English 
Vietnam
भारत
한국
日本
Россия
Malaysia
ประเทศไทย
កម្ពុជា។
Deutschland
中國Difference between a Vietnam visa and an E-visa: Have you known yet?
- September 13,2023
- 13 views
The process of obtaining a visa to visit or work in a foreign country is often seen as a necessary but potentially daunting task for many travelers. But many of them are still confused about the difference between a Vietnam visa and an E-visa. Don’t worry, in this article, we will help you explain and distinguish between these two types of visas. Check it out now!
ABOUT VIETNAM VISA
Currently, the number of foreigners entering Vietnam is increasing for many different reasons, and for each purpose of entry, there is a corresponding type of visa. Therefore, if you plan to travel to Vietnam, you need to grasp some basic legal information to best prepare for the trip.
According to the new regulations of Law 51/2019/QH14 effective from July 1st, 2020, Vietnamese visas are divided into 21 main types. Among them, the 5 most popular visa types are:
Tourist visa (DL)
Tourist visas are specifically granted to foreign visitors who intend to travel to Vietnam for leisure and tourism. They have no intention of engaging in any work-related activities during their stay.
These tourist visas have a validity period of 30 days. But if it exceeds 30 days, temporary residence will be granted for 30 days, and an extension will be considered.
Business visa (DN1 – DN2)
This type of visa, also known as a commercial visa, is issued by competent authorities in Vietnam. This type of visa allows foreigners to enter Vietnam to exchange and work. In addition, it is also issued to foreigners entering Vietnam for business purposes, project implementation, work, or going on business.
A Business visa has a maximum validity of 1 year. However, in reality, visas are only issued from 1 month to a maximum of 3 months except for American citizens
Work visa (LD1 – LD2)
A work visa is a type of visa for foreigners working in Vietnam. The duration for a work visa is a maximum of 2 years.
Investment visa (DT1, DT2, DT3, DT4)
An investment visa is a type of visa issued to foreign investors or representatives of foreign organizations investing in establishing or contributing capital to businesses and companies in Vietnam. An investment visa is valid for no more than 5 years.
An investment visa is valid for no more than 5 years
Family visit visa (TT)
A family visit visa is one of the types of visas issued to foreigners entering Vietnam for the purpose of visiting relatives and family. Short-term family visit visas are valid for no more than 3 months and long-term are valid for no more than 12 months.
Other types of Vietnam visas
|
Visa types |
Descriptions |
Validity |
|---|---|---|
|
NG1 |
Issued to members of the guest delegation of the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the President, the Chairman of the National Assembly, and the Prime Minister. |
Maximum 12 months |
|
NG2 |
This type of visa is issued to delegations of high-ranking officials of the Government and Communist Party of Vietnam; along with equivalent officials at the provincial and central city levels. |
Maximum 12 months |
|
NG3 |
Granted to members of diplomatic missions, consular offices, and representative offices of international organizations under the United Nations. As well as representative agencies of intergovernmental organizations and spouses, children under 18 years old, and housekeepers who accompany them on term. |
Maximum 12 months |
|
NG4 |
Issued to people who work for or visit members of diplomatic missions, consular offices, representative offices of international organizations under the United Nations, and representative offices of intergovernmental organizations |
Maximum 12 months |
|
LV1 |
For employees working at agencies of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the National Assembly, the Government, the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, the Supreme People's Court, the Supreme People's Procuracy, the State Audit, and ministries and agencies under the Government, Provincial Party Committees, City Party Committees, People's Councils, Provincial People's Committees, and centrally run cities. |
Maximum 12 months |
|
LV2 |
For people to work with socio-political organizations, social organizations, and the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry. |
Maximum 12 months |
|
NN1 |
For who are Heads of representative offices or projects of international organizations and foreign non-governmental organizations in Vietnam |
Maximum 12 months |
|
NN2 |
For heads of representative offices, branches of foreign traders, and representative offices of other foreign economic, cultural, and professional organizations in Vietnam |
Maximum 12 months |
|
DH |
For foreigners entering Vietnam to intern and study |
Maximum 12 months |
|
HN |
Issued to foreigners entering Vietnam to attend conferences and seminars |
Maximum 3 months |
|
PV1 |
Granted to reporters and press residing in Vietnam |
Maximum 12 months |
|
PV2 |
Granted to reporters and press for short-term activities in Vietnam |
Maximum 12 months |
|
VR |
This type of visa is issued to foreigners visiting relatives or for other purposes |
Maximum 6 months |
|
SQ |
For situations delineated in Clause 3, Article 17 of the Law on Immigration Management |
No more than 30 days |
|
LS |
This type of visa is issued to foreign lawyers practicing in Vietnam |
Maximum 5 year |
ELECTRONIC VISA (E-VISA)
Vietnam electronic visa is a document issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department starting from February 2017. The difference between a Vietnam visa and an E-visa is a form of registration.
