On this page
- Overview — Vietnam tourist visa
- Who Can Apply
- Application Process
- Required Documents
- Photo and File Specifications
- Gather Conditional Documents
- Tips and Common Mistakes
- Conditions of Stay
- What It Costs and How Long — Vietnam tourism visa
- Know When to Get Help
- How Your Application Is Assessed
- Fees
- Required forms
- Related visa types
- Related guides
- Related goals
- Next steps
Overview — Vietnam tourist visa
#Vietnam issues a tourist visa for foreigners who are outside the country and plan short-term visits. You can apply for an e-Visa (Electronic Visa) for tourism, visiting family, or similar short stays, with single or multiple entry options valid for up to 90 days.
What it is
The Vietnam tourist visa, also known as the DL symbol visa, allows you to enter Vietnam for tourism-related purposes. This includes sightseeing, visiting relatives, or other short personal trips.
You apply from abroad through the Form e-Visa Application system managed by the Immigration Department of Vietnam (Cục Quản lý xuất nhập cảnh). The visa is issued electronically.
Key features:
- Issued to foreigners currently outside Vietnam
- Valid for single or multiple entry
- Maximum validity of up to 90 days
- Intended for tourism and short personal visits
The tourist visa is different from Visa Exemption programs, which apply only to eligible nationalities under separate rules. It also differs from Visa on Arrival, which follows a different entry process.
| Feature | Tourist e-Visa (DL) |
|---|---|
| Issuing authority | Immigration Dept |
| Application location | Outside Vietnam |
| Entry type | Single or Multiple |
| Maximum validity | Up to 90 days |
| Purpose | Tourism / family visit |
Who it serves
The tourist visa serves foreign nationals who:
- Are currently outside Vietnam
- Intend to visit for tourism or family visits
- Plan a short stay of up to 90 days
- Need either single or multiple entries during that period
You use this visa if you do not qualify for a Visa Exemption or if you want a longer stay than an exemption allows.
This visa does not cover long-term residence, employment, or other non-tourist purposes. If your plans go beyond short visits, you must review other visa categories issued by the Immigration Dept.
Who Can Apply
#
You must be outside Vietnam when you apply for a tourist visa. Your eligibility depends on your location, purpose of travel, and whether you fall under special diplomatic or sponsored categories.
Basic eligibility
You can apply for a Vietnam tourist visa if you meet all of the following:
- You are a foreigner currently outside Vietnam.
- You seek entry for tourism purposes.
- You submit your e-Visa (Electronic Visa) application yourself through the Immigration Dept.
The Form e-Visa Application is only available to applicants who apply from abroad. If you already reside in Vietnam, you cannot use this process.
Foreign nationals who qualify under Visa Exemption rules do not need to apply for an electronic visa. You should confirm your exemption status directly with the Immigration Dept before submitting an application.
| Applicant Type | Eligible for e-Visa? | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Foreigner outside Vietnam (tourism) | Yes | Apply personally through Immigration Dept |
| Foreigner already in Vietnam | No | Not eligible for e-Visa |
| Visa Exemption traveler | No | No e-Visa required |
Special categories & sponsorship
Certain foreign nationals cannot apply independently for an e-Visa or Visa on Arrival.
If you fall under Clauses 1, 2, 3, or 4 of Article 8 of the 2014 Immigration Law, you must apply through an inviting and sponsoring agency in Vietnam. You cannot submit a personal e-Visa Application.
Diplomatic and official categories follow separate procedures. This includes:
- Members of diplomatic missions
- Staff of consular offices
- Representatives of United Nations–affiliated international organizations
These individuals do not require an electronic visa and must follow special entry provisions handled through official channels.
If your entry requires sponsorship, the sponsoring organization in Vietnam must coordinate with the Immigration Dept on your behalf. You cannot bypass this requirement by applying online as a tourist.
