Understanding Vietnam Visa Types and How to Obtain Them
If you are planning to travel to Vietnam, it is essential to understand the visa requirements before your departure. Knowing the appropriate visa type for your purpose and itinerary can help you avoid unexpected issues, save time, and reduce costs. In this article, we will provide an in-depth look at the different types of Vietnam visas based on the purpose of your visit and their validity.
Vietnam offers a comprehensive range of visa categories, totaling around 21, each tailored to the specific purpose of the visit. These visa categories were introduced on July 1, 2020, in accordance with Law No. 51/2019/QH14.
Among these categories, the following five are popular and common.
- Tourist Visa (DL)
- Business Visa (DN1, DN2)
- Student/Internship Visa (DH)
- Investor Visa (DT1, DT2, DT3, DT4)
- Working Visa (LD1 – LD2)
In addition to these, Vietnam also offers other visa types, including:
· LV1:-LV2: For individuals collaborating with Vietnam authorities/parties, valid for up to 12 months.
· LS: Lawyer visa, allowing legal professionals to stay for a maximum of 5 years.
· NN1: Granted to members of delegations invited by high-ranking officials, such as the President, Prime Minister, etc., for up to 12 months.
· NN2: Extended to members of delegations invited by lower-ranking officials and those at ministerial/provincial levels, valid for up to 12 months.
· NN3: Visa for diplomatic missions, consular offices, and international organization representatives, including family members and housemaids, for up to 12 months.
· NN4: For those working with diplomatic missions and international organizations, including family members and visitors, for up to 12 months.
· HN: Suitable for attendees of meetings/conferences, allowing a stay of up to 3 months.
· DH: Designed for students/interns, permitting a stay of up to 12 months.
· PV1: Intended for journalists with permanent residence in Vietnam, valid for up to 12 months.
· PV2: Applicable to journalists with short-term residence in Vietnam, also valid for up to 12 months.
· TT: For dependents of various visa holders or relatives of Vietnamese citizens, allowing a stay of up to 12 months.
· VR: For family visits and other purposes, with a maximum stay of 6 months.
· SQ: Pertaining to cases specified in Law No. 47/2014/QH13, allowing a stay of up to 6 months.
EV: Electronic visa, granting a maximum stay of 90 days.
1. Tourist visa
Currently, there are three primary avenues to acquire a tourist visa for Vietnam:
- Applying for a Vietnam e-visa: The E-visas are available for nationals of 80 specific countries. You can apply directly for e-Visas here: Vietnam e-Visa Official Website
- Apply via Embassy/Consulate: Visit the nearest Vietnamese embassy/consulate to apply for
- Visa on Arrival (for air travel): Travelers arriving by air can apply for a visa on arrival. Apply online for a visa approval letter through a reputable agency before departure. Upon arrival in Vietnam, present the approval letter at immigration, pay the stamping fee, and receive the visa stamp.
Validity of Tourist visa
- Tourist Visa with a validity exceeding 30 days will receive a 30-day temporary residence stamp.
- The E-visa for 80 specific countries is valid for up to 3 months for single entry.
2. Business visa
The business visa is for foreigners engaging in business-related activities with organizations holding legal status in Vietnam. This visa type is divided into DN1 and DN2 visas based on specific business purposes.
- DN1 visa: For working with other businesses and organizations with legal status.
- DN2 visa: For offering services, establishing a commercial presence, or performing other activities under international treaties.
Validity and Entries: The business visa can have 1-month single or multiple entries, and maximum of 3 months of single or multiple entries based on the working activities in Vietnam and the invitation letter of sponsoring entity in Vietnam.
Steps to obtain a Business Visa:
- Sponsoring Entity: Typically, you need a sponsoring entity in Vietnam, such as a company or organization, that invites you for business-related activities.
- Apply for entry Business Visa Approval Letter from Vietnam Immigration Department: The sponsoring entity in Vietnam will assist in obtaining the approval letter from the Immigration Department.
- Get a Business Visa Stamp: You will need to submit your application and necessary documents to the nearest Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in your home country to obtain the business visa stamp on your passport before your travel to Vietnam.
3. Student visa
A student visa enables individuals to enter Vietnam for the purpose of studying at an educational institution, such as a university, college, or language school in Vietnam.
Steps to obtain a student Visa:
- Acceptance by Educational Institution: Apply and secure admission from a recognized school or educational institution in Vietnam.
- Receive Acceptance Letter: Upon acceptance, the institution provides a letter confirming your student status.
- Apply for Student entry visa Approval Letter: Generally, the Vietnamese school will assist in obtaining the approval letter from the Immigration Department in Vietnam.
- Obtain Student Visa Stamp: Student must submit application and required documents to the nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate in their home country to get the student visa stamp before travelling to Vietnam.
4. Working visa
The working visa is intended for foreigners coming to work in Vietnam. It is categorized into two subtypes:
- LD1 visa: For those with work permit exemption certificates.
- LD2 visa: For those requiring a work permit.
Validity: The working visa is valid for a maximum of 1 year. If you plan to stay longer, you can apply for an Temporary residence card, which is valid for up to 2 years.
Steps to obtain a working Visa:
- Job Offer: Secure a job offer from a Vietnamese employer or company. You’ll need a formal employment agreement or contract.
- Work Permit Application: Your employer should initiate the process by applying for a work permit on your behalf from the Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (DoLISA) in the province where you’ll be working.
- Approval for Work Permit: Once your work permit application is approved, you’ll receive a work permit certificate. This process can take a few weeks to a couple of months.
- Visa Application: With the work permit notice, your employer in Vietnam will assist in applying for entry work visa approval from Vietnam Immigration Department
- Obtain work Visa Stamp: You submit your application and required documents to the nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your home country to get the work visa stamp on passport before you travel to Vietnam.
5. Investor visa
The investor visa is granted to foreign investors and representatives of foreign organizations investing in Vietnam. It is divided into four categories: DT1, DT2, DT3, and DT4, based on the investment amount.
Validity: The investor visa is valid for up to 5 years for DT1 and DT2 visas, up to 3 years for DT3 visas, and up to 12 months for DT4 visas.
Steps to obtain Investor visa
- Investment: Make a significant investment in a Vietnamese business.
- Business Setup: Register a business entity in Vietnam.
- Certificate: Obtain an Investment Certificate from local authorities.
- Work Permit: Apply for a work permit if you plan to work.
- Visa Application: Apply for an investor visa at the Vietnamese embassy/consulate.
- Entry: Enter Vietnam with the investor visa.
VIETNAM VISA FAQs
1. How do I apply for an E-visa
Visit the official website of the Vietnam e-Visa Official Website and follow the instructions to fill out the online application form. You will need to provide personal details, travel information, and upload necessary documents such as a passport photo and scanned passport bio page.
2. How far in advance should I apply for a visa?
It’s recommended to apply for a visa well in advance, especially if you’re applying through an Embassy/Consulate. Processing times may vary, so it’s advisable to apply at least a 2 weeks before your intended travel date.
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