✅ How to Get a Vietnam Visa in San Francisco – Essential Requirements & Step-by-Step Guide 🇻🇳📍
If you’re living in or near San Francisco and planning to travel to Vietnam, obtaining the correct visa is the first important step. Whether you’re traveling for tourism, business, or visiting family, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the Vietnam visa process in San Francisco, including all required documents, application methods, and tips for a smooth experience.
📌 Where to Apply in San Francisco?
You can apply for a Vietnam visa through the Consulate General of Vietnam in San Francisco or opt for the faster and more convenient Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA) or E-visa option.
📍 Vietnam Consulate in San Francisco
- Address: 1700 California St, Suite 580, San Francisco, CA 94109
- Phone: (415) 922-1577
✈️ 3 Popular Options to Get a Vietnam Visa from San Francisco
1️⃣ Apply in Person or by Mail at the Vietnam Consulate
✔️ Best for long-term visas or multi-entry
✔️ Takes around 5–7 business days
✔️ Required documents:
- Original passport (valid for 6+ months)
- Completed visa application form (download from their website)
- 01 passport-size photo
- Visa fee (check with the Consulate)
- Prepaid return envelope (if applying by mail)
2️⃣ Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA)
✔️ Ideal for air travelers
✔️ Apply online with VisaOnlineVietnam.com
✔️ Process:
- Submit your application online
- Get the Visa Approval Letter by email within 1–3 working days
- Bring the letter + passport + 2 photos + stamping fee (USD 25–50)
- Get the visa stamped on arrival at any international airport in Vietnam
3️⃣ Vietnam E-Visa (Single-entry, 30 days)
✔️ Apply completely online via https://visaonlinevietnam.com
✔️ Fill the form, upload your passport + photo, and pay online
✔️ Receive your approved e-visa within 3 working days
✔️ Print and carry the visa for entry at 33 official checkpoints
📝 Requirements to Apply
- Valid passport (min. 6 months validity)
- One recent passport-sized photo (4×6 cm)
- Completed visa application form (varies by method)
- Visa approval letter (for VOA)
- Visa fee (varies by type and urgency)
💡 Pro Tips for a Smooth Process
- Apply at least 2 weeks in advance of your travel date
- Double-check your documents and personal info before submitting
- Use VisaOnlineVietnam for urgent visa service in 1–4 hours (including weekends/holidays)
- Always carry printed copies of your visa/e-visa upon travel
🇻🇳 Types of Vietnam Visas Available in San Francisco (2025)
Here’s a comprehensive guide to the Types of Vietnam Visas Available in San Francisco through the Vietnamese Consulate General and online visa services (like VisaOnlineVietnam.com):
Whether you’re applying in-person at the Consulate General of Vietnam in San Francisco or using online visa services, here are the most common visa types you can apply for:
1. Tourist Visa (DL Visa)
- Purpose: For sightseeing, vacation, or visiting friends/family in Vietnam.
- Duration: 30 days (single or multiple entry).
- Availability: Via E-visa, Visa on Arrival (VOA), or Embassy application.
- Recommended for: Travelers flying into Vietnam.
2. Business Visa (DN1 / DN2 Visa)
- Purpose: For meetings, partnerships, or short-term work with Vietnamese companies.
- Duration: 30 days to 3 months (single/multiple entries).
- Requirements:
- Sponsor company in Vietnam.
- Business invitation letter or documents.
- Recommended: Apply online for a Pre-Approval Letter or at the Consulate.
3. Working Visa (LD1 / LD2)
- Purpose: For foreigners working under a labor contract in Vietnam.
- Duration: Up to 2 years.
- Requirement: Valid Work Permit in Vietnam.
- Note: Cannot be processed as VOA; must apply via Consulate or authorized agency.
4. Student Visa (DH Visa)
- Purpose: For students attending educational institutions in Vietnam.
- Requirement: Admission letter from Vietnamese school or university.
- Validity: Depends on course duration (usually 6–12 months initially).
5. Investor Visa (DT Visa)
- Purpose: For individuals investing in businesses or projects in Vietnam.
- Types: DT1, DT2, DT3, DT4 (based on investment value).
- Duration: 1 year to 5 years.
- Note: Must apply through Consulate or licensed visa service.
6. Relative Visit Visa (TT Visa)
- Purpose: For visiting family members legally residing in Vietnam.
- Eligibility: Spouse, child, or parent of a foreigner or Vietnamese citizen.
- Duration: 3 to 6 months, extendable.
7. Transit Visa
- Purpose: For travelers stopping briefly in Vietnam en route to another destination.
