Vietnam travel is a thrilling adventure. Getting a Vietnam visa for US citizens is among the first things a US citizen traveling to Vietnam will need to focus on.
You can concentrate on having fun on your trip because this guide will take you step-by-step through the entire procedure.
Vietnam visa for US citizens
People can get a Vietnam visa for us citizens in two main ways,
1. E-visa Vietnam for us citizens (electronic visa)
- For shorter stays, usually up to 90 days, this is the most convenient option.
- Visit the Vietnam Immigration website to apply online for an e-visa.
- Upon arrival in Vietnam, the e-visa allows a hassle-free process that lets you bypass lines.
- You should be aware that once you enter Vietnam, your e-visa cannot be extended.
- It is also cost-effective, costing $25 for a single-entry e-visa and $50 for a multiple-entry approval.
- Within a few business days, e-visas are typically processed.
- When entering a country, holders of an e-visa must show both their printed document and a current passport.
2. Vietnam visa on arrival for US citizen
- Because you can get your visa upon arrival at specific Vietnamese airports, this option offers greater flexibility for travelers with unpredictable travel plans.
- You must apply online in advance for a visa approval letter to receive a visa upon arrival.
- For a fee that varies but usually ranges between $30 and $40, third-party agencies handle this process.
- After paying a stamping fee at the airport, you will get your visa stamp once you have the approval letter.
- Since the visa on arrival allows for more flexibility at the last minute than the e-visa, bear in mind that processing times can fluctuate and that there is a possibility your application will be denied.
How to Apply Vietnam Visa for US Citizens?
To apply for Vietnam visa for us citizens,
1. E-visa (electronic visa)
Step 1: Visit the official Vietnam e visa Immigration Department portal – CLICK HERE
Step 2: Make sure your name, passport number, and travel dates match the information on your passport when completing the online application form.
Step 3: Use a major credit card to electronically pay the e-visa fee (Visa, MasterCard, and American Express). A single entry costs $25, and multiple entries cost $50.
Step 4: You will receive an email with an e-visa approval letter once your application is accepted. Make a copy of this email.
Step 5: Provide your printed e-visa approval letter and your valid passport to get your visa stamped when you arrive in Vietnam at a designated airport (please check requirements in advance).
2. Visa on arrival
More flexibility is provided by this option for travelers with unstable schedules. Yet, in comparison to the e-visa, it may require additional steps and lack of clarity.
This is how Vietnam visa for us citizens processed,
Step 1: Apply online for an approval letter for a visa through a reputable third-party organization. Usually, fees fall between $30 and $40.
Step 2: The agency will require your passport details and travel itinerary.
Step 3: You will receive an electronic letter of approval for your visa upon approval. Make a copy by printing.
STEP 4: Show your passport, a completed visa application form (often offered by the airline or at the airport), and your printed visa approval letter when you arrive at a designated Vietnamese airport.
Step 5: At the visa counter, pay the $20–$25 cash stamping fee for your visa.
Read: Schengen Visa Insurance – A Comprehensive Guide for Travelers
Visa at the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate
If you wish to do so, you can go to a Vietnamese embassy or consulate to apply in person for a visa.
This is the procedure,
Step 1: Locate the Nearest Embassy or Consulate
- Locate the closest Vietnamese consulate or embassy in the United States.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
- Complete the online Vietnam visa for us citizens’ application form provided by the embassy.
- Get your passport ready, along with two passport-sized photos (valid for at least six months).
Step 3: Submit Your Application
- Make an appointment at the embassy or consulate to submit your passport, application, and photos.
- Pay the visa fee, which varies based on the kind and duration of the visa.
Step 4: Wait for Processing
- Typically, Vietnam visa for us citizens processing takes 5 to 7 business days.
- When your visa is prepared, pick it up at the consulate or embassy.
Vietnam Visa for US Citizens Cost
Depending on the type of visa you select, the price of a Vietnam visa for US citizens varies.
1. E visa Vietnam for us citizens
Single entry: $25 (government fee)
Multiple entries: $50 (government fee)
2. Visa on arrival
Government stamping fee (paid upon arrival): varies a little, but usually between $20 and $25
Visa approval letter fee (paid to a third-party agency): $30-$40 (not a government fee)
Vietnam e-visa official website – CLICK HERE
Vietnam e Visa for US Citizens Requirement
The following conditions must be satisfied in order for US citizens to be granted a visa to Vietnam,
- Valid US Passport
After the date of entry into Vietnam, your US passport must still be valid for at least six months.
Also, it must include a minimum of two blank pages for the immigration stamp and visa sticker.
- Digital Photograph
A soft copy of your entire passport’s personal detail page (in JPEG format) is required.
Prepare a soft copy of your portrait photo as well; making sure it meets the Vietnam eVisa photo requirements.
- Active Email Address
Make sure your email address is up to date to receive any notifications or one-time passwords (OTPs).
- Payment Method
Prepare a debit or credit card so you can pay the visa fee with it.
