TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. 5 YEARS VISA EXEMPTION FOR FOREIGNERS
1.1 Definition Of A 5 Years Visa Exemption
In order to properly grasp the definition of a 5 years visa exemption, we must first understand what is visa exemption.
Vietnam Visa exemption (Visa free) is a policy in which citizens of certain countries can freely enter and reside in other countries within a certain duration without a visa or having to pay legal fees.
Vietnam also has regulations for 5 year visa exemptions. Therefore this exemption is applied to foreigners with no regard to their nationalities.
This exemption can last up to 5 years and with each entry, individuals can not stay longer than 180 days.
Specifically, 5 years visa exemption papers for foreigners in Vietnam have at most 5 years duration and 6 months shorter than visa expiration date or temporary resident papers for foreigners. After the resident duration ends, foreigners can apply for extensions according to Vietnam regulations.
Visa exemption papers are mainly for foreigners to visit relatives in Vietnam or to resolve personal problems.
1.2 Individuals Eligible For 5 Years Visa Exemption
The current 5 years visa exemption of Vietnam government apply for all foreigners, which includes:
- Foreigners with roots from Vietnam, used to be Vietnamese citizens but currently reside abroad.
- Other countries’ citizens but have relatives who are Vietnamese citizens’ mothers, fathers or children.
1.3 Conditions For 5 Years Visa Exemption
In order to apply for 5 years visa exemption, conditions must be met depending on the types of the applications:
For Vietnamese citizens currently living abroad:
- Must have another country’s passport or equivalent papers valid for at least 1 year counting from the date of entry into Vietnam.
- If no passport or equivalent papers is available then resident paper or green card from abroad valid for at least 1 year before the entry date into Vietnam is required.
For foreigners with Vietnamese relatives (spouses/children):
- Must have another country passport or equivalent papers valid for at least 1 year.
These regulations are needed to ensure immigrants enter Vietnam with full legal status and necessary papers for residents.
2. DOCUMENTS NEEDED FOR 5 YEARS VISA EXEMPTION
2.1 For Vietnamese Living Abroad The Following Are Needed
5 years visa exemption application form:
- Must be filled out in full with clear and precise information.
- The form must be certified, with your full name and must be signed before the certifier if sent by mail.
Photos:
- 2 portrait photos, 4×6 cm, newly taken and clear, no blemish or faded colors. 1 photo is glued in the application form, the other is attached.
- White background.
- Must show your face clearly, look straight ahead, no hats or colored glasses.
Passport of equivalent papers:
- Valid for at least 1 year.
- A copy of said papers.
Documents proving you are a Vietnamese citizen reside abroad:
- Original copy of personal documents (birth certificate, decision to stop renouncing Vietnamese nationality, expired Vietnamese passport, ID, citizen registration book, excerpt from the birth certificate ministry, Vietnam driver’s licence before 1975 or equivalent papers from another country)
- 1 copy of above documents (if applied directly at an Embassy/ consulate).
Be aware that all documents must be prepared beforehand and must follow procedures to ensure a smooth and fast application process.
2.2 For Foreigners With Vietnamese Relatives
5 years visa exemption application form:
- Must be filled out in full with clear and precise information.
- The form must be certified, with your full name and must be signed before the certifier if sent by mail.
Photos:
- 2 portrait photos, 4×6 cm, newly taken and clear, no blemish or faded colors. 1 photo is glued in the application form, the other is attached.
- White background.
- Must show your face clearly, look straight ahead, no hats or colored glasses.
Passport of equivalent papers:
- Valid for at least 1 year.
- A copy of said papers.
Papers proving your relation with Vietnamese citizens:
- Marriage registration.
- Birth certificate
- Relation confirmation papers (marriage/parenthood)
- Other documents proving marriage status and parenthood according to regulations.
3. 5 YEARS VISA EXEMPTION APPLICATION PROCESS
You need to follow these steps for a smooth and fast application process:
- Submit your information in the online form HERE. Please fill out all required information according to requirement and ensure the accuracy of filled information. Afterward, print the form out.
- Submit the filled form with photos at the nearest Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate or Vietnam’s Immigration Department if you are currently in Vietnam.
- Pay the fees and wait for the approval process. This usually takes around 5-7 working days.
- Receive your 5 years visa exemption papers.
4. LEGAL FEE IS REQUIRED WHEN APPLYING FOR VIETNAM 5 YEARS EXEMPTION
When applying for 5 years visa exemption at Vietnam’s Immigration Department, the fee required is as follow:
- Fees for issuance of 5 years visa exemption first time: $20.
- Fees for issuance 5 years visa exemption the second times and above: $10
The fees can change depending on where the visa is issued, at the Immigration Department or at an Embassy/Consulate. Please contact the relevant department for more accurate information about the fee.
5. 5 YEARS VISA EXEMPTION EXTENSION
The 5 years visa exemption can not be extended, when it expires you will have to apply for another.
However, you can extend the temporary resident duration if your visa exemption is still valid. This extension can be conducted as follows:
- Extend at the Immigration Department and follow instructions provided.
- Do a visa run, move to a neighbouring country like Laos, Cambodia and then re-enter Vietnam with a new temporary resident duration.
6. USUAL QUESTIONS ABOUT VIETNAM 5 YEARS EXEMPTION
❓My 5 years visa exemption is about to expire, can i apply for a re issue or a new visa exemption?
✅Answer: Yes, you can apply for a re-issue of your visa exemption or apply for a new exemption like we stated above.
❓Can you quickly complete the entry procedure with visa exemption?
✅Answer: Yes, contact TrustVisa for more details and utilise our services.
❓What happens when my visa exemption is still valid for 5 years but my passport is valid for less?
✅Answer: In this situation, we advise you to get a new passport or get a reissue, and then apply for visa exemption. Even though you can still apply for the visa exemption, the duration would be 6 months shorter than your passport.
❓How to extend your resident duration with visa exemption?
✅Answer: Contact TrustVisa to get support in getting temporary residence in Vietnam no longer than 180 days.