Vietnam exemption visa: Everything you need to know before your trip

Are you wondering about the Vietnam exemption visa? Let's discover the ease and freedom of traveling to this captivating destination without the hassle of obtaining a visa in this article. We will unravel the intricacies of the Vietnam exemption visa to provide you with essential insights and practical tips for a stress-free and enjoyable experience.

WHAT IS THE VIETNAM EXEMPTION VISA?

A policy known as visa exemption is commonly referred to as visa-free entry. It represents a significant travel facilitation measure adopted by numerous countries. 

This policy permits individuals from foreign countries to visit and reside in a specific nation for a predetermined period of time. There is no requirement for them to undergo the usual visa application procedures or pay related fees.

Vietnam exemption visa is established by the Vietnamese government, implementing the visa exemption policy. This allows foreigners to enter and stay in the country for a specified duration. 

This privilege is extended to visitors, eliminating the need to undergo the typical Vietnam visa application process or bear any associated fees.

The Vietnam exemption visa refers to a travel arrangement where certain individuals are allowed to enter Vietnam without the need for a traditional visa

WHICH COUNTRIES BELONG TO THE VIETNAM EXEMPTION VISA LIST?

Which countries benefit from the Vietnam exemption visa privilege? Below is the list of countries eligible for the exemption visa in Vietnam:

WHAT ARE OTHER CASES QUALIFYING FOR A VIETNAM EXEMPTION VISA?

Presently, beyond the aforementioned instances of Vietnam exemption visa, Vietnam also has visa exemptions for the following cases:

Vietnam exemption visa for overseas Vietnamese with a 5-year validity

The Vietnamese government grants a 5-year visa exemption to the following categories, as stipulated in Clause 5 and Article 12 of the Law on the Admission, Departure, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners:

• Vietnamese individuals residing abroad with a valid passport or other official travel document.

• Spouses and minor children who are foreign nationals.

• Spouses and children of Vietnamese nationals residing abroad.

With this 5-year visa exemption for Vietnam, both foreigners and overseas Vietnamese have the flexibility to enter and exit the country at their convenience during the designated period. However, the cumulative stay per entry is limited to 180 days.

If any individuals wish to stay beyond this period without departing and returning, they must extend their visa. The maximum extension allowed is 180 days.

If you reside outside Vietnam or at the Vietnam Immigration Office, you must submit the required documents to the Vietnamese Embassy in your home country for a 5-year visa exemption.

Visa exemption for foreigners entering coastal economic zones

Vietnam exemption visa for 30 days for foreigners entering coastal economic zones according to the Government's decision when all the following conditions are met:

• Possess international airports.

• Occupy distinct and separate geographic areas.

• Have well-defined geographical boundaries, isolated from the mainland.

• Align with socio-economic development policies and pose no threat to Vietnam's national defense, security, social order, and safety.

People lacking a Vietnam visa but possessing both an APEC Business Travel Card are eligible for an exemption lasting up to 60 days

APEC Card holders visa exemption

The APEC (Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation) issued the APEC Card, also referred to as the APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC). To eligible senior government officials and business travelers who facilitate short-term business trips within the APEC region.

Individuals without a Vietnam visa, holding both an APEC Business Travel Card and a valid passport, enjoy an exemption for up to 60 days. Those with this visa waiver also benefit from streamlined entry and exit processes using dedicated airport lanes designated by APEC.

Each APEC nation maintains its policy for ABTC issuance, with candidates expected to meet several fundamental criteria, including:

• Residency in APEC member countries.

• Possession of a valid passport or alternative travel authorization.

• Business travelers who frequently visit the APEC region for brief stays.

• Government representatives who meet specific criteria while conducting APEC business.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A VIETNAM EXEMPTION VISA?

The Vietnam exemption visa offers several benefits for eligible travelers:

• Streamlined entry process: Visa-exempt travelers can enter Vietnam without the need for a traditional visa, simplifying the entry process.

• Cost savings: Exempt individuals save on visa application fees and related expenses, contributing to overall cost savings for their trip.

• Flexibility: With the exemption, travelers have the flexibility to enter and exit Vietnam multiple times within the allowed duration without the hassle of obtaining a visa for each visit.

• Convenience for short visits: Ideal for short stays, the exemption visa allows individuals to engage in brief visits for tourism, business, or other purposes without the burden of visa formalities.

• Promotion of tourism: The visa exemption policy encourages tourism by making it easier for eligible individuals to explore the attractions and culture of Vietnam.

• Enhanced travel experience: Visa-exempt travelers can enjoy a more seamless and efficient travel experience without the paperwork and processing time associated with visa applications.

• Facilitated business activities: Business travelers can conduct short-term business activities without the constraints of visa requirements, fostering international business relationships and collaborations.

• Boosted diplomatic relations: The exemption visa fosters positive diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the countries whose citizens benefit from this policy, creating an environment of mutual trust and cooperation.

WHAT ARE THE ASSURED CONDITIONS FOR VIETNAM EXEMPTION VISA APPLICATION?

The assured conditions for Vietnam exemption visa applications typically include:

• Nationality eligibility: Applicants must belong to the specific nationalities identified for visa exemption. The list of eligible nationalities is determined by the Vietnamese government.

• Purpose of visit: The visa exemption is often granted for specific purposes such as tourism, business, or short-term visits. Applicants must demonstrate that their visit aligns with the allowed purposes under the exemption.

• Validity of passport: Applicants must possess a passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended date of entry into Vietnam. This ensures that the passport remains valid for the entire duration of the stay.

• Empty pages in passport: The passport should have a minimum of 2 consecutive empty pages. This requirement is necessary to accommodate any visa stamps or entry/exit endorsements during the traveler's stay in Vietnam.

