Plan your Vietnam journey with our guide to immigration visas! Learn about tourist, work, investor visas, requirements, costs, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and tips for seamless Vietnam Travel. Start your adventure today!
Capture the authentic charm of Vietnam’s cultural sceneWritten 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 travelers, workers, and investors, Vietnam attracts global visitors for its UNESCO sites, economic opportunities, and proximity to regional hubs like Bangkok (1,200 miles from Hanoi) culturetrip.com. Understanding Vietnam’s immigration visa options is crucial for tourists, professionals, and investors to ensure legal entry for exploring cultural treasures, working, or investing while enjoying eco-friendly Vietnam Tours. Vietnam offers various visa types, including tourist, work, and investor visas, each with specific requirements vietnam-visa.com. This guide provides practical steps for obtaining an immigration visa, cultural etiquette, and sustainable Vietnam Travel options to enhance your journey.
Following Vietnam’s updated immigration regulations, visas are tailored for different purposes, with options like e-visas, visas on arrival, work visas (LD), and investor visas (ĐT). This guide blends visa insights, cultural tips, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a seamless experience.
Vietnam immigration visas include tourist visas (e-visa, visa on arrival), work visas (LD1, LD2), investor visas (ĐT1–ĐT4), and others (e.g., student, family). Passports must be valid for 6+ months beyond arrival with two blank pages. Costs range from $0 (visa waiver) to $150 (~3,750,000 VND), depending on visa type. Processing times vary: 3–7 days for e-visas, 5–20 days for work/investor visas. Visa waivers are available for ~38 countries for 14–90 days. Verify requirements via evisa.gov.vn or agencies like vietnam-visa.com.
Tourist Visa:
E-Visa: For tourism, valid for 90 days, single or multiple entry. Eligible for over 80 nationalities (e.g., US, Canada, Australia). Cost: $25 (~625,000 VND, single entry) or $50 (~1,250,000 VND, multiple entry). Processing: 3–7 business days; urgent: 1–2 days or 4–8 hours ($10–$50 extra). Requirements: digital passport photo (4x6 cm, no glasses), scanned passport bio page (JPEG), credit/debit card evisa.gov.vn.
Visa on Arrival: For air travel, 30–90 days, single or multiple entry. Cost: $50–$100 (~1,250,000–2,500,000 VND, including service fee: $25–$50, stamping fee: $25–$50). Processing: 3–7 business days; urgent: 4–8 hours. Requirements: online approval letter, two 4x6 cm photos, cash for stamping fee vietnam-visa.com.
Entry Points: E-visa: 13 airports, 16 land borders, 13 seaports; visa on arrival: airports only (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: 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: 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. Requires admission letter, sponsor documents. Validity: up to 1 year. Cost: $25–$50 (~625,000–1,250,000 VND).
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).
Visa Waiver Program: For ~38 countries (e.g., UK, Japan: 45 days; ASEAN: 30 days; India, Qatar: 15 days). No fees, single entry. Requirements: passport valid 6+ months, proof of onward travel vietnam-visa.com.
Special Notes:
Phu Quoc offers a 30-day visa exemption for direct arrivals by air/sea with an onward ticket vietnam-visa.com.
Overseas Vietnamese and spouses/children may qualify for a 5-year visa exemption certificate (~$10–$20 or ~250,000–500,000 VND) myvietnamvisa.com.
Overstaying incurs fines (~1,250,000 VND/day or ~$50/day) and risks deportation.
Application Channels: E-visas via evisa.gov.vn; visas on arrival via agencies like vietnam-visa.com; work/investor visas via employer/sponsor or Immigration Department (Hanoi: 44–46 Tran Phu; Ho Chi Minh City: 196 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai; Da Nang: 78 Le Loi) vn.usembassy.gov.
Application Timing: Apply 7–14 days early for e-visas, 30–60 days for work/investor visas to account for holidays (e.g., Tet) vietnam-visa.com.
Tip: Use e-visas for tourism due to simplicity ($25–$50); work/investor visas require employer/sponsor support. Verify requirements via vietnamvisa.govt.vn. A guest shared: “The e-visa process was quick, letting us focus on our Vietnam adventure.”
