A Step-By-Step Guide on How to Apply for a Vietnamese 5-Year Visa Exemption

3rd January 2025

Vietnam, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and growing economy, has become a popular destination for expatriates, TEFL teachers, and tourists. If you are looking for the best affordable TEFL courses in Vietnam and frequently visit or plan to stay in Vietnam for an extended period, the Vietnamese 5-year visa exemption provides a convenient and cost-effective solution. This visa exemption allows eligible foreign nationals to enter Vietnam without needing a visa for up to 5 years. However, the application process requires careful attention to detail. In this blog, we will guide you through the process of applying for a Vietnamese 5-year visa exemption, the eligibility requirements, and important steps to ensure a smooth application.

What is the Vietnamese 5-Year Visa Exemption?

The Vietnamese 5-year visa exemption allows certain foreign nationals to enter Vietnam multiple times without needing to apply for a visa each time. This exemption is particularly useful for people who frequently travel to Vietnam for business, work, or family purposes.

It is available to nationals of specific countries and regions and offers several advantages, including:
 

• Multiple Entries

The 5-year visa exemption allows unlimited entries and exits from Vietnam within the visa’s validity period.
 

• Extended Stay

Foreign nationals can stay in Vietnam for up to 90 days per visit without needing a visa extension or a new application.
 

• Convenience

Travelers can avoid the hassle and cost of obtaining a visa each time they enter Vietnam.

The exemption is issued as a stamp in the passport, and holders can use it for multiple trips within the designated period.

Who is Eligible for the 5-Year Visa Exemption?

The 5-year visa exemption is available to citizens of certain countries, primarily those with a strong diplomatic relationship with Vietnam. The exemption is often granted to people of Vietnamese descent, including those with Vietnamese heritage or dual nationality. The countries eligible for this exemption include but may not be limited to:
 

• Vietnamese citizens who have dual nationality.
• People of Vietnamese origin (overseas Vietnamese or Viet Kieu) living abroad.
• Foreign nationals who are married to a Vietnamese citizen.

For overseas Vietnamese or those of Vietnamese descent, the requirements are generally simpler, provided they can prove their heritage through documents such as birth certificates or proof of Vietnamese ancestry.

Required Documents for the Application

To apply for the Vietnamese 5-year visa exemption, you will need to gather several important documents to support your application.

These documents may include:
 

• A valid passport
• Completed visa exemption application form
• Proof of Vietnamese descent or marriage (if applicable)
• A birth certificate showing Vietnamese nationality.
• Proof of Vietnamese origin from a government authority or consular office.
• For spouses of Vietnamese citizens, a marriage certificate is required.
• Passport-size photographs
• Proof of residence or legal status (if applying outside your home country

The Application Process

The process of applying for a Vietnamese 5-year visa exemption involves several steps. The exact procedure may vary depending on whether you apply from your home country or from abroad, but the general process is similar across the board.

1. Check Eligibility

Before starting the application, confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements for the 5-year visa exemption. Ensure you are from one of the eligible countries or that you meet the criteria (e.g., being of Vietnamese descent or married to a Vietnamese citizen).

2. Prepare Your Documents

Gather all required documents mentioned earlier. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your intended date of arrival in Vietnam and that all forms are filled out correctly.

3. Submit Your Application

Once your documents are ready, you can submit your application to the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your country of residence. For those living in Vietnam, the application can be submitted to the local Immigration Department.

4. Pay the Fees

There are fees associated with applying for a 5-year visa exemption. These fees can vary depending on your nationality and location of application. The fees typically range from $10 to $100. Ensure you have the correct payment method, which may include bank transfers, money orders, or cash, depending on the embassy's payment policies.

5. Wait for Approval

After submitting your application, you will need to wait for approval. The processing time for the Vietnamese 5-year visa exemption can take anywhere from 5 to 15 business days. If the embassy or consulate requires additional documents or clarification, it may take longer.

6. Receive Your Exemption

Once your application is approved, you will receive the 5-year visa exemption stamp in your passport. You will then be able to enter Vietnam multiple times without applying for a visa for up to five years.

Important Considerations

Here are a few things to consider before applying for the 5 years visa exemption:
 

• Validity Period

The 5-year visa exemption is valid for five years, but it’s important to remember that each stay in Vietnam cannot exceed 90 days. After 90 days, you may need to exit and re-enter Vietnam if you wish to stay longer.
 

• Renewal and Extension

The 5-year visa exemption itself cannot be renewed or extended. However, the exemption allows multiple entries, so you can leave and return to Vietnam multiple times within five years.
 

• Different Requirements by Country

Different countries may have different requirements for applying for the 5-year visa exemption. Be sure to check with the nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
 

• Non-eligible Countries

Citizens of countries not eligible for the exemption may need to apply for a regular tourist visa or another type of visa to enter Vietnam.

Bottom Line

The Vietnamese 5-year visa exemption is an excellent option for teachers looking for the Best affordable TEFL courses in Vietnam, offering both convenience and savings. Whether you are of Vietnamese origin, married to a Vietnamese national, or from an eligible country, the process for obtaining the exemption is relatively straightforward, provided you meet the necessary criteria and submit the required documents. Be sure to double-check the specific requirements for your situation and country of residence before applying to ensure a smooth and successful application process.

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Written By : Sanjana

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