Vietnam Visa Types: 7 Essential, Complete Guide 2026

Vietnam visa types cover 27 official categories, each issued for a specific purpose of entry. The most common are the tourist visa (DL), business visa (DN1 and DN2), work visa (LD1 and LD2), investor visa (DT1 to DT4), and the electronic visa, which accepts citizens of all nationalities as of 2026.

Choosing the right category depends on why you are entering Vietnam. Tourists apply for the DL visa or the e-visa, which allows stays of up to 90 days. Business travelers need a DN1 or DN2. Foreign workers require an LD1 or LD2, depending on whether they hold a valid Vietnamese work permit or qualify for a work permit exemption.

You can obtain a Vietnam visa through three channels: online through the government e-visa portal at evisa.gov.vn, through a Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your country, or as a visa on arrival at an international airport. The channel available to you depends on the visa category you need and the purpose of your visit.

Below, this guide covers each category in detail, including the official code, validity period, permitted activities, fees, and how to apply.

Vietnam visa types in brief:
Number of official categories	27 types
Most common for tourists	Tourist visa (DL) or e-visa, up to 90 days
E-visa eligibility	All nationalities
Application channels	Online (e-visa), embassy or consulate, visa on arrival

What Are the Vietnam Visa Types?

There are 27 official Vietnam visa types, classified by purpose of entry and the category of the applicant. Each type carries a two-letter or mixed alphanumeric code assigned by the Ministry of Public Security. The code tells immigration officers at the port of entry what activities the holder is permitted to carry out during their stay.

The 27 categories break down into six broad groups:

• Tourist (DL): for sightseeing, vacation, and visiting family or friends.
• Business (DN1, DN2): for commercial activities, business meetings, and service provision.
• Work (LD1, LD2): for foreign nationals employed by a Vietnamese organization.
• Investor (DT1-DT4): for foreigners who have registered capital investment in Vietnam.
• Student and education (DH): for foreigners enrolled at Vietnamese institutions.
• Special categories (TT, NG, HN, UD1, UD2, and others): for family members of Vietnamese residents, diplomatic staff, and high-skill foreign talent.

Most foreigners visiting for tourism or short business trips apply for the e-visa, which covers the DL category electronically and is processed online without visiting an embassy. Longer stays or work-related entries require the appropriate category issued through a Vietnamese embassy or the government immigration portal.

The permitted activities section attached to each visa code is the deciding factor when choosing a category. Entering Vietnam on a tourist visa (DL) to conduct paid work is a violation of that visa's conditions and may result in deportation and a ban on re-entry. If your purpose changes after arrival, you must apply for a visa change or extension at the Immigration Department before the current visa expires.

Vietnam also grants visa exemptions to citizens of around 25 countries under bilateral agreements. Citizens of Japan, South Korea, and several European countries, among others, can enter without any visa for stays of 14 to 45 days depending on the agreement. Check the current exemption list on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website before applying, as exemptions are reviewed periodically.

Tourist Visa (DL): Visiting Vietnam for Leisure

The tourist visa (DL) is issued to foreigners entering Vietnam for sightseeing, vacation, leisure activities, or visiting family and friends. It is the most widely used visa category among foreign visitors to Vietnam.

The DL visa is valid for a maximum of 90 days and is available as single entry or multiple entry. You can apply through three methods:

1. Apply online for the e-visa version of the DL category. Processing takes 3-5 working days. The government fee is 25 USD for single entry and 50 USD for multiple entry. The fee is non-refundable.
2. Apply at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your country. Processing typically takes 5-7 working days for standard service. Submit your passport bio page, completed application form (NA2), and a passport-sized photo (4x6cm, white background, no glasses).
3. Use visa on arrival by securing a pre-approved visa letter from a licensed agency before departure, then paying the visa stamping fee at the airport counter upon arrival in Vietnam.

Note: Visa on arrival is applicable to air travel only. If you enter by land border gate or seaport, you must obtain the DL visa in advance through the e-visa system or at a Vietnamese embassy.

