The latest updates for Vietnam Visa 2025
- New visa regulations for foreigners
From August 15, 2023, Vietnam will apply a new visa policy that allows citizens of all countries to register for an electronic visa (E-visa) with a maximum stay of 90 days, with the option of single or multiple entries. At the same time, the unilateral visa exemption period for citizens of 13 countries will be increased from 15 days to 45 days. However, with the visa exemption form, international visitors will not be able to extend their stay in Vietnam but will need to carry out exit and re-entry procedures (visa run) if they want to continue staying.
Entering 2025, the Vietnamese Government has made many new adjustments related to visa policies for foreigners, aiming to simplify procedures and support the entry process. Most notably, the expansion of online visa applications and e-visa issuance. Here are 5 important changes you should know:
Expanding the scope of electronic visas (e-visas) to all countries: Previously, e-visas were only issued to citizens of 80 countries, but now Vietnam has expanded it to all countries and territories. This type of visa:
Can be used for both single and multiple entries.
Maximum duration of 90 days.
Online registration procedures at the portal: evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn.
Unilateral visa exemption for 45 days: Starting from 2025, citizens of 13 countries such as Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Japan, Korea, Russia, UK… will have their visa exemption period increased from 15 days to 45 days.
- People entering the country do not need a visa if their stay is less than 45 days.
- Passport must be valid for at least 6 months and be a regular passport.
Electronic visa with multiple entries: The notable change of e-visa 2025 is that it allows multiple entries without re-applying.
Very convenient for businessmen, investors or those who plan to work short-term in Vietnam repeatedly.
Save costs and time on procedures.
Extend tourist visa (DL) right in Vietnam: The new policy allows foreigners in Vietnam to extend their e-visa or DL visa without having to leave the country.
Conditions: not violating the law, having a valid purpose of stay or a sponsoring unit.
Helps create more flexibility and convenience for tourists and short-term workers.
Transparent and easy online visa application procedures: Applying for a visa to Vietnam is increasingly convenient with the digital process:
- Declare information, pay fees online.
- Can track the progress of the settlement through the official system.
- Minimize direct contact with immigration authorities, in line with modern trends.
- Update new visa policies of Vietnam
Vietnam is constantly adjusting and expanding visa policies to create more favorable conditions for international tourists and investors. The latest changes in visas not only help simplify entry procedures, extend the length of stay, but also contribute to promoting tourism, attracting foreign capital and strengthening international cooperation.
Vietnam visa exemption cases:
According to the new visa policy effective from August 15, 2023, citizens from countries such as South Korea, Japan, Germany, the UK, France, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Italy and Belarus are allowed to enter Vietnam without a visa for a maximum period of 45 days. This is a unilateral visa exemption that Vietnam offers to these countries.
In addition, Vietnam has also signed a bilateral visa exemption agreement with all ASEAN countries. According to regulations, citizens of Southeast Asian countries are allowed to stay in Vietnam for 30 days without having to apply for a visa. The goal of this policy is to promote cooperation, connection and exchange between countries in the region.
In addition, Vietnam also applies a 15-day visa exemption policy for citizens from 56 other countries and territories.
Vietnam e-visa:
The new visa policy also marks an important step in expanding international cooperation. Previously, e-visas were only applicable to more than 80 countries, but now the Vietnamese Government has expanded them to all foreign citizens, regardless of nationality. This means that anyone can apply for a visa online when wanting to enter Vietnam.
A notable change is that the e-visa duration has been increased from 1 to 3 months, allowing visitors and international partners more time to experience, work or cooperate in Vietnam. E-visas can also be issued as single or multiple entries, depending on the needs of the applicant.
Vietnam tourist visa: Tourist visas are always a popular type of visa, attracting many international citizens. According to the new regulations:
All citizens and territories in the world can apply for an e-visa.
The e-visa validity has been extended from 30 days to 3 months.
Tourist visas have the following levels:
- 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months.
- The unilateral visa exemption policy has increased from 15 days to 45 days.
These adjustments are expected to create a strong boost for Vietnam’s tourism industry, contributing to attracting a large number of international visitors and positively contributing to the economy.
To apply for a tourist visa, foreigners can submit their application at the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in their country of residence.
Vietnam Work Visa: For foreigners who want to work in Vietnam, the new policy has officially regulated the issuance of work visas. As long as they prepare all the documents and meet the prescribed conditions, foreign workers will be granted a legal visa to work in Vietnam.
Work visa applications are submitted to the Vietnamese Labor Management Agency for consideration and processing.
- Procedures for applying for a Vietnam visa for foreigners
The procedures for applying for a Vietnam visa for foreigners have now been simplified and made more transparent, making it easier for tourists, businessmen or workers to access. Depending on the purpose of entry such as tourism, business or work, foreigners need to prepare appropriate documents and submit them to the competent authority or online. Understanding the specific procedures and conditions will help save time, limit risks and ensure smooth entry into Vietnam.
Procedures for applying for a Vietnam visa for foreigners
Procedures for applying for a Vietnam visa in 2025 are considered to be more convenient than before thanks to a streamlined process, transparent costs and many channels for receiving documents. However, to avoid the risk of being rejected or having to wait for a long time for approval, applicants need to clearly understand the characteristics of each type of visa, grasp the steps and prepare all documents suitable for the purpose of entry.
How to apply for a Vietnam visa:
Currently, foreigners can choose one of the following three popular forms:
Electronic visa (e-visa): The fastest and most convenient solution. Visa applicants only need to access the official website evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn, fill out the online application, upload their passport and photo, then pay the fee online.
