If you are planning to travel to Vietnam and do not have visa-free access to this country, you should first research what types of it are available and which one you should apply for.

There are about 20 types of Vietnamese visas like DL, DN1, DN2, NG, DT1, DT2, DT3, DT4, LS, DH, LV, LD1, LD2, HN, PV1, TT, SQ, etc. They may be categorized by the purpose of a visit and validity time. In this article, you will find information about the most popular visas to Vietnam, considering these two categories. So if you do not want to lose your time and money or avoid unexpected problems during your travel, learn more about visa types to Vietnam and choose the one which suits your travel best.

Electronic Visa Type

An electronic visa to Vietnam, also known as an e-Visa, is a perfect choice for those who value their time as they don't need to visit the embassy or consulate when applying. It is a single-entry visa valid for 30 days and can be used to visit friends/family, for tourism, transit, or business. It is worth noting that upon arrival to Vietnam, it is required to have a printed e-Visa and a valid passport. The whole process of applying is very easy and intuitive.

Popular types of Vietnam visas by travel purposes

Tourist visa

One of the most popular visas to Vietnam is a Vietnam tourist visa (with the symbol DL). It is a single or multiple entry permit, valid for 3 months allowing its holders to travel to Vietnam for tourism-related purposes. The document's validity may be extended after arrival in Vietnam and is available through both stationary and online application processes.

Depending on the stay duration, an applicant may choose between:

• Single-entry - 1 month
• Multiple-entry - 1 month
• Single-entry - 3 month
• Multiple-entry - 3 month
• Multiple-entry - 12 month (US passport)

Business visa

A business visa (DN visa) is the second most popular travel permit foreign visitors must apply for to visit Vietnam. It is addressed to travelers who wish to work with Vietnamese companies or conduct other business activities such as meetings, conferences, negotiating contracts, etc. The document stays valid for 12 months and may be divided into different types according to the length of stay:

• 1-month single entry Vietnam visa
• 1-month multiple entry Vietnam visa
• 3-month single entry Vietnam visa
• 3-month multiple entry Vietnam visa

This visa category distinguishes two subcategories:

• DN1 visa – issued to foreigners who cooperate with other Vietnamese companies or organizations
• DN2 visa – addressed to foreign visitors who travel to Vietnam to offer services to advertise their business

Student/internship visa

A student visa, also named DH visa, is a document that every student of a Vietnamese university course should apply for. The process of application may be started after arrival to the country. A visitor is allowed to enter Vietnam with a tourist visa. After enrolling in the course, he can ask the Immigration Officer for a visa status change or hire an agency to do it on his behalf.

Investor Visa

An Investor visa for Vietnam (DT) is granted to those who travel to this country to make an investment. Depending on the type of investment, Vietnam authorities have established four subcategories of this visa,

• DT1 - issued in case of at least VND100 billion investment or an investment in the business area encouraged by the Vietnam Government. This visa type expires after 5 years.
• DT2 - granted to investors with a capital contribution of VND50 – VND100 billion, or investing in a business area encouraged by the Vietnam Government. The visa expires after 5 years.
• DT3 - should be held by investors and representatives of foreign organizations with an investment of VND3 – VND50 billion. This visa stays valid for 3 years.
• DT4 – issued to investors with a maximum capital contribution of less than VND 3 billion. The document is valid for 12 months.

Working visa

Foreigners traveling to Vietnam for work purposes must apply for a working Vietnam Visa (LD visa). It is an employment-based document allowing foreigners to enter, stay in Vietnam, and work legally. The visa is directed to different professions and stays valid for 2 years.

Working visa for Vietnam is categorized into:

• LD1 – this visa type is issued to foreigners who come to Vietnam with a work permit exemption certificate
• LD2 – granted to foreigners who must have a work permit to work in Vietnam

Diplomatic visa

A diplomatic Vietnam Visa (NG1 - NG4) must be held by:

• delegation's members invited by the Vietnamese government officials
• consulate personnel
• visitors who work with consulate members or visit them for a short period

The document is valid for 12 months and is issued only to those who submit an official letter from embassies, consulates, or government agencies to the application.

Vietnam Visa types by Length of Stay and Validity

According to the length of stay and the number of possible entries, visas to Vietnam may be divided as follow.

• 1-month single entry Vietnam visa
• 1-month multiple entry Vietnam visa
• 3-month single entry Vietnam visa
• 3-month multiple entry Vietnam visa
• 6-month multiple entry Vietnam visa
• 1-year multiple entry Vietnam visa

In case of multiple entries, a visa holder may travel to Vietnam many times within the visa validity period.