The e-visa is the fastest and most cost-effective method for most nationalities. It is accepted at all international airports, all international seaports, and over 70 land border gates. In 2026, Vietnam added 41 new land border gates to the accepted list, making overland entry from China, Laos, and Cambodia significantly more accessible for e-visa holders.

For stays beyond 90 days, you must exit Vietnam and re-apply. There is no provision to extend a tourist visa beyond the initial 90-day maximum from inside the country without changing to a different visa category, such as a temporary residence card.

Entry type	Maximum stay	E-visa fee (government rate)
Single entry	90 days	25 USD
Multiple entry	90 days per visit	50 USD

Business Visa (DN1 and DN2): Entering for Work Purposes

The business visa covers two sub-types: DN1 and DN2. DN1 is issued to foreigners entering Vietnam to work with or for Vietnamese enterprises and organizations that have legal status under Vietnamese law. DN2 is issued to foreigners entering Vietnam to offer services, establish commercial presence, conduct market research, or explore investment opportunities.

Both DN1 and DN2 allow stays of up to 90 days per entry and are available as single or multiple entry. In practice, many foreign businesspeople use a DN visa for activities that do not require a formal work permit, such as attending conferences, signing contracts, conducting site inspections, or negotiating agreements.

To apply for a DN1 or DN2 visa, you must have an invitation or sponsorship letter from a Vietnamese company or organization with legal status. The guaranteeing agency submits the invitation to the immigration authority, which issues an approval letter. You then use that approval letter to collect the visa stamp at a Vietnamese embassy or at the airport counter upon arrival.

The required documents for a business visa application typically include:

• A valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity.
• A clear, scanned copy of your passport bio page in .jpg format.
• An official invitation or guarantee letter from the sponsoring Vietnamese organization.
• A completed visa application form (NA2 for embassy applications).
• A passport-sized photo in .jpg format (4x6cm, white background, no glasses).

Processing time at a Vietnamese embassy is typically 5-7 working days for standard service. Expedited service is available at most embassies for an additional fee, reducing processing to 2-3 working days. Same-day processing is not generally available for business visas applied through an embassy.

Note: A business visa does not authorize paid employment in Vietnam. If you are employed by a Vietnamese company and receive a salary under a local contract, you need a work visa (LD) and, in most cases, a Vietnamese work permit issued by the Ministry of Labour.

Work Visa (LD1 and LD2): For Employed Foreigners

The work visa covers two sub-types: LD1 and LD2. LD1 is issued to foreigners who are exempt from the requirement to hold a Vietnamese work permit, such as intra-company transferees, managers at senior level, specialists covered under bilateral agreements, or contributors to government projects. LD2 is issued to foreigners who hold a valid Vietnamese work permit issued by the Ministry of Labour, War Invalids and Social Affairs.

A work visa is valid for up to 2 years, matching the duration of the underlying work permit or exemption period. It is issued as a multiple-entry visa, allowing the holder to leave and re-enter Vietnam within the validity period without applying for a new visa each time.

To apply for an LD visa, your employer or the guaranteeing agency in Vietnam must submit an application on your behalf to the Immigration Department or at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate. The process requires:

• A valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity beyond the requested visa period.
• A work permit issued by the Ministry of Labour (for LD2 applicants), or official documentation proving work permit exemption (for LD1 applicants).
• A letter of guarantee from the employing Vietnamese organization.
• A passport-sized photo (4x6cm, white background, no glasses).
• Completed application form NA2 or NA3, as applicable to the submission channel.

Processing time for a work visa is typically 5-7 working days after a complete application package is submitted. Plan your timeline accordingly and submit documents at least 2 weeks before the intended start date of employment, as incomplete applications are returned and must be resubmitted in full.

If you already hold a valid business visa (DN) and receive a work permit, you must apply to change your visa category to LD before beginning paid work. Operating under a DN visa while receiving a salary is a violation of your visa conditions and may lead to deportation and future entry restrictions.

Note: Holding an LD2 visa does not replace the work permit. Both are required to legally work in Vietnam. If your work permit expires, your LD2 visa loses its legal basis and you must stop working until a new permit and corresponding visa are issued by the relevant authorities.

