Plan your Vietnam adventure with our guide to entry visa rules for 2025-2026! Learn about visa waivers, e-visas, visas on arrival, requirements, costs, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and tips for seamless Vietnam Travel. Start your journey today!
Embrace the vibrant energy of Vietnam’s cultural heritageWritten by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys, and official sources like vietnam-visa.com, myvietnamvisa.com, vietnamvisa.govt.vn, and cambodia-travel.com. Information based on latest data; verify before travel. Reflects Vietnam’s updated travel regulations.
Vietnam, a vibrant Southeast Asian destination, is renowned for its rich history, cultural landmarks like Hoi An’s Ancient Town, Ha Long Bay’s limestone karsts, and bustling cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City cambodia-travel.com. A must-visit for global travelers, Vietnam attracts tourists, workers, and investors for its UNESCO sites, economic opportunities, and proximity to regional hubs like Bangkok (1,200 miles from Hanoi) culturetrip.com. Understanding Vietnam’s entry visa rules is crucial for ensuring a smooth arrival to explore cultural treasures or join eco-friendly Vietnam Tours. Vietnam offers visa waivers for select nationalities, e-visas, visas on arrival, and specialized visas for work or investment vietnam-visa.com. This guide provides practical insights into visa rules, cultural etiquette, and sustainable Vietnam Travel options to enhance your journey.
Following Vietnam’s updated immigration regulations, approximately 38 countries are eligible for visa-free entry, while others can use e-visas or visas on arrival. Specialized visas require employer or sponsor support. This guide blends visa rule insights, cultural tips, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a seamless experience.
Vietnam’s entry visa rules include visa waivers (~38 countries, 14–90 days), e-visas (90 days, over 80 nationalities), visas on arrival (air travel), and specialized visas (work, investor, student). Passports must be valid for 6+ months beyond arrival with two blank pages. Costs range from $0 (waiver) to $150 (~3,750,000 VND). Processing times vary: 3–7 days for e-visas/visas on arrival, 5–30 days for specialized visas. Overstaying incurs fines (~1,250,000 VND/day or ~$50/day). Verify requirements via vietnamvisa.govt.vn or agencies like vietnam-visa.com.
Visa Waiver Program:
Eligibility: Citizens of ~38 countries, including ASEAN nations (30 days, e.g., Thailand, Singapore), Japan, South Korea, UK, France, Germany (45 days), India, Qatar (15 days). Full list at vietnamvisa.govt.vn.
Duration: 14–90 days, single entry. No waiting period for re-entry since July 2020 vietnam-visa.com.
Purpose: Tourism, business meetings, or transit; not for employment.
Cost: Free.
Requirements: Passport valid 6+ months, two blank pages; proof of onward travel (e.g., return ticket) and funds (~$50/day or ~1,250,000 VND/day) may be requested.
Entry Points: All international airports (e.g., Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang), 16 land borders, 13 seaports.
E-Visa:
Eligibility: Over 80 nationalities (e.g., US, Canada, Australia, India).
Purpose: Tourism, valid for 90 days, single or multiple entry.
Cost: $25 (~625,000 VND, single entry) or $50 (~1,250,000 VND, multiple entry), non-refundable.
Processing Time: 3–7 business days; urgent processing (1–2 days or 4–8 hours) adds $10–$50 (~250,000–1,250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Requirements: Online application via evisa.gov.vn; digital passport photo (4x6 cm, no glasses, white background), scanned passport bio page (JPEG), credit/debit card.
Entry Points: 13 airports (e.g., Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat), 16 land borders, 13 seaports.
Visa on Arrival:
Eligibility: Most nationalities, for air travel only.
Purpose: Tourism, 30–90 days, single or multiple entry.
Cost: Service fee: $25–$50 (~625,000–1,250,000 VND); stamping fee: $25–$50 (~625,000–1,250,000 VND), paid in cash (USD or VND). Total: $50–$100 (~1,250,000–2,500,000 VND).
Processing Time: 3–7 business days for approval letter; urgent: 4–8 hours vietnam-visa.com.
Requirements: Online application for approval letter via vietnam-visa.com; present letter, passport, two 4x6 cm photos, and cash at airport.
Entry Points: Major airports (e.g., Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang).
Work Visa (LD1, LD2):
Purpose: Legal employment for managers, executives, or experts. Requires a work permit (except LD1 for exemptions, e.g., intra-company transferees).
Validity: Up to 2 years, renewable.
