Key Takeaways
• Vietnam offers a 90-day multiple-entry e-visa valid for all nationalities with a 50 USD fee.
• Visa on Arrival requires a pre-approval letter and is available only at eight designated airports.
• Visa waivers for 12 countries allow stays up to 45 days without visa through March 2028.
Vietnam’s visa policies have changed a lot in recent years, making it much easier for travelers and business visitors to enter and leave the country multiple times. The Vietnam Multiple Entry Visa is now available to citizens of all countries, allowing people to come and go as often as they need during the visa’s valid period. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Vietnam Multiple Entry Visa, including who can get it, how to apply, what documents you need, and common mistakes to avoid.
Whether you’re a tourist, business traveler, or someone visiting family, this step-by-step guide will help you understand the process and avoid problems. You’ll also find a checklist at the end to make sure you don’t miss anything important.
1. Understanding the Purpose and Benefits of the Vietnam Multiple Entry Visa
The Vietnam Multiple Entry Visa lets you enter and exit Vietnam as many times as you want during the visa’s validity period. This is especially helpful for:
- Tourists who want to visit nearby countries and return to Vietnam
- Business travelers who need to attend meetings or events in Vietnam and other countries
- Family visitors who may need to leave and re-enter Vietnam for personal reasons
Key benefits:
– No need to apply for a new visa each time you leave and return
– Saves time and money for frequent travelers
– Flexible for changing travel plans
Latest policy updates (as of June 2025):
– Multiple-entry e-visas are available for citizens of all countries
– Valid for up to 90 days
– Visa waivers for 12 countries allow stays up to 45 days without a visa
– No waiting period required between visa-free entries
2. Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for a Vietnam Multiple Entry Visa
There are three main ways to get a Vietnam Multiple Entry Visa:
- E-Visa (Online Application)
- Visa on Arrival (at the airport)
3. Visa from a Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate
Each method has its own steps and requirements. Choose the one that fits your travel plans best.
Step 1: Decide Which Visa Application Method Is Right for You
1. E-Visa (Online Application)
- Best for most travelers
- Apply online from anywhere
- No need to visit an embassy or use a visa agency
2. Visa on Arrival
- Only for travelers arriving by air at certain airports
- Requires a pre-approval letter before you fly
3. Embassy/Consulate Visa
- Traditional method
- Good for those who want a physical visa before traveling
Tip: Most people now use the e-visa system because it’s fast, easy, and available to everyone.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
No matter which method you choose, you’ll need some basic documents:
- Valid passport (must be valid for at least 6 months after your planned entry date)
- Passport-sized photos (digital for e-visa, printed for other methods)
- Personal details (must match your passport exactly)
- Travel details (entry and exit dates, ports of entry/exit)
For business visas: You may need an introduction letter from a Vietnamese company.
Step 3: Applying for a Vietnam Multiple Entry E-Visa (Recommended Method)
1. Prepare Your Documents
- Scan your passport’s main page (clear, color image)
- Prepare a digital passport photo (plain background, JPEG or PNG format)
- Have your travel dates and entry/exit points ready
2. Complete the Online Application
- Go to the official Vietnam National Electronic Visa system
- Fill out the form with your personal and travel details
- Select “Multiple entry” when asked about visa type
3. Pay the Visa Fee
- 50 USD for a multiple-entry e-visa (single entry is 25 USD)
- Pay by bank transfer as instructed on the website
4. Wait for Processing
- Standard processing: 2-5 working days
- Urgent processing may be available for an extra fee
5. Receive Your E-Visa
- The e-visa will be sent to your email as a PDF file
- Print it out and keep a digital copy on your phone
6. Enter Vietnam
- Show your e-visa and passport at the border
- Make sure you use the ports of entry/exit listed on your e-visa
Time estimate: 15-30 minutes to apply, 2-5 days to receive your visa
Step 4: Applying for a Vietnam Multiple Entry Visa on Arrival
1. Apply for a Pre-Approval Letter
- Use a trusted visa agency online
- Fill out the application form and pay the service fee
- Wait 2-5 working days for your approval letter (urgent options available)
2. Prepare Documents for Arrival
- Print your pre-approval letter
- Fill out the visa application form (usually provided by the agency)
- Bring your valid passport
- Bring two passport-sized photos
3. Arrive at a Designated Airport
- Only these airports accept visa on arrival: Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, Cat Bi, Danang, Cam Ranh, Lien Khuong, Phu Quoc, Can Tho
4. Get Your Visa at the Airport
- Go to the “Visa on Arrival” counter
- Show your documents and pay the stamping fee (in cash, usually USD or VND)
- Receive your visa stamp in your passport
Important: Only your first entry must be by air. After that, you can enter by land or sea.
Time estimate: 10-20 minutes at the airport (may be longer during busy times)
Step 5: Applying for a Vietnam Multiple Entry Visa at an Embassy or Consulate
1. Contact Your Local Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate
- Requirements can vary by country
- Check their website or call for the latest information
2. Prepare Your Documents
- Completed visa application form (get it from the embassy’s website or office)
- Valid passport
- Passport-sized photos
- Introduction letter (for business visas)
- Visa fee (amount and payment method vary)
3. Submit Your Application
- Apply in person or by mail (if allowed)
- Pay the visa fee
4. Receive Your Visa
- Pick it up in person or receive it by mail
Time estimate: 3-7 working days (varies by embassy)
3. Visa Exemptions and Special Cases
Vietnam’s visa policies include several exemptions and special programs:
- 12 countries (including the United Kingdom 🇬🇧, Germany 🇩🇪, France 🇫🇷, Italy 🇮🇹, Spain 🇪🇸, Russia 🇷🇺, Japan 🇯🇵, South Korea 🇰🇷, Denmark 🇩🇰, Sweden 🇸🇪, Norway 🇳🇴, Finland 🇫🇮) have visa waivers until March 14, 2028. Citizens can stay up to 45 days without a visa.
