Vietnam Visa Types – Tourist, Business, E-Visa & More
Choosing the correct Vietnam visa type is essential for a legal and stress-free entry. Since the major policy updates in late 2024 and 2025, the Vietnam visa system has become more streamlined but also more specific regarding durations and entry purposes.
This guide breaks down every available category to help you identify which visa fits your travel plans, whether you are visiting for a weekend getaway or a long-term business project.
Overview of Vietnam Visa Types
The Vietnamese government categorizes visas using specific codes (such as DL for tourism or DN1 for business). While there are dozens of technical categories (including student, diplomatic, and investment visas), the vast majority of international visitors will fall into four main types.
In 2025, the Electronic Visa (E-visa) has become the “master” category that covers most tourist and short-term business activities.
Tourist Visa (DL) Explained
The Tourist Visa, designated as the DL category, is strictly for leisure activities.
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Purpose: Sightseeing, visiting friends or family, or short-term travel.
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Stay Duration: Currently issued for up to 90 days via the E-visa system.
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Restriction: You are legally prohibited from engaging in any paid work or professional consultancy while on a DL visa.
Business Visa (DN1, DN2) Explained
The Business Visa is required for foreigners who intend to work with Vietnamese enterprises or conduct commercial activities.
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DN1 Visa: Issued to those working with companies and organizations with legal status in Vietnam.
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DN2 Visa: Issued to those offering services, establishing a commercial presence, or performing other activities under international treaties.
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Stay Duration: Usually up to 90 days, though longer stays are possible with a Work Permit and a Temporary Residence Card (TRC).
Vietnam E-Visa (The Modern Standard)
The E-visa is the most popular and convenient method for entry in 2025. It is a completely digital process that eliminates the need to visit an embassy.
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Eligibility: Available to citizens of all countries and territories.
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Utility: You can apply for either a Tourist (DL) or Business (DN) E-visa.
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Validity: Up to 90 days with options for Single or Multiple entries.
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Ports of Entry: Valid at 42 international checkpoints (Airports, Landports, and Seaports).
Visa on Arrival (VOA)
Once the primary way to get a visa, Visa on Arrival is now a specialized service.
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How it works: You must obtain a “Visa Approval Letter” from an agency like Fast Visa Vietnam before flying. You then get the physical stamp upon landing.
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Best for: Emergency cases where an E-visa cannot be processed in time, or for specific business travelers who need a physical stamp for their records.
Single Entry vs. Multiple Entry
Understanding this distinction is the most common “save” for travelers planning regional trips.
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Single Entry: Your visa is valid for one entry only. If you leave Vietnam to visit Cambodia or Laos, your visa expires immediately, even if it has 80 days left.
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Multiple Entry: You can enter and exit Vietnam as many times as you want during the visa’s validity. This is highly recommended for travelers using Vietnam as a “hub” for Southeast Asian exploration.
Which Vietnam Visa Type Is Right for You?
| If you are… | Recommended Type | Duration |
| A standard tourist | Tourist E-visa | 90 Days (Single) |
| A regional explorer | Tourist E-visa | 90 Days (Multiple) |
| Attending a meeting | Business E-visa | 90 Days (Single) |
| A Digital Nomad | Tourist E-visa | 90 Days (Multiple) |
| Stuck at the airport | Urgent VOA/E-visa | 1.5 – 4 Hours |
FAQ – Vietnam Visa Types
Q: Can I change from a Tourist Visa to a Business Visa while in Vietnam?
A: No. You cannot “convert” your visa type internally. You would need to perform a Visa Run to exit the country and re-enter on a new visa type.
Q: Do I need a visa if I am just transiting?
A: If you stay inside the transit area and do not pass through immigration, you do not need a visa. However, if you have a long layover and wish to leave the airport, a 30-day Single Entry E-visa is required.
Q: Is the 90-day visa available for all nationalities?
A: Yes. As of late 2023 and continuing through 2025, the 90-day E-visa is open to all citizens globally.
Q: How do I apply for an urgent business visa?
A: You can select the “Business” purpose on our Urgent Application Form and choose your required processing speed (e.g., 5 hours or 1 working day).
Not sure which visa to choose? Let the experts at Fast Visa Vietnam guide you. We provide 24/7 consultation to ensure you apply for the correct permit for your specific needs.