Cost: $50–$150 (~1,250,000–3,750,000 VND, including work permit: $50–$100, visa: $25–$50).
Processing Time: 15–20 days (permit), 5–7 days (visa).
Requirements: Job offer, work permit, health certificate, criminal background check, notarized degrees (translated into Vietnamese), passport, two 4x6 cm photos visaguide.world.
Investor Visa (ĐT1–ĐT4):
Purpose: For investors establishing or contributing capital to businesses. ĐT1: ≥100 billion VND (~$3.9M, 5–10 years); ĐT2: 50–<100 billion VND (~$1.95–$3.9M, 5 years); ĐT3: 3–<50 billion VND (~$117,000–$1.95M, 3 years); ĐT4: <3 billion VND (~$50,000–$117,000, 1 year).
Cost: $25–$150 (~625,000–3,750,000 VND, including visa: $25–$50, agency fees: $50–$100).
Processing Time: 5–10 days (visa), 15–30 days (IRC/ERC).
Requirements: Investment Registration Certificate (IRC), Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC), passport, two 4x6 cm photos, proof of investment harveylawcorporation.com.
Other Visas:
Student Visa (DH): For study at accredited institutions. Validity: up to 1 year. Cost: $25–$50 (~625,000–1,250,000 VND). Requires admission letter.
Family Visa (TT): For spouses/children of work/investor visa holders. Validity: matches sponsor’s visa. Cost: $25–$50 (~625,000–1,250,000 VND).
Special Notes:
Phu Quoc Exemption: 30-day visa-free entry for all nationalities arriving directly by air or sea with an onward ticket vietnam-visa.com.
Overseas Vietnamese: Eligible for a 5-year visa exemption certificate (~$10–$20 or ~250,000–500,000 VND) myvietnamvisa.com.
Overstaying: Fines of ~1,250,000 VND/day (~$50/day); risks deportation or blacklisting.
APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC): Holders with “VNM” on the back can enter visa-free for business trips up to 60 days en.wikipedia.org.
Entry Points: Ensure your visa type matches your entry point (e.g., visa on arrival for airports only, e-visa for multiple borders). Mismatches may lead to entry denial travel.state.gov.
Application Timing: Apply 7–14 days early for e-visas/visas on arrival, 30–60 days for work/investor visas to account for holidays (e.g., Tet) vietnam-visa.com.
Customs and Health: Declare restricted items (e.g., prescription medication over $100 value); no COVID-19 vaccination/test required, but carry travel insurance smartraveller.gov.au.
Tip: Use visa waivers for short stays if eligible; e-visas for flexibility; work/investor visas for long-term purposes. Verify rules at vietnamvisa.govt.vn. A guest shared: “The visa waiver made our short trip to Vietnam hassle-free.”
Cultural etiquette enhances your experience during Vietnam Tours, regardless of visa type. Here’s your guide, based on current norms:
Greetings: Offer a “xin chào” (hello) with a slight nod; use both hands when presenting your passport or visa documents at immigration to show respect.
Dress: Wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for cultural sites like pagodas or markets; a lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND) aligns with local norms. Professional attire for work/investor visa holders in business settings culturetrip.com.
Behaviour: Maintain a calm demeanor at immigration or cultural sites; avoid loud behavior in public spaces; ask permission before photographing locals or rituals. Avoid pointing at people or sacred objects, as this is disrespectful. A guest shared: “Respecting customs smoothed our visa entry and cultural visits.”
Customs: Avoid public criticism of the government to prevent issues; tipping is not mandatory but appreciated ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND); respect local traditions during festivals like Tet culturetrip.com.
Tip: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you) to immigration officers or locals; use eco-friendly practices like reusable water bottles ($1 or 25,000 VND) to support sustainable Vietnam Travel; carry visa documents securely. Tony Bùi notes: “In 20 years guiding, I’ve seen prepared travellers thrive in Vietnam’s vibrant culture.”
General Tips:
Language: Carry a phrase card ($1 or 25,000 VND) for Vietnamese basics like “cảm ơn”; English is common in tourist and business areas, but translation apps are useful in rural areas culturetrip.com.
Respect: Follow immigration and customs rules; avoid overstaying visas/exemptions (fines of ~1,250,000 VND/day apply); support local vendors with fair purchases in markets.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) with “Hanoi” or “Ho Chi Minh City” for navigation; keep visa documents handy.
Eco-Tip: Use digital visa applications to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND/day) or public transport to minimize emissions, aligning with Vietnam’s green tourism goals.
