Vietnam Visa Application Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Vietnam Visa?

A Vietnam visa is a stamp or endorsement placed by officials of Vietnam on a passport that allows the bearer to visit Vietnam.  Visas are obtained from the Embassy or consulates of Vietnam for your visit.  "Visit" is further defined as the reason for entry, usually business, tourist or transitory.  There are over 270 countries that offer visas and literally thousands of different types of visas available based upon country, type of visit, and length of visit.

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What is the difference between a passport and a Vietnam visa?

A passport is an official government document that certifies one's identity and citizenship.  The passport serves two purposes; to regain entry to the country of citizenship (i.e. the United States) and is a requirement by many countries to gain entry to the country you are visiting.

A Vietnam visa is an official government document that temporarily authorizes you to be in the country.  Many countries require a visa to gain entry.  The Vietnam visa is in the form of a stamp/sticker IN the passport and is obtained from a Vietnam Embassy in Washington DC or consulates around the country.  We have staff spread around the country to hand carry your application for you and then overnight the passport back when it is completed.

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Who needs a Vietnam visa?

All US Citizens require a visa and a US passport to travel to Vietnam, whether for business or tourism.  MOST foreign nationals require a visa.  We can help you to obtain a visa as well as a US passport.

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What is the difference between a Vietnam tourist and Vietnam business visa?

Vietnam visas are issued according to the purpose of the trip; choose the visa that best describes your trip :

Activities which require a Vietnam Tourist Visa

Tourism trip; visits to relatives and/or friends; scientists, professors or researchers attending cultural, technological or scientific conferences, seminars or meetings (services provided must not be paid by organizations/corporations in Vietnam, except reimbursement for expenses or per diem allowances); unpaid participation in athletic or performing arts events or competitions.
Tourist visa holders are not allowed to engage in any paid activity in Vietnam.

Activities which require a Vietnam Business Visa

Business trips, except when the trip involves the provision of technical assistance services of any nature.

How long does it take to obtain a Vietnam visa?

Typically, a visa takes anywhere from 2 days to 15 days to process in the Vietnam Embassy/Consulate depending on the consulate that we need to send the application to and whether you choose to "rush" your Vietnam visa.