Application Process
#You complete and submit your application directly to the Immigration Department of Vietnam (Cục Quản lý xuất nhập cảnh). The process requires accurate data entry, document review, and electronic payment before the system accepts your request.
Complete the form
Access the official e-Visa (Electronic Visa) Application system and begin entering your information. This form applies to applicants filing with the Immigration Dept.
Complete all fields marked with an asterisk (*). The system will not allow submission if you leave required fields blank.
You must provide:
- Full personal details exactly as shown in your passport
- Purpose of visit
- Intended place of visa issuance
- Registration email address
- Date of birth
- Any additional details if you select “Others” in response fields
If you choose “Others,” clearly specify the requested information instead of leaving it general.
The system may auto-fill some fields from your uploaded passport image. You remain responsible for verifying accuracy before moving forward.
This application process applies to the Form e-Visa Application. If you plan to use Visa on Arrival or qualify for Visa Exemption, follow the separate rules that apply to those categories.
Upload, review and check
Upload the required passport image and any requested supporting files directly through the online system.
After uploading, carefully review all automatically populated fields. The system extracts data from your passport image, but errors can occur.
Check the following:
| Item to Review | What to Confirm |
|---|---|
| Passport details | Spelling, number, date of birth |
| Purpose of visit | Matches your actual travel reason |
| Intended visa issuance place | Correct selection |
| Contact email | Active and accessible |
Correct any inaccuracies before confirming your declaration.
You must confirm that you have read the instructions carefully and that your information is complete and truthful. The Immigration Dept processes your submission based on what you declare.
To check your e-Visa result later, you will need:
- Registration code
- Registration email
- Date of birth
Keep this information secure.
Pay and submit
After confirming your details, proceed to electronic payment. The system requires payment before it accepts your application for processing.
Select an available payment method and enter the required electronic payment details. The exact fee amount appears within the official system; refer to the Immigration Dept platform for current charges in VND (₫).
Before final submission:
-
Reconfirm all declaration information.
-
Ensure mandatory fields are complete.
-
Verify payment details are correct.
Once you submit and complete payment, the Immigration Dept receives your application for review.
Required Documents
#You must submit clear passport information and accurate personal details exactly as they appear on your passport. The Immigration Dept reviews this information for e-Visa (Electronic Visa), Visa on Arrival, and certain Visa Exemption cases.
Passport and identity documents
Your passport is the primary document for a Vietnam tourist visa. You must provide a clear image of the passport data page that shows your photo and personal details.
For an Form e-Visa Application, you must upload:
- A scanned image of your passport data page
- A recent photograph of yourself
- A biometric-style photo facing straight ahead
- A photo without glasses
Your passport data page must clearly display your full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, and other identifying details. Blurry or cropped images can lead to delays or rejection by the Immigration Dept.
The photograph must meet specific size and format requirements. The e-Visa (Electronic Visa) system will not accept files that do not match the stated criteria.
| Document | Required for e-Visa | Format Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Passport data page image | Yes | Clear, complete, readable |
| Personal photograph | Yes | Straight face, no glasses |
| Biometric-style photo | Yes | Must meet size requirements |
If you apply for Visa on Arrival, you must still provide passport and identity documentation consistent with your official passport record.
Biographical details
You must enter your personal biographical information exactly as shown on your passport. Any mismatch can cause processing issues.
The Immigration Dept requires:
- Full name (as printed on your passport)
- Date of birth
- Nationality
- Passport number
- Other passport details shown on the data page
For the e-Visa Application, you will manually input this information into the online form. The system compares your typed entries with the uploaded passport data page image.
Ensure your spelling, order of names, and passport number match your document exactly. Do not abbreviate or modify your name unless it appears that way on your passport.
If you qualify for Visa Exemption, you may still need to present passport-based identity information on arrival. Always rely on the exact details printed in your passport when completing any Vietnam tourist visa request.
Photo and File Specifications
#You must upload clear, recent images that meet the Immigration Dept standards for the e-Visa (Electronic Visa) and Form e-Visa Application system. Incorrect size, background, or file format can delay processing or cause rejection.