It is important to confirm the exact type of visa (such as business or tourist) and duration (as well as single or multiple entries) according to your travel itinerary. – CLICK HERE
Read: Can I work with student visa in Vietnam?
Vietnam Business Visa for US Citizens
A business visa, commonly referred to as a DN visa, is required for US citizens wishing to do business in Vietnam.
What you should know about Vietnam visa for us citizens as follows,
1. Who needs a business visa?
US nationals who operate enterprises in Vietnam must have a business visa to,
- Attending meetings or conferences
- Negotiating contracts
- Establishing business relationships
- Conducting market research
2. Requirements for a business visa
- Valid passport
To qualify for your passport to be eligible for a visa stamp, it must have two blank pages and be valid for a minimum of 6 months after the date of your wanted departure from Vietnam.
- Sponsorship letter
A sponsorship letter inviting you and explaining the purpose of your visit from a licensed Vietnamese company is a key element.
- Visa application form
A Vietnamese visa application form must be filled out; these are typically available from the sponsoring company in Vietnam or on the website of the Vietnamese embassy or consulate. – CLICK HERE
- Photos
Two passport-sized photos are typically required.
- Processing fees
Depending on which embassy or consulate you apply through and how long you plan to stay, the cost of processing Vietnam visa for us citizens will change.
- Application Process
Applying for a business visa to Vietnam can be done in two primary ways,
- Apply at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate in the US
This is how things have always been done. To find out about specific requirements, application forms, and processing times, get in touch with the Vietnamese embassy or consulate that is closest to you.
- Apply online through a visa agency
For a fee, the application process can be handled by a number of visa agencies.
They can help you with the paperwork, make sure everything is organized, and in certain cases, speed up the processing.
Additional tips
1. Validity and entries
- Business visas can be granted for one, two, or three entries, and their validity can range from 1 to 12 months.
- Select the option that best meets the demands of your company.
2. Extension
- In Vietnam, you can typically extend your stay beyond the duration of your visa; still, it is advisable to confirm this with Vietnamese immigration authorities in advance.
Vietnamese Embassy in the United States – CLICK HERE
Vietnam Immigration Department (e-visa information) – CLICK HERE
Read: Lost in Translation? Hiring a Visa Consultant for Peace of Mind
Vietnam Visa for US Citizens 5 Years
You might qualify for the 5-year visa exemption for travel to Vietnam if you are a Vietnamese national living abroad, a spouse or child of a Vietnamese citizen, or a Vietnamese person living in the US.
1. Eligibility
- Vietnamese person living abroad
- Spouses and kids of Vietnamese citizens living abroad or of Vietnamese citizens
- Having a passport that is valid for at least a year
2. Application Process
- Vietnamese people living abroad must apply in person at the Vietnamese Embassy in the United States.
- Documents can be sent via Registered Mail Restricted Delivery if you are unable to visit in person.
- The applicant’s US passport (valid for at least one year), recent passport photos, a completed application form, and documentation of Vietnamese origin (such as a certificate of Vietnamese citizenship or other pertinent documents) are all required.
- Foreigners who are spouses or children of Vietnamese citizens or overseas Vietnamese follow a similar process, showing additional documents to prove their relationship.
3. Validity
- The certificate of visa exemption is good for a maximum of 5 years.
- It expires at least half a year before the holder’s passport or comparable document does.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can US citizens go to Vietnam visa free?
Ans: No, US citizens are unable to enter Vietnam without a visa. They must apply for a visa, which can be done through the Vietnamese embassy or consulate, e-visa, or visa on arrival.
2. How long does it take to get a Vietnam visa for US citizens?
Ans: For US citizens, the processing period for an e-visa to Vietnam is normally 3 days, whereas the approval letter needed for a visa on arrival typically takes between 2 and 5 working days. Processing through a consulate or embassy can take anywhere from 5 to 7 business days.
3. Can I get visa on arrival in Vietnam with US visa?
Ans: No, you still require a visa to enter Vietnam even if you have one for the United States. Vietnam has its own unique visa requirements for visitors, and a US visa is needed Vietnam visa for us citizens.
4. How much is a Vietnam visa on arrival for US citizens?
Ans: For US citizens, the actual visa on arrival (VOA) is usually minimal or free, but there are additional costs. The entire cost, which can range from $80 to $150 USD, depends on the agency you use to get a pre-approval letter.
5. Do US citizens need a business visa for Vietnam?
Ans: Yes, to do business in Vietnam, US citizens normally require a business visa. Business activities are not permitted with a regular tourist Vietnam visa for US citizens.
Bottom Line
If you follow these steps, getting a Vietnam visa for us citizens is a simple process. Make sure you have the entire necessary paperwork ready, whether you decide to apply for an embassy application, apply online, or get a visa on arrival.
You are ready to discover Vietnam’s stunning scenery, fascinating culture, and delectable cuisine now that you have your visa.
“Happy Travels”
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