How to Obtain a Visa for Vietnam in 2025: Tourist, Business & Online Visa Guide

Planning a trip to Vietnam in 2025 involves understanding the latest visa requirements and knowing precisely how to apply for a visa according to your nationality, purpose of travel, and duration of stay. Whether you're a tourist, business traveler, or student, this comprehensive guide offers essential visa information, helping you obtain a visa easily.

Why Is a Vietnam Travel Visa Required in 2025?

Vietnam requires a valid travel document and entry visa for most nationalities entering the country. Depending on your citizenship, the type of visa you need—such as a tourist visa, business visa, or student visa—may vary significantly. Additionally, certain travelers can benefit from visa-free entry (visa-waiver), depending on bilateral diplomatic agreements or exemptions.

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Types of Vietnam Visas (Tourist, Business, Transit & Student Visas)

1. Online Visa (E-Visa)

The Vietnam online visa (E-Visa) offers convenience for various travelers including tourists, business visa applicants, and those on short-stay trips.

• Duration: Up to 90 days (single or multiple entries)

• Nationality: Over 80 eligible nationalities, including French, Canadian, Swiss, and Belgian citizenship holders

• Visa requirements: Valid passport (at least 6 months), recent photo, scanned travel documents, potential invitation letter (authorization) depending on visa type

• Visa applications: Submitted via immigration.gov.vn, the official visa-issuance site

• Processing time: 3–5 business days

• Cost: $25–50 USD, depending on duration and entry type

• After successful issuance, your visa will be emailed, ready to be printed or presented digitally at the port of entry.

2. Visa on Arrival (VOA)

VOA is suitable for urgent or short-notice travelers arriving by air. You must obtain prior authorization via an approved travel agency before departure from your home-country. Your visa will then be officially stamped upon arrival at the airport immigration counter.

• Applicable: Tourist visas, business visas, short-term visits

• Requires a travel document, valid passport, and pre-issued invitation letter (authorization)

• Only valid at international airports (port of entry)

3. Embassy or Consulate-General Issued Visa

For long-term stays, including employment, diplomatic missions, or long-term student visas, you must apply directly at your local Vietnamese consulate-general or embassy.

• Common visa types: Residence permit, student visa, diplomatic, and specific business visas

• Includes requirements like proof of employment, study enrollment, and sponsorship letters

• Application processing can involve personal interviews and specific visa documents

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a Vietnam Online Visa (E-Visa)

Follow these simplified steps to apply for a visa online:

1. Visit the official Vietnam immigration site.

2. Click on "Visa online" application and select the type of visa needed (e.g., tourist visa, visitor visa or business visa).

3. Complete all required personal details, including nationality, passport information, and intended port of entry.

4. Upload scanned passports, travel documents, and recent passport-size photos.

5. Pay your visa fee securely online.

6. After visa issuance, download your E-visa sent directly to your provided email address.

Can You Extend or Renew Your Vietnam Entry Visa?

Yes, your Vietnam entry visa can be extended, but only through authorized local visa services providers or legal experts. Ensure you begin renewal or extension before the current visa expires.

• Check carefully your visa's expiration date, as overstays can lead to significant penalties.

• Always keep your official travel documents and visa stamped clearly to ensure smooth renewals or extensions.

Visa Costs and Fees

• Online visa (e-visa): $25–50 USD

• Embassy-issued tourist or business visa: Approximately €60–85 EUR depending on the length of stay

• Additional fees via visa agencies: Typically between €20–100 EUR

Vietnam Visa Validity and Processing Time

• Tourist & Business Visas: Validity from 30 to 90 days

• Processing time for online applications: typically 3–7 days

• Embassy or consulate processing can vary depending on your visa category (nonimmigrant, diplomatic, etc.)

Important Tips & Visa Information for Travelers

• Always print your online-issued visa and store a digital backup.

• Maintain photocopies of your passport, visa, and essential travel documents.

• Verify visa requirements regularly with your Vietnamese consulate-general before departure.

• Avoid unofficial websites offering suspiciously low fees.

• Always ensure your visa is clearly stamped upon entry at your port of entry.

Special Visa Conditions for Adoptees & Returning Citizens

Vietnamese adoptees or returning citizens (citizenship by descent) can apply for special visas or even a residence permit. This process might require additional supporting documents proving identity and family connections in Vietnam.

Final Thoughts: How to Successfully Obtain a Vietnam Visa in 2025

Whether you're seeking a short tourist visa, a long-term business visa, or a simple transit visa, obtaining the right documentation to enter Vietnam is straightforward with proper preparation. Understanding the various types of visas, exemptions (visa-waiver), and procedures is crucial for stress-free travel in 2025.

Pro tip: Begin the application process at least two weeks before departure and regularly review visa information from official sources.

Don’t forget to subscribe to our monthly visa information newsletter, packed with updates, special offers, exemptions, and essential travel advice.

Further reading on traveling to Vietnam:

• Living in Vietnam vs. Traveling: Citizenship and Residency Options

• Essential Travel Documents for Vietnam in 2025

• Exploring Your Heritage: Visa Information for Vietnamese Adoptees

• Best Times to Visit Vietnam: Nationalities & Visa-Free Entry