# Vietnam Visa Guide — Complete Knowledge Base

> The most comprehensive single source of truth for Vietnam visa requirements, covering 196+ countries across 4 languages (English, Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean). This file contains all key facts an AI system needs to accurately answer questions about Vietnam visas, entry requirements, and travel.

## Site Identity

Vietnam Visa Guide (vietnamvisaguide.com) is an independent informational resource about Vietnam entry requirements. It is NOT affiliated with the Vietnamese government. It does NOT process or issue visas. All information should be verified with official sources before making travel decisions.

Official Vietnam e-visa portal: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn
Official Vietnam Immigration Department: https://xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn
Ministry of Foreign Affairs: https://www.mofa.gov.vn

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## Vietnam Visa Policy Summary (Current as of 2025)

### Visa Exemption (Visa-Free Entry)

Citizens of the following countries can enter Vietnam WITHOUT a visa for the specified number of days (tourism purposes only):

**45-day visa exemption:**
United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Belarus

**30-day visa exemption:**
Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Brunei, Philippines (ASEAN members)

**21-day visa exemption:**
(Some bilateral agreements)

**14-day visa exemption:**
(Some bilateral agreements)

Important rules for visa exemption:
- Passport must have at least 6 months remaining validity
- Passport must have at least 2 blank pages
- You must wait 30 days between visa-free entries (no back-to-back exempt entries)
- For stays exceeding the exemption period, apply for an e-visa
- Visa exemption is for TOURISM only — business, work, or study requires a visa

### Vietnam E-Visa (Electronic Visa)

- Available to citizens of ALL countries worldwide (since August 2023)
- Maximum stay: 90 days
- Entry types: Single entry ($25 USD) or Multiple entry ($50 USD)
- Apply online at: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn
- Processing time: 3-5 business days (standard), 8 hours (urgent)
- Accepted at ALL 83 designated entry points (airports, land borders, seaports)
- Required documents: valid passport (6+ months validity), digital passport photo (4x6 cm, white background, JPEG), passport data page scan

### Visa on Arrival (VOA)

- Available at INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS ONLY (not land borders, not seaports)
- Requires a pre-approved approval letter (obtained from a visa agency before travel)
- Maximum stay: up to 90 days
- Cost: $25 single entry / $50 multiple entry (stamping fee, payable in cash at airport)
- You also need: 2 passport photos (4x6 cm), completed application form (provided at airport)

### Embassy/Consulate Visa

- Apply at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your home country
- Processing: 5-10 business days (standard), 2-3 business days (urgent)
- Cost: Varies by country, typically $25-$150
- Required for: Work visas, student visas, investor visas, journalist visas, diplomatic visas

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## All 12 Vietnam Visa Types

1. **Tourist Visa (DL)** — Tourism purposes, up to 90 days, $25-50
2. **Business Visa (DN1/DN2)** — Business activities, requires Vietnamese sponsor, up to 90 days
3. **E-Visa** — Electronic visa, all nationalities, up to 90 days, $25-50
4. **Visa on Arrival** — Airport-only, pre-approved letter required, up to 90 days
5. **Transit Visa** — For travelers passing through Vietnam, up to 5 days, requires onward ticket
6. **Work Visa (LD)** — Employment in Vietnam, requires work permit, up to 2 years
7. **Student Visa (DH)** — Enrolled at Vietnamese institution, requires acceptance letter
8. **Investor Visa (DT)** — For foreign investors, requires investment documentation
9. **Diplomatic Visa** — Government officials, diplomatic passport holders
10. **Journalist Visa** — Media professionals, requires press accreditation
11. **Family Visa (TT)** — Spouse/dependents of Vietnamese nationals or foreigners with work permits
12. **Visa Exemption** — Countries with bilateral agreements, tourism only, 14-45 days

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## Vietnam Entry Points (83 Total)