- Note: Often waived if the layover is under 24 hours and you remain in the transit area.
8. Diplomatic/Official Visa (NG Visa)
- Issued to:
- Foreign government officials,
- Diplomats,
- Employees of international organizations.
- Fees: Usually waived.
- Application: Directly through the Embassy or Consulate.
9. Electronic Visa (E-Visa)
- Available to: Citizens of 80+ countries including the USA.
- Duration: 30 days, single-entry.
- Apply: At VisaOnlineVietnam.com or the official e-visa site.
- Entry Points: 33 designated land, air, and sea checkpoints.
⭐ Which Visa Should You Choose?
| Purpose | Recommended Visa | Application Method |
|---|---|---|
| Leisure / Tourism | DL (Tourist) | E-Visa or VOA |
| Business Meeting | DN1 / DN2 | VOA with sponsor or Embassy |
| Working in Vietnam | LD1 / LD2 | Consulate or authorized service |
| Studying in Vietnam | DH | Consulate (with acceptance letter) |
| Visiting Relatives | TT | Embassy or licensed agent |
🛫 Fast Track Options Available:
- Visa on Arrival (VOA) with pre-approval letter.
- Urgent/Emergency Visa processing in 1–4 hours via VisaOnlineVietnam.com.
- Airport Fast-Track and VIP Services at major Vietnam airports.
Get your Vietnam visa easily, quickly, and securely – from San Francisco or anywhere worldwide!
🇻🇳 Vietnam Visa FAQs – San Francisco
Here is a detailed list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding Vietnam visa applications in San Francisco, especially helpful for travelers from the U.S. West Coast:
1. Where is the Vietnam Consulate located in San Francisco?
📍 Address:
Consulate General of Vietnam
1700 California Street, Suite 580
San Francisco, CA 94109, USA
📞 Phone: (415) 922-1577
🌐 Website: https://vietnamconsulate-sf.org
2. What visa types can I apply for at the consulate?
You can apply for:
- Tourist visas (DL)
- Business visas (DN1, DN2)
- Work visas
- Student visas
- Family visit visas
3. What are the required documents for applying at the Vietnam Consulate?
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Completed visa application form (available on consulate website)
- One passport-size photo (4×6 cm)
- Visa fee (money order or cashier’s check)
- Prepaid return envelope (if applying by mail)
4. Can I apply by mail instead of visiting in person?
✅ Yes. You can apply by mail. Ensure you include:
- All required documents
- A prepaid self-addressed return envelope
- The correct visa fee (non-refundable)
5. How long does it take to process a Vietnam visa at the consulate?
🕒 Processing Time:
Normally 5–7 working days. Expedited processing may be available—please inquire directly with the consulate.
6. Is Visa on Arrival (VOA) a better option than applying at the consulate?
VOA is a great choice if:
- You’re flying to Vietnam
- You need a visa urgently or outside business hours
- You prefer to apply online
With VisaOnlineVietnam.com, you can receive a Visa Approval Letter in 1–2 working days or as fast as 4 hours for urgent services.
7. Can I apply for an E-Visa from San Francisco?
✅ Yes! Vietnam’s E-Visa system is available for U.S. citizens. You can apply online for a 30-day single-entry visa at https://visaonlinevietnam.com.
8. How much does a Vietnam visa cost at the consulate?
💵 Visa fees vary by:
- Type (tourist, business)
- Entry (single vs. multiple)
- Duration (30 days, 90 days)
It’s best to check the current fee schedule on the consulate’s website or call them directly.
9. What’s the best way to get a visa urgently from San Francisco?
🚀 For urgent or weekend travel:
- Use Visa on Arrival via VisaOnlineVietnam.com
- Select Urgent or Emergency Service (1-4 hours processing)
- You’ll receive an approval letter to present at the Vietnam airport
10. Can I extend my Vietnam visa while in Vietnam?
✅ Yes. Extensions can be arranged through:
- The Vietnam Immigration Department
- Trusted services like VisaOnlineVietnam.com (who can assist you in Vietnam)
📞 Need Help? Contact VisaOnlineVietnam Today!
We provide:
✅ Tourist, Business, Urgent & Emergency Visas
✅ Airport Fast-Track & VIP Services
✅ Visa Extensions, Work Permits, TRCs
📧 Email: [email protected]
📱 WhatsApp: (+84) 968 18 77 18
☎️ USA Hotline: +1 (972)-666-0676
🌐 Website: https://visaonlinevietnam.com
🌍 Your Gateway to Vietnam Starts Here – VisaOnlineVietnam, Trusted by Millions Since 2009
