Eligibility, Application Procedure, and Advantages of a 5-Year Vietnam Visa
Are you a Vietnamese national living abroad or the spouse/child of one, planning to visit Vietnam for an extended period? The 5 Year Vietnam Visa could be the ideal solution for you. This visa allows holders to enter, exit, and stay in Vietnam multiple times within a five-year period without having to apply for a new visa each time. In this article, we will cover the qualifications, application procedure, fees, processing time, duration of validity, advantages, and other essential details about the 5-Year Vietnam Visa.
Table of Contents
Overview of the 5 Year Vietnam Visa
The 5-Year Vietnam Visa, also referred to as the Visa Exemption Certificate (VEC), is a unique visa choice available for overseas Vietnamese (OV) and their spouses and children. In 2015, the government of Vietnam implemented this option to simplify the process for OVs to travel back to their native country and stay connected with their loved ones and communities. This visa is valid for a period of five years and permits holders to remain in Vietnam for a maximum of 180 days per entry.
Eligibility Requirements for the 5-Year Vietnam Visa
To be eligible for the 5-Year Vietnam Visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Be an overseas Vietnamese (OV)
The 5-Year Vietnam Visa is only available to OVs, which includes individuals who have Vietnamese origin but are living in another country. This can include individuals who were born in Vietnam but have migrated to another country, or those who have parents or grandparents who were born in Vietnam.
Hold a valid passport from the country of residence
Applicants must hold a valid passport from the country they currently reside in. This passport must have at least six months of validity remaining from the date of entry into Vietnam.
Demonstrate Vietnamese heritage by providing one of the following documents.
- Certificate of Vietnamese citizenship
- Decision for Recovery of Vietnamese citizenship
- Decision for Renunciation of Vietnamese citizenship
- Certificate of Lost of Vietnamese citizenship
- Vietnamese passport (valid or invalid)
- Identity Card (valid or invalid)
- Birth Certificate
Be a spouse or child of an OV
Spouses and children of OVs are also eligible for the 5-Year Vietnam Visa. They must provide proof of their relationship to the OV, such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate.
Hold a valid passport from the country of residence
Similar to OVs, spouses and children must also hold a valid passport from the country they currently reside in.
Provide proof of marriage or relationship to an OV
As previously stated, it is necessary for spouses and children to present evidence of their connection to the OV they are seeking to accompany.
The procedure for obtaining a 5-year visa for Vietnam
The procedure for obtaining the 5-Year Vietnam Visa includes the subsequent stages.
- Gather all necessary documents: Before starting the application process, make sure you have all the required documents ready. This includes a completed application form, a valid passport, and any other supporting documents depending on your eligibility.
- Submit the application: You can submit your application in person at the nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Alternatively, you can also apply online through the official website of the Vietnam Immigration Department.
- Pay the visa fee: The visa fee for the 5-Year Vietnam Visa varies depending on the country you are applying from. It is best to check with the embassy or consulate for the exact fee amount.
- Wait for processing: The processing time for the 5-Year Vietnam Visa can take anywhere from 5 to 7 working days. However, it may vary depending on the volume of applications received and the embassy/consulate’s workload.
- Collect your visa: Once your visa is approved, you can collect it from the embassy/consulate or have it mailed to your address.
The price for a 5-year visa to Vietnam
The cost of the 5-Year Vietnam Visa varies depending on the country you are applying from. Below is a table showing the visa fees for some popular countries:
| Country | Visa Fee |
|---|---|
| United States | $135 |
| Canada | $100 |
| Australia | $80 |
| United Kingdom | $75 |
| France | $65 |
It is important to note that these fees are subject to change and may vary depending on the embassy/consulate’s discretion.
Exemption Fee for the 5-Year Visa Vietnam (Vietnam Visa Exemption)
Aside from the cost of the visa, individuals are also required to pay an exemption fee for the 5-Year Vietnam Visa. This fee is to be settled upon arrival at the airport and is currently priced at $25 for a single entry and $50 for multiple entries. Nevertheless, certain individuals, including those with diplomatic or official passports, may be exempted from this fee.
Processing Time for the 5-Years Vietnam Visa
As previously stated, the duration for processing the 5-Year Visa to Vietnam typically ranges from 5 to 7 business days. Nevertheless, this timeline may differ based on the number of applications received and the workload of the embassy/consulate. It is advisable to submit your application well in advance to prevent any disruptions to your travel arrangements.
Duration of the 5-Year Visa for Vietnam
The 5 Years Visa Vietnam remains valid for a period of five years starting from the date it is issued. During this time, individuals can travel in and out of Vietnam multiple times without having to obtain a new visa on each occasion. However, the duration of each stay cannot exceed 180 days.
Benefits of Obtaining the 5-Year Visa to Vietnam
There are several benefits to obtaining the 5-Year Vietnam Visa, including:
- Convenience: With this visa, holders do not need to apply for a separate visa each time they want to enter Vietnam. This saves time and effort, especially for frequent travelers.
- Cost-effective: The 5-Year Vietnam Visa is a cost-effective option for those who plan to visit Vietnam multiple times within five years.
- Longer stay duration: Unlike other visas, the 5-Year Vietnam Visa allows holders to stay in Vietnam for up to 180 days per entry, giving them more time to explore the country.
- Maintaining ties with family and community: For OVs, this visa allows them to easily visit their home country and maintain ties with their families and communities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the 5 Year Vietnam Visa
How do I apply for a 5 Year Vietnam Visa?
There are two ways to apply for a 5 Year Vietnam Visa:
- Online: You can apply for a 5 Year Vietnam Visa online through the Vietnam Immigration Department website. The online application process is simple and straightforward.
- Embassy or Consulate: You can also apply for a 5 Year Vietnam Visa in person at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate.
How much does a 5 Year Vietnam Visa cost?
The cost of a 5 Year Vietnam Visa varies depending on your nationality. However, the fee is typically around USD135.
How long does it take to process a 5 Year Vietnam Visa application?
It typically takes 3-5 business days to process a 5 Year Vietnam Visa application. However, during peak seasons, the processing time may be longer.
Can I extend my 5 Year Vietnam Visa?
No, you cannot extend your 5 Year Vietnam Visa. Once your visa expires, you will need to apply for a new visa if you want to continue staying in Vietnam.
Specific Questions
Can I use my 5 Year Vietnam Visa to enter and exit Vietnam multiple times?
Yes, you can use your 5 Year Vietnam Visa to enter and exit Vietnam multiple times.
Do I need to register with the police when I arrive in Vietnam on a 5 Year Visa?
Yes, you need to register with the police within 24 hours of arriving in Vietnam. You can register at the immigration office at the airport or at your local police station.
What can I do if I lose my 5 Year Vietnam Visa?
If you lose your 5 Year Vietnam Visa, you will need to apply for a new visa. You can do this at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate.
Can I work in Vietnam on a 5 Year Visa?
No, you cannot work in Vietnam on a 5 Year Visa. If you want to work in Vietnam, you will need to apply for a work permit.
Can I study in Vietnam on a 5 Year Visa?
Yes, you can study in Vietnam on a 5 Year Visa. However, you will need to obtain a student permit from the Ministry of Education and Training.
Additional Resources for Information on the 5 Years Visa for Vietnam
For more information on the 5-Year Visa for Vietnam, you can visit the official website of the Vietnam Immigration Department or contact your nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate. You can also seek assistance from a reputable visa agency to help you with the application process.
i want to apply visit visa can you help me