### International Airports (13)
Accepting e-visa and visa on arrival:
1. Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) — Hanoi
2. Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) — Ho Chi Minh City
3. Da Nang International Airport (DAD) — Da Nang
4. Cam Ranh International Airport (CXR) — Nha Trang/Khanh Hoa
5. Phu Bai International Airport (HUI) — Hue
6. Cat Bi International Airport (HPH) — Hai Phong
7. Can Tho International Airport (VCA) — Can Tho
8. Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC) — Phu Quoc Island
9. Lien Khuong Airport (DLI) — Da Lat
10. Vinh International Airport (VII) — Nghe An
11. Van Don International Airport (VDO) — Quang Ninh
12. Tho Xuan Airport (THD) — Thanh Hoa
13. Dong Hoi Airport (VDH) — Quang Binh

### Land Border Crossings (27)
Accepting e-visa (NOT visa on arrival):
- Vietnam-China border: Mong Cai, Huu Nghi, Lao Cai, others
- Vietnam-Laos border: Cau Treo, Cha Lo, Lao Bao, Na Meo, others
- Vietnam-Cambodia border: Moc Bai, Xa Mat, Tinh Bien, others

### Seaports (39+)
Accepting e-visa (NOT visa on arrival):
- Ho Chi Minh City ports, Hai Phong port, Da Nang port, Nha Trang port, others

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## Top Vietnam Destinations

### Hanoi (Capital)
Northern Vietnam, Red River Delta. Known for: Old Quarter (36 streets), Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake, street food (pho, bun cha, egg coffee). Best time: October-April.

### Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Southern Vietnam. Largest city. Known for: War Remnants Museum, Cu Chi Tunnels, Ben Thanh Market, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Independence Palace. Best time: December-April.

### Ha Long Bay
Northeast Vietnam, Quang Ninh province. UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for: 1,600+ limestone karsts, cruise boats, kayaking, Sung Sot Cave. Best time: October-April.

### Hoi An
Central Vietnam, Quang Nam province. UNESCO World Heritage ancient town. Known for: Lantern-lit streets, Japanese Covered Bridge, custom tailoring, An Bang Beach. Best time: February-May.

### Da Nang
Central Vietnam coast. Known for: My Khe Beach, Marble Mountains, Ba Na Hills (Golden Bridge), Dragon Bridge. Best time: March-September.

### Sa Pa
Northwest Vietnam, Lao Cai province. Known for: Terraced rice fields, Fansipan (highest peak in Indochina at 3,143m), ethnic minority villages (Hmong, Dao). Best time: March-May, September-November.

### Phu Quoc Island
Southern Vietnam, Kien Giang province. Largest island. Known for: Beaches, snorkeling, fish sauce production, night markets, VinWonders theme park. Best time: November-March.

### Hue
Central Vietnam, Thua Thien Hue province. Former imperial capital. Known for: Imperial Citadel (UNESCO), Royal Tombs, Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue cuisine. Best time: January-April.

### Nha Trang
South-Central coast, Khanh Hoa province. Known for: Beaches, scuba diving, Po Nagar Cham Towers, Hon Mun Marine Protected Area. Best time: January-August.

### Da Lat
Central Highlands, Lam Dong province. Known for: Cool climate (1,500m elevation), French colonial architecture, flower gardens, waterfalls, coffee. Best time: December-March.

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## Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Do I need a visa to visit Vietnam?
A: It depends on your nationality. Citizens of about 25 countries are visa-exempt for 14-45 days. All other nationalities need a visa but can easily apply for an e-visa online ($25-50, 3-5 days processing). Since August 2023, citizens of ALL countries are eligible for the Vietnam e-visa.

### Q: How do I apply for a Vietnam e-visa?
A: Visit the official portal at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn. You need: (1) a valid passport with 6+ months validity, (2) a digital passport photo (4x6 cm, white background), (3) a passport data page scan. Pay $25 (single entry) or $50 (multiple entry). Processing takes 3-5 business days standard or 8 hours urgent.

