Key Takeaways
• Vietnam e-visa costs $25 single or $50 multiple entry, valid up to 90 days with online application.
• Standard e-visa processing takes 3–5 working days, up to 10 days during peak times.
• Work visas require employer application, labor permit, and embassy visa, totaling 15–22 days processing.
If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam 🇻🇳 in 2025, understanding the Vietnam Visa process is essential. Whether you’re a tourist, business traveler, overseas Vietnamese, or planning to work in Vietnam, following the correct steps will help you avoid delays, fines, or even being denied entry. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step approach to applying for a Vietnam Visa, with a focus on the popular e-visa system, as well as traditional and special visa types. You’ll also find practical tips, common mistakes to avoid, troubleshooting advice, and a handy checklist to make your application process as smooth as possible.
Purpose and Overview
The Vietnam Visa system is designed to control who enters the country and for what purpose. The e-visa is now the main way for most travelers to enter Vietnam 🇻🇳, offering a quick, online process for stays up to 90 days. Other visa types, such as traditional visas and five-year exemption certificates, are available for longer stays, work, or for overseas Vietnamese and their families. The Ministry of Public Security oversees all visa matters, and the Vietnam Immigration Department is the main authority for issuing e-visas.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Vietnam E-Visa Application (2025)
1. Prepare Your Documents
Before you start your application, gather all the required documents. Missing or incorrect documents are a common reason for delays or rejections.
- Valid passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in Vietnam 🇻🇳 and have at least one blank page.
- Digital passport photo: Use a white background. Do not wear glasses or headwear (unless for religious reasons).
- Scanned passport data page: Make sure the scan is clear and all details are readable.
Time estimate: 10–20 minutes (if documents are ready)
Common pitfalls:
– Passport expiring soon (less than 6 months validity)
– Poor quality photo or scan
– Missing blank page in passport
2. Apply Online
The e-visa application is completed online through the official Vietnam e-visa portal. Only use this official site to avoid scams.
Steps:
– Go to the official e-visa portal.
– Fill in the application form with accurate details:
– Full name (as in passport)
– Date of birth
– Nationality
– Passport number
– Entry and exit dates
– Entry and exit points (airports, land borders, seaports)
– Upload your digital passport photo and scanned data page.
Time estimate: 20–30 minutes
Critical info:
All details must match your passport exactly. Even small mistakes (like a typo in your name or passport number) can result in denial of entry.
Common pitfalls:
– Typos in names or numbers
– Choosing the wrong entry/exit point
– Uploading the wrong file format or unclear images
3. Pay the E-Visa Fee
After submitting your application, you’ll be asked to pay the visa fee.
- Single entry (up to 90 days): $25
- Multiple entry (up to 90 days): $50
Payment is made online by bank card. Keep a copy of your payment confirmation.
Time estimate: 5–10 minutes
Common pitfalls:
– Using unofficial payment links (risk of scams)
– Payment not going through due to card restrictions
4. Wait for Processing
The standard processing time for a Vietnam e-visa is 3–5 working days. However, during busy travel seasons or if extra documents are needed, it can take up to 7–10 working days.
- Expedited processing: Available for an extra fee, with results in 4–8 working hours. This is not always guaranteed.
Time estimate: 3–5 working days (standard), up to 10 days (peak times)
Common pitfalls:
– Applying too late and missing your travel date
– Not checking your email (including spam/junk folders) for updates
5. Receive and Print Your E-Visa
Once approved, you’ll receive a PDF e-visa approval letter by email. Download and print this document. You must present a printed copy when entering Vietnam 🇻🇳.
Time estimate: 5 minutes
Critical info:
Do not rely on showing your e-visa on your phone. Always bring a printed copy.
Common pitfalls:
– Forgetting to print the e-visa
– Printing a blurry or incomplete document
6. Enter Vietnam
At your chosen port of entry, present your:
– Printed e-visa approval letter
– Passport (must match all details on the e-visa)
An immigration officer will check your documents. If everything matches, you’ll be allowed to enter.
Time estimate: 10–30 minutes (may vary by airport or border crossing)
Critical info:
If there are any differences between your e-visa and passport, you may be denied entry.
Common pitfalls:
– Arriving at a different entry point than listed on your e-visa
– Passport details not matching the e-visa
Additional Visa Types and Procedures
Traditional Visa (Embassy/Consulate Application)
If you need to stay longer than 90 days, plan to work, or your country is not eligible for the e-visa, you’ll need to apply through a Vietnamese embassy or consulate.
Steps:
1. Contact your nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate.
2. Complete the visa application form (available on embassy websites).
3. Prepare supporting documents (may include invitation letter, work permit, or business documents).
4. Submit your application in person or by mail.
5. Pay the visa fee (varies by visa type and embassy).
6. Wait for processing (10–15 working days).
7. Collect your visa or receive it by mail.
Time estimate: 10–15 working days
Common pitfalls:
– Missing documents
– Applying too late
– Not checking specific embassy requirements
Five-Year Visa Exemption Certificate
This special visa is for overseas Vietnamese and their immediate family members.