E-visa allows foreigners to enter Vietnam through online registration and transactions. Vietnam electronic visa or E-visa is valid once or multiple times.
From August 15, 2023, Vietnam electronic visa will have a maximum validity of 90 days, valid for one or more entries. The duration and number of entries will be clearly stated on the visa issued.
Application Vietnam Visa Online
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A VIETNAM VISA AND AN E-VISA
Visa and electronic visa (e-visa) in Vietnam are two popular options for international visitors wanting to enter the country. Below is the difference between a Vietnam Visa and an E-visa.
Basic definition
-
Visa: An ordinary visa is a traditional visa. Visa applicants need to undertake registration procedures that take considerable time and effort. This includes preparing documents, going to your country's consulate or embassy to submit your application, and even having to attend an interview.
-
E-visa: Electronic visa (E-visa) is a type of visa that is applied online through Vietnam's system. Visa applicants only need to visit the official website, fill out all information, and submit the application online.
Visa procedures
-
Visa: Procedures for applying for a regular visa are often more complicated and take more time. Visa applicants need to learn carefully about different types of visas such as tourist visas, family visit visas, etc. Besides, preparing important documents is also necessary. Meanwhile, the time to travel and carry out procedures is also quite long. In addition, they also have to go to the consulate or embassy to submit their application and even have to attend an interview.
-
E-visa: The procedure for applying for an electronic visa is much simpler. Applicants simply need to visit the official website, fill out an online form, and submit photos and required documents. Then you just have to wait for processing. There is no need for an interview or go to the consulate.
Processing time
-
Visa: Ordinary visa processing time usually lasts several days. It can last from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the specific country and visa type.
-
E-visa: Electronic visas can be processed more quickly. Normally you will receive your e-visa after about 3 days or a week to receive the results.
Types
-
Visa: There are many different types of general visas, such as tourism, business, labor, work, family visits, study abroad, and many other purposes.
-
E-visa: Electronic visas are usually limited and applied for the purpose of tourism or visiting family and relatives in Vietnam and often have a limited stay period.
Costs
-
Visa: The cost of applying for a general visa can often be quite high. You must cover the total cost including the visa application fee, processing fee, and travel costs to the consulate or embassy.
-
E-visa: The cost of applying for an electronic visa is usually less. And you usually only have to pay the visa application fee online via card and bank account.
People always care about the cost difference between a Vietnam Visa and an E-visa
Convenience
-
Visa: Ordinary visas often require more procedures and longer preparation time. This is suitable for those who have long-term plans or want to visit many different countries, not just Vietnam.
-
E-visa: E-visa usually does not require too many documents and procedures. You won't have to spend a lot of time preparing or registering. All requests and steps are done online.
Length of stay
-
Visa: An ordinary visa allows you to stay from a few months to several years, depending on the type of visa and your purpose. If you want to stay longer, you can apply for a long-term general visa or extend your domestic visa.
-
E-visa: Electronic visas are usually applied for short-term stays of up to 90 days. Electronic visas cannot be extended in Vietnam. If you want to stay longer, you will need to reapply for a new visa after your old visa expires.
SUMMARY
The main difference between a Vietnam visa and an E-visa lies in these elements which include the visa application process, processing time, available visa types, fees, convenience, and so on. You should carefully consider these factors to choose the type of visa that suits your travel or business plans.
Through our analysis above, the choice of whether to apply for a Vietnam Visa or an E-visa is up to you. Depending on your purpose and length of stay, you will make the best choice. Regardless of which visa you choose, preparation and compliance with visa regulations are important for a smooth travel or work journey in Vietnam.
Ordinary Visa and E-visa are two important methods, documents, and procedures for you to enter Vietnam. We have shared with you the difference between a Vietnam visa and an E-visa above. Remember to research and consult carefully so that your upcoming trip to Vietnam will be smooth and trouble-free.
In case you have any inquiries regarding your Vietnam Visa, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us. You can reach us at +1 315 715 8498 or send an email to support@e-visa-gov.com. We are here and ready to give you support!