Investor Visa (DT1 to DT4): For Capital Holders

The investor visa has four sub-types, classified by the amount of capital the foreign investor has committed to a Vietnamese enterprise or project. The tier is determined at the time of investment registration, and the visa validity period increases with the investment amount.

Visa code	Investment amount (VND)	Validity	Entry
DT1	100 billion or more	5 years	Multiple
DT2	50 to 100 billion	5 years	Multiple
DT3	3 to 50 billion	3 years	Multiple
DT4	Under 3 billion	1 year	Multiple

To apply for a DT investor visa, you must present proof of your registered investment certificate from the Department of Planning and Investment or a relevant licensing authority. The application is submitted through the immigration authority in Vietnam or at a Vietnamese embassy abroad.

Required documents for a DT visa application typically include:

• A valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity beyond the requested visa period.
• A copy of the investment registration certificate issued by Vietnamese authorities.
• Documentation confirming the capital contribution or committed investment amount.
• A completed visa application form.
• A passport-sized photo (4x6cm, white background, no glasses).

The DT1 and DT2 sub-types are among the most favorable long-stay options for foreign nationals, as they allow 5-year multiple-entry stays without annual renewal. DT3 and DT4 holders must renew their visa when the validity period ends, provided the underlying investment remains active and registered.

The investment amounts are denominated in Vietnamese Dong (VND). At the time of registration, your investment certificate will state the amount in VND. Verify the current exchange rate to understand the approximate USD equivalent before planning your application, as rates fluctuate.

Note: The DT visa is tied to the registered investment. If the enterprise is dissolved, the investment is withdrawn, or the registration lapses, the DT visa loses its legal basis and must be surrendered or reclassified to another appropriate category through the Immigration Department.

Other Visa Types: Student, Transit, and Special Categories

Beyond tourist, business, work, and investor categories, Vietnam issues several other visa types to cover specific situations. The most commonly encountered are the student visa, transit visa, and family member visa for relatives of Vietnamese residents.

Student visa (DH)

The student visa (DH) is issued to foreigners enrolled at a Vietnamese educational institution, such as a university, language school, or vocational college. The visa is valid for up to 1 year and may be renewed annually while the applicant remains enrolled and in good standing.

To apply for a DH visa, you need an acceptance letter or enrollment confirmation from a licensed Vietnamese institution. The guaranteeing agency is typically the school itself, which submits the application on the student's behalf to the local immigration authority. You can also apply at a Vietnamese embassy abroad using the acceptance letter as the primary supporting document.

The DH visa does not authorize paid employment. Students who wish to work part-time during their studies must apply for a separate authorization from the Immigration Department.

Transit visa (TT)

The transit visa (TT) is for foreigners passing through Vietnam to a third country. It allows a stay of up to 5 days at the port of entry and generally does not permit travel outside the immediate transit zone. Some nationalities are exempt from the transit visa requirement under bilateral agreements; check with the Vietnamese embassy in your country before travel.

Family member visa (TT for relatives of Vietnamese residents)

A separate category under the TT code applies to spouses, children, and parents of Vietnamese citizens or permanent residents. This visa allows stays of up to 1 year and may be renewed. The Vietnamese family member or permanent resident acts as the guaranteeing party for the application, submitting a guarantee letter and proof of the family relationship.

Diplomatic and official visas (NG and HN)

Diplomatic visas (NG) are issued to foreign diplomats, consular officers, and their immediate family members. Official visas (HN) apply to government officials traveling to Vietnam on official business. Both are arranged exclusively through diplomatic channels and are not available to private applicants.

Note: If your situation falls under a category not listed here, such as journalist visas, religious worker visas, or volunteer visas, contact the nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate directly. These are issued case by case upon request and require specific supporting documentation from the relevant Vietnamese authority.

How to Apply: E-Visa, Embassy, or Visa on Arrival?

You can apply for a Vietnam visa through three main channels: the government e-visa system, a Vietnamese embassy or consulate, or as a visa on arrival at an international airport. The right channel depends on the visa category you need and how much time you have before travel.

