Vietnam Sticker Visa: Application, Validity & Fees

The sticker visa, often called visa label or stamped visa, is the most established and conveniently obtained visa format for foreigners entering Vietnam. It is physically attached to your passport and issued either by a Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate abroad, or by the immigration officer when you arrive at one of Vietnam's international airports.

What Is a Vietnam Sticker Visa?

A sticker visa is an official visa document affixed directly to your passport. It shows essential details such as your name, passport number, photo, visa code (DL, DN, LĐ, ĐT, TT, etc.), purpose of stay, validity, and number of entries. It is the format most travellers, workers, and investors use for medium- and long-term stays.

Depending on your nationality and purpose of entry, a sticker visa can be issued by the the respective authorities of Vietnam:

- Vietnamese Embassies or Consulates in your country of residence, or

- Immigration office at International airports in Vietnam (provided that you have already obtained a letter of approval)

The sticker visa is available for various categories of entry including tourism, business, work, investment, study, and family visit. It may be single- or multiple-entry, and its validity can range from one month to one year or more.

In fact, before the introduction of e-Visa in 2023, Vietnam sticker visa (also known as Visa on arrival) was the most common way for travelers to obtain a visa to Vietnam.

Legal basis: This visa form is recognised under Law No. 47/2014/QH13 (Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners), amended by Law No. 51/2019/QH14, and implemented through Decree No. 152/2020/NĐ-CP and guiding regulations of the Ministry of Public Security and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Sticker Visa vs. e-Visa – Which One Should You Choose?

Vietnam currently issues both the traditional sticker visa and the e-Visa (electronic visa). Both types are official and legal, but they differ in process, duration, and eligibility.

- Sticker Visa: Applied through an Embassy or on arrival; suitable for longer stays, multiple entries, or sponsored purposes (work, business, study).

- e-Visa: Applied online; ideal for short visits (up to 90 days) without sponsorship requirements.

Comparison overview:

- Issuing authority: Embassy/Consulate or airport (sticker) vs. Immigration Department (eVisa)

- Format: Visa label on passport (sticker vs. digital PDF (eVisa)

- Validity: Up to 12 months or longer (sticker) vs. 90 days max (eVisa)

- Flexibility: Sticker visa allows multiple entries and extensions; eVisa does not

- Purpose: Sticker visas cover all categories; eVisas mainly for tourism or business meetings

In short: If you plan to stay beyond 90 days, make frequent trips to Vietnam, or need a visa tied to employment or investment, the sticker visa is a better choice.

Who Should Apply for a Sticker Visa?

The sticker visa is particularly suitable if:

- You will stay in Vietnam for longer than three months.

- You need to enter and exit multiple times throughout the year.

- You are sponsored by a Vietnamese company, university, or investor.

- Your nationality is not eligible for the eVisa program.

- You need a visa label as proof for work permit or residence procedures.

It is also the preferred visa format for those applying for a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) or handling legal paperwork such as marriage registration, insurance, or work licensing.

How to Apply for a Vietnam Sticker Visa

Option 1 – Apply at a Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate

Travellers who wish to have the visa ready before departure can apply directly through the nearest Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate. Processing time usually takes 3–5 working days.

Required documents:

- Valid passport (at least 6 months remaining, 2 blank pages).

- Completed visa form (Form NA1).

- One passport photo (4×6 cm, white background).

- Approval letter or invitation (if required).

- Documents showing purpose of entry (business, investment, family, study, etc.).

- Applicable visa fee.

Once approved, the visa label will be affixed directly to your passport, indicating its validity period, number of entries, and visa category.

It is strongly recommended that you double check all the details in the visa sticker, especially the validity and your personal information, to avoid potential delay at the airport or upon entry.

Option 2 – Get a Sticker Visa on Arrival (Airports Only)

This method requires an official approval letter issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department before arrival.

Steps on arrival:

1. Present your passport, approval letter, completed entry form, and one 4×6 cm photo.
2. Pay the visa stamping fee (typically USD 25–135 depending on visa type).
3. Receive the sticker visa affixed to your passport at the visa counter.

Tip: Always double-check that your name, passport number, and visa validity match your approval letter to avoid entry delays.

Visa Validity and Renewal

Vietnam sticker visas have flexible durations from 1 to 12 months, depending on the visa type, sponsor, and applicant profile. Below are typical validity periods:

- Tourist (DL): 1–3 months

- Business (DN1, DN2): 3–12 months

- Work (LĐ1, LĐ2): Up to 2 years

- Investment (ĐT1–ĐT4): 1–5 years

- Family visit (TT): 3–6 months

- Study (DH): Up to 12 months

Important: The validity printed on the visa may differ from your permitted stay. The immigration officer will determine the official stay duration when you enter Vietnam.

Extending a Sticker Visa

You may apply for a visa extension at the Immigration Department or through an authorised agent if:

- Your visa is still valid.

- You have not violated immigration regulations.

- You maintain a legitimate sponsor or purpose of stay.

Common extension durations range from 15 days to 12 months, depending on the visa category. For long-term residents, it is often more efficient to convert to a Temporary Residence Card (TRC).

Vietnamese Embassies and Consulates

Travellers may apply for or verify their sticker visa at any Vietnamese diplomatic mission abroad. Here are some of the main offices serving major regions:

Note: Always confirm the Embassy’s latest submission hours and requirements before visiting, as procedures may differ by location.

Typical Sticker Visa Fees

Fees vary by nationality, visa type, and duration. The following ranges serve as reference for short-term visa applications:

Reminder: Fees for longer-term work, family, or investment visas are typically higher. Always verify the exact fee with the relevant Embassy or Consulate before applying.

To summarize

The Vietnam sticker visa remains the most comprehensive and legally recognised visa format, offering longer validity, multiple entries, and physical documentation for residence or employment. While the e-Visa suits shorter stays, the sticker visa provides security and flexibility for travellers, professionals, and investors who plan to spend extended time in Vietnam.

Legal References: Law No. 47/2014/QH13; Law No. 51/2019/QH14; Decree No. 152/2020/NĐ-CP; Circular 31/2015/TT-BCA.