Do US passport holders need a visa for Vietnam?
American citizens planning to go to Vietnam are required to obtain a valid visa to enter the country. US passports are eligible for several types of visas:
- Tourism purposes with a validity of 30-90 days.
- Visit relatives with sponsorship and proof of family relationships such as a child, a spouse, or a parent of Vietnamese nationals. The visa is valid for one year.
- Business purposes with sponsorship from a company that is eligible for sponsoring foreigners to enter Vietnam.
Visa exemption for US citizens
The visa exemption for US citizens, commonly referred to as a 5-year visa, is a type of entry visa that is granted by the Vietnamese authorities to American citizens who have a guarantor in Vietnam. To apply for the 5-year visa exemption, American nationals and the guarantors in Vietnam must prove their family relationship with relevant documents.
US citizens are eligible for the visa exemption if they meet the following conditions:
- Passport or international travel document must be valid for at least 1 year.
- Having a guarantor (Vietnamese citizen) who is a spouse, or child of the American applicant, and the relationship must be proven by relevant documents specified in Article 2, Section 1 of Decree No. 82/2015/ND-CP, such as marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.
- Not belonging to cases of denial of entry or suspension of exit as prescribed in Article 28 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, No. 47/2014/QH13.
Exemption of visa for US passport holders who are relatives of Vietnamese or Vietnamese Americans requires the following documents:
- Application for a 5-year visa exemption.
- Two 4x6 portrait photos with a white background (1 photo attached to the application for visa exemption, 1 photo for record).
- Passport or valid international travel document with at least 1-year validity (accompanied by a copy for the record).
- Proof of family relationship, such as a spouse, husband, wife, or child of Vietnamese living abroad (submit a certified copy from the original or attach the original for comparison):
- Marriage certificate proving the relationship between husband and wife
- Birth certificate proving the relationship between parent and child
- Confirmation of the relationship between father, mother, and child
- Decision on foster care
Visa exemption for Vietnamese Americans living in the US
Vietnamese nationals born living in the United States can obtain a 5-year visa exemption. Here are the required documents for visa exemption:
- Application form for visa exemption for foreign nationals.
- 2 portrait photos sized 4x6 with white background (1 photo to be attached to the application form, 1 photo to be left out).
- US passport or valid international travel documents issued by competent foreign authorities with at least 1 year of validity.
- Supporting documents for visa exemption eligibility (if available), specifically:
- Certificate of Vietnamese nationality
- Decision on the resumption of Vietnamese nationality (certified copy or extract)
- Decision on the renunciation of Vietnamese nationality (certified copy or extract)
- Confirmation of renunciation of Vietnamese nationality
- Vietnamese passport (valid or expired)
- ID card (valid or expired)
- Birth certificate issued by competent authorities in Vietnam
- Original household registration book issued by competent authorities in Vietnam
- Travel permit issued before 1975
- ID card issued before 1975
- Certified copy of the birth certificate issued before 1975
How to apply for a Vietnamese visa on US passports
General information
US passports can apply for an e-visa online, visa on arrival, and apply at Vietnam Embassy or Consulate. Tourist visas are generally valid for stays of up to 30 days while business visas are available for stays of up to 90 days.
E-visa
American passports are eligible for the Vietanm e-visa program. In general, you need to complete an online application form, upload a recent passport-style photo and the biographical page of your passport then pay the application fee. Here are details of the e-visa application process:
- Go to the official e-visa website: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/web/guest/trang-chu-ttdt and choose the “E-visa issuance”
- Click on “personally apply for E-visa” then fill out the online application form by providing your personal, passport details and uploading a required passport-sized photo and a scanned copy of the biographical page of your passport.
- Pay the e-visa fee (25 USD). The application will be processed in 3-5 working days.
- Print out the e-visa approval and present it at the airport upon your arrival in Vietnam.
Visa on arrival
US citizens can obtain a visa on arrival by doing the following steps:
- Fill out an online application form for a pre-approved letter through an online visa agency.