Cultural etiquette enhances your experience during Vietnam Tours, whether entering as a tourist, worker, or investor. 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. For work/investor visas, maintain professional attire 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 Vietnamese 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 labor laws; 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 requirements via evisa.gov.vn.
Below is a curated list of tour options to enhance your Vietnam experience, whether on a tourist, work, or investor 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 printed e-visa, visa approval letter, or passport with visa stamp; verify visa validity for your stay 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 in Vietnam (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 requirements 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 (tourist, work, or investor) 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 your visa for air, land, or sea entry; carry passport with visa stamp 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 with visa stamp 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 Visa (LD): Essential for legal employment, supporting professional stays.
Investor Visa (ĐT): Enables long-term residence for business establishment, 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.
Key travel opportunities for visa holders include:
Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year): Typically January/February (lunar calendar), vibrant with celebrations; warm in the south (25–32°C), cooler in the north (15–25°C); check dates at cambodia-travel.com.
Mid-Autumn Festival: Typically September (lunar calendar), festive with lantern displays; warm and rainy (24–33°C); check dates at cambodia-travel.com.
Cultural Site Visits: November–April for dry conditions in the south (Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc); March–April for mild weather in the north (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay); February for optimal weather nationwide holiday-weather.com.
Dry season (November–April, 25–33°C in the south, 15–25°C in the north) is ideal for cultural visits, markets, and business activities. Wet season (May–October, 24–33°C) suits budget travelers and indoor experiences. Morning visits (6:00 AM–10:00 AM) avoid heat or crowds. Verify weather via accuweather.com.
Tourist E-Visa:
Visit evisa.gov.vn; complete the online form with accurate 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 the e-visa via email within 3–7 business days (or 1–2 days with urgent processing: $10–$50).
Print the e-visa and present it with your passport at an approved entry point.
Tourist Visa on Arrival:
Apply online via vietnam-visa.com; provide passport details.
Pay the service fee ($25–$50); receive the approval letter within 3–7 business days (or 4–8 hours for urgent).
Print the letter; prepare two 4x6 cm photos and cash ($25–$50) for the stamping fee.
Present documents at the “Visa on Arrival” counter at an international airport.
Work Visa (LD):
Secure a job offer; employer applies for a work permit via MoLISA (15–20 days).
Submit work permit, Form NA5, passport, photos, and employer documents to the Immigration Department or embassy.
Pay visa fee ($25–$50); processing takes 5–7 days visaguide.world.
Investor modiVisa (ĐT):
Establish a business or invest; obtain IRC/ERC (15–30 days).
Submit Form NA2 (outside Vietnam) or NA5 (in Vietnam), IRC/ERC, passport, and photos to the Immigration Department or embassy.
Pay visa fee ($25–$50); processing takes 5–10 days harveylawcorporation.com.
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: Apply early (7–14 days for e-visas, 30–60 days for work/investor visas); carry USD or VND for fees; verify requirements via vietnamvisa.govt.vn. A guest noted: “Our e-visa was quick, making entry to Vietnam effortless.”
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), printed e-visa or visa approval letter, work permit/IRC/ERC (if applicable), two passport-sized photos (4x6 cm, no glasses), cash (USD or VND) for visa on arrival stamping fee ($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 tourism; 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 requirements via 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).
What types of immigration visas are available for Vietnam? Tourist (e-visa, visa on arrival), work (LD1, LD2), investor (ĐT1–ĐT4), student (DH), family (TT), and visa waivers for ~38 countries vietnam-visa.com.
How much do Vietnam immigration visas cost? 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) vietnamvisa.govt.vn.
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 myvietnamvisa.com.
Can I work on a tourist visa? No, working on a tourist visa is illegal; a work visa (LD) is required visaguide.world.
Can I visit Phu Quoc without a visa? Yes, for 30 days if arriving directly by air/sea with an onward ticket vietnam-visa.com.
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 Immigration Visa options 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, work, or investment opportunities. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Vietnam Travel, apply 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
Cultural and Travel Details: culturetrip.com, cambodia-travel.com
Weather Information: accuweather.com
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