Immigration.
The Business Visa (DN1/DN2)
The business visa is intended for professional trips, partnerships, or temporary assignments. It can last from three to twelve months, with single or multiple entries. In theory, a local sponsor (a company or Vietnamese agency) is required to justify it. In practice, many foreign freelancers use it as a “work-disguised” visa, a tolerated but legally shaky approach. Several agencies offer full-service support for obtaining it, often at inflated rates.
The Work Visa (LD)
The work visa is the official route for long-term residence. It is directly linked to the work permit issued in your name by your Vietnamese employer and can be valid for up to two years.
It’s the most stable solution, but also the slowest to obtain, endless paperwork, certified translations, and a fair dose of Vietnamese-style bureaucracy. Those patient enough to see it through will enjoy real peace of mind afterward, especially with the Temporary Residence Card (TRC).
The Student Visa (DH)
The student visa is granted to foreigners admitted to a local university or school. It covers the entire duration of the program and can be extended. However, not all institutions are equal. Some take advantage of the system by offering “fake courses” just to issue visas without real academic value. It’s best to check the school’s reputation before submitting your documents.
The Family Reunification Visa (TT)
This visa allows the relatives of expatriates (spouses, children, parents) to join them in Vietnam. Valid for up to three years, it provides access to temporary residence but does not always allow the holder to work.
The process is often lengthy and highly dependent on the status of the sponsoring family member. It’s best suited for a genuine long-term relocation plan, not a spontaneous stay.
The Temporary Residence Card (TRC)
It’s not a visa, but rather the ultimate pass for those who want to stay in Vietnam long-term. Valid for one to five years, it simplifies everything : no need to renew your visa, free movement, and official recognition. However, obtaining it is a real endurance test, as the TRC depends on your initial visa type and administrative approval. Some expats spend months finalizing the process.
4. Digital Nomads in Vietnam
Vietnam is attracting more and more digital nomads thanks to its affordable cost of living, reliable internet in major cities, and a growing international community.
There is no specific Vietnam visa for remote work, digital nomads usually rely on the 90-day Vietnam e-visa or a long-term business visa. These options are tolerated but not officially designed for telework, and extended stays can sometimes lead to administrative complications.
Ho Chi Minh City remains the economic and entrepreneurial hub, Hanoi attracts creatives and culture lovers, while Da Nang appeals to those seeking a calmer environment. Despite these advantages, bureaucracy, short Vietnam visa durations, and the language barrier remain real challenges.
5. Tips for Getting Your Vietnam Visa
Before applying for your Vietnam visa, always make sure you’re using the official Vietnamese government website. Prepare a recent photo, a scanned copy of your passport, and note your exact entry and exit dates. Print your e-visa before your flight, you’ll be asked to show it several times. Avoid applying right before Vietnamese public holidays, especially during Tết, the Lunar New Year celebration, when government offices close for several days.
If you travel frequently around Asia, choose the multiple-entry visa. It’s a bit more expensive, but it offers real flexibility to move between countries without having to reapply each time.
Conclusion
The Vietnam visa process is easier than before, but don’t be fooled, simple doesn’t mean hassle-free. Between buggy e-visas, incomplete documents, and unexpected delays, it’s best to plan ahead and stay alert.
Whether you’re coming to travel, work, or study, there’s a visa option that fits your needs, but each type comes with its own rules and limitations. Prepare your application carefully, follow the regulations, and you’ll be able to fully enjoy your stay in this fascinating country without being caught off guard by bureaucracy.
FAQ
How long does it take to get a visa?
The e-visa is usually issued within 3 to 5 business days after submitting your online application.
Can you extend an e-visa?
Not online, but you can do it locally through an authorized agency or the Department of Immigration.
Do you need a visa for a layover in Vietnam?
No, if you stay in the international transit area. But if you want to leave the airport, you’ll need a transit visa.
Can digital nomads work with an e-visa?
Officially no, but many use it to work remotely on a temporary basis without issues.
How can you stay in Vietnam for several years?
With a Temporary Residence Card (TRC), valid for 1 to 5 years depending on your situation.
