What is a visa exemption?
A 5-year visa exemption is eligible for Vietnamese expatriates or foreign passport holders whose parents or spouses are either of Vietnamese origin or Vietnamese citizens. The visa is granted to people entering Vietnam for family visits and settlement of personal business. A visa exemption certificate shall be valid for up to 5 years and expires at least 6 months prior to the expiration of the holder’s passport or international travel document.
Important notice:
This visa exemption is valid for 5 years with multiple entries. With a visa exemption certificate, holders are permitted to stay in Vietnam for a maximum of 180 days per visit, and the duration of stay can be extended within the country for a maximum period of another 180 days.
Essential documents for a 5-year visa exemption application:
For overseas Vietnamese:
- An application form for visa exemption certificate
- Two recent photos
- Passport or equivalent document (Permanent Residence Card or Green Card) with the validity of at least 6 months following the date of entry in Vietnam
- A certificated copy of one of the following documents:
- Birth certificate
- Certificate of Vietnamese citizenship
- Vietnamese Identity Card (valid or expired)
- Expired Vietnamese passport
- Family/Household Registration Book
- Latest voter’s card
- Any document issued by competent authorities verifying the applicant originally has Vietnamese citizenship or Vietnamese origin.
For foreigners who are children/spouses of Vietnamese citizens or Vietnamese expatriates
- An application form for visa exemption certificate
- Two recent photos
- Passport with validity of at least 6 months following the date of entry in Vietnam
- A certificated copy of one of the following documents:
- Birth certificate
- Certificate of Marriage
- Certificate of Relationship with parent/child
- Decision on Child Adoption
- Other legal documents as defined by Vietnamese regulations
Processing Time
Within 7 business days after all demanded documents are submitted.
