UAE residents need a visa to enter Vietnam in 2026, and there are several routes to choose from depending on your purpose and length of stay.
This guide breaks down every visa type, the three application routes, fees, documents, and what to prepare before you fly.
Do UAE Residents Need a Visa for Vietnam in 2026?
Yes. Vietnam does not currently grant visa-free entry to UAE passport holders or to expats living in the UAE. Every traveller from the UAE needs a valid visa before boarding.
You can apply through three routes: the online e-visa system, a visa on arrival with a pre-arranged approval letter, or a traditional visa sticker from the Vietnam Embassy in Abu Dhabi.
The right route depends on your purpose of travel: tourism, business, work, study, family visit, or investment. Each visa type has its own validity, fee, and supporting documents.
Compare flights to Ho Chi Minh City, flights to Hanoi, and hotels in Vietnam on Wego while you sort your paperwork.
Vietnam Visa Types Explained
Vietnam classifies visas into more than 20 categories by purpose. The most relevant for UAE residents are listed below.
Tourist Visa (DL): For leisure travel only. Available as 30-day or 90-day, single or multiple entry. Maximum stay is 90 days from the date of entry.
Business Visa (DN1 and DN2): DN1 is granted to foreigners working with Vietnamese businesses or organisations with legal status in Vietnam. DN2 is for those offering services or establishing a commercial presence under international treaties.
Business visas can be valid for 30 or 90 days, with a maximum stay of one year on a sponsored extension.
Electronic Visa (EV): The most popular route. Valid for up to 90 days, single or multiple entry, and open to all nationalities including UAE residents. Issued fully online.
Work Visa (LD1 and LD2): LD1 is for foreigners exempt from work permit requirements. LD2 is for foreigners who need a work permit. Both allow stays of up to two years.
Investor Visa (DT1 to DT4): Granted to foreign investors, scaled by capital contribution. DT1 covers contributions of VND 100 billion or more (valid up to 5 years). DT4 covers contributions under VND 3 billion (valid up to 12 months).
Student Visa (DH): Issued to foreigners enrolled in a Vietnamese university or accredited course. Valid for the duration of the study programme.
Family Visit Visa (TT): For foreigners visiting a Vietnamese spouse, parent, or child. Valid for up to 12 months and renewable.
How to Apply
UAE residents can choose one of three application routes. Pick the one that fits your visa type, timeline, and purpose.
For e-Visa (Online)
The cheapest and fastest route, suitable for tourism, short business trips, family visits, and most short-to-medium stays.
- Go to the official portal at evisa.gov.vn. Avoid copycat sites that charge inflated fees.
- Click E-visa Issuance and select For Foreigners.
- Upload a scan of your passport bio page and a recent passport-style photo.
- Fill in your personal details exactly as they appear in your passport.
- Choose single or multiple entry, validity up to 90 days, and a port of entry.
- Pay the visa fee online with a debit or credit card.
- Track your application using the registration code emailed to you.
- Once approved, download and print the PDF e-visa for immigration.
For Visa on Arrival (VOA)
Available only with a pre-arranged approval letter from the Vietnam Immigration Department. You apply through a licensed Vietnamese travel agency, which submits your details to immigration on your behalf.
- Submit your passport details and travel dates to a licensed Vietnamese visa agency.
- Pay the agency service fee online.
- Receive the approval letter (usually 2 to 3 working days) by email and print it.
- Carry the letter, two passport photos, and a completed entry/exit form to the visa-on-arrival counter at one of Vietnam’s international airports.
- Pay the official stamping fee in cash (USD 25 single entry, USD 50 multiple entry) and collect your visa stamp.
VOA is only valid for arrival by air at an international airport. It does not work for land or sea entries.
At Vietnam Embassy in Abu Dhabi
The traditional sticker visa is required for work, study, investor, long-term family, and diplomatic categories. It also suits travellers whose e-visa was rejected or who need a visa not covered by the online system.
- Contact the embassy at +971 2 449 6710 or email [email protected] to confirm the documents required for your visa category.
- Prepare your passport, completed application form, photos, and any supporting documents (invitation letter, work permit, university enrolment, etc.).
- Submit in person at Villa 101 and 102, Street 27, Sector 24, Al Mushrif Area, Abu Dhabi.
- Pay the visa fee at the embassy.
- Collect your stamped passport in 4 to 6 working days, or pay extra for fast-track processing.
