When foreigners travel, invest, work or visit relatives in Vietnam, they need to obtain a Vietnam visa – issued by the competent authority (Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate or Vietnam Immigration Department) for foreigners to entry and stay in Vietnam, prescribed in the Law on entry, exit, transit and residence of foreigners.

Types of visa symbols (Visa for foreigners in Vietnam) are as follows: 

• DL – for travelling purpose.
• TT, VR – for relatives, dependents.
• LĐ – for working purpose.
• ĐT – for investors.
• LV – for working with agencies and departments.
• NN – Issued to heads of representative offices and branches of foreign traders.
• Visa exemption: Vietnam allows citizens of 25 countries to entry without a visa according to regulations.

Visa symbols for term (Visa for foreigners in Vietnam) as follows:

1. SQ, EV visas are valid for no more than 30 days.
2. HN, DL visas are valid for no more than 3 months.
3. VR svisa is valid for no more than 06 months.
4. Visas with symbols NG1, NG2, NG3, NG4, LV1, LV2, DT4, DN1, DN2, NN1, NN2, NN3, DH, PV1, PV2 and TT are valid for no more than 12 months.
5. LD1, LD2 visas are valid for no more than 02 years.
6. ĐT3 visa is valid for no more than 3 years.
7. LS, DT1, DT2 have a term of no more than 05 years.
8. When the visa expires, a new visa will be considered to issue.
9. Visa validity is at least 30 days shorter than passport or international travel validity document.
10. If there are other provisions in an international treaty to which Vietnam is a contracting party, the time limit for a visa to be granted is in accordance with the treaty.

To save time and cost when applying for a Vietnam visa, you should take the following steps:

1. Check your nationality to make sure if you need to obtain a visa to enter Vietnam or not;
2. Follow the simplest way to apply for a Vietnam visa if you are not in the visa exemption subject.

Procedures and documents required when applying for a visa to enter Vietnam:

1. Passport: valid for at least 06 months, not torn or faded and at least two blank pages for visa stamping.
2. Visa approval letter: if you receive your visa at Vietnam's international airports.
3. Photo: Two (02) photos (3×4 cm) according to international standards.
4. Form of declaration: Immigration declaration for customs clearance at Vietnam airport.
5. Stamping fee: to be paid upon arrival at Vietnam airport.

Note:

• Temporary passport will not be accepted.
• If you come to Vietnam for a special purpose (except for tourism purposes), you (may) need to add some other documents.
• Travelers transiting at Vietnam airports should contact the airline in advance for other visa requirements.
• If you are eligible for Vietnam visa exemption, you only need to submit your original passport valid for at least 06 months from the time of entry.
• The visa approval letter is only valid at the airport, so you need to apply for a visa at the Embassy if you enter Vietnam by land or sea.