Vietnam Visa

In most cases, foreign nationals who wish to visit or immigrate to Vietnam for any length of time will need to apply for a visa in order to do so. In Vietnam, immigration services do allow nationals of some countries to enter for a limited period without applying for a visa. However, for the majority of foreign nationals, applying for a Vietnamese visa is mandatory.

You can set your visa application in motion today by visiting the Global Visas online Vietnam visa assessment area. Just take a moment to complete one of our forms and a consultant will contact you.

Types of visa for Vietnam

In general, visas for Vietnam are issued as either a tourist visa or a business visa. A variety of terms are interchangeably used to describe short stay visas, including visit visa, travel visa visitor visa and in the case of business related permits 'business visit visas'. However, in Vietnam, visas for short-term visits are issued in one of two categories, for either tourism or business.

Vietnam tourist visa

In Vietnam, tourist visas are issued to those entering the country for the purposes of tourism or for a private visit. A Vietnamese tourist visa is granted for an initial duration of one month although in many cases an extension of an additional month can be obtained. Vietnamese visas of this kind are strictly a short-term immigration solution and are granted on the basis that applicants will return to their country of residence on or before the expiry of the document. A Vietnamese visa for tourism does not permit its holder to engage in any form of employment during their time in the country.

Vietnam Business Visa

Vietnamese business visas may be issued for periods ranging from one month to one year depending upon the purpose and proposed duration of the trip. However, in practice most Vietnam business visas are issued for a duration of six months.

Like business permits for many destinations, these permits are issued for those who need to enter the country in order to perform business related activities with the exception of undertaking employment. Holders may attend meetings and conferences or embark upon fact-finding missions, however, it is not permitted to be paid during the candidate's time in Vietnam. For those wishing to live and work in Vietnam it will be necessary to enter the country on a short-term grant of leave before applying for a Vietnamese work permit.

In Vietnam, visas for both tourism and business require that a valid passport be submitted along with a passport photograph, a fully completed application form and the appropriate fee. However, for business permits, the approval of a Vietnamese sponsor is required as well. In addition, applications for multiple entry business visas must be approved prior to arrival by the Immigration Department in Vietnam.

Processing Times and Fees

Vietnamese immigration services are subject to change at short notice. In addition, both processing times and fees may vary significantly depending upon factors such as the nationality of the applicant and the type of permit, e.g. single entry or multiple entry, being obtained. With this in mind those wishing to apply are advised to contact a Global visas migration consultant who will be able to provide up to date advice on requirements.

A Global Visas migration consultant will be able to discuss the requirements of nationals of your country of residence and where necessary, will be able to help you apply for a Vietnamese visa. Visit our online assessment area now to find out whether you qualify and to begin your application.