American citizen live in the United States or other countries needs visa to enter Vietnam. There are two options to apply Vietnam Visa in the US:
Types of Vietnam Visas Available for US Citizens
There are six main types of Vietnam visas available for US citizens:
Tourist visa (DL)
- Purpose of visit: Tourism, family visits, or business visits of less than 30 days without any business activities.
- Validity: 30 days, single or multiple entry.
- Application process: You can apply for a tourist visa online (e-visa) or at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate.
Business visa (DN1, DN2)
- Purpose of visit: Business activities, such as attending meetings, conferences, or trade shows.
- Validity: 1-3 months, single or multiple entry.
- Application process: You can apply for a business visa at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate. You will need a letter of invitation from a Vietnamese company or organization.
Student/internship visa (DH)
- Purpose of visit: To study or intern in Vietnam for a period of longer than 3 months.
- Validity: 6-12 months, single or multiple entry.
- Application process: You can apply for a student/internship visa at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate. You will need a letter of acceptance from a Vietnamese educational institution or company.
Investor visa (DT1, DT2, DT3, DT4)
- Purpose of visit: To invest in Vietnam or to establish a business in Vietnam.
- Validity: 1-5 years, multiple entry.
- Application process: You can apply for an investor visa at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate. You will need to provide evidence of your investment plans and financial resources.
Working visa (LD1 – LD2)
- Purpose of visit: To work in Vietnam for a Vietnamese company or organization.
- Validity: 1-3 years, multiple entry.
- Application process: You can apply for a working visa at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate. You will need a letter of employment from a Vietnamese company or organization.
In addition to the above types of visas, there are also a number of other specialized visas available, such as journalist visas, religious visas, and transit visas.
How to apply for a Vietnam visa
The application process for a Vietnam visa will vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for. However, there are some general requirements that apply to all visa applications, such as:
- A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining.
- A completed visa application form.
- One recent passport-sized photo.
- Visa fee.
You may also need to provide additional documents, such as a letter of invitation from a Vietnamese company or organization, a letter of acceptance from a Vietnamese educational institution, or evidence of your investment plans and financial resources.
Once you have completed the application process, you will need to submit your application to a Vietnamese embassy or consulate. The processing time for Vietnam visas can vary, but it is generally recommended to apply for your visa at least 2 weeks before your travel date.
Documents Required for Vietnam Visa Application
The documents required for a Vietnam visa application can vary depending on your nationality and the type of visa you are applying for. However, there are some general requirements that apply to most applicants:
- Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of departure from Vietnam. It must also have at least one blank visa page (not including the endorsement page).
- Passport-sized photo: You will need to provide two passport-sized photos that meet the following requirements:
- The photos must be recent and taken within the past six months.
- The photos must be in color and have a white or light-colored background.
- You must be facing the camera directly and have a neutral expression.
- Your head must be centered in the photo and your hair must be pulled back so that your forehead is visible.
- You must not be wearing glasses, sunglasses, or hats.
- Visa application form: You can find the Vietnam visa application form online or at the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your home country. The form must be completed in English and signed by the applicant.
- Processing fee: The processing fee for a Vietnam visa varies depending on the type of visa you are applying for and the method you use to apply.
In addition to the above requirements, you may also need to provide the following documents, depending on your nationality and the type of visa you are applying for:
- Onward travel ticket: You may need to provide proof of onward travel, such as a plane ticket or bus ticket, that shows that you will be leaving Vietnam before your visa expires.
- Invitation letter: If you are visiting Vietnam for business or to visit friends or family, you may need to provide an invitation letter from the person or company you are visiting.
- Proof of accommodation: You may need to provide proof of accommodation, such as a hotel reservation or Airbnb confirmation, for the duration of your stay in Vietnam.
- Medical insurance: You may need to provide proof of medical insurance that covers your stay in Vietnam.
Visa on Arrival
Citizens of certain countries can apply for a visa on arrival in Vietnam. This means that you can obtain your visa at the airport when you arrive in the country. However, you must still meet the general visa requirements listed above. You can check the list of countries eligible for a visa on arrival on the website of the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your home country.
How to Apply for a Vietnam Visa
There are two main ways to apply for a Vietnam visa:
- Online: You can apply for a Vietnam visa online through a variety of websites, such as the Vietnam e-Visa website or iVisa.com. This is the most convenient and fastest way to apply for a visa.
- Through the Vietnamese embassy or consulate: You can also apply for a Vietnam visa in person at the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your home country. This process can be more time-consuming and complex than applying online.
Once you have submitted your visa application and paid the processing fee, you will typically receive your visa within a few days. If you are applying for a visa on arrival, you will need to pay the processing fee at the airport when you arrive in Vietnam.
Tips for Applying for a Vietnam Visa
Here are a few tips for applying for a Vietnam visa:
- Start the application process early, especially if you are traveling during peak season.
- Make sure that you have all of the required documents before you submit your application.
- Double-check your visa application form for any errors or omissions.
- Pay the processing fee in full.
- If you are applying for a visa on arrival, be sure to bring the required cash with you to the airport.
