There are many types of visas available for US citizens to enter Vietnam. But if you are a spouse or child of a Vietnamese citizen or overseas Vietnamese, don’t miss one of the best options: the Vietnam 5-year visa. This guide will walk you through the 5-year Vietnam visa application for US citizens.
What Is Vietnam 5-Year Visa?
The Vietnam 5-year visa, aka the Vietnam 5-year visa exemption certificate, is a travel document of Vietnam issued to Vietnamese overseas, and spouses and children of Vietnamese citizens or Vietnamese overseas. It is a multi-entry visa valid for up to 5 years. During the 5-year validity, it allows its holders to travel back and forth to Vietnam multiple times. Holders of this visa may stay in the country for up to 180 days for each entry, and it can be extendable with a legitimate reason.
Top Benefits of Obtaining a Vietnam 5-Year Visa
The 5-year Vietnam visa offers several significant advantages, particularly for frequent travelers or those with strong ties to Vietnam. Benefits of having a Vietnam 5-year visa include:
- Reduce visa applications: This long-term multi-entry visa is perfect for those who frequently travel to Vietnam for business, family visits, or leisure. It greatly reduces the hassle of applying for a new visa each time you visit Vietnam.
- Flexibility in travel: This visa allows for each stay of up to six months in Vietnam within 5 years, providing more time to explore the country and spend with family and friends. It offers great flexibility in travel plans, allowing for spontaneous trips or extended stays without worrying about visa restrictions.
- Strengthens ties: It facilitates easier travel for overseas Vietnamese and their families and strengthens their connections with their homeland.
- Saves money: Repeatedly applying for short-term single-entry visas can add up. The 5-year multiple-entry visa offers long-term savings, especially for frequent travelers.
Who Is Eligible for Vietnam 5-Year Visa Application?
The 5-year Vietnam visa exemption is issued to:
- Vietnamese residing overseas;
- Foreign spouses and children of Vietnamese citizens;
- Foreign spouses and children of overseas Vietnamese.
As a US citizen, if you are married to or a child of a Vietnamese citizen or overseas Vietnamese, you may be eligible to apply for a Vietnam 5-year visa.
What Documents Are Required for Vietnam 5-Year Visa Exemption?
When applying for a Vietnam 5-year visa, the following documents are required to be submitted in original and a copy:
For overseas Vietnamese:
- Completed application form.
- A US passport valid for one year at least.
- Two recent 2 x 2-inch or 4 x 6 cm photos.
- Self-stamped and addressed return envelope (if receiving the visa by mail).
- One of the following documents proving the original Vietnamese citizenship:
- Certificate of Vietnamese citizenship;
- Copy of the Decision for Recovery of Vietnamese Citizenship;
- Copy of the Decision for Renunciation of Vietnamese citizenship;
- Certificate of loss of Vietnamese citizenship;
- Vietnamese passport (valid or invalid);
- Identity Card;
- Birth Certificate or;
- Family Register Book.
For foreign spouses and children of Vietnamese citizens or overseas Vietnamese:
- Completed application form.
- Passport valid for one year at least.
- Two recent 2 x 2-inch or 4 x 6 cm photos.
- Self-stamped and addressed return envelope (if receiving the visa by mail).
- One document proving the original Vietnamese citizenship of the applicant’s spouse or parent.
- One of the documents proving the relationship between the applicant and the Vietnamese residing abroad:
- Certificate of Marriage
- Birth Certificate
- Certificate of relationship with father, mother, and children, or
- Decision of Adoption.
How to Apply for Vietnam 5-Year Visa in the US
The process of obtaining a 5-year Vietnam visa is straightforward and can be made in person in the US. Here are the steps:
Step 1. Prepare the required documents
Prepare the necessary documents listed above and ensure they are correct.
Step 2. Visit a Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate
There is one Vietnamese Embassy and three Consulates in the US. Select one nearest to you and visit the office with the documents. Submit the documents and pay the application fee.
