The requirements for Vietnam 5-year visas and related information are one of the most crucial things that eligible passport holders should pay attention to, especially if they want to apply for a Vietnam visa before starting their Vietnam travel journey. Read on to get all the comprehensive information regarding a 5 years visa to Vietnam.
1. What is the Vietnam 5-year visa? How many types are there?
The Vietnam 5-year visa (also known as the visa exemption certificate) is a valid travel document of Vietnam issued to overseas Vietnamese or the spouses or children of Vietnamese citizens or overseas Vietnamese. This certificate is valid as a substitute for a Vietnam visa to enter the country to visit relatives and deal with personal matters.
Individuals entering Vietnam with the Vietnam 5-year visa may stay in the country for up to six months for each entry. If the certificate's validity is less than six months, they are permitted to stay up until the 5-year Vietnam visa expiry date. Individuals can extend their stay beyond six months if there is a legitimate reason.
There are two types of Vietnam 5-year visas as follows:
- Vietnam 5-year visa sticker: This type of Vietnam 5-year visa is a convenient and versatile option for both overseas Vietnamese and foreign nationals wishing to enter Vietnam. It is stamped directly to the passport of the eligible individual as proof of their exemption.
- Vietnam 5-year visa book: This type of Vietnam 5-year visa is for overseas Vietnamese who only have permanent residence cards issued by foreign countries and passport holders of countries and territories with which Vietnam has no diplomatic relations.
2. Who can be granted a Vietnam 5-year visa exemption?
Vietnam 5-year visa exemption is granted to the following individuals:
- Overseas Vietnamese who have a foreign passport or an equivalent paper that is valid for at least 1 year. Otherwise, they must have a permanent residence card issued by a foreign country (commonly known as a "green card") that is valid for at least 1 year from the expected date of entry to Vietnam.
- Foreign spouses and children of Vietnamese citizens or overseas Vietnamese who have a foreign passport or an equivalent paper that is valid for at least 1 year.
>>> Find out how to apply for an e-Visa for Vietnam!
3. The required documents to apply for the Vietnam 5-year visa
3.1. For overseas Vietnamese
- A completed 5-year Vietnam visa exemption application form: The applicant needs to fill out the form online, print it, and attach photos.
- A passport, travel document, or residence permit issued by the competent authority in the country of residence: The paper should be valid for at least 1 year.
- Two recent passport-sized photos: The photos must have a white background, the applicant's face looking straight, without any headgear or colored glasses.
- Documents proving the eligible status for the Vietnam 5-year visa: birth certificate, certificate of Vietnamese citizenship, decision of renunciation of Vietnamese citizenship, certificate of loss of Vietnamese citizenship, expired Vietnamese passport, identity card, or household registration book.
3.2. For foreign spouses and children of Vietnamese citizens or overseas Vietnamese
- A completed 5-year Vietnam visa exemption application form: The applicant needs to fill out the form online, print it, and attach photos.
- A passport or travel document: The paper should be valid for at least 1 year.
- Two recent passport-sized photos: The photos must have a white background, the applicant's face looking straight, without any headgear or colored glasses.
- Documents proving the marriage or parental relationship: certificate of marriage, birth certificate, certificate of parental relationship, or decision of adoption.
>>> Read more: How to get a Vietnamese visa: A detailed guide & useful tips
4. The processing time and fee of the Vietnam 5-year visa
Within 1 working day from the date of receiving a complete application, the overseas visa-issuing authority of Vietnam, or Vietnam embassy, will transfer the applicant's information to the Immigration Department in Vietnam.
Within 3 working days, the Immigration Department will review the application and respond to the overseas visa-issuing authority of Vietnam.
Within 1 working day from the date of receiving the response of the Immigration Department, the overseas visa-issuing authority of Vietnam will issue the visa exemption certificate.
The 5-year Vietnam visa exemption fee is 10 USD. Note that these processing times and fees are subject to change, and it is always best to check with the Vietnamese embassy or consulate or the relevant immigration authority for the latest information.
>>> Check out the cost of visa for Vietnam!
5. Information about the re-issuance of the Vietnam 5-year visa
In case of loss, damage, or expiration of the Vietnam 5-year visa, or in case its contents need to be adjusted, you can apply for the re-issuance of the Vietnam 5-year visa by submitting the following papers:
- An application form.
- A passport, travel document, or residence permit issued by the competent authority in the country of residence: The paper should be valid for at least 1 year.
- Two recent passport-sized photos: The photos must have a white background, the applicant's face looking straight, without any headgear or colored glasses.
Applicants who are currently residing abroad must submit one set of the required documents to the overseas visa-issuing authority of Vietnam.
>>> Read more: Vietnam travel requirements: A guide for a seamless trip
Vietnam is always a worthwhile destination for any Asia travel itinerary. Before applying for a Vietnam visa, you should check out the best time to visit Vietnam, which varies by region. Some famous cities in Vietnam that you should consider traveling to are Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Hoi An, Da Nang, and Ha Long.
In these destinations, it is highly recommended that you stay at the hotels and resorts of Vinpearl. At Vinpearl, you can experience world-class accommodations and all sorts of amenities, such as outdoor swimming pools, children's playgrounds, babysitting services, restaurants, bars, gyms, and so on. With an all-in-one system, Vinpearl can satisfy the most demanding needs of customers.
Moreover, Vinpearl offers the convenience of VinWonders, a prominent system of entertainment complexes. At VinWonders, you can immerse yourself in a world of fantasy and excitement, with dazzling shows, exhilarating rides, and a variety of indoor and outdoor activities.
>>> Book rooms in Vinpearl Phu Quoc, Vinpearl Nha Trang, Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An, and Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long to have a pleasant stay during your holiday!
The Vietnam 5-year visa serves as a bridge connecting overseas Vietnamese with their homeland, promoting cultural understanding and strengthening family ties. It also entices foreign spouses and children of Vietnamese citizens to explore the rich heritage, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality of Vietnam. Hopefully, this article has provided you with all the detailed information about how to apply Vietnam visa for 5 years.
