As you know, a visa is mandatory to enter and stay in Vietnam, unless you are eligible for a visa exemption or an e-visa.
In addition to online visas and visas on arrival, there is another option: applying for a visa directly at the Embassy of Vietnam. This article introduces this type of visa.
Please note that this procedure is less commonly used nowadays, as applying for an e-visa or visa on arrival is generally more practical and faster, especially for travelers living outside major cities. However, applying at the Embassy remains an available option in certain cases.
Types of Visa Issued by the Vietnamese Embassy
There are several types of visas that can be applied for at the Embassy of Vietnam:
- Tourist visa
- Relative visa
- Professional (Business) visa
Tourist Visa
A tourist visa can be applied for directly at the Vietnamese Embassy in your country of residence. You may submit the application up to one year before your planned departure. The visa will be valid from the date indicated on your application form, corresponding to your intended length of stay.
Application in Person at the Embassy
If you apply directly at the Embassy, please visit the consular section during working hours and submit the following documents:
- Form FN-1a (completed in duplicate, with one passport-size photo attached to each copy)
- Passport (original, valid for at least 6 months after the date of entry into Vietnam)
- Visa fee, payable in cash
Application by Mail
If you apply by post, please send your documents by registered mail with confirmation of receipt to the Vietnamese Embassy, including:
- Form FN-1a (fully completed, two copies per applicant, with photo attached)
- Passport (original, valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in Vietnam)
- Payment of visa fees (by check, amount depending on:
single or multiple entry
duration of stay (1 or 3 months)
standard or express processing)
A prepaid return envelope (Chronopost or registered mail) for returning your passport
Processing time is generally:
- About one week for standard applications
- About three working days for express applications
When the visa is ready, the applicant (or an authorized third party whose name was declared in advance) may collect the passport at the Embassy. Waiting time is usually short.
Relative Visa
This visa is intended for foreign nationals of Vietnamese origin.
- The maximum duration of stay is up to 36 months, depending on the individual case.
- Applications must be submitted with supporting documents proving Vietnamese origin or family ties.
Required documents generally include:
- Form FN-1a (fully completed with photo attached)
- Passport (original)
- Visa fee, payable in cash or by check to the Embassy of Vietnam
- Prepaid return envelope if applying by mail
Professional (Business) Visa
This type of visa is designed for travelers coming to Vietnam for:
business activities, employment, internships, project implementation, humanitarian missions, or similar purposes.
Procedure in Two Steps
Step 1: Authorization in Vietnam
- You must have a Vietnamese partner or sponsoring organization.
- Your partner applies to the Vietnam Immigration Department for an entry authorization on your behalf.
- The authorization request must include:
Full name
Date and place of birth
Passport number and validity
Purpose and duration of stay
Number of entries requested
Once approved, your partner will provide you with the authorization reference.
Step 2: Application at the Embassy
You must then submit the following documents to the Vietnamese Embassy:
- Form FN-1a (completed, with one passport photo attached)
- Passport (original)
- Authorization reference issued by the Vietnamese Immigration Department
- Visa fee, payable in cash or by check
- Prepaid return envelope if applying by mail
Important Note
Although applying for a visa at the Embassy remains possible, travelers are encouraged to consider e-visa or visa on arrival options, which are often faster, simpler and more flexible under current regulations.
