Vietnam Visa Types for US Citizens

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For US travelers planning a visit to Vietnam, understanding the different types of Vietnam visas is essential. Whether you're traveling for tourism, business, work, or long-term stays, there is a specific Vietnam visa type for US citizens that suits your needs.

This guide will cover the various Vietnam visa categories, including the Vietnam e-Visa, Visa on Arrival (VOA), Embassy visas, and special long-term visas. We'll also discuss validity, processing times, costs, and requirements for each visa type.

Do US Citizens Need a Visa for Vietnam?

Yes, US citizens must obtain a visa before traveling to Vietnam, except in limited cases, such as:

  • Phu Quoc Visa Exemption – US travelers can stay visa-free for up to 30 days if they enter directly into Phu Quoc Island and do not visit mainland Vietnam.
  • Diplomatic & Official Passport Holders – Certain government and official passport holders may be exempt from visas under special agreements.

For all other visits, a Vietnam visa is required for US citizens.

Vietnam Visa Types for US Citizens

US citizens can choose from several types of Vietnam visas, depending on their purpose of travel and length of stay. The most common options include:

  1. Vietnam e-Visa (Tourism & Short Business Trips)
  2. Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA) (For Airport Entry Only)
  3. Vietnam Embassy Visa (For Long-Term Stays)
  4. Vietnam Business Visa (For Work & Business Travel)
  5. Vietnam Student Visa (For Education & Research)
  6. Vietnam Work Visa (For Employment in Vietnam)
  7. Vietnam Investor Visa (For Business Owners & Investors)

Let's explore each visa type in detail.

1️⃣ Vietnam e-Visa for US Citizens

The Vietnam e-Visa is the most popular option for US travelers who are visiting for tourism or short business trips. It allows travelers to apply online and receive their visa electronically, avoiding embassy visits.

✅ Key Features of the Vietnam e-Visa:

✔ Valid for 90 days (single or multiple entry).
✔ Cost: $25 (single entry) / $50 (multiple entry).
✔ Processing time: 3-5 business days.
✔ Accepted at 42 international checkpoints (airports, land borders, seaports).
✔ Completely online process—no need to visit an embassy.

❌ Cons of the Vietnam e-Visa:

✖ Cannot be extended from within Vietnam.
✖ Fixed 90-day validity—not suitable for long-term stays.

📝 How to Apply for a Vietnam e-Visa:

  1. Visit the official e-Visa website: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn
  2. Fill out the online application form.
  3. Upload a passport photo and passport scan.
  4. Pay the visa fee online ($25-$50).
  5. Receive the e-Visa via email within 3-5 business days.
  6. Print the e-Visa and show it upon arrival in Vietnam.

2️⃣ Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA) for US Citizens

The Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA) allows US travelers to get their visa at Vietnam’s international airports after obtaining a pre-approved visa letter.

✅ Key Features of Vietnam Visa on Arrival:

✔ Available for 1, 3, 6, or 12 months (single or multiple entry).
✔ Faster processing time (approval letter in 2-3 days).
✔ Good for longer stays and business visitors.

❌ Cons of Vietnam Visa on Arrival:

✖ Only valid for entry via airports (not land or sea borders).
✖ Requires an approval letter before traveling.
✖ Additional stamping fees upon arrival ($25-$135).

📝 How to Apply for a Vietnam Visa on Arrival:

  1. Apply online for a Visa on Arrival approval letter via a trusted visa agency.
  2. Pay the approval letter fee (varies by agency).
  3. Receive the approval letter via email (usually within 2-3 business days).
  4. Print the letter and bring it to Vietnam.
  5. Upon arrival, visit the VOA counter to get your visa stamped.

3️⃣ Vietnam Embassy Visa for US Citizens

For longer stays or special visa types, US travelers can apply at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate.

✅ Key Features of the Embassy Visa:

✔ Valid for up to 1 year (single or multiple entry).
✔ Suitable for business travelers, students, and long-term stays.
✔ No need to wait for visa approval upon arrival.

❌ Cons of the Embassy Visa:

✖ Takes longer to process (5-7 business days).
✖ Requires mailing or in-person visits.

📝 How to Apply:

  1. Contact the nearest Vietnam Embassy or Consulate.
  2. Submit your passport, application form, and visa fee.
  3. Wait for processing (5-7 business days).
  4. Receive your visa via mail or in person.

🔹 Vietnam Embassy in Washington, D.C.: https://vietnamembassy-usa.org

4️⃣ Vietnam Business Visa (DN Visa)

The Vietnam business visa is for US citizens traveling for work, conferences, or professional meetings.

✅ Key Features:

✔ Valid for 30 days to 1 year (single or multiple entry).
✔ Requires sponsorship from a Vietnamese company.
✔ Can be extended from within Vietnam.

📝 How to Apply:

  1. Obtain an invitation letter from a Vietnamese company.
  2. Apply through the embassy or a visa agency.
  3. Wait for processing (5-7 business days).

5️⃣ Vietnam Student Visa (DH Visa)

The Vietnam student visa is for US citizens enrolling in educational institutions in Vietnam.

✅ Key Features:

✔ Valid for up to 1 year.
✔ Requires acceptance from a Vietnamese school or university.
✔ Can be extended within Vietnam.

6️⃣ Vietnam Work Visa (LD Visa)

For US citizens seeking employment in Vietnam, the LD Work Visa is required.

✅ Key Features:

✔ Valid for up to 2 years.
✔ Requires a Vietnamese employer sponsorship.
✔ Often leads to temporary residency permits.

7️⃣ Vietnam Investor Visa (DT Visa)

The Vietnam investor visa is for US business owners or investors establishing a company in Vietnam.

✅ Key Features:

✔ Valid for 1-10 years.
✔ Requires proof of business investment in Vietnam.
✔ Can be extended or converted into a residency permit.

Vietnam Visa Costs for US Citizens

Visa TypeValidityFeeProcessing Time
Vietnam e-Visa90 days$25-$503-5 business days
Visa on Arrival1-12 months$25-$1352-3 business days (approval letter)
Embassy VisaVariesVaries5-7 business days
Business Visa30 days – 1 yearVaries5-7 business days
Student VisaUp to 1 yearVaries5-7 business days
Work VisaUp to 2 yearsVaries5-7 business days
Investor Visa1-10 yearsVaries5-10 business days

Conclusion

US citizens traveling to Vietnam must obtain a visa before entering. The best option depends on the purpose and length of stay. The Vietnam e-Visa is ideal for short-term visits, while the Visa on Arrival and Embassy Visa are better for longer stays. Business travelers, students, and workers need specific visa types based on their activities in Vietnam. 🚀

India Tourist Visa UK
Indonesia eVisa from UK
ESTA for the USA from the UK
Vietnam eVisa US Citizen
US Citizen eVisa India
eTourist Visa India from Canada

Start your journey today by applying for your visa online — quick, easy, and hassle-free! Get approved in no time and focus on what matters most: your travel adventure.

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