Reuniting with your family in Vietnam should be a joyful and meaningful experience but navigating visa requirements can quickly turn that excitement into confusion. Many foreigners find themselves unsure about which visa to apply for, what documents are needed or how to avoid errors that could disrupt their plans.
However, the application process can feel overwhelming without clear guidance. Missing paperwork, unclear eligibility criteria, or simple mistakes can lead to unnecessary stress or even rejection.
In this guide, you’ll discover exactly how to apply Vietnam family visit visa, what to prepare, and how to ensure a smooth process so you can reconnect with your family in Vietnam.
What is a Vietnam family visit visa?
A Vietnam family visit visa is issued to foreigners who wish to enter the country to visit their relatives. Under Law No. 51/2019/QH14, this visa is available to:
- Foreigners who are parents, spouses, or children of Vietnamese citizens
- Foreigners who are spouses or children under 18 years old of foreign nationals currently residing in Vietnam using LD1 or LD2 (work visas), DT1, DT2, DT3 (investment visas), NN1 or NN2 (working in representative offices), LV1 or LV2 (working visas), DH (student visa), LS (lawyer visa), or PV1 (journalist visa).
This visa is commonly referred to as the TT visa. It can be granted for either single or multiple entries, with a maximum validity of up to 12 months. In many cases, holders of a family visit visa may also qualify for a temporary residence card, allowing them to stay in Vietnam for up to 3 years.
Eligibility Requirements for a Vietnam Family Visit Visa
To be granted a TT visa, a foreign applicant must meet the following conditions:
- Have a sponsor who is either a Vietnamese citizen or a foreign national legally residing and working in Vietnam.
- Provide official documents proving the family relationship with the sponsor, such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or other legally recognized papers.
- Possess a valid passport or international travel document with at least six months of remaining validity and a minimum of two blank pages for the visa.
- Not fall under any grounds for entry refusal as outlined in Clause 3, Article 17 of Law No. 47/2014/QH13.
Application process for a Vietnam family visit visa for foreigners
The procedure for obtaining a Vietnam family visit visa varies depending on whether the sponsored person is currently in Vietnam or abroad.
Case 1: The sponsored person is outside Vietnam
Step 1: Apply for an entry approval letter
| Case | Required documents | ||
| A foreigner holding a valid Vietnam visa sponsors their relative who is currently abroad | – Copy of the sponsored person’s passport
– Copy of the sponsor’s passport and valid visa/temporary residence card – Form NA2 with confirmation from the sponsoring company, clearly stating the location for visa issuance (Vietnam Embassy/Consulate abroad or an international border gate in Vietnam) – Notarized copies of documents proving the family relationship: birth certificate, marriage certificate, household registration book, family certificate, etc. – Dossier of the sponsoring company where the sponsor is working:
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| A Vietnamese citizen sponsors a relative who is currently residing abroad | – Copy of the sponsored person’s passport
– Notarized copy of the sponsor’s Citizen Identity Card (CCCD) – Form NA3, certified by the local ward police where the Vietnamese sponsor permanently resides, clearly stating the location for visa issuance (at an international border gate in Vietnam or at a Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate abroad) – Notarized copies of documents proving the family relationship (e.g., birth certificate, marriage certificate, household registration book, family certificate, etc.) – Temporary residence confirmation of the sponsor |
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*Note: Documents issued abroad must be notarized translated and consular legalized
Step 2: Submission of Application
Once all required documents have been fully prepared, the application may be submitted to one of the following authorities:
- Vietnam Immigration Department – Hanoi: 44–46 Tran Phu Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
- Vietnam Immigration Department – Ho Chi Minh City: 333–335–337 Nguyen Trai Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Vietnam Immigration Department – Da Nang: 78 Le Loi Street, Thach Thang Ward, Hai Chau District, Da Nang
- The Immigration Division of the Provincial Police Department where the sponsoring company is headquartered or where the Vietnamese sponsor holds permanent residence
After submission, an appointment receipt will be issued. Processing time is typically around 5 working days.
When the entry approval letter is granted, a scanned copy of the full document should be sent to the sponsored person abroad so they can proceed with visa issuance at the selected location, either a Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate overseas or an international border gate in Vietnam.
Step 3: Visa issuance (visa stamping)
Upon receiving the scanned entry approval letter, the sponsored person should prepare the following documents:
- Two passport-sized photos (4×6 cm, white background)
- Original passport
- Printed copy of the complete entry approval letter
- Vietnam entry and exit application form
The applicant will then submit these documents at the designated location previously registered, either a Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate abroad or an international entry checkpoint in Vietnam, to have the Vietnam family vist visa stamped into their passport.
Case 2: The sponsored person is currently in Vietnam
Step 1: Preparation of documents
| Case | Required documents | ||
| A foreigner holding a valid Vietnam visa sponsors a relative who is currently in Vietnam | – Original passport of the sponsored person
– Copy of the sponsor’s passport, along with a valid visa or temporary residence card – Form NA5, certified by the sponsoring company – Notarized copies of documents proving the family relationship (e.g., birth certificate, marriage certificate, household registration book, family certificate, etc.) – Documents from the sponsoring company:
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| A Vietnamese citizen sponsors a foreign relative who is currently in Vietnam | – Original passport of the sponsored person
– Notarized copy of the sponsor’s Citizen Identity Card (CCCD) – Form NA3, certified by the local ward police where the Vietnamese sponsor permanently resides, clearly indicating the location for visa issuance (at an international border gate in Vietnam or at a Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate abroad) – Notarized copies of documents proving the family relationship (e.g., birth certificate, marriage certificate, household registration book, family certificate, etc.) – Temporary residence confirmation of the sponsor |
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*Note: Documents issued abroad must be notarized translations and consular legalized
Step 2: Submit the Application
Once the documents are complete, the sponsor or a representative of the sponsoring organization/company should submit the application to one of the following authorities:
- Vietnam Immigration Department in Hanoi/ Ho Chi Minh City/ Da Nang
- The Immigration Division of the Provincial Police Department where the sponsoring company is headquartered or where the Vietnamese sponsor holds permanent residence
A receipt will be issued upon submission, indicating the scheduled date for collecting the results.
Step 3: Collect the results
On the scheduled date shown on the receipt, the sponsor or the representative of the sponsoring organization/company should return to the same location to collect the approved Vietnam family visit visa.
Bringing Families Together Across Borders
Navigating visa requirements can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re busy or applying for the first time. Our dedicated family visa services are designed to take away the complexity, ensuring a smooth and stress‑free process. From preparing documentation to working directly with immigration authorities, we provide end‑to‑end support so you can move forward with confidence.
Ready to plan your family visit? Contact us today to apply for your Vietnam family visit visa and make your next reunion unforgettable
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a foreigner who has a child who is a Vietnamese citizen but has not registered marriage with the child’s mother, apply for a Vietnam family visit visa?
Yes. Even if the foreigner is not married to the Vietnamese mother, they can still apply for a Vietnam family visit visa by providing documents that prove the parent-child relationship, such as a birth certificate.
Can a Vietnam family visit visa be extended?
Yes. Foreigners currently in Vietnam on a family visit visa can apply to extend their visa to continue their stay according to the regulations.
Many people, however, choose to apply for a temporary residence card instead of repeatedly extending their visa. This allows them to stay in Vietnam for a longer period without multiple renewals.
After obtaining a Vietnam family visit visa, does a foreigner need to leave and re-enter the country to use it?
No. According to Law 51/2019/QH14, foreigners who have documents proving a relationship with their sponsor, such as being a parent, spouse, or child, can change their visa purpose directly within Vietnam. There is no need to exit and re-enter the country.