Photo appearance & size
You must provide a recent 4 x 6 cm biometric passport photo.
The image must meet these appearance rules:
- Front-facing, straight look at the camera
- No glasses
- No hat or head covering
- White background
- Formal attire
- Recent photo reflecting your current appearance
Your face must be fully visible with no shadows or obstructions. Do not crop tightly or leave excessive space above your head.
These requirements apply when applying through the e-Visa Application system managed by the Immigration Dept. If you later use Visa on Arrival, you may still need compliant photos for processing. Travelers under Visa Exemption typically do not submit photos in advance, but must still carry a valid passport.
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Photo size | 4 x 6 cm |
| Background | White |
| Glasses | Not allowed |
| Headwear | Not allowed |
| Pose | Straight, front-facing |
Accepted formats & file limits
You must upload your photo in JPG or JPEG format.
The Immigration Dept system enforces strict file size limits. Your files must not exceed:
- Portrait photo: less than 50KB
- Passport image: less than 200KB
- Some e-Visa uploads: under 2MB, depending on the file type
Check your file size before uploading. Oversized files may fail during submission.
You must upload:
-
A portrait photo that meets biometric standards.
-
A scanned image of your passport bio page.
Ensure both files are clear and readable. Blurry or distorted passport images can delay approval of your e-Visa (Electronic Visa) application.
Gather Conditional Documents
#Some Vietnam tourist visa cases require extra documents beyond your passport and application. You must prepare residence proof and, in certain situations, paperwork from an inviting or sponsoring agency before you submit to the Immigration Dept or other competent authorities.
Residence & local paperwork
You must provide documents that prove your legal residence if your case requires it. Authorities review these papers to confirm where you live and whether your stay complies with local registration rules.
Prepare the following, if applicable:
- Document proving legal residence
- Declaration of change of residence information (Form CT01) issued under Circular No. 56/2021/TT-BCA
- Any updated residence registration documents required by local authorities
Submit residence-related documents to the Commune Police when the law requires local confirmation. In some cases, you must also submit documents to other competent domestic authorities before your visa file moves forward.
| Document Type | Typical Receiving Authority |
|---|---|
| Legal residence proof | Immigration Dept |
| Form CT01 (change of residence) | Commune Police |
| Additional regulated paperwork | Competent domestic authorities |
Even if you apply through the e-Visa (Electronic Visa) system or pursue Visa on Arrival, you must still ensure your residence documents comply with current regulations if your case triggers these requirements.
Inviting / sponsoring agency papers
Certain categories require completed paperwork from an inviting or sponsoring agency. You must prepare these documents according to legal regulations before submission.
An inviting or sponsoring entity may need to:
- Complete official forms required for your visa category
- Submit supporting documents to competent domestic agencies
- Coordinate filings with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs when required
If your application involves sponsorship, confirm that the agency submits its documents to the correct authority. Incomplete or incorrectly filed sponsorship papers can delay processing at the Immigration Dept.
This requirement may apply regardless of whether you request an Form e-Visa Application, pursue Visa on Arrival, or rely on a specific Visa Exemption category that still requires supporting documentation. Always ensure the sponsoring paperwork matches your visa type and is filed with the proper authority.
Tips and Common Mistakes
#Accuracy and complete documentation determine whether the Immigration Dept accepts or rejects your Vietnam tourist visa request.
Small errors in your Form e-Visa Application or supporting documents can stop the process before review.
Expert tips
Complete every field of your e-Visa (Electronic Visa) or Visa on Arrival application exactly as shown in your passport.
Even minor differences in spelling, passport numbers, or dates can create inconsistencies that lead to rejection.
Before submitting your e-Visa Application:
-
Compare each entry to your passport bio page.
-
Confirm that names, birth date, and passport number match character-for-character.
-
Recheck all uploaded documents for clarity and accuracy.
Upload a compliant passport photo.