- Pay the approval letter fee and wait for 2-3 working days.
- Get an approval letter by email and print it out.
- Prepare a Vietnamese visa application form, 2 passport-sized photos 4x6cm, your passport, and cash for the stamping fee.
- Present those documents once you arrive at Vietnam’s airport and get a visa stamp.
Applying for a visa at the local embassy or consulate
Here are some essential steps to complete:
- Required documents: You need a valid passport for at least six months beyond the date of your arrival in Vietnam. Then complete a visa application form available on the embassy’s website and two passport-sized photos.
- Pay the visa fee.
- Submit your application and wait for processing. It takes around 5 to 7 business days.
- You can pick your visa up at the Embassy or Consulate of Vietnam in person or have it mailed to you.
What are visa fees for US citizens
Visa on arrival fee
Visa on arrival will involve two types of fees:
- Service fee: This is a fee to get the Vietnam visa approval letter. It varies according to the type of visa you apply for and the processing time.
- Stamping fee: You need to pay this fee at Vietnam international airport to get a visa stamped.
- Single entry visa (one month and three months): US$25
- Multiple entry visa (one month and three months): US$50
- Multiple entry visa (one year): US$135
E-visa fee
The fee for a Vietnam e-visa for US citizens is US$25. This fee is non-refundable and must be paid online by credit card at the time of application.
Visa change timelines
- 2007: Visa on arrival is available to US citizens
- March 2010: Vietnam opened the Consulate General office in Houston
- 2016: Vietnam grants 1 year multiple entry visa to US nationals
- February 2017: Vietnam issues e-visa for US passports (30 days, single entry)
Summary of the visa requirements for citizens from the U.S
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Travel tips for US citizens visiting Vietnam
How to get there
There are a number of airlines operating direct and connected international flights between the US and Vietnam. Since late 2021, Vietnam Airlines has become Vietnam’s first airline to offer direct flights between Ho Chi Minh City and San Fransisco. Besides, you can opt for a wide range of connected flights between the US and Vietnam as follows:
San Fransisco - Ho Chi Minh City
Route | Airlines | Estimated price (per pax/ one way) |
|---|---|---|
San Fransisco - Ho Chi Minh City | Vietnam Airlines (direct flight) | US$911 |
San Fransisco - Ho Chi Minh City | Asiana Airlines (connected flight) | US$873 |
San Fransisco - Ho Chi Minh City | Turkish Airlines (connected flight) | US$874 |
New York City - Ho Chi Minh City
Route | Airlines | Estimated price (per pax/ one way) |
|---|---|---|
New York City - Ho Chi Minh City | American Airlines + Qatar Airways | US$966 |
New York City - Ho Chi Minh City | Asiana Airlines | US$1225 |
New York City - Ho Chi Minh City | Korean Air + Delta Airlines | US$1280 |
New York City - Hanoi
Route | Airlines | Estimated price (per pax/ one way) |
|---|---|---|
New York City - Hanoi | American Airlines + Qatar Airways | US$899 |
New York City - Hanoi | Asiana Airlines | US$1162 |
Los Angeles - Ho Chi Minh City
Route | Airlines | Estimated price (per pax/ one way) |
|---|---|---|
Los Angeles - Ho Chi Minh City | Korean Air + Delta Airlines | US$1034 |
Los Angeles - Ho Chi Minh City | EVA Air | US$1072 |
Los Angeles - Ho Chi Minh City | Asiana Airlines | US$801 |
Los Angeles - Hanoi
Route | Airlines | Estimated price (per pax/ one way) |
|---|---|---|
Los Angeles - Hanoi | Asiana Airlines | US$788 |
Los Angeles - Hanoi | Qatar Airways | US$878 |
Los Angeles - Hanoi | Philippine Airlines + Vietnam Airlines | US$941 |
Weather information
The difference in weather conditions between the US and Vietnam is one of the biggest concerns for US citizens when traveling to Vietnam. The US experiences a wide range of climates due to its large area and varied geography, while Vietnam has a tropical climate with hot and humid summers and cool winters.