Traditional visa: Submit the application directly at the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate abroad. This form is often applied to work, investment, family visit or marriage visas.
Visa issued at the border gate (visa on arrival): Applicants need an entry approval letter issued by the Immigration Department. This method is suitable for business travelers, experts invited by businesses or commercial guests.
Documents to prepare for a visa application:
Depending on the type of visa, applicants must prepare:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months.
- 4x6cm passport photo with white background, taken within the last 6 months.
- Visa application form (form NA1) or visa extension (form NA5 for those currently in Vietnam).
- Guarantor documents if applying for a business, investment or labor visa.
Proof of entry purpose:
- Tourist visa: return ticket, hotel reservation, itinerary.
- Business visa: invitation letter, commercial contract.
- Labor visa: work permit, work contract.
- Investment visa: investment certificate, business license.
- Visitor/marriage visa: birth certificate, marriage registration, invitation letter.
Processing time & fees:
Average processing time: 3 – 7 working days.
E-visa fee:
- 25 USD for single entry visa.
- 50 USD for multiple entry visa.
Note: The fee paid will not be refunded if the application is rejected.
The most popular visa application methods:
- Apply for an e-visa: all procedures are done online, saving time.
- Apply directly at the diplomatic mission: suitable for those who want to exchange directly or apply for a special visa.
- Apply for a visa on arrival: effective if there is a sponsoring business and an invitation letter.
- Visa exemption policy – Who is exempt from a Vietnam visa?
Vietnam’s visa exemption policy opens up favorable opportunities for international visitors who want to explore this beautiful and culturally rich country. However, not everyone can enjoy this incentive. Visa exemption applies to certain groups of people, based on nationality, purpose of entry and length of stay, making travel, business or investment easier and faster.
Since 2025, Vietnam has continued to implement a policy of expanding visa exemption and extending the length of stay, with the aim of stimulating tourism, attracting international investment capital and enhancing multilateral cooperation. However, not everyone is eligible for this policy, but there will be specific regulations for each group of subjects:
Unilateral visa exemption (stay up to 45 days):
Citizens of the following 13 countries are allowed to enter Vietnam without a visa in advance, with a maximum stay of 45 days/time:
- Japan
- Korea
- Germany
- France
- UK
- Spain
- Italy
- Russia
- Finland
- Sweden
- Norway
- Denmark
- Belarus
Note: After exiting the country, citizens in this group must wait at least 30 days to enjoy the visa exemption policy for the next entry, unless another valid visa is already in force.
5-year visa exemption:
The following subjects may be granted a visa exemption certificate with a maximum validity of 5 years:
- Vietnamese residing abroad but holding a foreign passport.
- Spouses or children of Vietnamese citizens.
The maximum temporary stay for each entry is 180 days and can be extended if necessary.
Visa exemption under bilateral agreements: In addition, Vietnam has signed many bilateral visa exemption agreements, notably with ASEAN countries such as Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia… as well as a number of other countries applicable to diplomatic and official subjects.
- New regulations on Vietnam visa extension for foreigners
Vietnam has just issued new regulations related to visa extension procedures for foreigners, creating more favorable conditions for staying, working and traveling in Vietnam. These changes not only shorten the process, clarify the conditions, but also expand opportunities for foreigners to experience Vietnam longer.
The 2025 visa extension regulations in Vietnam have many new points, creating more favorable conditions for foreigners to continue to reside legally. However, not all types of visas are accepted for extension, and applicants need to comply with legal regulations.
Types of visas that can be extended:
Types of visas that can be extended domestically include:
- Business visa (DN)
- Labor visa (LD)
- Investment visa (DT)
- Visiting visa (TT)
Note: Tourist visa (DL) and e-visa are currently not accepted for extension, except in some special exceptions.
Conditions for visa extension:
Foreigners are only considered for extension when fully meeting the following requirements:
- Visa is still valid at the time of application
- Passport must be valid for at least 01 month
- Registered for temporary residence at the local police
- Do not violate residence regulations or are banned from entering the country
- Have a legal sponsoring organization, individual or enterprise
- Documents for visa extension to be prepared:
A set of documents includes:
- Original passport still valid
- Visa extension application form (form NA5)
- 4×6 cm portrait photo, white background
- Temporary residence confirmation
- Work permit or exemption certificate (if any)
- Documents proving personal relationship (for family visit/marriage visa)
- Official letter or letter of introduction from the sponsoring unit
Form of application submission:
Foreigners can choose:
- Submit directly to the Immigration Department or local Immigration Office
- Submit online on National Public Service Portal (if supported by the system)
Processing time is usually 5–7 working days.
Visa extension fee:
- Single-entry visa: 25 USD
- Multiple-entry visa ≤ 3 months: 50 USD
- Multiple-entry visa from 3–6 months: 95 USD
- Multiple-entry visa from 6–12 months: 135 USD
Some important notes:
- Submit the extension application at least 5 days before the visa expires
- DL visas and e-visas are not normally extended
- Overstaying may result in fines or forced exit
- In the case of multiple-entry visas, the possibility of future extension may be limited
- Important notes on Vietnam visa policy in 2025
In 2025, Vietnam visa policy has many new points to make it more convenient for international tourists and investors. However, not everyone is eligible for incentives. Therefore, understanding important notes about applicable conditions, length of stay and visa exemptions will help you be more proactive in planning to enter, work or travel in Vietnam.
