Vietnam has become an increasingly popular destination for travelers around the world. For many visitors, navigating the visa process is a key step before their trip. Among the various visa options, the Vietnam sticker visa is a common choice for travelers seeking a traditional and straightforward way to enter the country. Here, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about the Vietnam sticker visa, from what it is to how to obtain it urgently at the cheapest cost.
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What is a Vietnam Sticker Visa?
A Vietnam sticker visa is a physical visa placed in your passport by Vietnamese immigration authorities. This type of visa is issued at Vietnamese embassies and consulates abroad or upon arrival at international entry ports in Vietnam. It’s called a “sticker visa” because it’s literally a sticker adhered to one of the pages of your passport, detailing your visa type, validity, and duration of stay.
Who Needs a Vietnam Sticker Visa?
The need for a Vietnam sticker visa depends on your nationality and travel plans. Some travelers from ASEAN countries, for instance, enjoy visa exemptions for short stays, while others must obtain a visa before entering Vietnam. Nationals of countries not eligible for visa exemption are typically required to apply for a sticker visa through an embassy/consulate or upon arrival.
Types of Vietnam Sticker Visa
In Vietnam, there are various types of visa stickers, each serving specific purposes based on the applicant’s status and reason for travel. Below are the details about the main categories of visa stickers for Vietnam:
1. Tourist Visa (DL)
The tourist visa is primarily for tourists who wish to visit Vietnam for leisure, sightseeing, and personal reasons.
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Duration: Typically issued for short stays ranging from 15 to 30 days. Extensions may be available in certain circumstances.
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Entry Type: Can be single or multiple entry, allowing tourists to either enter and exit Vietnam once or several times during the visa validity period.
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Requirements: This visa type is typically easy to obtain with proof of accommodation and return ticket.
2. Business Visa (DN)
The
business visa is for individuals traveling to Vietnam for business-related purposes. It is meant for foreign business professionals, investors, or employees of foreign companies.
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Duration: Usually granted for 1-3 months, but it can be extended depending on the applicant's business needs and sponsorship.
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Entry Type: Can be issued as single or multiple entry.
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Requirements: To apply for a DN visa, applicants typically need a letter of invitation from a Vietnamese business or a foreign company operating in Vietnam, along with documentation that supports their business activity.
3. Work Visa (LD)
The work visa is granted to foreigners who have secured employment in Vietnam or who are entering the country for work-related purposes. It is specifically for those employed by a Vietnamese or foreign company operating in Vietnam.
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Duration: Often issued for longer periods, such as 1-2 years, depending on the employment contract. The visa validity matches the duration of the work contract.
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Entry Type: Can be single or multiple entry.
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Requirements: This visa requires proof of a labor contract with a Vietnamese company or foreign company operating in Vietnam, along with work permits issued by the Vietnamese authorities.
4. Investor Visa (DT)
The investor visa is designed for foreign investors or individuals who are in Vietnam for investment-related activities. This can include starting a business or investing in a Vietnamese enterprise.
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Duration: Issued for a longer period, typically ranging from 1 year to 5 years, depending on the level of investment and business activities.
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Entry Type: Multiple entries are often granted.
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Requirements: Applicants must demonstrate proof of investment, such as business registration, investment certificates, or documents that show their involvement in the business sector in Vietnam.
5. Student Visa (DH)
The student visa is for foreign nationals who wish to study in Vietnam. It is designed for students enrolled in educational institutions, such as universities, colleges, or language schools.
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Duration: Typically granted for the duration of the student's course or program, ranging from a few months to several years. Extensions may be possible if the student continues their studies.
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Entry Type: Usually issued as a single-entry visa, but it can also be issued for multiple entries in certain cases.
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Requirements: Proof of acceptance into a recognized educational institution in Vietnam, such as an enrollment letter or invitation from the school.
Each of these visa types has specific requirements and application processes, and applicants need to ensure they meet all the criteria before applying to ensure their visa is granted successfully.
How to Get a Vietnam Sticker Visa?
Obtaining a sticker visa involves a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Apply for an Approval Letter
To get a sticker visa, you have to apply for an entry approval letter from a trusted travel agency in advance. This document is typically required when applying for a Vietnam
Visa on Arrival (VOA).
To apply for an approval letter, you have to provide some documents and information below:
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Passport photo
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Entry port
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Type of visa
The letter will be processed within 5-7 working days (normal process) or as fast as 1-2 hours (urgent process).
You can refer to the website
Vietnam Online Visa to get an urgent approval letter at the cheapest cost.
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
Typically, you’ll need:
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A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity and blank pages for the visa sticker;
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A hard copy of your approval letter;
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Completed visa application form (NA1);
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2 passport-sized photos;
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Visa application fee:
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Single entry: 25$
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Multiple entry: 50$
Step 3: Get the Sticker Visa
1. From the Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate:
This is a traditional way to obtain a sticker visa. It involves visiting and submitting your application to a Vietnamese diplomatic mission.
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Submit Your Application: Submit your application in person to the nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate. Some embassies also accept online applications, so check the specific requirements of the diplomatic mission in your country;
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Pay the Visa Fee;
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Receive Your Sticker Visa: Standard processing takes 5–7 working days. Once your application is approved, the embassy or consulate will place the sticker visa in your passport.
Pros:
Cons:
2. Upon Arrival at Vietnam Entry Port:
This option is convenient for foreigners departing from countries that do not have any embassy/consulate from Vietnam.
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Submit Your Documents: Go to the Visa on Arrival counter before proceeding to immigration, and present your documents to the customs officer;
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Pay the Stamping Fee;
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Receive Your Visa Sticker: The visa sticker will be affixed to your passport, allowing you to proceed through immigration.
Pros:
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No need to visit an embassy or consulate beforehand.
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Faster processing, especially with express approval services.
Cons:
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Waiting time at the airport can vary depending on the queue. But this problem will be solved if you book our
Fast-track service.
How to Extend the Sticker Visa?
Visa extension is the process of extending the validity of your current sticker visa, allowing you to stay in Vietnam longer than your initial visa allows instead of leaving the country and applying for a new visa. This option is available for various types of visas, including tourist and business visas, and the duration of the extension depends on the type of visa and your circumstances.
To extend your sticker visa, you need to follow these steps below:
Step 1: Prepare the Documents
To extend your visa, you need to prepare the following documents:
Step 2: Start the Extension Process
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Submit your documents directly to the Immigration Department or through a visa service agency. Using an agency can simplify the process, as they handle all the paperwork and communication with immigration officials on your behalf. You can refer to our
visa extension service for more details!
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Pay the extension fee
Step 3: Get Your Extension Stamp
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Once approved, you will receive your passport with an updated visa stamp indicating your new expiration date.
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Complete the extension process.
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Note:
In some cases, if your passport is lost in Vietnam, you may be issued a separate visa (loose-leaf visa) as a replacement to facilitate your departure from the country. This visa is typically provided when it is not possible to transfer your original visa to your replacement passport. Once you leave Vietnam, you will need to renew or reapply for a visa if you plan to return.
To conclude, the Vietnam sticker visa remains a practical and widely used option for travelers visiting this vibrant country. By understanding the application process and planning ahead, you can ensure a smooth entry and focus on enjoying all that Vietnam offers.