The system will not allow submission without a valid image file.
Use a recent photo that meets size and format requirements.
Do not wear hats or glasses in the photo.
| Item to Review | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Passport details | Exact match with passport bio page |
| Photo file | Correct size, clear image, no hats or glasses |
| Form answers | No blank fields or conflicting information |
| Supporting documents | Complete and legible |
If you qualify for Visa Exemption, confirm your eligibility before starting a paid application.
Common mistakes to avoid
The most frequent reason for rejection is inconsistent or incomplete information.
You increase your risk when you rush through the form or rely on memory instead of your passport.
Avoid these errors:
- Leaving fields blank in the e-Visa Application
- Entering passport details that do not exactly match your document
- Uploading blurry or cropped passport images
- Submitting photos that do not meet format rules
- Wearing glasses or headwear in your passport photo
The Immigration Dept will not process incomplete submissions.
The system may block submission if required files are missing, especially your passport photo.
Review everything one final time before you click submit.
Conditions of Stay
#Your visa type, number of entries, and compliance with local registration rules determine how long you may remain in Vietnam and whether you may leave and return.
You must follow the conditions set by the Immigration Department of Vietnam (Immigration Dept) to avoid penalties or refusal of entry.
Validity and entries
The e‑Visa (Electronic Visa) allows a stay of up to 90 days.
It may be issued as single entry or multiple entry, depending on what you are granted.
You must remain within the approved validity period shown on your visa.
Filing an e‑Visa Application for tourism (DL category) does not guarantee approval.
The Immigration Dept reviews each application individually.
| Visa Type | Maximum Validity | Entries | Where to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| e‑Visa (Electronic Visa) | Up to 90 days | Single or Multiple | Online from outside Vietnam |
| Visa on Arrival | As approved | As approved | Subject to Immigration Dept approval |
| Visa Exemption | As permitted | As permitted | Based on eligibility rules |
You must enter Vietnam through an approved border gate that accepts your visa type.
Attempting to use an e‑Visa at a non‑approved entry point can result in denied entry.
Always check your visa details before travel, including entry points and number of entries.
Registration & local rules
You must comply with residence registration requirements during your stay.
Vietnam requires foreign visitors to register their place of stay according to local regulations.
You are responsible for ensuring the required residence registration fee (₫) is paid in line with current rules.
Confirm the exact amount with the Immigration Dept, as fees may change.
Follow these key obligations:
- Register your temporary residence as required by local authorities
- Keep your passport and visa valid at all times
- Do not overstay your authorized period
- Use your visa only for its permitted purpose
Failure to follow registration or stay conditions can affect future applications with the Immigration Dept, including new e‑Visa Applications, Visa on Arrival requests, or eligibility under Visa Exemption programs.
What It Costs and How Long — Vietnam tourism visa
#You pay a government fee to the Immigration Department of Vietnam (Cục Quản lý xuất nhập cảnh) when you apply for a tourist visa.
Processing under the standard tourist‑DL category typically takes 5–7 business days, but timelines vary by visa type and where you apply.
Fees
Your visa fee depends on the visa type and where you submit your application, such as an Embassy visa, e‑Visa (Electronic Visa) through the official e‑Visa Application system, or Visa on Arrival.
The Embassy tourist visa fee is set by the Immigration Dept and published in Vietnamese đồng (₫).
Verify the current amount directly with the issuing Embassy or the Immigration Dept before you pay.
| Visa Type | Who Sets the Fee | Where to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Embassy tourist visa | Immigration Dept | Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate |
| e‑Visa (Electronic Visa) | Immigration Dept | Official e‑Visa Application portal |
| Visa on Arrival | Immigration Dept | Immigration Dept or authorized processing office |
| Visa Exemption | No visa fee if eligible | Immigration Dept |
If you qualify for Visa Exemption, you do not pay a visa fee.
Confirm your eligibility with the Immigration Dept before traveling.
