Visas for Vietnam

Visas for Vietnam come with different requirements depending on your nationality. You may be granted visa-free entry into Vietnam or be eligible for a visa on arrival. If you’re from a country not endorsed for either of these, you’ll need to apply for a visa in advance. If you intend to live and work in the country, you’ll need a work permit and a residence permit.

Like the work permit application process, getting a visa for Vietnam seems simple on the surface, but it can turn out to be a stressful process involving lots of paperwork and expense. It can leave you subject to the whims of immigration officials following unclear policies.

Work Permits for Vietnam

Visit visas for Vietnam

Visit visas for Vietnam come in several forms to suit your travel needs. Vietnam offers e-visas valid for 90 days with multiple entries, giving you the flexibility to hop in and out of the country during this period. If you’re a citizen from one of the 26 visa-exempt countries, you can stay in Vietnam visa-free for between 14 and 90 days, depending on your country of origin.

If you require a visa to enter Vietnam, you can apply for one at your nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate or make use of the electronic visa system. You can also use these channels if you’re eligible for a visa on arrival for the sake of convenience and efficiency at the border.

Note that some online companies intentionally create the misconception that they are official entities by using .govt or .org web addresses. You should use your local Vietnamese embassy or consulate’s website and only follow legitimate links rather than do a general web search.

Phu Quoc Island offers a special visa exemption policy that allows you to stay for up to 30 days without a visa, regardless of nationality.

Useful links

• Vietnam National Electronic Visa System
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam

Residence permits for Vietnam

Residence permits for Vietnam, known as Temporary Residence Cards (TRCs), are your ticket to living and working in the country for an extended period. Having a TRC gives you the freedom to enter and exit Vietnam without applying for a new visa each time. Your TRC remains valid for two to five years, saving you from the hassle of frequent visa renewals. You can apply for a TRC for work, study or business purposes, among others. Close family members of TRC cardholders can apply for their own TRC.

The TRC application process requires form NA8, your valid passport, visa documentation, work permit or equivalent documents, and passport-sized photos. Processing time typically takes five to seven business days after submitting all required paperwork. 

You can download the relevant forms from the Vietnam Immigration Department’s website and submit your application at an Immigration Department office in Vietnam.

Working in Vietnam

Useful links

• Vietnam Immigration Department

Visa regulations are subject to change at short notice, and you should contact your respective embassy or consulate for the latest details.