Quick answer
The Visa Exemption Certificate allows eligible overseas Vietnamese, their spouses, and children to enter Vietnam multiple times for up to 5 years [1]. Applicants must have a passport valid for at least 1 year [2][3]. The certificate is valid for up to 5 years but expires at least 6 months before passport expiry [4][5]. It is issued for family visits and personal business [24]. Application is made in person or by mail [19][20]. Required documents include a completed online application form with barcode [8], passport photos [9][10], passport copy [11][12], and proof of Vietnamese origin or relationship [13][14][15][16]. Fees apply [18]. The certificate is issued upon approval by the Immigration Department [17].
Key facts
Requirements
Documents you'll need
General documents
For overseas Vietnamese
For foreign spouse/child of Vietnamese overseas/citizens
Third party submission
Fee
- Fee must be paid by money order or cashier's check to the embassy [18].
This list adjusts automatically based on your nationality and category.
How to apply
- 1
1. Determine eligibility and applicant type (overseas Vietnamese or foreign spouse/child). [1]
- 2
2. Prepare required documents: passport with at least 1 year validity [2][3], completed online application form with barcode [8], passport photos [9][10], and proof of Vietnamese origin or relationship [13][14][15][16].
- 3
3. Submit application in person or by mail to the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your country (UK, US, etc.) [19][20]. For children under 14, parents/guardians can submit on their behalf [21].
- 4
4. Pay the applicable fee [18].
- 5
5. Wait for processing; the certificate is issued upon approval by the Immigration Department, Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam [17].
Frequently asked questions
Can children apply?
Yes, children under 14 can have applications submitted by parents/guardians and are not required to come in person. [21]
Related visas
Sources
One numbered entry per specific claim — several entries may point to the same underlying document, each with its own locator.
- [1]
Eligibility for overseas Vietnamese and family (UK embassy)
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 24, 2026Cross-referenced - [2]
Eligibility for overseas Vietnamese and family (US embassy)
Visa Exemption / 5-year visa | Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in the United States · Last verified: Jul 24, 2026Cross-referenced - [3]
Passport validity requirement (1 year) - UK
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 24, 2026Cross-referenced - [4]
Passport validity requirement (1 year) - US
Visa Exemption / 5-year visa | Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in the United States · Last verified: Jul 24, 2026Cross-referenced - [5]
Visa exemption certificate validity up to 5 years
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 24, 2026Cross-referenced - [6]
Visa exemption certificate validity up to 5 years (US)
Visa Exemption / 5-year visa | Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in the United States · Last verified: Jul 24, 2026Cross-referenced - [7]
Ineligibility conditions
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 24, 2026Cross-referenced - [8]
Ineligibility conditions (US)
Visa Exemption / 5-year visa | Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in the United States · Last verified: Jul 24, 2026Cross-referenced - [9]
Online application form with barcode required
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 24, 2026Cross-referenced - [10]
Passport photo requirements (4x6 cm, white background, etc.)
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 24, 2026Cross-referenced - [11]
Passport photo requirements (US)
Visa Exemption / 5-year visa | Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in the United States · Last verified: Jul 24, 2026Cross-referenced - [12]
Passport copy required
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 24, 2026Cross-referenced - [13]
Passport copy required (US)
Visa Exemption / 5-year visa | Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in the United States · Last verified: Jul 24, 2026Cross-referenced - [14]
Proof of Vietnamese origin for overseas Vietnamese (UK)
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 24, 2026Cross-referenced - [15]
Proof of Vietnamese origin for overseas Vietnamese (US)
Visa Exemption / 5-year visa | Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in the United States · Last verified: Jul 24, 2026Cross-referenced - [16]
Proof of relationship for foreign spouse/child (UK)
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 24, 2026Cross-referenced - [17]
Proof of relationship for foreign spouse/child (US)
Visa Exemption / 5-year visa | Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in the United States · Last verified: Jul 24, 2026Cross-referenced - [18]
Approval by Immigration Department, Ministry of Public Security
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 24, 2026Cross-referenced - [19]
Fee by money order or cashier's check to embassy
Visa Exemption / 5-year visa | Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in the United States · Last verified: Jul 24, 2026Cross-referenced - [20]
Submission location for Vietnamese in UK/Ireland
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 24, 2026Cross-referenced - [21]
Submission location for Vietnamese in US
Visa Exemption / 5-year visa | Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in the United States · Last verified: Jul 24, 2026Cross-referenced - [22]
Children under 14 application by parents/guardians
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 24, 2026Cross-referenced - [23]
Third party authorization and notarization/legalization
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 24, 2026Cross-referenced - [24]
Mailed submission and notarization for US
Visa Exemption / 5-year visa | Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in the United States · Last verified: Jul 24, 2026Cross-referenced - [25]
Purpose of visa exemption certificate (family visit and personal business)
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 24, 2026Cross-referenced
This page reflects Vietnam's officially published requirements as of the dates above. It is not legal advice, and final approval is solely at the discretion of Vietnam's immigration authorities. For a case-specific compliance check against your own documents, try VisaBook free.