Always check the official fee schedule immediately before submitting payment, as fees may change.
Processing times
Standard processing for a tourist‑DL visa takes 5 to 7 business days.
This timeframe follows the principle of reciprocity under the 2014 Immigration Law.
processing times vary based on:
- Visa category (e.g., tourist‑DL)
- Application method (Embassy, e‑Visa Application, or Visa on Arrival)
- Location of submission
| Application Method | Standard Processing Time | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist‑DL (standard) | 5–7 business days | Immigration Dept |
Business days exclude weekends and public holidays.
Delays can occur if your application is incomplete or requires additional review.
You should confirm current processing times directly with the Immigration Dept or the issuing Embassy before finalizing travel plans.
Know When to Get Help
#You can complete many Vietnam tourist visa applications on your own, especially through the e-Visa (Electronic Visa) system.
However, certain situations require professional guidance or direct clarification from the Immigration Department of Vietnam (Cục Quản lý xuất nhập cảnh).
When to consult an expert
You should consider professional help if your case does not fit a standard tourist profile.
Seek assistance if:
- You are unsure whether you qualify for Visa Exemption, e-Visa (Electronic Visa), or Visa on Arrival
- Your category requires documents from an inviting or sponsoring agency
- You previously had an application refused and do not know why
- You are unclear about required supporting documents
Failure to submit required documents for conditional categories can result in delays or refusal.
An advisor can review your Form e-Visa Application before submission to confirm that your information matches your passport and supporting documents.
You should also get help if your travel date is close and you cannot afford processing errors.
Mistakes in personal details, passport numbers, or uploaded documents can require you to start over.
For official requirements or clarifications, contact the Immigration Dept directly rather than relying on third-party websites.
Who processes applications
The Immigration Department of Vietnam (Cục Quản lý xuất nhập cảnh) processes Vietnam tourist visa applications.
The authority depends on the visa type:
| Visa Type | Processing Authority |
|---|---|
| e-Visa (Electronic Visa) | Immigration Department of Vietnam |
| Visa on Arrival | Immigration Department of Vietnam |
| Visa Exemption | Determined under Immigration Department regulations |
The e-Visa Application is submitted online and reviewed by the Immigration Dept.
You do not submit it to private agencies for official approval.
If your case involves an inviting or sponsoring agency, that organization may need to provide required documents.
The Immigration Dept will assess whether those documents meet entry requirements.
Always verify that any service provider acts only as a facilitator.
Final approval authority rests with the Immigration Department of Vietnam.
How Your Application Is Assessed
#The Immigration Department of Vietnam (Cục Quản lý xuất nhập cảnh) reviews your file for accuracy and compliance.
Officers focus on whether your information is truthful, complete, and properly presented in English, and whether your photo and documents meet formal requirements.
Honesty & consistency
The Immigration Dept checks your e-Visa (Electronic Visa) or other Vietnam tourist visa application for truthful and consistent information.
If you provide dishonest details, your application will be denied.
This applies to all formats, including an Form e-Visa Application, Visa on Arrival, or any situation where you do not qualify for Visa Exemption and must apply in advance.
You must:
- Declare all required information fully
- Provide accurate personal details
- Ensure every statement is truthful
- Complete the form in clear English
Even small inconsistencies can raise concerns.
Names, passport details, and other entries must match exactly across your application and supporting documents.
| What Officers Review | What You Must Do |
|---|---|
| Personal details | Match your passport exactly |
| Written answers | Provide complete and truthful information |
| Language used | Submit all required information in English |
| Overall consistency | Avoid conflicting or missing data |
If the Immigration Dept finds false or misleading information, it can refuse your visa without further processing.
Photo & document compliance
The Immigration Dept also examines whether your submitted photo and documents meet formal requirements.
Your photo must comply with the specified standards in the e-Visa Application system or the relevant tourist visa process.
If the image does not meet technical or formatting rules, your application may not proceed.
