Eligibility & Requirement for a 3 Month Visa in Vietnam

A 3-month visa in Vietnam allows foreign nationals to stay in Vietnam for up to 90 days for purposes such as tourism, business, and family visits. It provides flexibility for those who want to explore Vietnam, attend business meetings, or reconnect with relatives without frequent visa renewals. But what are the requirements? How do you apply? Can you extend it? This comprehensive guide answers all your questions, ensuring you navigate Vietnamese visas with ease in 2025.

1. Introduction to Vietnam's 3-Month Visa

What is a 3-Month Visa?

The 3-month visa Vietnam is a long-term travel permit available in single-entry and multiple-entry formats. It is issued by the Vietnamese Immigration Department and can be obtained through an embassy or consulate, visa on arrival, or e-visa system.

Who Should Apply for a 3-Month Visa?

• Tourists planning an extended stay who want to explore Vietnam at their own pace.
• Business professionals and investors attending meetings, conferences, or expanding operations.
• Expats and digital nomads who prefer to work remotely from vibrant cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, or Nha Trang.
• Family members visiting relatives in Vietnam.

Benefits of a 3-Month Visa Over Shorter Visas

• Avoids frequent renewals, making travel hassle-free.
• Greater flexibility for those needing to enter and exit Vietnam multiple times.
• Cost-effective compared to renewing shorter visas multiple times.

2. Types of 3-Month Visas Available (Updated for 2025)

Vietnam offers different visa options depending on travel needs:

Single-Entry 3-Month in Vietnam

• Allows only one entry into Vietnam.
• Becomes invalid upon exit before the 90-day expiration.
• Suitable for travelers staying in Vietnam without leaving.

Multiple-Entry 3-Month Visa

• Enables travelers to enter and exit Vietnam multiple times within the 90-day period.
• Ideal for business travelers or those visiting neighboring Southeast Asian countries.

3-Month E-Visa (New Update)

• Effective since August 2023, the Vietnamese Immigration Department now offers a 3-month e-visa.
• Available for both single and multiple entries.
• Can be applied for online without visiting an embassy or consulate.
• Available for citizens from over 80 countries, including the United States.

To apply, visit the official Vietnam e-visa portal at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn.

3. Eligibility Criteria for a 3-Month Vietnam Visa

General Requirements

• A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay.
• At least two blank pages for visa stamps.
• Not on Vietnam’s immigration blacklist.
• A clear reason for travel such as tourism, business, or visiting family.

Additional Requirements by Visa Type

Tourist Visa (DL Category)

• No sponsorship required.
• Must provide a travel itinerary or proof of accommodation.

Business Visa (DN Category)

• Requires an invitation letter from a registered Vietnamese company.
• May require a business license or work permit exemption.

Family Visit Visa (TT Category)

• Must have an invitation letter from a Vietnamese relative.
• Proof of relationship such as a marriage or birth certificate.

4. Required Documents for a 3-Month Visa in Vietnam

For Embassy/Consulate Applications

If applying for a 3-month visa in Vietnam through a Vietnamese embassy or consulate, you’ll need:

• Completed NA1 visa application form (downloadable from the official website).
• A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay in Vietnam.
• Two 4x6 cm passport-sized photos with a white background.
• Flight booking confirmation (optional but highly recommended).
• Supporting documents depending on visa type:
  • Tourist visas – Proof of hotel booking or itinerary.
  • Business visas – Invitation letter from a Vietnamese company.
  • Work visas – Proof of employment or sponsorship.

For Visa on Arrival (VOA) – Only for Air Travelers

If you’re flying into Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, or Da Nang, a visa on arrival is an option. Prepare:

• Visa approval letter issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department.
• Printed approval letter and entry-exit form (NA1).
• Passport with at least 6 months validity.
• Two passport-sized photos (4x6 cm).
• Stamping fee, paid in cash upon arrival (25 USD for single entry, 50 USD for multiple entry).

For E-Visa (Online Application)

For a fully online visa process, the 3-month e-visa is the easiest method. You’ll need:

• Scanned copy of your passport (photo page).
• Digital passport photo (4x6 cm, white background).
• Completed online visa application form.
• Online payment of visa fee (25 USD for single entry, 50 USD for multiple entry).

5. Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a 3-Month Visa in Vietnam

Applying Through a Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate

1. Find the nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your country.
2. Prepare all required documents, including the NA1 form, passport, and visa fee.
3. Submit your application in person or by mail (if allowed).
4. Pay the visa fee (typically 25-50 USD, depending on the visa type).
5. Wait 5-7 business days for processing.
6. Collect your visa once approved and stamped into your passport.