| Embassy of Vietnam in Washington D.C. | 📍Address: 1233 20th St NW, Ste 400, Washington, DC 20036 📞Phone: 202-861-0737, 866-675-6888 (Consular Procedures) 202-989-8160 (Regular Visa) 📧Email: dcconsular@vietnamembassy.us (Consular Affairs) vanphong@vietnamembassy.us (General Information) ⏰Working time: 09:30 AM to 12:00 PM. Monday to Friday |
| Vietnamese Consulate General in San Francisco | 📍Address: 1700 California Str, Suite 580, San Francisco, CA 94109 📞Phone: (415) 922-1707(415) 922-1577 📧Fax: (415) 922-1757 ⏰Working time: 8:30 AM – 12.00 PM, 2:30 PM – 6:30 PM. Monday to Friday |
| Vietnamese Consulate General in Houston | 📍Address: 5251 Westheimer, Houston, Texas 77056 📞Phone: (713) 850 – 1233 and (713) 840 – 0096 📧Fax: (713) 810 – 0159 and (713) 871 – 0312 📧Email: vnconsulate1102@gmail.com ⏰Working time: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM. Monday to Friday |
| Vietnamese Consulate General in New York | 📍Address: 866 U.N. Plaza, Suite 435, New York, NY 10017 📞Phone: 1-212-644-2535 or 1-212-644-0831 📞Hotline to protect Vietnamese citizens: +1 917 359 3475 +1 917 513 8688 📧Fax: 1-212-644-5732 📧Email: lsvn866ny@gmail.com ⏰Working time: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Monday – Friday |
Step 3. Receive your visa
The processing time takes about five to seven working days. Once your visa application is approved, you may collect your passport with your visa stamped in it in person or receive it by mail.
How Much Is Vietnam Visa Exemption Fee?
The Vietnam 5-year visa cost is 10 USD. The fee should be paid by money order or cashier’s check to the Vietnam Embassy.
How Long Does Vietnam 5-Year Visa Application Take?
The processing time for a 5-year Vietnam visa exemption certificate typically takes about five to seven business days. To ensure a smooth application process, submit all the required documents correctly.
What Are Vietnam Visa Photo Dimensions?
When applying for a Vietnam 5-year visa, you need two photos that comply with the Vietnam visa photo requirements. The Vietnam visa photo specs include the following:
- The photo size must be 2 x 2 inches or 4 x 6 cm.
- The photo background must be plain white.
- In a 4 x 6 cm photo, the head height must be 36 mm, and the top of the photo to the top of the hair must be 6 mm. In a 2 x 2-inch photo, the head height must be 1.29 inches, and the eye line to the bottom of the photo must be 1.18 inches.
How to Take a Vietnam Visa Photo at Home
While there are many places to get compliant visa photos, like photo studios, a cost-free and time-saving option is to take them home. It is just as easy and convenient. Here are the steps:
Prepare your equipment and space
Find a place with adequate lighting, ideally by a window, to leverage the sunlight. There must not be shadows on your face or behind you. Set the smartphone’s rear camera one meter from you.
Dress appropriately
Wear daily clothes in neutral colors that contrast with the white background. Avoid clothing with busy patterns and logos. If any accessories cover your face, including glasses and hats, take them off. it is acceptable to wear a head covering for religious reasons, but ensure it does not cover your face.
Position yourself
Face the camera directly, in the meanwhile, maintain a neutral facial expression with the mouth closed and eyes looking at the camera when taking the photo. Do not tilt your head or turn it to the side.
Take the photo
Ask someone to take multiple shots of you at one time and select the best one from them.
Resize the photo online
Resize the photo you selected for your visa application with AiPassportPhotos. This is an online Vietnam visa photo generator backed by advanced AI tech. No photo editing skills are required to use this photo tool. Here is how it works:
Step 1. Upload the picture selected to AiPassportPhotos to make 2×2 inch Vietnam visa photo online. Wait for about 15 seconds while AI processes it. If you need to make a 4×6 cm Vietnam visa photo, click here.
Step 2. If the picture can be used for a visa photo, AiPassportPhotos will automatically convert the photo size to 2 x 2 inches or 4 x 6 cm and change the inappropriate background to white. Click Download to proceed.
Step 3. Save the digital visa photo and the printout template to your computer for use. You can print them at a print service nearby or with your own photo printer.
FAQs
Do US citizens require a visa for Vietnam?
Yes, US citizens need a visa for Vietnam. Regardless of whether you’re planning a tourist trip or a business visit, you’ll need to obtain a valid visa.
How long can I stay in Vietnam with a 5-year visa?
The 5-year Vietnam visa exemption allows for multiple entries but limits your stay to a maximum of 6 months per entry.
Is the Vietnam 5-year visa a multiple-entry visa?
Yes, this visa is a multiple-entry visa.
Is the Vietnam 5-year visa available for all nationalities?
No. The Vietnam 5-year visa is not available to all foreign nationals. This visa is only available to overseas Vietnamese, and foreign spouses and children of Vietnamese citizens or overseas Vietnamese.
Where can I take Vietnam visa photos for free in the US?
You can take a photo yourself using your smartphone and then process it with the online passport photo maker AiPassportPhotos for free.
Conclusion
The 5-year Vietnam visa for US citizens grants its holders several advantages. Moreover, the visa application process is simple. If you are eligible for this visa, do not hesitate to obtain one and enjoy the benefits brought by the visa policy.
Dolores Xiao