Visa information

HOW TO APPLY FOR A VISA TO VIETNAM

I/ 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:

1. Original PASSPORT (which requires at least 01 month validity prior the date of exit from Vietnam). In case of a loose-leaf-visa request, a copy of passport (photo and personal detail pages) may be submitted instead of the original passport.

2. One completed and signed application form (PDF Form/Winword Form) with 01 passport-size photo glued. In case of a loose-leaf-visa request, 01 additional passport-size photo stapled.

3. VISA fee 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.

4. A visa pre-approval or authorization obtained through the applicant’s host or sponsor in Vietnam. The host or sponsor in Vietnam must contact the Immigration Department, Ministry of Public Security (authorization number begins with 121A or 121B or 121C) or the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam (authorization number ends with LS-XNC.kv) requesting this approval to be sent to the Embassy for the visa issuance. If the applicant does not have any host or sponsor in Vietnam, he/she may contact any travel agencies or the Embassy for assistance.

5. A prepaid return envelope, if the applicant requests the visa be returned by mail. Please use USPS Express Mail or USPS Certified Mail (www.usps.com) or Priority Mail with Delivery Confirmation. 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.

II/ Processing Time: Five business days are required to process visa applications. 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 working day for a regular case.

The Embassy will be closed on Vietnamese and US holidays. Please take account of the observed holidays in planning for your visa application and travel.

For further information, please contact the Visa Section of the Embassy:

Opening hours: 9:30 – 12:30 Monday through Friday. The Embassy is closed on Saturday, Sunday, and on Vietnamese and US holidays 2008.

For visa inquiries: 202 861 0737 ext. 221, 243, 236. or (202) 861- 2293, (202) 861-0694.

For passport issues: 202 861 0737 ext: 239.

For legalization: 202 861 0737, ext. 238.

For other inquiries: 202 861 0737 ext 222.

Fax: (202) 861- 1297 and (202) 861- 0917

Website: http://www.vietnamembassy.us

VN Embassy : Consular Services : Visa info