As of 2024, Vietnam 5 year visa exemption offers extended access for Vietnamese expatriates and their immediate family members, as well as Vietnamese citizens. This updated policy simplifies long-term visits to Vietnam, enabling qualified individuals to enjoy greater flexibility and ease in their travel plans. This guide provides an overview of the eligibility requirements about 5-year visa exemption.
Most people truly enjoy traveling in Vietnam. (Source: Collected)
1. Who is Eligible for the Vietnam 5 year Visa Exemption?
Vietnam 5 year visa exemption is available to Vietnamese nationals living abroad, as well as their spouses and children, and Vietnamese citizens. This exemption provides a long-term visa, allowing holders to visit Vietnam at any time within a five-year period.
Important Notes:
- A visa is not required for entry into Vietnam for individuals holding a 5-year visa exemption certificate. With this certificate, you can stay in Vietnam for up to 180 days per visit.
- If you wish to stay beyond 180 days without leaving Vietnam, you may extend your stay for up to 6 months with assistance from a relative in Vietnam.
- The visa exemption certificate remains valid for up to 5 years but must expire at least 6 months before the expiration of the holder’s passport or other equivalent travel documents.
2. How to Apply for a 5-Year Visa Exemption for Vietnam
To apply for a Vietnam 5 year visa, follow these two steps:
Step 1: Gather the Required Documents
Depending on your status, the documents needed vary:
For Vietnamese Overseas:
- Complete the 5-year visa exemption application form. Download and print it with the barcode on Letter-sized paper.
- Provide a passport or an equivalent document, such as a residence permit from your country of residence, valid for at least 6 months after your arrival in Vietnam.
- Submit two recent passport-sized photos (white background, facing forward, no head covering or colored glasses).
- Include one certified copy or an original document, or a copy of one of the following:
- Birth certificate
- Certificate of Vietnamese citizenship
- Decision to renounce Vietnamese citizenship
- Certificate of loss of Vietnamese citizenship
- Vietnamese passport (whether valid or expired)
- Identity Card (whether valid or expired)
- Recent voter’s card
- Family Register Book
- Documents from competent foreign authorities proving original Vietnamese citizenship or Vietnamese origin.
- If you lack the documents listed above, you may submit a guarantee letter from an overseas Vietnamese association in your country of residence.
If you’re wondering how to obtain a long-term visa in Vietnam, you’re in the right place (Source: Collected)
For Foreign Spouses and Children of Vietnamese Overseas or Vietnamese Citizens:
To apply for the Vietnam 5 year visa exemption, you need to prepare the following:
- Complete the 5-year visa exemption application form. If you are outside Vietnam, prepare the form as mentioned earlier, or download and fill out Form NA09 if you are in Vietnam.
- Provide a foreign passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date into Vietnam.
- Submit two recent passport-sized photos (white background, facing forward, no head covering or colored glasses).
- Include one copy of original documents proving the relationship between you and the Vietnamese overseas or Vietnamese citizen, such as:
- Marriage Certificate
- Birth Certificate
- Documents confirming the relationship with father, mother, or children
- Other relevant documents as specified by Vietnamese law
- Adoption Decision (if applicable)
Step 2: Submit Your Documents
Submit your prepared documents to the appropriate authority:
- Overseas Vietnamese Diplomatic Missions and Consulates: Contact details can be found here.
- Vietnam Immigration Department: If you are in Vietnam, submit your application to this department.
Step 3: Receive Your Visa Exemption Certificate
Once your application is processed, you will receive your original passport along with the 5-year visa exemption certificate.
If you need assistance with the process, we’re here to help. Whether you’re inside or outside Vietnam, we can handle your 5-year visa exemption application. Just spend a minute completing the form below, and we’ll get back to you promptly.
3. 5-Year Vietnam Visa Exemption Fee
The cost of obtaining a 5-year visa exemption for Vietnam varies depending on the issuing authority and the location where you receive your certificate.
Processing Time for the Vietnam 5 year visa Exemption
Typically, it takes up to 7 days to process and issue your 5-year visa exemption certificate for Vietnam.
How to Expedite Your Arrival with a 5-Year Visa Exemption
Whether you are entering Vietnam with a 5-year visa exemption certificate or another valid entry document, you will need to complete the standard arrival procedures.
► To streamline this process, consider using our Vietnam Airport Fast-Track service.
Curious about how to apply for a 5-year visa to Vietnam? This comprehensive guide has all the answers you need (Source: Collected).
4. Frequently Asked Questions About Vietnam 5 year visa Exemption
4.1. Can I renew or obtain a new Vietnam 5 year visa exemption certificate if mine has expired?
Yes, you can renew your expired visa exemption certificate or obtain a new one by following the same application procedures.
4.2. How do I renew a 5-year visa exemption while in Vietnam?
We can help with renewing or extending your stay under the 5-year visa exemption plan. Please send us a scanned copy of your passport (including the personal information page and your current visa exemption), and we will provide further instructions.
4.3. What should I do if I want a Vietnam 5 year visa exemption but my passport is valid for less than 5 years?
You should renew your passport before applying for the 5-year visa exemption.
4.4. Where is the Vietnam Immigration Department located?
If you are in Vietnam and wish to process your 5-year visa exemption at the Immigration Department, here are the addresses:
- Hanoi: 40A Hang Bai Street, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Da Nang: No. 7 Tran Quy Cap, Da Nang City
- Ho Chi Minh City: No. 161 Nguyen Du, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Their office hours are 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM in the morning and 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM in the afternoon, Monday through Friday (excluding national holidays).
If you prefer not to handle this process directly or have limited time, we can assist with obtaining your Vietnam 5 year visa exemption. Contact us at (+84) 918 212 468 for help.