Understanding the Vietnam visa for UAE residents has become essential for travellers planning a smooth trip in the country in 2025. Whether you’re visiting for a short holiday, exploring new business opportunities, or preparing for a long-term assignment, Vietnam offers flexible visa options for UAE expatriates and citizens.
- Do UAE residents need a visa for Vietnam?
- What types of Vietnam visas are available for UAE residents?
- How to apply for a Vietnam visa from the UAE?
- Required documents for a Vietnam visa application
- Vietnam visa fees and processing time
- Temporary Residence Card (TRC) for long-term stays
- Important tips for UAE residents applying for a Vietnam visa
- Key takeaways
- FAQs
Do UAE residents need a visa for Vietnam?
Yes, all travellers from the UAE applying for a Vietnam Visa must secure a valid visa before entering the country. Vietnam does not offer visa-free entry to UAE residents, except in limited cases such as diplomatic passport holders, APEC card holders, or those holding a valid temporary residence card issued by Vietnam.
This process works similarly to visa systems for other destinations.
What types of Vietnam visas are available for UAE residents?
Vietnam offers several visa options depending on your travel purpose. These categories make it easy to plan stays ranging from short holidays to long-term work assignments.
Tourist visa
- Single entry: Up to 30 days
- Multiple entry: Up to 30 days
Business/Investor visa
- Single entry: Up to 90 days
- Multiple entry: Up to 90 days
Work visa
- Validity: Up to 12 months
Relative visit visa
- Designed for family members of UAE diplomatic or consular staff posted in Vietnam
Vietnam e-Visa
- Single or multiple entry
- Maximum stay: 90 days
The steps are quite straightforward, especially if you’ve handled regional travel before, like travelling from Dubai to Azerbaijan.
How to apply for a Vietnam visa from the UAE?
The application process for a Vietnam visa for UAE residents depends on the method you choose. Here are the three main pathways:
1. Online e-Visa application
- Submit your application via the official e-Visa portal
- Requires registration for an electronic identification account
- Upload documents and pay online
- Receive approval within 3–5 working days
2. Visa on Arrival (VOA)
- Applicable only at Vietnam’s international airports
- You must secure a pre-approval letter before travelling
- Pay stamping fees upon arrival
3. Embassy or consulate application
- Submit documents in person or by courier
- Ideal for those requiring long-stay or work visas
Long-stay options such as business and work visas often become clearer once you understand how different countries structure their entry conditions, as seen when exploring travel procedures to countries like Japan, which have structured entry rules.
Required documents for a Vietnam visa application
When applying for a Vietnam visa for UAE residents, ensure you prepare all required documents correctly. Missing paperwork is a common cause of delays.
You will need:
- A passport valid for at least six months with two blank pages
- A passport-sized photo (4×6 cm)
- A digital copy of your passport information page
- Completed visa form (NA1 for tourist/business, NA5 for extension, NA16 for signature and seal)
- Additional documents depending on visa type:
- Tourist: Travel itinerary
- Business: Company authorisation letter, business visit plan
- Work: Notarised work permit
- Relative: Proof of relationship
Travellers usually compare stay durations and entry types across destinations, noticing similarities in how single and multiple-entry visas work in places like European destinations like Portugal that offer structured visit visa options.
Vietnam visa fees and processing time
Here’s a quick breakdown to help UAE residents plan their budget efficiently:
| Visa Type | Duration | Entries | Fee (USD) | Processing Time |
| Tourist e-Visa | 30–90 days | Single | 25 | 3–5 working days |
| Tourist e-Visa | 30–90 days | Multiple | 50 | 3–5 working days |
| Visa on Arrival | Up to 90 days | Multiple | 50 | 3–5 working days |
| Work Visa | Up to 12 months | Multiple | Varies | 7–10 working days |
Temporary Residence Card (TRC) for long-term stays
If you’re planning to stay longer than 12 months, the Temporary Residence Card (TRC) could be the ideal option. This is especially common among professionals relocating for work.
- Validity: Up to 5 years
- Reduces the need for frequent visa extensions
- Useful for investors, employees, and accompanying family members
Required documents include:
- Notarised business registration
- Passport and current visa
- Work permit
- Passport photos
- Visa extension form (NA5)
- Signature and seal specimen form (NA16)
Important tips for UAE residents applying for a Vietnam visa
To ensure a smooth process when applying for the Vietnam visa for UAE residents, keep these practical tips in mind:
- Apply at least two weeks before your travel date
- Make sure your passport has six months of validity
- Enter Vietnam only through the port listed on your e-Visa
- Double-check all personal details
- Ensure you have no entry bans or criminal record issues
- Keep digital backups of all documents
Key takeaways
The process for the Vietnam visa for UAE residents is simple when you follow the official steps. UAE residents must apply for a visa, typically an e-Visa that allows a stay of up to 90 days. Work visas and long-term stays require additional documentation, such as a work permit or a TRC. Processing takes 3–5 working days for e-Visas, making it a convenient option for both leisure and business travel.
FAQs
Yes, you can apply directly through the official Vietnam e-Visa portal.
You can stay up to 90 days with either a single or multiple entry.
No, except for diplomatic passport holders, APEC cardholders, or those with valid temporary residence cards.
A valid passport, photo, digital passport copy, completed visa form, and extra documents, depending on the visa category.
Most e-Visas take 3–5 working days; work visas may require 7–10 working days.