Steps:
1. Complete the application form (available at embassies or consulates).
2. Provide two recent passport photos.
3. Show proof of Vietnamese origin or relationship (such as birth certificate or marriage certificate).
4. Submit your valid passport (must be valid for at least 1 year).
5. Pay the fee (varies; check with your embassy).
6. Wait for processing (7–15 working days).
Time estimate: 7–15 working days
Critical info:
Certificate is valid for up to 5 years, but will expire at least 6 months before your passport does.
Common pitfalls:
– Not having enough passport validity
– Missing proof of relationship or origin
Work Visa (LD) Process
For those planning to work in Vietnam 🇻🇳, the process is more involved and requires coordination with your employer.
Steps:
1. Employer applies for foreign labor approval at least 30 days before your start date.
2. Prepare documents:
– Valid passport
– Health certificate
– Criminal record check
– Proof of qualifications
– Passport photos
3. Submit documents to DOLISA (Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs).
– Work permit processed in 10–15 working days.
4. Apply for LD visa at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate.
– Visa issued in 5–7 working days.
5. Pay fees:
– Work permit: $100–$150
– Visa: $25–$50
– Additional costs for document translation and legalization
Time estimate: 15–22 working days (total)
Common pitfalls:
– Missing or incorrect documents
– Employer delays in starting the process
– Not allowing enough time before your planned start date
Time Estimates for All Visa Types
- E-visa: 3–5 working days (standard), up to 10 days (peak)
- Traditional visa: 10–15 working days
- Work visa (LD): 10–15 days (work permit) + 5–7 days (visa)
- Five-year exemption: 7–15 working days
Apply at least 2–3 weeks before your planned travel date to avoid problems.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
- Typos or errors in your application: Double-check all details before submitting.
- Using unofficial websites or agents: Only use the official Vietnam e-visa portal.
- Applying too late: Start your application at least 2–3 weeks in advance.
- Overstaying your visa: There are no in-country extensions for e-visas. Overstaying leads to fines and possible exit delays.
- Not matching entry/exit points: Enter and exit Vietnam 🇻🇳 at the locations listed on your e-visa.
- Not printing your e-visa: Always bring a printed copy.
Troubleshooting and Frequently Asked Questions
Q: My e-visa hasn’t arrived after 5 days. What should I do?
A: Check your email’s spam or junk folder. If you still haven’t received it after 10 days, contact the Vietnam Immigration Department through the official portal.
Q: I made a mistake on my application. Can I fix it?
A: Once submitted, you cannot edit your application. You must submit a new application and pay the fee again.
Q: Can I extend my e-visa while in Vietnam 🇻🇳?
A: No. E-visas cannot be extended or renewed inside Vietnam. You must leave the country and apply for a new visa if you wish to return.
Q: What happens if I overstay my visa?
A: You will face fines and possible delays when leaving Vietnam. In some cases, you may be banned from re-entering for a period of time.
Q: Are visa agents safe to use?
A: Many unofficial agents operate online and some are scams. Always use the official government website or your nearest embassy.
Checklist Summary: Vietnam Visa Application
Before you apply:
– [ ] Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay
– [ ] At least one blank passport page
– [ ] Digital passport photo (white background, no glasses/headwear)
– [ ] Scanned passport data page
During application:
– [ ] Use the official Vietnam e-visa portal
– [ ] Enter all details exactly as in your passport
– [ ] Upload correct documents and photo
– [ ] Pay the correct fee ($25 single entry, $50 multiple entry)
After application:
– [ ] Check your email (including spam/junk) for the e-visa approval letter
– [ ] Print the e-visa PDF
– [ ] Double-check all details match your passport
Before travel:
– [ ] Bring your printed e-visa and passport
– [ ] Enter and exit at the points listed on your e-visa
Practical Tips and Official Resources
- Apply early: Start your application at least 2–3 weeks before your trip.
- Double-check everything: Even small mistakes can cause big problems.
- Don’t overstay: There are no in-country extensions for e-visas.
- Use only official websites: Avoid scams by applying through the official e-visa portal.
- Stay updated: Visa rules can change. Always check the Vietnam Immigration Department for the latest information.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, most travelers find the e-visa system fast and convenient, but delays can happen during busy times or if documents are missing. The Ministry of Public Security continues to monitor and manage all visa processes, and no major changes are expected in 2025.
Final Thoughts
Applying for a Vietnam Visa in 2025 is straightforward if you follow the correct steps and use official resources. The e-visa system covers most short-term visits, while traditional and special visas are available for longer stays, work, or family reasons. Always allow plenty of time, check your documents carefully, and avoid unofficial agents. For the latest updates and official forms, visit the Vietnam Immigration Department e-visa portal.
By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared for your trip to Vietnam 🇻🇳, with all the right paperwork in hand. Safe travels!
Learn Today
E-visa → An electronic visa allowing travelers to enter Vietnam for up to 90 days via online application.
Ministry of Public Security → Vietnam government body overseeing immigration, visas, and public safety regulations.
Visa Exemption Certificate → A certificate allowing overseas Vietnamese and families to enter Vietnam visa-free for up to five years.
Work Permit → An official document approving employment of foreigners in Vietnam, required before work visa application.
Vietnam Immigration Department → The authority responsible for processing and issuing e-visas and managing immigration procedures.
This Article in a Nutshell
Planning a Vietnam trip in 2025? Master the e-visa process to avoid delays with clear steps, tips, and official resources for smooth entry.
— By VisaVerge.com
