Viet Nam tourist visa (DL) in 2026
Viet Nam's consolidated immigration law uses the code DL for people entering for tourism. The statutory maximum validity for a DL visa is 90 days.
DL is a purpose category
Do not confuse the DL purpose code with the EV electronic-visa channel/category. The current e-Visa system also allows visas up to 90 days, but an EV remains its own statutory visa symbol. Depending on nationality, circumstances and application method, a visitor should follow the current Immigration Department process that actually applies to them.
No local-employment permission
Tourist status does not substitute for permission to work. A person taking employment in Viet Nam should examine the immigration and labour-law layers together: Work Visa and Work Permit or, where a statutory exemption applies, Work-Permit-Exempt Employment.
Visa exemption is separate
Viet Nam also grants visa-free entry under unilateral policy and international treaties for eligible nationalities. The official e-Visa portal currently explains that unilateral-exemption entrants receive a 45-day temporary-stay certificate. Visa-exemption eligibility is nationality- and instrument-specific and is not the same thing as holding a DL visa.
Longer stays
Tourism itself is not a general route to a temporary residence card or permanent residence. People whose real purpose is investment, study, family unity, employment or a qualifying preferential category should use the corresponding legal route.
Related: Electronic Visa, Viet Nam hub, and legal disclaimer.
Official and supporting sources
- Government Portal — Consolidated Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners, 62/VBHN-VPQHlegislation · accessed 2026-09-29
- Ministry of Public Security — Viet Nam National Electronic Visa systemofficial portal · accessed 2026-09-29