Vietnam Visa Guide 2024: Everything Expats Need to Know

Vietnam's Visa System: What Changed in 2024

Vietnam significantly updated its visa policy in 2023–2024, making it much more foreigner-friendly. The e-visa validity was extended to 90 days (from 30), and visa-exempt nationalities were expanded. Here's the current state of play.

Visa-Free Access

Citizens of many countries can enter Vietnam without a visa for short stays:

**15 days**: Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Brunei

**30 days**: Japan, South Korea, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK, Russia, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Belarus

**45 days**: All other EU countries (from 2023)

Check the latest list on the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, as this changes frequently.

The E-Visa (Most Common for Western Expats)

The Vietnam e-visa is the simplest entry option for most nationalities:

**Validity**: 90 days (single or multiple entry)

**Cost**: USD 25 for single entry, USD 50 for multiple entry

**Processing time**: 3 business days

**Apply at**: evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn (the official government site)

Who should use the e-visa?

Anyone visiting for tourism, short-term business trips, or wanting to experience Vietnam before committing to a longer stay. It's the easiest option available.

E-visa application process

Go to the official e-visa portal

Fill in your personal details and travel dates

Upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport data page

Pay the fee (Visa/Mastercard accepted)

Receive approval email within 3 business days

Print or save the e-visa to show at immigration

Tourist Visa (DL) — Stamped at the Embassy

If you want more flexibility or plan to extend your stay, a tourist visa obtained from a Vietnamese embassy may be better:

**Duration**: 1–3 months

**Extendable**: Yes, through a travel agent or at immigration offices

**Entry**: Single or multiple

When to use it

If the e-visa period doesn't cover your trip, or if you want to extend without leaving the country.

Business Visa (DN) — For Professionals

If you're working for a Vietnamese company or regularly traveling for business:

**Duration**: 3 months to 1 year, multiple entry

**Requires**: Invitation letter from a Vietnamese company

**Processed by**: Vietnamese embassy in your home country

Long-Term Options for Expats

Work Permit + Temporary Residence Card (TRC)

If you're employed in Vietnam:

Your employer applies for your work permit with the Department of Labor

Work permits are valid for up to 2 years

With a work permit, you can apply for a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) — this functions like a visa and lets you stay without needing to do visa runs

Investor Visa / Business Owner

If you've invested in or own a Vietnamese business, you're eligible for a longer-term TRC based on your investment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

**Using unofficial e-visa websites**: Only use evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn — many third-party sites charge 3–10× the real fee for the same application

**Letting your visa expire**: Overstaying is a serious offense. Budget at least a week to renew before expiry

**Not printing your e-visa**: Vietnamese immigration at land borders sometimes requires a printed copy

Getting Help With Visas

Vietnam's visa system can be confusing. If you need a work permit, TRC, or are dealing with a complex situation, using a reputable legal firm with experience in expat visas is worth the cost. Search our directory for verified visa and legal services in your city.