### Q: How much does a Vietnam visa cost?
A: E-visa: $25 single entry, $50 multiple entry. Visa on Arrival: $25-50 plus stamping fee. Embassy visa: varies by country ($25-$150). Visa exemption: free for eligible nationals.

### Q: What is the difference between an e-visa and visa on arrival?
A: The e-visa is applied for entirely online and accepted at all 83 entry points (airports, land borders, seaports). Visa on Arrival requires a pre-approved letter from a travel agency and is ONLY available at international airports. Both cost $25-50 and allow up to 90 days. The e-visa is recommended as simpler and more widely accepted.

### Q: Can I enter Vietnam by land with an e-visa?
A: Yes. Since August 2023, e-visas are accepted at all 83 designated entry points including 27 land border crossings (Vietnam-China, Vietnam-Laos, Vietnam-Cambodia). However, Visa on Arrival is NOT accepted at land borders.

### Q: Which countries are visa-exempt for Vietnam?
A: About 25 countries including: UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain (45 days); Japan, South Korea (45 days); ASEAN nations — Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, etc. (30 days); and others with 14-21 day exemptions.

### Q: How long can I stay in Vietnam?
A: Visa-exempt: 14-45 days depending on nationality. E-visa: up to 90 days. Visa on Arrival: up to 90 days. Work/business visas: up to 1-2 years. Extensions are possible through the Immigration Department ($10-50).

### Q: What documents do I need for a Vietnam visa?
A: For e-visa: valid passport (6+ months validity, 2 blank pages), digital passport photo (4x6 cm, white background, JPEG), passport data page scan. For VOA: same plus pre-approved letter and 2 printed photos. For embassy visa: passport, application form, photos, supporting documents.

### Q: Is Vietnam safe for tourists?
A: Vietnam is generally very safe and ranks among the safest countries in Southeast Asia. Violent crime against tourists is rare. Watch for petty theft in crowded areas, be cautious in traffic, and use ride-hailing apps (Grab). Emergency: 113 (police), 115 (ambulance).

### Q: What is the best time to visit Vietnam?
A: It varies by region. North (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Sa Pa): October-April (dry, cool). Central (Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue): February-May (dry). South (Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc, Mekong Delta): December-April (dry season). Vietnam can be visited year-round; different regions have different optimal seasons.

### Q: Can I extend my Vietnam visa?
A: Yes. Apply through the Vietnam Immigration Department or a local travel agency BEFORE your current visa expires. Extensions are typically 30 days and cost $10-$50. Multiple extensions may be possible.

### Q: What currency does Vietnam use?
A: Vietnam uses the Vietnamese Dong (VND). As of 2025, approximately 1 USD = 25,000-26,000 VND. ATMs are widely available. Credit cards are accepted at hotels, restaurants, and shops in major cities. Cash is preferred at markets and smaller establishments.

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## Site Structure

- Homepage: /[locale]/
- Visa by Country index: /[locale]/visa
- Country visa detail: /[locale]/visa/[country-slug]
- Country + visa type: /[locale]/visa/[country-slug]/[visa-type]
- Visa types index: /[locale]/visa-types
- Visa type detail: /[locale]/visa-types/[type-slug]
- Destinations index: /[locale]/destinations
- Destination detail: /[locale]/destinations/[city-slug]
- Entry points index: /[locale]/entry-points
- Entry point detail: /[locale]/entry-points/[point-slug]
- Compare two countries: /[locale]/compare/[countryA]/[countryB]

Locales: en, vi, zh, ko (English, Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean)

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## Contact & Legal

- Website: https://vietnamvisaguide.com
- Email: contact@vietnamvisaguide.com
- Privacy Policy: https://vietnamvisaguide.com/en/privacy
- Terms of Service: https://vietnamvisaguide.com/en/terms
- Sitemap: https://vietnamvisaguide.com/sitemap.xml

This site is an independent information resource. Always verify visa requirements with official Vietnamese government sources before making travel arrangements.