United States citizens must obtain a visa to enter Vietnam, regardless of trip duration or purpose. This guide covers essential information about the types, exemptions and application processes of Vietnam travel visa for US citizens, so that travelers can simplify their travel preparations.
Understanding 6 Types Of Vietnam Visa For US Citizens
Tourist Visa
Traveling to Vietnam with a tourist visa is strictly forbidden for any kind of business. Four different types of visas are available:
- 30-day single-entry visa
- 30-day multiple-entry visa
- 90-day single-entry visa
- 90-day multiple-entry visa
Visitors have two main options for obtaining a tourist visa:
- Visa on Arrival (VOA): Ideal for air travelers who are short on time. This option is available at Vietnamese airports.
- Electronic Visa (e-Visa): A digital alternative limited to one-month, single-entry stays. Only citizens from 80 eligible countries can apply.
Business Visa
After tourist visas, business visas are the most common way to enter Vietnam. To classify them, we can say:
- DN1: For foreign individuals collaborating with Vietnam-based legal entities.
- DN2: For foreigners providing services, establishing commercial operations, or engaging in activities outlined by international agreements, Vietnam has joined.
Business visas, like tourist visas, come in four different length and entry frequency options:
- 30-day single-entry visa
- 30-day multiple-entry visa
- 90-day single-entry visa
- 90-day multiple-entry visa
Currently, travelers can secure a business visa through two methods:
- Visa on Arrival (VOA): This is the preferred option for most visitors.
- Electronic Visa (e-Visa): An online alternative for eligible applicants.
Student Visa
Anyone planning to enroll in a university program in Vietnam can apply for a student visa.
This form of Vietnam visa is typically obtained once you arrive in Vietnam. A tourist visa will allow you entry to Vietnam; once you’ve enrolled in the course, you can petition to the Immigration Office to modify your visa status. Hiring a service to apply for your Vietnam tourist visa is the most hassle-free option.
Working Visa
Foreign nationals looking for jobs, such as teaching positions, can apply for working visas in Vietnam. There are two types of these visas:
- LD1: For individuals exempt from work permit requirements unless specified by international agreements.
- LD2: For those who must obtain a work permit to be employed in Vietnam.
Working visas are valid for up to two years. For extended stays, applicants can request an LD temporary residence card, which lasts up to two years.
Obtaining a work visa involves a two-step process:
- Your Vietnamese employer must secure an LD visa approval letter from the Vietnam Immigration Department.
- You then get your visa stamped either at a Vietnamese embassy abroad or upon arrival, depending on your approval letter type.
Key points to remember:
- A work permit or work-permit exemption document is crucial for the application. If you lack these documents, start with a business visa through your future employer. Once you have a work permit, transitioning to a work visa becomes straightforward.
- Typically, criminal records and health checks aren’t required for work visa applications.
- Costs include fees for both the approval letter and visa stamping at the embassy or port of entry.
Investor Visa
Investor visas are available to foreign nationals and representatives of international organizations that wish to invest in Vietnam. We may categorize these visas into four types:
- DT1: For investments of 100 billion VND or more, or for projects in government-prioritized sectors. This visa is valid for up to 5 years.
- DT2: Applies to investments between 50 and 100 billion VND, or for ventures in government-encouraged industries. It also has a 5-year maximum validity.
- DT3: Designed for investments ranging from 3 to 50 billion VND. This visa can be issued for up to 3 years.
- DT4: Intended for smaller investments below 3 billion VND. It’s valid for a maximum of 12 months.
Diplomatic Visa
Vietnam issues diplomatic visas to select groups of foreign visitors:
- Delegation members invited by Vietnamese ministries or high-level officials
- Staff of consular offices in Vietnam
- Individuals working with or briefly visiting consular personnel
These visas are typically free, though fees may apply based on agreements between Vietnam and the applicant’s home country.
The application process requires an official letter from a government agency, consulate, or embassy in the applicant’s home country. This letter must be submitted to the relevant authorities.
Diplomatic visas for Vietnam remain valid for a maximum of one year.
Visa Exemption
Vietnam Visa Exemption
When a foreign national meets specific criteria, they may be able to visit and remain in Vietnam for an extended length of time without being required to apply for or pay for a visa. This policy is known as a Vietnam visa exemption, visa waiver, or visa-free policy. Therefore, if foreign nationals plan to visit Vietnam without a visa, they must meet the attached requirements and be citizens of one of the 25 nations that qualify.
Vietnam’s visa exemption policy as of 2024
Coverage:
- 25 countries enjoy visa-free access for standard passports
Duration range:
- Longest: 5 years for Overseas Vietnamese and their foreign spouses
- Shortest: 14 days for Brunei and Myanmar citizens
European beneficiaries:
- 11 countries including UK, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Russia, Belarus, and Nordic nations (Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland)
- 45-day stay permitted
Policy changes:
- 30-day gap rule between entries abolished in July 2020
Special categories:
- APEC card holders: 60-day visa-free stay
- Phu Quoc island visitors: 30-day exemption
Entry requirements:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Proof of departure plans
Other Visa Exemptions
5 Year Visa Exemption For Overseas Vietnamese
As per Article 12, Clause 5 of the Foreign Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence Law, Vietnam extends a 5-year visa waiver to:
- Overseas Vietnamese with valid passports or international travel documents from foreign authorities, along with their foreign spouses and children.
