Quick answer
Most tourists visit Vietnam on an e-visa, applied for online for up to 90 days, single or multiple entry. Citizens of 24 countries can instead stay 45 days visa-free, and some Asian countries 14–30 days. Vietnam's tourist visa, symbol DL, lasts up to 3 months and is usually arranged by a Vietnamese international travel company for its tour guests.
- Usual choice
- E-visa — up to 90 days, apply online
- Visa-free
- 45 days for 24 countries; 14–30 days for most ASEAN
- DL tourist visa
- Up to 3 months, through a tour company
- Work allowed?
- No
On this page
Three ways to visit Vietnam as a tourist
| Option | Main points |
|---|---|
| E-visa | Any nationality; up to 90 days; single or multiple entry; you apply and pay online; enter through a gate on the e-visa list |
| Visa exemption | Only listed nationalities; 45 days for 24 countries, 14–90 days under bilateral agreements; no application |
| DL tourist visa | Up to 3 months; a Vietnamese international travel company applies for its tour guests; issued at an embassy or, for organised tours, at the border gate |
E-visa: the usual tourist visa
For independent travel, the e-visa is the practical choice: no sponsor, no embassy visit, valid for up to 90 days. You can apply up to 1 year ahead. The step-by-step process is on how to apply for a Vietnam e-visa.
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Vietnam e-visa, single entry | US$25 |
| Vietnam e-visa, multiple entry | US$50 |
The DL tourist visa
The Immigration Law gives the symbol DL to visas issued for tourism (Article 8). A DL visa is valid for up to 3 months (Article 9). Like other visas apart from the e-visa, it needs a sponsor in Vietnam — for tourists, normally an international travel business organising the trip.
- Guests on a tour organised by an international travel business in Vietnam can be issued a visa at the international border gate, after the company's request is approved (Article 18).
- Air or sea transit passengers who want to leave the transit area for a tour run by such a company can get a visa matching the transit time (Articles 25–26).
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Single-entry visa | US$25 |
| Multiple-entry visa, up to 90 days | US$50 |
Rules while you are in Vietnam
- Activities must match your entry purpose. Tourism does not include paid work.
- Carry your passport and visa documents and show them when asked by the authorities.
- Your hotel or host declares your temporary residence each time you check in.
- Leave before the date on your stay stamp.
Frequently asked questions
What visa do I need for a holiday in Vietnam?
Most tourists use the e-visa, valid up to 90 days. Check first whether your nationality is visa-exempt: 24 countries get 45 days and several Asian countries 14–30 days.
How long can I stay in Vietnam on a tourist visa?
Up to 90 days on an e-visa, up to 3 months on a DL tourist visa, or the number of days in your visa exemption.
Is there a multiple-entry tourist visa for Vietnam?
Yes. The e-visa can be issued for multiple entries for up to 90 days, which suits trips to neighbouring countries and back.
Do I need an invitation letter for a Vietnam tourist visa?
Not for the e-visa or visa exemption. A DL tourist visa is arranged through a sponsor, usually the Vietnamese international travel company organising your tour.