Vietnam 5 year Visa Exemption

Do you wish to stay in Vietnam for a long time to enjoy the scenery of this beautiful country? Don't worry, we will guide you through the steps to get your 5-year Visa and ensure a smooth and enriching journey for you. We'll demystify the intricacies of the application process, shed light on the fees involved, and provide details on processing times.

What is Visa 5 year?

5-year Visa for foreigners is a document issued by Vietnamese authorities, allowing foreigners to legally reside in Vietnam for a period of 5-year.

There are 2 common types of Vietnam 5-year Visa, including passport sticker type and book type. Depending on each case, foreigners will receive a 5-year Visa in the corresponding form.

Who is eligible for Vietnam 5 year Visa Exemption?

The eligibility criteria of Vietnam 5-year Visa Exemption are designed to cater a specific group of individuals:

• Vietnamese Overseas

This category includes individuals who are originally from Vietnam but are currently residing abroad. The 5-year visa exemption allows them the freedom to travel to Vietnam without the need for a visa for an extended period.

• Foreigners who are Spouses or Children of Vietnamese Overseas or Vietnamese Citizens

This category encompasses non-Vietnamese individuals who are either spouses or children of Vietnamese overseas or Vietnamese citizens. The 5-year visa exemption provides them with the privilege to visit Vietnam at any time within the specified five-year period, promoting family connections and cultural ties.

Those granted the 5-year Visa Exemption Certificate enjoy the flexibility of visiting Vietnam at any time throughout the specified five-year duration.

The visa validity period

This Visa Exemption Certificate has a maximum validity of 5 years and is shorter than the validity of a passport or foreign residence document by 06 months. Therefore, if your passport is valid for less than 5-year, the validity of the Visa Exemption Certificate will not be 5-year.

Visa Exemption Certificate valid for more than 6 months:

• Each time they enter the country, people with a Visa Exemption Certificate are allowed to stay for a maximum of 180 days.
• If you want to stay in Vietnam, you will be considered for an extension of your temporary residence when you have a guarantee and a legitimate reason. Each extension is valid for up to 180 days (or equal to the remaining term of the Visa Exemption Certificate).

The Visa Exemption Certificate is valid for less than 6 months: the temporary residence period will be equal to the visa exemption period and cannot be extended.

How to get a 5-year Visa for Vietnam?

Step 1: Prepare the Required Documents. The documentation required depends on the applicant's status

For Vietnamese overseas:

• Complete the 5-year Vietnam visa exemption application form.
• Ensure your passport is valid for at least 12 months, with a preferred validity of 5-year and 6 months for the 5-year visa.
• Provide two recent passport-sized photos.
• Prepare copies attached to originals of documents proving Vietnamese citizenship or origin.

For foreign spouses and children of Vietnamese overseas or Vietnamese citizens:

• Fill out the 5-year Vietnam visa exemption application form.
• Ensure your passport has a minimum validity of 12 months, with the preferred 5-year and 6 months for the 5-year visa.
• Include two recent passport-sized photos.
• Prepare copies attached to originals of documents proving the relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate).

Step 2: Submit Documents to the Granting Authority

• Overseas Vietnamese diplomatic missions and consulates (embassy and consulates).
• The Vietnam Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security (for applicants in Vietnam).

Visa Fees for 5-year Exemption

The costs can vary based on the issuing authority and the location where you plan to receive the certificate. The exact fee structure is subject to the policies of the specific embassy or consulate handling your application. To ensure accurate and up-to-date information on visa fees, it is highly recommended to directly consult with the relevant embassy or consulate.

By reaching out to the official channels, applicants can obtain the most current and precise details regarding the financial aspects of obtaining 5-year Visa exemption for Vietnam.

If applying at the Vietnam Immigration Department: The fee for issuing a Visa Exemption Certificate for the first time is 20 USD and from the 2nd time onwards it is 10 USD.

Processing Time for 5-year Visa Exemption

The processing time for 5-year Visa Exemption for Vietnam is generally estimated to be around 7 days. This duration represents the standard timeframe for the authorities to review and process the application, ultimately issuing the 5-year visa exemption certificate. It's crucial to note that the actual processing time may vary based on several factors, including the specific circumstances of the applicant and the issuing authority involved in the application process.

Applicants should consider this 7-day estimate as a general guideline and not an absolute guarantee. To obtain the most accurate information about the processing time for their individual case, applicants are advised to contact the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration department overseeing their application. This proactive approach ensures that applicants are well-informed and can plan their travel arrangements accordingly.

Frequently asked questions