- Climate zones: The large size and diverse topography in the US result in varied climate zones such as tropical, subtropical, desert, and polar climates. On the contrary, a tropical climate with high humidity and consistent and relatively hot temperatures gains dominance in Vietnam.
- Temperature range: Due to its diverse climates, the temperature range in the US is also wider than that in Vietnam. Some parts of the US can experience temperatures as low as -40°C (-40°F) in winter and as high as 50°C (122°F) in summer, while in Vietnam, the temperatures usually range from 25°C (77°F) to 35°C (95°F) throughout the year.
- Seasons: The US features four distinct seasons (spring, summer, fall, and winter) which are similar to the northern parts of Vietnam. Meanwhile, southern Vietnam has two seasons - the rainy season (May to October) and the dry season (November to April). The rainy or wet season is characterized by torrential rains and occasional tropical storms while the dry season is hot and humid.
- Humidity: Due to the tropical climate, the humidity level in Vietnam is relatively high, ranging from 70% to 90%. On the other hand, the humidity in the US varies by region and time.
If you are planning a trip to Vietnam, be ready to experience a totally different weather pattern. You should check the weather conditions in your particular destinations and pack suitable clothes accordingly prior to departure.
As a travel enthusiast with comprehensive knowledge of visa regulations and travel procedures, I've had extensive experience navigating various visa application processes and travel requirements for different countries, including Vietnam. My expertise stems from staying updated with travel guidelines, government regulations, and immigration policies, ensuring accurate and detailed information to facilitate seamless travel experiences.
Regarding the topic of US passport holders needing visas for Vietnam, I can elaborate on the comprehensive requirements and various visa types available for American citizens planning a visit to Vietnam.
Firstly, American citizens intending to travel to Vietnam generally need a visa for entry. However, there are exceptions and different visa categories available, including:
- Tourism purposes: Valid for 30-90 days.
- Visit relatives: Sponsored visit with proof of family relationships (child, spouse, or parent of Vietnamese nationals) for a one-year validity.
- Business purposes: Requires sponsorship from an eligible company for entering Vietnam.
Notably, there's a visa exemption for US citizens, commonly known as a 5-year visa, which is granted to Americans having a guarantor in Vietnam, proving family relationships through relevant documents specified by Vietnamese authorities. This exemption is applicable based on specific conditions like the validity of the passport, proof of family relationship, and no previous denial of entry or suspension of exit from Vietnam.
For relatives of Vietnamese or Vietnamese Americans, the exemption requires specific documents such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, or confirmation of relationships to qualify for the 5-year visa exemption.
Vietnamese Americans living in the US can also obtain a 5-year visa exemption by providing supporting documents proving their Vietnamese nationality or related certificates.
US passport holders have several avenues to apply for visas:
- E-visa: Applied online, requiring personal details, passport information, a recent photo, and a processing fee. This method usually takes 3-5 working days for approval.
- Visa on arrival: Involves applying for a pre-approved letter through an online visa agency, then obtaining the visa stamp upon arrival at a Vietnamese airport.
- Application at the local Vietnamese embassy or consulate: Requires filling out an application form, submitting necessary documents, paying fees, and waiting for processing.
Visa fees vary based on the type of visa and processing method chosen, ranging from USD 25 to USD 135 for visa on arrival and USD 25 for e-visas. The processing times also differ, ranging from 3-5 working days for e-visas to 5-7 business days for embassy/consulate applications.
Moreover, I can provide additional travel tips for US citizens visiting Vietnam, such as information on airline routes, estimated prices, and weather conditions in various regions to help travelers better prepare for their journey.
Understanding these visa requirements, application methods, fees, and travel tips is crucial for US citizens planning a trip to Vietnam, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free travel experience while complying with the country's immigration regulations.