- Poland 🇵🇱, the Czech Republic 🇨🇿, and Switzerland 🇨🇭 have a special waiver for tourists on organized tours from March 1 to December 31, 2025.
- No waiting period between visa-free entries—immediate re-entry is allowed.
Note: If you’re from a visa-exempt country but plan to stay longer than the allowed days or need multiple entries beyond the waiver, you must apply for a visa.
4. Fees, Validity, and Payment Methods
- Multiple-entry e-visa: 50 USD (valid for up to 90 days)
- Visa on arrival: Service fee (paid online) + stamping fee (paid at the airport in cash)
- Embassy/Consulate visa: Fees vary by country and visa type
Tip: Always check the latest fees on the official Vietnam Immigration website.
5. Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
1. Applying for the Wrong Visa Type
– Make sure you select “Multiple entry” if you plan to leave and return during your trip.
2. Using the Wrong Port of Entry
– E-visa holders must enter and exit through the ports listed on their visa.
3. Passport Expiry
– Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your planned entry date.
4. Incomplete or Incorrect Documents
– Double-check all forms and photos before submitting.
5. Not Having Enough Cash for Stamping Fee
– Visa on arrival requires cash payment at the airport (USD or VND).
6. Not Checking Latest Policies
– Visa policies can change. Always check official sources before you travel.
6. Troubleshooting and Solutions
Problem: Didn’t receive e-visa email
Solution: Check your spam folder. If not found, contact the e-visa support team using the contact details on the official website.
Problem: Need to change from single to multiple entry after applying
Solution: Contact your visa service provider or the embassy before your application is processed.
Problem: Arriving at a non-designated airport for visa on arrival
Solution: Only use the eight approved airports for your first entry. If you arrive elsewhere, you may be denied entry.
Problem: Lost pre-approval letter or documents
Solution: Contact your visa agency immediately for a replacement.
7. Checklist Summary: Vietnam Multiple Entry Visa Application
Before You Apply:
– [ ] Decide which visa method (e-visa, on arrival, embassy) fits your travel plans
– [ ] Check your passport validity (at least 6 months left)
– [ ] Prepare digital and printed passport photos
For E-Visa:
– [ ] Scan passport and photo
– [ ] Fill out the online application
– [ ] Select “Multiple entry”
– [ ] Pay the 50 USD fee
– [ ] Wait for approval email
– [ ] Print your e-visa
For Visa on Arrival:
– [ ] Apply for pre-approval letter through a visa agency
– [ ] Print pre-approval letter and visa application form
– [ ] Bring two passport photos
– [ ] Bring enough cash for the stamping fee
– [ ] Arrive at a designated airport
For Embassy/Consulate Visa:
– [ ] Contact the embassy for requirements
– [ ] Fill out the application form
– [ ] Gather all documents and photos
– [ ] Pay the visa fee
– [ ] Submit application and wait for your visa
Before You Travel:
– [ ] Check the latest visa policies on the official Vietnam Immigration website
– [ ] Double-check your visa details (dates, entry/exit points)
– [ ] Pack all documents in your carry-on bag
8. Future Outlook and Policy Changes
Vietnam is working to make its visa policies even more open. Some possible changes in the future include:
- Adding more countries to the visa exemption list
- Introducing a “golden visa” for long-term visitors and investors (valid for 5-10 years)
- Special visa exemptions for high-profile visitors
These changes are part of Vietnam’s plan to attract more tourists and business travelers, aiming for 22-23 million international visitors in 2025. As reported by VisaVerge.com, these flexible visa policies are making Vietnam a top choice for travelers who need to enter and exit the country multiple times.
9. Final Tips and Practical Guidance
- Always use official websites for visa applications to avoid scams.
- Keep digital and printed copies of your visa and important documents.
- Plan your travel dates and entry/exit points carefully to match your visa.
- Contact the Vietnamese embassy or immigration office if you have special circumstances or questions.
By following these steps and using the checklist, you can apply for a Vietnam Multiple Entry Visa with confidence. The process is now more straightforward than ever, thanks to updated visa policies and online systems. For the latest updates and detailed instructions, always refer to the official Vietnam Immigration website.
With the right preparation, you’ll be ready to enjoy everything Vietnam has to offer—whether you’re coming for business, tourism, or to visit family—without the stress of repeated visa applications.
Learn Today
Multiple Entry Visa → A visa allowing multiple entries and exits during its validity period.
E-Visa → An electronic visa applied for and received online without visiting an embassy.
Visa on Arrival → A visa obtained at the airport upon arrival with a prior approval letter.
Pre-Approval Letter → An official document required before travel to get a visa on arrival.
Visa Waiver → Permission allowing citizens of certain countries to enter without a visa.
This Article in a Nutshell
Vietnam’s updated visa policies introduce a 90-day multiple-entry e-visa for all citizens, easing travel. Options include visa on arrival and embassy applications, with clear requirements and steps. Business and tourists benefit from flexible, time-saving access, supported by visa waivers for select countries and multiple entry convenience.
— By VisaVerge.com