Note: Etiquette reflects current norms; verify visa rules via vietnamvisa.govt.vn.
Below is a curated list of tour options to enhance your Vietnam experience, whether on a visa waiver, e-visa, or other visa, based on the latest data from vietnam-visa.com, myvietnamvisa.com, and cambodia-travel.com. Confirm schedules and prices before booking.
Details: Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Hoi An’s Ancient Town, or Ha Long Bay independently; suitable for all visa holders; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Carry passport and proof of onward travel (for waivers), printed e-visa, or visa approval letter; verify visa validity vietnamvisa.govt.vn.
Schedule: Daily; cultural sites like Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum open 7:30 AM–10:30 AM (free); markets open 6:00 AM–6:00 PM (free); vibrant during Tet (January/February, lunar calendar).
Cost: Entry: $0–$2 (0–50,000 VND); transport (bicycle: $2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND/day; taxi: $5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND); local purchases: $0.20–$10 (5,000–250,000 VND).
Location: Various cities (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Ha Long Bay).
Eco-Friendly Note: Use bicycles or public transport to reduce emissions; avoid littering at cultural sites or markets.
Tip: Check visa rules at vietnamvisa.govt.vn; visit early (6:00 AM) for serenity; a guest noted: “Self-guided exploration was seamless with our visa prepared.”
Details: 1-day group tour visiting Hanoi’s Temple of Literature or Hoi An’s Ancient Town; includes English-speaking guide, transport, lunch, and entry fees; low difficulty.
Visa Tips: Ensure your visa (waiver, e-visa, or other) is valid; carry passport or e-visa; confirm with tour operator vietnam-visa.com.
Schedule: Daily; departs 7:00 AM from Hanoi or Hoi An hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $25–$40/person (625,000–1,000,000 VND, includes entry).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Hanoi or Hoi An.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group transport with fuel-efficient vehicles minimizes impact; supports local vendors.
Tip: Book via legendtravelgroup.com; a guest noted: “The group tour was culturally rich with our visa ready.”
Details: 1-day guided tour visiting Ha Long Bay for cruising and a local market; includes English-speaking guide, transport, lunch, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use visa waiver or e-visa for air/land/sea entry; carry passport or e-visa myvietnamvisa.com.
Schedule: Daily; departs 6:30 AM from Hanoi hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $30–$50/person (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes entry).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Hanoi.
Eco-Friendly Note: Small groups reduce environmental impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via localvietnam.com; a guest noted: “The combo tour was a perfect adventure post-visa approval.”
Details: 2–3 day tour combining Hanoi’s cultural sites, Ha Long Bay’s cruises, and Hoi An’s Ancient Town; includes English-speaking guide, transport, accommodation, meals, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Ensure your visa supports multi-city travel; carry passport or e-visa vietnamvisa.govt.vn.
Schedule: Daily; departs from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City hotels; returns after 2–3 days.
Cost: $80–$200/person (2,000,000–5,000,000 VND, includes entries).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels or custom locations in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Hoi An.
Eco-Friendly Note: Uses eco-lodges and fuel-efficient transport; supports local communities.
Tip: Book Vietnam Tours via legendtravelgroup.com or WhatsApp (+84 825862222); a guest noted: “The multi-day tour was immersive with our visa in hand.”
Visa Waiver Program: Free for ~38 countries (14–90 days), ideal for short tourist or business trips.
E-Visa: Cost-effective ($25–$50), convenient for tourism, valid for multiple entry points.
Visa on Arrival: Suitable for air travelers ($50–$100), quick with pre-approved letter.
Work/Investor Visas: Enable long-term stays for professionals and investors, with durations up to 10 years.
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and budget-friendly, ideal for independent travellers.
Group Cultural Tours: Affordable and guided, perfect for cultural insights.
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: Blend culture and adventure for a comprehensive experience.
Multi-Day Cultural Tours: Offer in-depth exploration, ideal for extended stays.
Eco-Friendly Note: Tours use fuel-efficient transport or bicycles, supporting Vietnam’s green tourism goals.
Visa Waiver (14–90 Days):
Confirm eligibility via vietnamvisa.govt.vn (~38 countries qualify).
Ensure passport is valid for 6+ months with two blank pages; carry proof of onward travel (e.g., return ticket) and funds (~$50/day or ~1,250,000 VND/day).
Present passport at immigration (air, land, or sea); receive a visa-exempt stamp for 14–90 days.
