Over the last decade, relations between Vietnam and all other countries in the world have developed quickly in many areas—especially in tourism. The relationship between Vietnam and all other countries in Asia, America, Africa, Australia, and Europe are considered to be of strategic importance to Vietnam. With the goal of establishing the best environment for foreigners to visit and do business in Vietnam, a Vietnam Embassy has been opened in almost all foreign countries. The procedure to apply for a Vietnam visa for travelers is actually fast and convenient.
At the Vietnam Embassy, the visa procedure will take around five days to process. Visa fees will depend on the type of visa for which you are applying. Travelers can get the Vietnam visa processed at any Vietnam Embassy in any country in order to enter Vietnam for tourism, business, or to visit relatives.
In case you have obtained a visa approval letter by a competent authority of Vietnam (your hosting/ inviting organization or individual should request this visa approval for you), you can:
Apply for the Visa in person or apply by email to get a Vietnam Visa at the Vietnam Embassy.
I/ Documents:
To apply in person or by mail, the applicant is required to submit the following documents:
- 01 application form to be completed online at the website of a Vietnam Embassy you would like to get the Visa at. After completing the online application form, please PRINT OUT and sign your application.
- Passport (the original for a sticker-visa application OR a copy of the ID page for a loose-leaf visa application) with at least 06 months of validity prior to the proposed date of entry into Viet Nam to meet airlines’ and immigration requirements).
- Visa Approval Letter of Immigration Department in Vietnam.
- Photo: two (2) 2×2 inch identical photos
- Visa fees: paid by Visa Card/Master Card for in-person application at the Embassy, or in the form of money order/ cashier’s check/company check payable to “EMBASSY OF VIET NAM”.
- Other supporting documents (if any): copy of visa approval document or provision of visa approval reference number issued by the relevant authority of Viet Nam; invitation letter from sponsor/host etc.
- If you wish to receive your passport and/or visa sent back to your mailing address by mail: 01 prepaid self-addressed return envelope. To ensure safe delivery of your application package and visa, it is recommended that you use certified mail service offered by USPS, UPS and FedEx with tracking number to check on delivery status. The Embassy shall not be responsible for any loss of documents due to insecure and uncertified mailing service. In case you do not bring along a prepaid return envelope upon submission of visa application at the Embassy, you may use FedEx envelopes available at the Embassy and are required to pay for the additional mailing service.
II. Processing time
Standard: 3 business days (after all required documents are submitted).
Expedite service: 24-hour processing time (additional fee is required). Kindly put an Expedite service or URGENT note/label on your envelope or in your application package for easier processing.
III. Other important notices
* Upon receiving your visa issued by the Embassy, kindly double check all personal information printed on your visa. In case of inaccurate personal information, please contact the Embassy immediately for correction or adjustments (fees may be applied for amendments of visas due to applicants’ inadvertent errors).
* For diplomatic and official passport holder, you can apply in person or by mail (online or email application is not applicable). Diplomatic and official visas will be issued GRATIS (free of charge) unless otherwise agreed upon between Viet Nam and the applicant’s country. In addition to documents specified in Part I, the applicant is requested to submit a visa approval number, a diplomatic note, or an official letter from the relevant agencies of the national Government, Diplomatic Missions and international organizations accredited to the a nation’s Government
* The cost for visa includes visa approval fee, processing and handling fee, postal service and expedite service (if required). Visa fees vary depending on type of visa, duration of stay and type of service (standard or expedite). Please contact the Consular Division of the Vietnam Embassy you apply for further information.
* If you travel in a group: combined payment can be made in one money order or check for the whole group (two applicants or more). All applications can be sent in one envelope and the visas can be sent back in one return envelope.
* Duration of stay: visa will be valid from the date of entry provided on your application and printed on the visa. You may enter ON or AFTER the date of entry given on the visa and is expected to leave before the end of the expiration date.
* The Embassy reserves the right to request further information and documentation from applicants and to deny approval for any visa application without necessarily providing explanation for visa denial.
* It is important to determine which type of Visa is suitable for your trip to Vietnam to apply for. For tourist and business purposes less than 90 days stay in Vietnam, you can choose to apply for the E-Visa on an E-Visa online system or Vietnam Visa on arrival.
Source: Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in The United States of America