Travel Essentials - Tourist Visa Requirements - Travel Visa Services

Vietnam Visa Requirements - How to Apply for Vietnam Travel Visa

US citizens are required a valid visa for traveling to Vietnam. Three ways for getting a visa are sending the completed application and documents by mail; visiting Vietnamese embassy in the USA, such as in Washington DC or San Francisco, CA; or using a professional travel visa services company.

Vietnam Embassy / High Comission / Consulate for USA

A VISA to Vietnam can be applied for by mail or in person at the Embassy of Vietnam as early as six months prior to the date of travel. The applicant must submit:

a. Original PASSPORT (which requires at least a month validity prior the date of exit from Vietnam). In urgent cases, a loose-leaf-visa can be requested, then a copy of passport (photo and personal detail pages) may be submitted instead of the original passport.

b. Application form The form must be completed, signed and attached with 01 original photo (2x 2 inches). In case of a loose-leaf-visa request, one additional photo must be stapled to the form. If the applicant already has visa approval, then they may write the reference number on the top right of the form. If the applicant does not have visa approval, just leave "visa approval number" blank. Addtional processing fees for Vietnam visa approval may be required.

c. Visa fees must be in the form of MONEY ORDER, or CASHIER’S CHECK, or CERTIFIED CHECK payable to “THE EMBASSY OF VIETNAM.” Applicants applying together may submit combined payment in one money order”.

d. A prepaid return envelope, if the applicant requests the visa be returned by mail. The Embassy prefers using USPS Express Mail or Fedex. Applicants applying together may provide one envelope for visas to be returned to the same address.

Diplomatic and official visas will be granted GRATIS unless otherwise agreed upon between Vietnam and the applicant’s country. In addition to the documents specified in (I), the applicant must submit a note verbal or an official letter from the relevant agencies of the US Government, Embassies or Consulates accredited to the United States, and international organizations.

Processing Time: Five business days are required to process visa applications with approval. Expedited processing requires one to two business days after the Embassy has received the application (additional fee required).

Note: Please keep the tracking numbers of the envelopes to and from the Embassy. When the above deadlines have passed, use the tracking number to check with the mailing service first.

Please do not make telephone inquires on the status of your application (make sure that you keep your passport number for this request) until after the 3rd business day for an expedited case and the 7th business day for a regular case.

The Embassy will be closed on Saturday, Sunday, and normal Vietnamese and US holidays. Please take note of the official holidays in planning for your Vietnam visa application and Vietnam travel.

Many travelers opt to use a professional visa service company to avoid visa hurdles. When you turn to a professional tourist visa service you simply need to complete a service application and forms that they present you. These services will then take the necessary steps needed to obtain the tourist visa for you. When using these types of services you don't have to worry about the legal process and can simply sit back and wait for your Vietnam visa to be approved. If you need to get a visa to Vietnam quickly, you can order your Vietnam visa from visa professionals for prices starting at $39.