E-Visa (90 Days):
Visit evisa.gov.vn; complete the online form with passport details.
Upload a digital passport photo (4x6 cm, no glasses) and scanned passport bio page (JPEG).
Pay $25 (~625,000 VND, single entry) or $50 (~1,250,000 VND, multiple entry) via credit/debit card.
Receive e-visa via email within 3–7 business days (or 1–2 days with urgent processing: $10–$50).
Print e-visa and present it with passport at an approved entry point.
Visa on Arrival (30–90 Days, Air Entry):
Apply online via vietnam-visa.com; provide passport details.
Pay service fee ($25–$50); receive approval letter within 3–7 business days (or 4–8 hours for urgent).
Print letter; prepare two 4x6 cm photos and cash ($25–$50) for stamping fee.
Present documents at the “Visa on Arrival” counter at an international airport.
Work/Investor Visa:
Secure a job offer (work visa) or establish/invest in a business (investor visa); obtain work permit or IRC/ERC (15–30 days).
Submit documents (Form NA2/NA5, passport, photos, permit/IRC/ERC) to the Immigration Department or embassy.
Pay visa fee ($25–$50); processing takes 5–10 days visaguide.world.
Eco-Tip: Use digital visa applications to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND/day) or public transport for sustainable travel.
Tip: Use visa waivers for short stays; e-visas for flexibility; work/investor visas for long-term plans. Apply early (7–14 days for e-visas, 30–60 days for work/investor visas); carry USD or VND for fees. A guest noted: “The e-visa made our entry to Vietnam quick and easy.”
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), printed e-visa or visa approval letter (if applicable), proof of onward travel (for waivers), work permit/IRC/ERC (if applicable), two passport-sized photos (4x6 cm, no glasses), cash (USD or VND) for visa on arrival ($25–$50 or ~625,000–1,250,000 VND), wallet ($2–$3 or 50,000–75,000 VND), tour bookings.
Clothing: Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees; lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND) for cultural sites; quick-dry clothing and raincoat ($2 or 50,000 VND) for wet season; lightweight clothing and light jacket ($5 or 125,000 VND) for dry season; waterproof shoes ($5 or 125,000 VND); hat ($2 or 50,000 VND). Professional attire for work/investor visa holders.
Essentials: Reusable water bottle ($1 or 25,000 VND); snacks ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND, e.g., phở); small backpack ($2 or 50,000 VND); sunscreen ($1 or 25,000 VND); insect repellent ($1 or 25,000 VND).
Tech: Phone with translation apps (e.g., Google Translate); charger ($5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND); local SIM ($2–$3 or 50,000–75,000 VND); waterproof camera ($20 or 500,000 VND) for photos (with permission).
Eco Items: Reusable tote ($1 or 25,000 VND) for market purchases; phrase card ($1 or 25,000 VND) with Vietnamese basics.
Extras: Small VND notes for purchases; small first aid kit ($2 or 50,000 VND); umbrella ($2 or 50,000 VND) for wet season; money belt ($2 or 50,000 VND) for valuables. Tip: Pack light (1 small bag, max 5 kg); reusable items support sustainability.
Visa Costs
Visa Waiver: Free for ~38 countries (14–90 days).
E-Visa: $25–$50 (~625,000–1,250,000 VND).
Visa on Arrival: $50–$100 (~1,250,000–2,500,000 VND, including service/stamping fees).
Work Visa (LD): $50–$150 (~1,250,000–3,750,000 VND, including permit).
Investor Visa (ĐT): $25–$150 (~625,000–3,750,000 VND, including agency fees).
Urgent Processing: $10–$50 (~250,000–1,250,000 VND) for e-visa/visa on arrival. Travel Tour Costs
Self-Guided Exploration: Entry: $0–$2 (0–50,000 VND); transport (bicycle: $2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND/day; taxi: $5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND).
Group Cultural Tours: $25–$40 (625,000–1,000,000 VND, includes entry).
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes entry).
Multi-Day Cultural Tours: $80–$200 (2,000,000–5,000,000 VND, includes entries). Other Costs
Local Snacks (e.g., phở, banh mi): $0.20–$1 (5,000–25,000 VND).
Souvenirs (e.g., silk scarves, conical hats): $0.20–$10 (5,000–250,000 VND).
Donations at Cultural Sites: $0.20–$1 (5,000–25,000 VND). Total Daily Cost (Per Person, Excluding Visa)
Budget: $10–$30 (~250,000–750,000 VND, self-guided, snacks, transport).
