Visa Exemption Certificate (also known as the Vietnam 5-year visa or Vietnam 5-year visa exemption certificate) functions as a travel document for entry into Vietnam for Vietnamese overseas individuals holding a passport of another country or spouses/children of Vietnamese citizens.
Types of Vietnam Visa Exemption Certificates
Sticker: This type of certificate is attached directly to your passport. Loose-leaf: The loose-leaf certificate is granted when your passport is almost full or upon your request.
The visa exemption certificate is valid for a maximum of 5 years and 6 months less than the validity of your passport. If your passport has less than 5 years of validity remaining, the certificate will be valid for the duration equal to your passport's remaining validity minus 6 months. For instance, if your passport has 3 years of validity remaining, your granted visa exemption certificate will be valid for 2 years and 6 months.
You are permitted to stay in Vietnam for a maximum of 6 months per entry. If you wish to stay longer after the initial 6 months, you can apply for an extension of an additional 6-month stay.
Authorities for processing the visa exemption certificate
In Vietnam: Vietnam Immigration Department
Outside Vietnam: Vietnam Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence
Procedure
Requirements for Vietnamese overseas individuals holding a passport of another country:
1. Application form for the issuance of a visa exemption certificate.
2. Original passport and a copy for filing. The passport must be valid for at least 12 months.
3. Two colored photos, sized 2 inches by 2 inches, against a white background, without wearing hats or sunglasses. One photo should be stapled to the application form, and the other should be attached.
4. Birth certificate or expired Vietnam passport to prove your Vietnamese origin. (Original or certified copy).
Requirements for spouses/children of Vietnamese citizens
1. Application form for the issuance of a visa exemption certificate.
2. Original passport and a copy for filing. The passport must be valid for at least 12 months.
3. Two colored photos, sized 2 inches by 2 inches, against a white background, without wearing hats or sunglasses. One photo should be stapled to the application form, and the other should be attached.
4. Proof of relationship to the Vietnamese citizen, such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, relationship certificate, or decision on child adoption (original or certified copy).
Renewal of Vietnam Visa Exemption Certificate
If your visa exemption certificate is lost, expired, or damaged, you have the option to apply for a renewal. The following requirements apply:
Application Form: Complete the application form for the issuance of a visa exemption certificate.
Original Passport: Provide your original passport along with a copy for filing. The passport must be valid for at least 12 months.
Colored Photos: Include two 2x2-inch colored photos with a white background. Please ensure that you are not wearing hats or sunglasses. One photo should be stapled to the application form, and the other should be attached.
Letter of Report: If you have lost your visa exemption certificate, include a letter reporting the loss of the certificate.
Processing time
The processing time is usually 5-7 business days, excluding weekends or national holidays, from the date of application submission. If you prefer a simplified procedure with an expedited process from the comfort of your home, you can allow Vietnamvisa24 to apply for the Vietnam visa exemption certificate on your behalf. The certificate will be delivered to your doorstep in just a few days.
For any concerns or assistance with the process of obtaining a certificate of 5-year Vietnam visa exemption, kindly send an email to support@vietnamvisa24.com or contact us via phone or WhatsApp at +84 70 554 9868.