Tourist Visas to Vietnam for Foreigners (2024-2025)

New Regulations for Applying for Tourist Visas to Vietnam for Foreigners (2024-2025)

Effective August 15, 2023, amendments to Vietnam's Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners introduce new policies and regulations for tourist visas (DL) and entry/exit procedures. Key changes include extending the validity of tourist visas and E-Visas to 3 months and increasing the visa exemption period for certain countries to 45 days. These changes aim to boost tourism and socio-economic development.

A. New Open-Door Policy for Foreign Tourists

A tourist visa allows foreigners to enter Vietnam for vacationing for a specific duration. Extensions can be applied for within Vietnam according to regulations. Applications can be made independently, through travel agencies, or via visa service providers.

1. Key Changes to Vietnam's Tourist Visa Regulations

• E-visas (E-visa Vietnam) are now available to citizens of all countries and territories worldwide.
• E-visa validity has been extended from 30 days to a maximum of 90 days (3 months), allowing for single or multiple entries.
• The visa exemption period for eligible foreign tourists has been increased from 15 days to 45 days.

2. Types of Tourist Visas for Vietnam Under the New Regulations

• EV Visa: This denotes the Vietnamese Electronic Visa (E-visa Vietnam), now valid for up to 90 days (3 months).
• DL Visa: This is a tourist visa issued to foreigners participating in tours organized by Vietnamese travel companies, also valid for up to 90 days (3 months).
• Visa Exemption: This applies to citizens of countries with unilateral or bilateral visa exemption agreements with Vietnam. The validity period varies by country (14 to 45 days). These tourists are exempt from visa fees and standard application procedures.

Below is the full list of 25 countries +Kazakhstan that are exempted from visa requirement:

Brunei, Myanmar, Belarus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, The UK, The Philippines, Cambodia, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Chile, Panama.

3. Procedures for Applying for Tourist Visas

• Entry Requirements:
  • Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay.
  • Applicants must not be subject to entry bans or restrictions.
• Visa Exemption Entry Procedures:
  • Citizens of visa-exempt countries do not need to apply for a visa. Border officials will stamp their passports upon arrival at international airports, land, and sea borders.
• E-Visa Application Procedures:
  • The easiest way to apply is online via the Vietnam Immigration Department website. Applicants complete the online form and pay the required fee. The result is provided online, allowing applicants to print or save the e-visa. The printed e-visa and passport must be presented at the point of entry.
• Visa Processing by Travel Companies:
  • Licensed travel companies with approved tour itineraries can facilitate visa applications for tourists by obtaining entry approvals for visa-on-arrival or by submitting applications to Vietnamese diplomatic missions abroad (Embassies/Consulates).

4. Tourist Visa Extension Procedures

• Requirements for Extensions:
  • The sponsoring organization must be a legally operating travel company.
  • Foreigners must be staying at registered tourist accommodations.
• Required Documents for Visa Applications/Extensions:
  • Completed NA5 tourist visa application form.
  • Original passport.
  • Detailed itinerary/travel program.
  • Travel company's business license.
  • Travel company's legal documents (if submitting for the first time).
  • Letter of introduction from the travel company designating a representative.

5. Submitting Visa Applications

Applications for new visas or extensions can be submitted in person or online to the Immigration Department in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.