Vietnamese people living abroad or anyone with family ties to Vietnamese citizens and those residing overseas now have the opportunity to enjoy a 5-year visa exemption for travel to and from Vietnam. This generous visa offer not only provides convenience but also saves a great deal of time and effort that would otherwise be spent applying for and renewing visas for visits to Vietnam. It’s a great relief for those wanting to stay connected with their roots or loved ones in Vietnam without the hassle of frequent visa paperwork.
What is a 5 year visa exemption?
A 5-year visa exemption, often referred to as a spouse visa, is a special certificate provided by Vietnamese authorities to Vietnamese individuals living abroad without a Vietnamese passport, as well as to foreign spouses and children of Vietnamese citizens or those residing overseas. This document is specifically designed for individuals who need to visit Vietnam for family visits or to address personal matters such as paperwork or administrative tasks with national agencies. It’s essentially a visa waiver that allows for smoother travel and engagement with family and personal affairs in Vietnam over an extended period of time.
Simply put, the 5-year visa exemption is the lengthiest document allowing entry and exit in Vietnam. However, there’s a rule: its expiration date should be six months earlier than that of your passport or foreign residence document. To enjoy the full 5-year visa exemption, ensure your passport or residence permit has at least 5 years and 6 months of validity.
This exemption serves as your visa for coming and going from Vietnam throughout its validity. But remember, each time you enter, you can only stay for a maximum of 6 months. You can extend your stay if needed, though:
- If your visa exemption is valid for over 6 months, you can extend your stay for another 180 days.
- If it’s valid for less than 6 months, your stay can’t be prolonged beyond the remaining validity of the visa exemption.
Here’s a quick rundown of the Vietnam 5-year visa exemption:
- Validity: 5 years
- Stay Duration: 6 months (180 days)
- Eligibility: Vietnamese living abroad, Foreign spouses and children of Vietnamese living abroad, Foreign spouses and children of Vietnamese citizens
- Required Documents: Valid passport or equivalent document, visa application form (Form NA9), two passport-sized photos, and other proof of eligibility
- Application Submission: Vietnam Embassy/Consulate or Vietnamese Immigration Department
- Processing Time: 5-7 working days
- Fee: $10-20 at the Vietnam Immigration Department
- Extension: Yes, for an additional 6 months without leaving Vietnam.
How to Acquire the 5 years Vietnam Visa Exemption
Below are the core steps to obtaining a Vietnam visa exemption for 5 years
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility
The first step in acquiring a 5-year Vietnam visa exemption is determining if you are eligible. In order to be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be a citizen of one country listed in the visa exemption agreement between Vietnam and your country of citizenship. The list of eligible countries can be found on the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
- You must hold a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity.
Step 2: Gather the Required Documents
Once you have determined that you are eligible for a 5-year Vietnam visa exemption, you will need to gather the following documents:
- A valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity
- Proof of sufficient funds to support your stay in Vietnam
- Proof of a return ticket or an onward travel ticket to a destination outside of Vietnam
Step 3: Enter Vietnam
With the required documents in hand, you can now enter Vietnam. You can do this by either flying into one of the country’s international airports or by crossing a land border checkpoint. Upon arrival, you will need to present your passport and the required documents to the immigration officials. If they found your information to be in order, you will be granted entry into the country for a period of up to 5 years.
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Step 4: Exit and Re-Enter Vietnam
In order to maintain your 5-year visa exemption status, you will need to exit and re-enter the country at least once every 5 years. You can do this by traveling to a neighboring country and then returning to Vietnam. Upon re-entry, you will be granted a new 5-year visa exemption, provided that you meet the eligibility criteria and have the required documents.
Step 5: Maintain a Valid Passport
It is important to keep in mind that you must maintain a valid passport throughout your stay in Vietnam. If your passport expires, you will need to renew it in order to continue to take advantage of the 5-year visa exemption.
How to extend
Extending your stay in Vietnam with a 5-year visa exemption is straightforward, ensuring you can make the most of your time without the need for frequent exits and entries. Here’s how to go about it:
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Gather Your Documents:
- Valid Passport
- Application for Visa Issuance and Stay Extension (Form NA5)
- Documents proving your eligibility for visa exemption
- Notarized copy of the valid passport or identity card of the Vietnamese sponsor
- Temporary resident certificate
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Submit Your Application: Take all the necessary documents to the Vietnam Immigration Department for processing. Make sure everything is complete to avoid delays.
Processing time & fee
Processing typically takes 5 to 7 working days once all documents are submitted. If any additional information is required, it may take longer.
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- Fees can vary depending on where you apply:
- Vietnam Embassy/Consulate: Contact them directly for specific details.
- Vietnam Immigration Department:
- First-time issuance: US$20
- Subsequent issuances: US$10
- Fees can vary depending on where you apply:
By following these steps, you can smoothly extend your stay in Vietnam without the hassle of leaving and re-entering the country, ensuring you can enjoy your time there to the fullest extent possible.
Conclusion
Acquiring a 5-year Vietnam visa exemption for Vietnam is a simple process for eligible foreign citizens. With this visa exemption, you can enter and exit the country multiple times over a period of 5 years without needing a visa. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that you have the documentation and eligibility to take advantage of this policy.