E-visa (online application)

The e-visa is available to citizens of all countries for tourist (DL) and certain business purposes. Apply at evisa.gov.vn and follow these steps:

1. Create an account on the official portal and complete the online application form with your personal and travel details.
2. Upload a scan of your passport bio page and a digital photo (4x6cm, white background, no glasses). Both files must be in .jpg format and meet the file size requirements listed on the portal.
3. Pay the government fee online: 25 USD for single entry or 50 USD for multiple entry. The fee is non-refundable once submitted.
4. Receive your e-visa approval by email within 3-5 working days. Download and print the approval document.
5. Present the printed e-visa and your passport at the port of entry upon arrival in Vietnam.

Note: The e-visa is accepted at over 170 international ports of entry, including all international airports, seaports, and dozens of land border gates. Check the current list of accepted border gates on the official portal before booking travel to a land crossing, as not all smaller land gates accept e-visas.

Embassy or consulate application

For visa types not available through the e-visa system, such as work visas (LD), investor visas (DT), or student visas (DH), you must apply through a Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your home country or country of legal residence.

The general process is:

1. Contact the Vietnamese embassy or consulate to confirm the required documents, current processing fees, and accepted payment methods for your specific visa category.
2. Submit your application in person or by mail, including your original passport, a completed NA2 or NA5 form (depending on the visa type), a passport-sized photo (4x6cm, white background, no glasses), and all supporting documents required for your category (work permit, investment certificate, invitation letter, etc.).
3. Pay the processing fee at the time of submission. Standard processing takes 5-7 working days. Expedited service is available at most embassies for an additional fee.
4. Collect your passport with the visa stamp affixed upon approval, or receive it by post if you submitted by mail.

Visa on arrival

Visa on arrival is available for tourist (DL) purposes at international airports only. To use this method:

1. Submit an online request through a licensed agency to obtain a pre-approved visa letter. The agency submits your details to Vietnam immigration on your behalf.
2. Receive the approval letter by email within 2-3 working days (in emergency cases, processed in 2-3 hours with an expedited fee).
3. Board your flight to Vietnam. At the airport, go to the visa on arrival counter, present your approval letter, passport, passport-sized photo (4x6cm, white background, no glasses), and pay the visa stamping fee in cash (USD or VND accepted at the counter).

Note: Visa on arrival is applicable to air travel only. You cannot use this method at land border gates or seaports. The visa stamping fee paid at the airport counter is separate from, and in addition to, the approval letter service fee charged by the agency.

For a direct comparison of costs and processing times, see our guide on how to apply for a Vietnam visa and our overview of Vietnam visa requirements by nationality.

New Vietnam Visa Types in 2026

Vietnam introduced two new visa categories effective July 1, 2026, under an amendment to the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam. These additions bring the total number of official visa types to 27.

UD1 visa: issued to high-quality foreign talent, including scientists, engineers, senior technology professionals, researchers, and other foreigners eligible for preferential treatment under government policy. The UD1 visa is valid for up to 5 years with multiple-entry permission. It targets the same population previously covered by certain exceptional provisions under the temporary residence card framework.

UD2 visa: issued to the spouses and children under 18 of UD1 visa holders. The UD2 visa matches the validity of the primary UD1 holder's visa, up to a maximum of 5 years. Both UD1 and UD2 holders may apply for a temporary residence card to extend their stay without leaving Vietnam at the end of the visa period.

To apply for a UD1 visa, the applicant must be nominated or sponsored by a recognized Vietnamese government agency, an accredited research institution, or a certified enterprise with authorization to employ high-skill foreign nationals. The application is submitted through the Immigration Department in Vietnam, not at a Vietnamese embassy abroad.

In addition to the new UD categories, Vietnam expanded its e-visa acceptance to 41 additional border gates in 2026, bringing the total number of accepted ports of entry to over 170. This expansion benefits travelers who enter by land from China, Laos, or Cambodia and previously had to obtain a visa in advance through an embassy.

Note: The UD1 and UD2 categories replace certain provisions previously handled under the TT (temporary residence) framework for qualified high-skill talent. If you currently hold a TT visa issued for this reason, consult with the Immigration Department about the transition process and whether reclassification to UD1 applies to your situation.