Mid-range: $30–$60 (~750,000–1,500,000 VND, group tour, purchases).
Luxury: $60–$100 (~1,500,000–2,500,000 VND, private tour, premium souvenirs). Tip: Budget $0–$250 (~0–6,250,000 VND) for visa and daily travel costs, and $0.20–$10 (~5,000–250,000 VND) for purchases or add-ons.
Visa Tips: Use visa waivers for short stays (if eligible); e-visas for flexibility; visas on arrival for air travel; work/investor visas for long-term stays. Apply early (7–14 days for e-visas, 30–60 days for work/investor visas); carry USD or VND for fees; verify rules at vietnamvisa.govt.vn.
Etiquette: Use “xin chào” greeting; dress modestly for cultural sites and professionally for work/investment; respect immigration officers; avoid overstaying to prevent fines.
Access: Choose self-guided exploration for flexibility, group tours for affordability, or multi-day tours for immersion post-visa approval.
Schedules: Cultural sites open 7:00 AM–6:00 PM; markets open 6:00 AM–6:00 PM; peak crowds in dry season (November–April); book early for festivals (January/February, September).
Sustainability: Use bicycles or public transport; carry reusable items; support local vendors with fair purchases.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for key cities like “Hanoi” or “Ho Chi Minh City.”
Weather: Dry season (Nov–Apr, 25–33°C in the south, 15–25°C in the north) ideal; wet season (May–Oct, 24–33°C) suits indoor activities; check forecasts via accuweather.com.
Safety Note: Secure valuables with a money belt ($2 or 50,000 VND); beware of pickpocketing in markets; carry emergency numbers (Police: 113, Medical: 115).
Which countries are eligible for Vietnam’s visa waiver program? ~38 countries, including ASEAN nations (30 days), Japan/UK/France (45 days), India/Qatar (15 days). Check at vietnamvisa.govt.vn vietnam-visa.com.
What are the costs for Vietnam visas? Visa waiver: free; e-visa: $25–$50 (~625,000–1,250,000 VND); visa on arrival: $50–$100 (~1,250,000–2,500,000 VND); work/investor visas: $25–$150 (~625,000–3,750,000 VND) myvietnamvisa.com.
How long does it take to process a Vietnam visa? E-visa/visa on arrival: 3–7 days (urgent: 1–2 days); work/investor visas: 5–30 days vietnam-visa.com.
Can I enter Vietnam without a visa? Yes, for ~38 countries (14–90 days) or Phu Quoc (30 days, direct arrival) vietnam-visa.com.
Can I work on a tourist visa? No, a work visa (LD) is required; working on a tourist visa risks fines or deportation visaguide.world.
Are eco-friendly tours available in Vietnam? Yes, group tours with fuel-efficient transport or bicycles; check localvietnam.com.
Enhance your Vietnam journey with eco-conscious tours from Legend Travel Group:
Vietnam Cultural Eco-Tour ($25–$40/person, ~625,000–1,000,000 VND, 1 day): Guided temple and market tour with sustainable practices.
Vietnam Cultural and Adventure Trail ($80–$150/person, ~2,000,000–3,750,000 VND, 2 days): Explore ecotourism sites with eco-friendly transport.
Vietnam Explorer ($150–$250/person, ~3,750,000–6,250,000 VND, 3 days): Multi-site adventure with eco-lodges and community-focused activities. Prices include guides, transport, and fees; group discounts available. Explore options at legendtravelgroup.com or contact sales@legendtravelgroup.com / WhatsApp (+84825862222) for your Vietnam Travel plans.
Mastering Vietnam Entry Visa Rules with cultural etiquette—modest attire, polite greetings like “xin chào,” and thorough visa preparation—unlocks a vibrant, eco-friendly journey through this Southeast Asian gem. With visa costs from $0 (waiver) to $150 (~3,750,000 VND), eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and attractions like Hoi An and Ha Long Bay, this trip offers adventure for all travelers. Whether choosing a visa waiver, e-visa, or specialized visa for your Vietnam Travel, plan early and respect local customs for the best experience. For more guides, check trusted resources like vietnamvisa.govt.vn. Safe travels!
Sources:
Visa Information: vietnam-visa.com, myvietnamvisa.com, vietnamvisa.govt.vn, visaguide.world, harveylawcorporation.com, travel.state.gov, smartraveller.gov.au, en.wikipedia.org
Cultural and Travel Details: culturetrip.com, cambodia-travel.com
Weather Information: accuweather.com
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