Which visa is best for tourism?

E-visa is easiest: apply online, get approved in 1-3 days, enter at airport. Most popular option.

Can I extend a 30-day tourist visa?

Yes, you can extend 30-day to 90-day total, but not beyond. After 90 days, must exit and reapply.

Can I work as a digital nomad in Vietnam?

Technically no official digital nomad visa. Many digital nomads use tourist visas but this violates conditions. TRC (temporary residence) with work permit is legal option.

What is the cost of living?

Very affordable: $400-600/month possible for basic living, $1,000+/month for comfort.

How do I get a work permit?

Employer must sponsor; very difficult if employer cannot prove no Vietnamese can fill the role. Quota-based.

Travel to Vietnam

Vietnam Visa & E-Visa Guide

Vietnam offers accessible visa options for tourists and long-term residents. The e-visa system makes tourist entry straightforward, while extended stays require sponsorship. Vietnam is increasingly popular with digital nomads and retirees due to low costs and vibrant culture.

Visa Information

E-Visa (Electronic Visa)

Purpose: Tourism (30 or 90 days)
Application: Entirely online
Fee: 25 USD (30 days) or 50 USD (90 days)
Processing time: 1-3 business days
Entry/exit: Single entry or multiple entry options
Validity: Usually 90 days from approval to enter
Requirements: Digital passport page, photo, email
Very convenient and most popular option

Visa on Arrival

Purpose: Tourism (30-90 days)
Applied from: Travel agents or visa services
Fee: 15-25 USD (plus service fee, total $30-50)
Processing time: 1-3 business days
Collected at: International airports
Requirements: Approval letter from service, passport, fee payment
Slightly cheaper than e-visa but less direct

Embassy Tourist Visa

Purpose: Tourism (30 or 90 days)
Applied from: Vietnamese embassy in your country
Fee: $15-30 depending on duration and embassy
Processing time: 2-5 business days
Multiple entries: Available (higher fee)
Advantage: Can get 90-day visa directly
Disadvantage: Requires embassy visit or mail

Temporary Residence Card (TRC)

Purpose: Extended stay for work, study, business (1-3 years)
Applied: Through sponsor (employer, school, agency) in Vietnam
Duration: 1-3 years typically
Fee: 1,000,000-5,000,000 VND (approximately $40-200 USD) depending on length
Processing time: 1-2 weeks after arrival
Requirements: Sponsor guarantee, health check, police clearance
Renewable: Can extend before expiration
Path to long-term residence

Business Visa

Purpose: Business travel, meetings, trade (3-12 months)
Applied from: Embassy or through Vietnamese sponsor/agent
Fee: $30-80 depending on validity
Processing time: 3-5 business days
Multiple entries: Available
Duration: Can be 3 months, 6 months, or 12 months
Renewable: Renewable in Vietnam through immigration

Work Permit

Purpose: Employment in Vietnam
Duration: 1-3 years, renewable
Fee: Paid by employer
Requirements: Job offer from Vietnamese company, work permit approval
Processing time: 1-3 weeks
Sponsorship: Must be sponsored by employer
Very strict: Only granted if no Vietnamese can do the job
Quota-based: Limited permits issued annually

Required Documents

🛂Valid passport (6+ months validity)

📸Digital passport scan (for e-visa)

💳Passport photo (digital for e-visa, physical for embassy)

📋Application form

🛂Proof of financial means (for long stays)

📸Employment letter (work visa)

💳School enrollment (study visa)

📋Police clearance (extended stay)

🛂Medical examination (if required)

📸Return ticket or flight booking

Pro Tips & Recommendations

E-visa is fastest and easiest for tourism; use official government site (evisa.gov.vn)

Avoid third-party visa services if possible; apply directly online or at embassy

Tourist visas cannot be extended for more than 90 days total; must exit and re-apply

Working without work permit is illegal and penalties are severe

Cost of living is extremely low (can live on $400-600/month)

Vietnam is very digital nomad-friendly though without official nomad visa

Many digital nomads do border runs or visa runs every 3 months

Sponsorship requirement makes long-term stays dependent on having a sponsor

Frequently Asked Questions

This guide provides general visa information for travel planning purposes. It is not legal advice. Always consult official embassy websites and government immigration portals for the most current requirements. Visa policies change frequently and may vary by individual circumstances.