- Foreign spouses and offspring of Vietnamese citizens.
This exemption allows multiple entries over 5 years, with each stay limited to 180 days. For continuous stays beyond this period, a visa extension is necessary, available for up to 6 months.
To obtain this waiver, submit the required documents to:
- Vietnam’s Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence if abroad
- Vietnam Immigration Office if currently in Vietnam
Phu Quoc Island Visa Exemption
To boost Phu Quoc’s development, Decision 80/2013/Qd-TTg (27/12/2013) permits foreigners to enter and stay on the island visa-free for up to 30 days. This applies to direct entries to Phu Quoc and those transiting through other Vietnamese entry points before reaching the island.
To qualify for this exemption, travelers must:
- Possess a passport valid for 6 months beyond arrival
- Arrive at Phu Quoc International Airport (direct or connecting flights)
- Provide proof of departure within 30 days
- Enter/exit via air or sea routes only
APEC Business Travel Card Exemption
The APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) is issued to qualified senior officials and business travelers by APEC member economies. It facilitates short-term business travel within the APEC region.
A valid passport plus an APEC Business Travel Card can exempt foreigners from the Vietnam visa requirement for a period of up to 60 days. Additionally, travelers who possess this visa waiver will be granted expedited entrance and leave using the airport’s designated APEC lanes.
While specific requirements vary by country, general ABTC eligibility includes:
- Citizenship of an APEC participating economy
- Valid passport or equivalent
- Frequent short-term business travel within APEC
- Government officials involved in APEC activities (subject to certain conditions)
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Tourist Visa: Visa On Arrival And E-Visa
Visa On Arrival
Those planning to join guided tours operated by authorized Vietnamese operators can take advantage of the VOA’s streamlined approach. Different demands can be met by offering flexible durations. Business travelers can select from 3 months to a full year, while tourists can choose from 30 to 90 days. Nevertheless, the VOA serves just as a means of air travel, similar to an entrance permit that is only valid at airports.
E-Visa Service
Entering Vietnam is now easier than ever with the E-visa. It’s a web-based program that syncs up with your passport. Please verify your nationality and desired entrance point since availability varies. While business E-visas need the endorsement of a local firm, tourist E-Visas provide a 30-day single entrance. E-visas provide more freedom than the VOA because they may be used at all entrance ports, whether they are on land, sea, or air.
Difference Between E-Visa And Visa On Arrival
The purpose of your trip should guide your decision among these options of Vietnam travel visa for US citizens. For last-minute arrangements, the VOA is the way to go, especially if you’re flying in with a tour group from Vietnam. For both leisure and business visitors, it provides options for longer stays.
On the other hand, the E-visa is ideal for individuals who want to plan ahead and would like additional entrance alternatives. It’s a 30-day visa that lets you enter the country through any port. Travelers on business should be aware of the need for a local sponsor.
Your itinerary will determine your options in the end. The VOA is probably the way to go if you’re flying in to attend a tour. Those who are open to pre-planning and are looking for greater entrance flexibility can choose the E-Visa.
How To Apply For A Vietnam Visa
What Do You Need To For A Vietnam Visa Application
The following items are often required to apply for a Vietnamese visa:
- Passport: The passport you use to enter Vietnam must be valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond the date of arrival and include two blank pages where the Vietnamese government may stamp your visa.
- Personal photo: Please ensure that the photo you send is of a high quality, white backdrop, and shot within the past 6 months. It should also meet particular specifications.
- Application form: You may find the application form on the Vietnam Immigration Department’s official website. Some visa kinds may have their own dedicated form.
How To Apply Step By Step
STEP 1
Begin by completing the online application form. This crucial step generates an approval letter, essential for obtaining your visa stamp upon entering Vietnam.
Accurately input your personal details: full name, passport number, birth date, nationality, gender, and planned arrival date. Payments are supported via major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, and American Express.
STEP 2
Review and submit payment. Vietnam’s visa fees are affordable. The online approval letter fee starts at 17 USD, varying based on visa type and quantity. An additional stamping fee is due upon arrival: 25 USD for single entry and 50 USD for multiple entries. This fee must be paid in cash, using either VND or USD. Ensure you have the correct amount before departing.
Verify that your passport has sufficient blank pages and will remain valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date in Vietnam. If necessary, renew your passport well in advance of your trip.
STEP 3
Obtain and print your approval letter. We begin processing immediately after receiving your application and payment. Typically, you’ll receive your approval letter via email within 2 business days. Print this letter, preferably in color, and keep it with your passport for easy access upon arrival in Vietnam.
Additionally, prepare at least 2 passport-sized photos (4cm x 6cm).
STEP 4
Secure your visa stamp at one of Vietnam’s four international airports. When arriving in Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, or Nha Trang, you’ll need to complete an Entry/Exit form. These are available at the airports or can be downloaded from the website in advance.
Present your approval letter, passport, photos, and cash payment for the stamping fee to receive your visa stamp in your passport.
Wrapping Up
By understanding the requirements, options, and steps involved in obtaining a Vietnam travel visa for US citizens, they can go on the trip in a much easier way. With proper preparation and timely application, you can gain more confidence to fully enjoy an unforgettable journey filled with rich culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality in such wonderful Vietnam!