You must ensure:
- The photo matches the required format
- All required documents are submitted
- Documents are clear and legible
- Information in documents matches your application exactly
Inconsistent or unclear documents can lead to refusal, especially if they contradict the details you entered online.
| Item Reviewed | Common Issue | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Passport data | Mismatch with application form | Application denial |
| Uploaded photo | Incorrect format or unclear image | Processing refusal |
| Supporting details | Inconsistent information | Application rejected |
You are responsible for checking every entry and upload before submission.
The Immigration Dept assesses what you provide, not what you intended to submit.
Fees
#| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Embassy visa feeTourist visa (DL) — single-entry | $25 |
Fees change; always verify on Immigration Dept..
Required forms
#Next steps
#Use Find My Visa to build a sequenced plan with official sources and deadlines.
FAQs
Which option should you choose?
- Option: e-Visa. Apply Before Travel: Yes. Issued By: Immigration Dept. Format: Electronic document
- Option: Visa on Arrival. Apply Before Travel: Yes (pre-approval). Issued By: Immigration Dept. Format: Visa issued on arrival
- Option: Visa Exemption. Apply Before Travel: No visa required. Issued By: Government policy. Format: Passport entry stamp
Where do you apply?
You apply for an Form e-Visa Application through the official Immigration Dept system.
For Visa on Arrival, approval needs to be secured before you leave your home country.
Follow guidance from the Immigration Dept for current procedures and fee details in ₫.
What is the Tourist Visa (DL Symbol) e-visa for Vietnam?
The tourist-dl form is used to obtain an electronic visa for visiting Vietnam for tourism, visiting family or short visits. The e-visa is issued for foreigners currently abroad wishing to enter Vietnam.
Who can apply for an e-visa using the tourist-dl form?
Eligibility is limited to foreign nationals outside Vietnam who personally apply for an e-visa. It does not apply to foreigners already residing in Vietnam.
Can diplomats or UN representatives use the e-visa system?
Foreigners in diplomatic missions, consular offices and representatives of international organizations under the UN are subject to special provisions and do not require an electronic visa. Some diplomatic categories cannot apply for an e-visa and must apply through inviting and sponsoring agencies.
How long is the Vietnam e-visa valid and what entries are allowed?
The e-visa is valid for a maximum of 90 days and may be issued for single or multiple entry for eligible foreigners outside Vietnam.
What passport and photo documents are required for the e-visa application?
Applicants must upload a passport data page image and a personal photograph; provide personal biographical information as shown on the passport. A recent biometric passport photo is required.
What are the photo format and file-size requirements?
Photos must be a recent 4x6 cm image in JPG or JPEG format, front-facing with no hat and no glasses on a white background. Specific size limits are indicated (e.g., less than 2MB or photo less than 50KB and passport image less than 200KB in some cases).
How do I submit the application and check the result?
Applicants complete the tourist-dl form filed with the Immigration Department, confirm instructions and declarations, provide electronic payment details and select a payment method to proceed. To check results, enter the registration code, registration email and date of birth in the e-visa search menu.
What happens if I provide dishonest or inconsistent information?
The application will be denied if dishonest information is found. Failing to declare information accurately and inconsistently across the form can lead to rejection.
How long does processing usually take and what does it cost?
Standard processing for tourist-dl is typically 5–7 business days. processing times may vary by category and location and are applied according to the principle of reciprocity. An example embassy visa fee is $25 (as of 2026-02).
When do I need to use inviting/sponsoring agencies or submit additional domestic documents?
Certain categories specified in the law must apply through inviting and sponsoring agencies. For conditional cases, applicants may need to prepare and submit documents to competent domestic agencies or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and failure to provide those inviting/sponsoring agency documents can cause issues.
Official sources referenced
Last reviewed: 2026-03-13
VisaMind provides informational guidance only and is not a government agency. This is not legal advice. Requirements can change and eligibility depends on your specific facts. If your case is complex or high-stakes, consult a licensed immigration attorney.
Next steps
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