One of the conditions to apply for a Vietnam exemption visa is to have at least 2 blank pages in the passport

• Duration of stay: The exemption usually comes with a predefined duration of stay, and applicants must adhere to the allowed period. Extensions may be possible, but they are subject to specific conditions.

• Compliance with regulations: Travelers must comply with Vietnamese laws and regulations during their stay. Any violation may lead to the revocation of the visa exemption privilege.

• Non-threat to national security: Applicants should not pose any threat to Vietnam's national defense, security, social order, or safety. This criterion is essential for ensuring the safety and stability of the country.

• No prior immigration violations: Applicants should not have a history of immigration violations in Vietnam or any other country. A clean immigration record enhances the chances of a successful visa exemption application.

HOW TO ENTER VIETNAM WITH A VISA EXEMPTION?

If you meet the criteria for a Vietnam exemption visa (excluding the 5-year option), no prior preparations are necessary.

Otherwise, to enter Vietnam with a visa exemption, follow these straightforward steps:

• Prepare the required documents:

• Valid passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the intended entry date and has a minimum of 2 empty pages.

• Relevant travel documents: Depending on your nationality, you may need to present additional travel documents as required.

• Understand the allowed duration: Be aware of the permitted length of stay under the visa exemption. This information is crucial to plan your visit and comply with the regulations.

• Arrival at an International airport: If you are arriving by air, make sure to land at one of Vietnam's international airports, as visa exemption entry points are typically limited to these locations.

• Proceed through Immigration: Head to the immigration counter and present your passport and any additional documents required for visa exemption.

• Security check: Go through the necessary security checks as per standard airport procedures.

• Enjoy your stay: Once you successfully pass through immigration and security, you are free to explore Vietnam during the approved duration of your visa exemption.

CAN MY VIETNAM VISA EXEMPTION BE EXTENDED?

Upon receiving a Vietnam exemption visa certificate for entry, each individuals are permitted temporary residence for up to 6 months per entry. If the visa exemption certificate is valid for less than 6 months, temporary residence is allowed until the certificate expires. 

Extension of the visa exemption certificate for an additional 6 months is possible in cases of valid reasons. The visa exemption certificate has the longest validity of 05 years and is shorter than the validity of a passport or foreign residence document of 06 months.

Types of applications for Vietnam visa exemption extension

Exploring the various scenarios for extending a Vietnam exemption visa involves understanding different types of applications. Let's delve into the specifics of these extension requests and the corresponding criteria that applicants need to fulfill.

• Application for an exemption extension for overseas Vietnamese without a sponsor:

• Original passport is still valid.

• Application form to extend 5-year visa exemption certificate (NA9).

• Application for extension of the Vietnam exemption visa certificate with Vietnamese spouse:

• Original passport is still valid.

• Application form to extend 5-year visa exemption certificate (NA9).

• Household registration book, identity card, or citizen identification card. All notarized copies of local certification.

• Photocopy of marriage certificate.

• Visa exemption extension documents for foreigners whose parents are Vietnamese sponsors:

• Original passport valid for more than 6 months.

• The 5-year visa exemption certificate is still valid.

• Application form to extend 5-year visa exemption certificate (NA9).

• Identity card or citizen identification card and household registration book.

• Photocopy all pages and have them notarized locally.

• Birth certificate notarized translation into Vietnamese.

It is possible to extend the visa exemption certificate for an additional six months in instances with valid reasons

How to extend the Vietnam exemption visa?

The procedure for extending temporary residence for persons who have been issued a Vietnam exemption visa certificate is as follows:

• Step 1: Prepare documents according to regulations

People who want to apply for a Vietnam exemption visa extension must fully prepare the documents listed above.

• Step 2: Submit application

You submit your application for extension at one of the two offices of the Immigration Department - Ministry of Public Security:

• 44-46 Tran Phu, Ba Dinh, Hanoi.

• 333-335-337 Nguyen Trai, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.

Application submission time: From Monday to Saturday morning every week (except New Year’s Eve and holidays).

• Step 3: Get results

The person who comes to receive the results at one of the two offices of the Immigration Department - Ministry of Public Security gives the receipt to the officer who returns the results. Then pay the fee and sign the receipt.

Time: From Monday to Friday every week (except New Year’s Eve and holidays).

IMPORTANT NOTES FOR YOUR VIETNAM EXEMPTION VISA

Important notes for your Vietnam exemption visa include:

• Validity period: Ensure you are aware of the specific duration for which your visa exemption is valid. It is crucial to plan your stay accordingly.

• Duration of stay: Understand the allowed length of stay per entry under the visa exemption. This information is essential for planning your activities and travel within Vietnam.

• Exit and re-entry: Note that once your visa exemption expires, you may need to exit Vietnam and re-enter if you wish to continue your stay. Plan your travels with this in mind.

Don't forget to make a note of your Vietnam exemption visa details for your reference

• Non-extendable: Keep in mind that, in most cases, Vietnam exemption visa cannot be extended if you don't have a legitimate excuse. If you plan to stay beyond the allowed period, consider obtaining a new visa through the necessary procedures.

• Passport validity: Ensure your passport remains valid for at least 6 months from your intended entry date into Vietnam. This is a crucial requirement for entry and a hassle-free stay.

• Entry points: Know the specific international airports or border checkpoints where the visa exemption is applicable. This knowledge ensures a smooth entry process into the country.

• Compliance: Adhere to Vietnamese laws and regulations during your stay to avoid any complications. Stay informed about any changes in regulations for a trouble-free experience.

In conclusion, the Vietnam exemption visa opens doors to a hassle-free and enriching travel experience for eligible individuals. As you embark on your adventure, armed with knowledge and adherence to the guidelines.

May your journey in Vietnam be filled with exploration, cultural immersion, and the joy of discovering this beautiful country. Have safe travels!

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