Fees, Processing Times, and Validity
Fees and processing times vary by route and visa category. The table below covers the most common options for UAE residents.
| Visa Route | Validity | Official Fee (USD) | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-visa, single entry | Up to 90 days | USD 25 | 3 to 5 working days |
| E-visa, multiple entry | Up to 90 days | USD 50 | 3 to 5 working days |
| Visa on arrival (single) | 30 to 90 days | USD 25 stamping fee + agency service fee | 2 to 3 working days for letter |
| Visa on arrival (multiple) | 30 to 90 days | USD 50 stamping fee + agency service fee | 2 to 3 working days for letter |
| Embassy sticker (Abu Dhabi) | Varies by category (3 months to 5 years) | From USD 25 (plus consular fees) | 4 to 6 working days |
Visa fees are paid online for the e-visa and are non-refundable, even if your application is rejected. Official fees are set by Vietnam’s Immigration Department and listed on evisa.gov.vn.
When Should You Apply?
Apply at least 7 to 10 working days before your flight. During peak periods (January to April, August to September, and November to December), allow up to 15 days for processing.
E-visas cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer than 90 days, you must exit Vietnam and apply for a new e-visa, or convert to a different visa category from inside Vietnam through an embassy or sponsor.
Documents and Requirements
Document requirements differ slightly by route, but the core list is the same.
For All Visa Routes
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from your Vietnam arrival date
- At least 2 blank visa pages in your passport
- A recent passport-style photo on a white background (4×6 cm, no glasses)
- Confirmed return or onward flight ticket
- Hotel booking or address of stay in Vietnam
- Proof of sufficient funds for your stay
Additional Documents
For Expats Resident in the UAE
- Valid UAE residence visa in your passport
- Proof of legal stay in the UAE (Emirates ID may be requested at the embassy)
For Business, Work, and Long-Stay Categories
- Invitation letter from a Vietnamese sponsor or company
- Work permit or work permit exemption (for LD visas)
- Investment certificate (for DT visas)
- University enrolment letter (for DH visas)
- Marriage or birth certificate (for TT family visas)
Vietnam does not legally require proof of travel or health insurance for entry, but comprehensive coverage is strongly recommended for all stays, especially longer ones, and may be requested at immigration.
Entry Ports, Common Mistakes, and Travel Tips
A valid visa is only part of getting into Vietnam smoothly. Here’s what else UAE residents should know.
Where You Can Land
UAE travellers fly into Vietnam, and all major international airports accept e-visa and VOA arrivals.
The main ones are Tan Son Nhat (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City, Noi Bai (HAN) in Hanoi, Da Nang (DAD), Cam Ranh (CXR), and Phu Quoc (PQC).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using a copycat website. Apply only on evisa.gov.vn. Third-party sites charge inflated fees and cannot guarantee approval.
- Mismatched details. Names, dates of birth, and passport numbers must match your passport exactly. A typo can void your visa.
- Wrong photo format. Use a recent passport-style photo on a white background, no glasses, no filters.
- Booking flights before approval. Wait until your visa is approved before paying for non-refundable tickets.
- Short passport validity. Renew your passport if it has under 6 months left from your arrival date.
- VOA at the wrong port. Visa on arrival only works at international airports, never at land or sea borders.
What to Carry at Immigration
- Printed e-visa or VOA approval letter
- Passport with at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages
- Return or onward flight ticket
- Hotel booking confirmation
- Proof of sufficient funds (cash or card statement)
- Travel insurance documents (recommended for all stays)
Once your visa is sorted, browse hotels in Hanoi and hotels in Da Nang on Wego to lock in your stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for a Vietnam e-visa if I only hold a UAE residence visa?
Yes. Vietnam’s e-visa is open to all nationalities. You apply with your home-country passport, not your UAE residence visa.
Can I extend my Vietnam e-visa once I’m in the country?
No. The 90-day e-visa cannot be extended. You must exit Vietnam and apply for a fresh e-visa, or switch to a different visa category through a sponsor.
Is travel insurance mandatory for Vietnam?
Travel and health insurance is not a legal entry requirement for Vietnam, but it’s strongly recommended for all visitors, especially for longer stays. Some travellers report being asked to show proof of insurance at immigration, so it’s wise to carry a copy.
What if my e-visa application is rejected?
The fee is non-refundable. You can re-apply with corrected details or visit the Vietnam Embassy in Abu Dhabi for a sticker visa instead.
Can I enter Vietnam through any port with my e-visa?
Yes. Since December 2025, e-visa holders can enter through any of the 83 approved land, sea, and air ports, regardless of which one was selected at application.
Which visa do I need to work in Vietnam?
You need an LD1 or LD2 work visa, applied through the Vietnam Embassy in Abu Dhabi with a sponsor letter from your Vietnamese employer and a work permit (or exemption document).
Sources
- Vietnam National Electronic Visa System
- Vietnam E-Visa FAQs (Official)
- Vietnam Embassy in Abu Dhabi
- Embassy of Vietnam in the UAE (Official MOFA Site)
- Vietnam Government Portal: Expanded E-Visa Ports of Entry
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
