Nationals of countries on Vietnam’s visa-waiver list are granted visa-free visits for up to one month. Citizens from most other countries will need to apply for a visa to enter Vietnam. A tourist visa is normally valid for one month, although it is also possible to apply for a three-month multiple-entry visa for Vietnam.
Those who wish to live in Vietnam for longer periods of time, and potentially take up employment, will need to apply for a long-term visa or work permit. While the process seems straightforward on the surface, it can often be stressful and involve lots of paperwork. Furthermore, visa regulations aren’t always clear and the success of an application is often subject to the whims of local immigration officials.