Fees and Processing Time for Vietnam Visa in the US
Vietnam Visa Fees in the US
The Vietnam visa fee for US citizens varies depending on the type of visa and the processing time. The most common type of visa for US citizens is the tourist visa, which costs US$117.99 for standard processing, US$186.99 for rush processing, and US$255.99 for super rush processing.
Vietnam Visa Processing Time in the US
The standard processing time for a Vietnam visa is 3 business days. Expedited processing is available for an additional fee, and visas can be processed within 24 hours if necessary.
How to Apply for a Vietnam Visa in the US
There are two ways to apply for a Vietnam visa in the US:
- Online: You can apply for a visa online through an authorized visa agency such as iVisa.com. The online application process is quick and easy, and you will receive your visa electronically.
- In person: You can also apply for a visa in person at the Embassy of Vietnam or one of the Vietnamese consulates in the US. The in-person application process is more complex, and you will need to schedule an appointment and submit additional documentation.
Tips for Applying for a Vietnam Visa in the US
- Make sure to apply for your visa well in advance of your travel date. This will give you plenty of time to receive your visa in the event of any unexpected delays.
- Review the visa requirements carefully before you apply. Make sure that you have all of the required documentation, including a passport with at least 6 months of validity, a visa application form, and two passport photos.
- Be sure to pay the visa fee in full before you submit your application. Visa applications that are not accompanied by the correct fee will be rejected.
- If you have any questions about the visa application process, contact the Embassy of Vietnam or one of the Vietnamese consulates in the US for assistance.
How to get Vietnam Visa, Vietnam E-visa in the US
Vietnam Visa
There are two ways to get a Vietnam visa in the US:
- Apply in person at the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in the US.
Requirements:
- Valid passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining
- Two recent passport-sized photos
- Completed visa application form
- Visa fee
Steps:
- Download and complete the visa application form.
- Schedule an appointment at the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate.
- Bring all required documents to your appointment.
- Pay the visa fee.
- Pick up your visa once it has been processed.
Processing time:
Standard processing time is 3 business days. Expedited processing is available for an additional fee.
- Apply by mail to the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in the US.
Requirements:
- Valid passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining
- Two recent passport-sized photos
- Completed visa application form
- Visa fee
- Self-addressed stamped envelope
Steps:
- Download and complete the visa application form.
- Enclose all required documents and payment in a self-addressed stamped envelope.
- Mail the envelope to the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate.
- Your visa will be mailed back to you once it has been processed.
Processing time:
The standard processing time is 3 business days. Expedited processing is not available for mail-in applications.
Vietnam E-visa
An e-visa is an electronic visa that can be obtained online. E-visas are valid for up to 90 days, single or multiple entry.
Requirements:
- Valid passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining
- Digital passport-sized photo
- Valid email address
- Payment method (credit/debit card or PayPal)
Steps:
- Go to the Vietnam e-visa website
- Fill out the online visa application form.
- Upload your digital passport-sized photo.
- Pay the visa fee.
- Submit your application.
- You will receive an email with your e-visa approval letter.
- Print out your e-visa approval letter and bring it with you when you travel to Vietnam.
Processing time:
E-visa applications are processed within 3 business days.
Important notes:
- E-visa holders can enter and exit Vietnam through 42 designated international border gates, including all international airports.
- E-visas are not valid for entry to Vietnam via land or sea borders.
- E-visas cannot be extended.
Tips for Smooth Processing of Vietnam Visa in the US
Tips for Smooth Processing of Vietnam Visa in the US:
1. Apply for the visa well in advance. It is recommended to apply for your Vietnam visa at least two weeks before your planned departure. This will give you enough time to complete the application process, address any potential issues, and receive your visa before you leave.
2. Check all the necessary requirements before submitting your application. The Vietnam Embassy and Consulates in the US have specific requirements for visa applications. Make sure to carefully review the requirements on the embassy’s website or contact the embassy directly to confirm. Some common requirements include:
- A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining
- A recent passport-size photo
- A completed visa application form
- Proof of travel insurance
- Proof of accommodation in Vietnam
3. Double-check all the information provided in the application form and ensure it is accurate and matches your passport details. Even small errors in your application can cause delays or even rejection.
4. Submit all the necessary documents as per instructions. In addition to the application form, you may also be required to submit supporting documents such as a cover letter, invitation letter, or proof of employment. Make sure to submit all required documents in the correct format.
5. Make sure to pay the visa fee in advance (for evisa). Visa fees can vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for and the processing time you select. Be sure to check the embassy’s website for the current visa fees.
6. Follow up on the status of your application regularly and be prepared to provide additional information if required. You can check the status of your application online or by contacting the embassy directly. If the embassy needs any additional information from you, be sure to provide it promptly.
Here are some additional tips to help ensure the smooth processing of your Vietnam visa application:
- Apply for your visa online if possible. The online application process is quick and easy, and you can receive your visa approval letter electronically.
- If you are applying for a visa on arrival, make sure to print out your visa approval letter and bring it with you to the airport.
- If you are traveling to Vietnam for business, make sure to obtain a business visa. Tourist visas are not valid for business activities.
- If you have any questions or concerns about the visa process, contact the Vietnam Embassy or Consulate in the US directly.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of having a smooth and hassle-free Vietnam visa processing experience.