Visa on Arrival (For Air Travelers Only)

1. Apply for a visa approval letter through a Vietnamese visa agency.
2. Receive the approval letter via email within 2-3 business days.
3. Print the letter and complete the entry-exit form (NA1).
4. Arrive at a Vietnamese international airport (Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, or Nha Trang).
5. Present your documents at the Visa on Arrival counter.
6. Pay the stamping fee in cash and get your visa stamped into your passport.

Applying for a 3-Month E-Visa

1. Visit the official Vietnam E-Visa website at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn.
2. Fill out the online application form with accurate details.
3. Upload a scanned copy of your passport and a passport-sized photo.
4. Pay the visa fee online (25 USD for single entry, 50 USD for multiple entry).
5. Wait 3-5 business days for processing.
6. Receive the e-visa via email, print it, and present it upon arrival in Vietnam.

6. Visa Fees & Processing Time (2025 Updates)

7. Important Considerations When Applying for a 3-Month Visa in Vietnam

Avoid Overstaying Your Visa

While Vietnam is welcoming to international visitors, overstaying a visa is a serious offense.

• Overstay fines: If you stay in Vietnam beyond your visa’s validity, you will incur a fine of 500,000 VND per day (~$20 USD).
• Deportation risks: Long-term overstays can result in deportation and an entry ban for future travel.
• Immigration tracking: The Vietnamese Immigration Department maintains strict records, and repeated overstays may prevent future visa approvals.

Entry is Not Always Guaranteed

Even with a valid visa, entry into Vietnam is not automatic. Immigration officers at Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hanoi, and Nha Trang airports have the authority to deny entry if:

• Your passport details do not match your visa application.
• You lack proof of accommodation, return flights, or sufficient funds.
• Your past travel history raises concerns (e.g., frequent overstays in Vietnam or other Southeast Asian countries).

Ensure Accuracy in Your Visa Application

One of the most common reasons for visa denial is incorrect or mismatched information. To avoid rejection:

• Double-check all personal details in your visa application.
• Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.
• For business visas, ensure your Vietnam-based sponsor company is officially registered.

Visa Extensions: Can You Stay Longer Than 3 Months?

• Some 3-month visas allow extensions for 1 to 3 additional months inside Vietnam.
• E-Visas cannot be extended—you must exit and reapply for a new visa.
• Extensions depend on your visa type and approval from the Vietnamese immigration office.

If you are unsure how to extend Vietnam visa, seek assistance from an embassy or consulate, or use VFS Global Vietnam Visa services.

8. How to Extend or Convert a 3-Month Visa in Vietnam

Visa Extensions (1-3 Months Depending on Eligibility)

A visa extension allows you to legally stay in Vietnam beyond your original visa’s expiration date without leaving the country.

Where to apply for an extension?

• Vietnam Immigration Office in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, or Da Nang.
• Authorized travel agencies specializing in visa extensions.

Documents Required for Visa Extension:

• Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining.
• Original visa approval letter (if applicable).
• Application form for visa extension (NA5 form).
• Proof of purpose for staying in Vietnam (business, family visit, etc.).

Processing time: 5-7 business days.

Visa Conversions: Changing Visa Types Without Leaving Vietnam

Some 3-month visas can be converted into long-term visas if eligibility requirements are met.

Tourist Visa → Business Visa

• Requires a sponsorship letter from a Vietnam-based company.
• Useful for digital nomads and professionals who want to stay in Vietnam legally for work-related purposes.

Business Visa → Work Permit & Temporary Residence Card

• If you plan to work in Vietnam beyond 3 months, you will need a work permit.
• The sponsoring company must provide supporting documentation.

Tourist Visa → Retirement Visa (Future Possibilities)

• Vietnam does not currently offer a retirement visa, but long-term stays are possible through business sponsorships or property investments.

If you’re unsure about how to extend Vietnam visa or convert to a long-term visa, consult a Vietnamese immigration expert or VFS Global Vietnam Visa services.

9. Conclusion

A 3-month visa in Vietnam is the ideal solution for travelers, business professionals, and expats looking for an extended stay. By following this guide, you’ll have a stress-free experience applying for your 3-month visa in Vietnam. Whether you’re heading to Ho Chi Minh City for business, Nha Trang for relaxation, or Da Nang for remote work, Vietnam is waiting for you!