The 5-year Vietnam visa exemption certificate is a special travel document that grants eligible individuals the privilege to enter Vietnam multiple times without applying for a visa during 5 years. This exemption is specifically designed for Vietnamese overseas nationals and foreigners who are spouses or children of Vietnamese citizens. Holders can stay in Vietnam for up to 180 days per visit, with options to extend for another 180 days if needed. The certificate must expire at least 6 months before the passport’s expiration and requires documentation proving eligibility, including relationship evidence for foreign applicants.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the 5-year visa exemption: eligibility requirements, application procedures, submission locations, processing times, fees, and required forms. We’ll walk you through the step-by-step application process, answer frequently asked questions, and explain how VisaNow’s professional services can simplify the process for foreign nationals. Whether you’re an overseas Vietnamese returning to your homeland or a foreigner with family ties to Vietnam, this information will help you navigate the exemption process smoothly and enjoy hassle-free travel to Vietnam for years to come.
Worried about complicated visa procedures? VisaNow’s expert team can guide you through the entire process. Contact HOTLINE 1900 63 63 50 for a free consultation and discover how simple getting your 5-year exemption can be.
What is a 5-year Vietnam visa exemption certificate?
A 5-year visa exemption certificate is an official document from Vietnam’s immigration office. It lets certain foreigners enter and exit Vietnam many times without needing a regular visa. You can stay up to 180 days each time you enter. The certificate is valid for 5 years from when you get it.
Key benefits of the 5-year Vietnam visa exemption certificate:
- More freedom for family visits, business, or travel
- Enter Vietnam many times during 5 years without applying for new visas
- Stay up to 180 days each time you enter
- Extend your stay while in Vietnam if needed
- Save money compared to getting many single visas
- Easier process at Vietnam airports
When arriving in Vietnam, certificate holders can also benefit from airport fast track services to bypass long immigration lines, making your entry even smoother, especially at busy airports like Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City
Who is eligible for a 5-year Vietnam visa exemption?
Three main groups of people can apply:
- Former Vietnamese citizens and their families: People who used to be Vietnamese citizens but now have foreign nationality. Their foreign spouses and children can also apply.
- Foreign spouses and children of Vietnamese citizens: Non-Vietnamese people married to Vietnamese citizens, and their children.
- Foreigners with Vietnamese ancestry: People whose parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents were Vietnamese.
Each group needs specific documents to prove their connection to Vietnam.
Updated 5-year Vietnam visa exemption application procedure: Step-by-step guide
Step 1. Document preparation
Documentation requirements differ based on the following categories:
- Overseas Vietnamese
- Foreign spouses/children
You need these documents:
- Application form – Fill out the online form from Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Passport – Must be valid for at least 12 months (bring original and one copy)
- Photos – Two 4x6cm color photos (follow Vietnam’s visa photo requirements)
- Proof you are Vietnamese – Bring original and copy of ONE of these documents:
- Birth certificate
- Certificate of Vietnamese citizenship
- Decision about giving up Vietnamese citizenship
- Paper confirming loss of Vietnamese citizenship
- Old Vietnamese passport (if expired)
- National ID card (can be valid or expired)
- Old voter card
- Household registration book
- Any foreign document showing you have Vietnamese origin
You need these documents:
- Application form – Fill out the online form from Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Photos – Two 4x6cm color photos with white background
- Face must be clearly visible
- Do not wear colored glasses
- Do not wear hats or head coverings
- Attach one photo to the form and clip the other to it
- Passport – Must be valid for at least 12 months (bring original and one copy)
- Proof of relationship – Bring original and copy of ONE of these documents:
- Marriage certificate (for spouses)
- Birth certificate (for children)
- Document confirming parent-child relationship
- Adoption papers
- Any other legal document that proves your relationship
Step 2. Submission of application
You can submit your application in Vietnam or at Vietnamese embassies outside Vietnam.
- In Vietnam
- Outside Vietnam:
- Go to the Immigration Department office in your city
- Submit all required documents in person
- Get a receipt with tracking information
- Go to the Vietnamese Embassy in your country
- Submit all required documents
- Provide your contact information
Feeling overwhelmed by document requirements? VisaNow’s translation and certification services ensure your documents meet all official standards. Call HOTLINE 1900 63 63 50 to learn how we can simplify this complex process for you.
Where to submit 5-year visa exemption applications?
The location for submitting a 5-year visa exemption in Vietnam will depend on whether the foreign worker is in Vietnam or abroad.
- In Vietnam
- Outside Vietnam
- Immigration Department in Hanoi: 44-46 Tran Phu Street, Ba Dinh
- District Immigration Department in Ho Chi Minh City: 196 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, District 3
- Open: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Vietnamese Embassies worldwide
- Call ahead to check opening hours
Processing time for 5-year visa exemption
Processing usually takes 5-7 working days. It might take longer during busy times or holidays (up to 10-14 days).
To make processing faster:
- Submit all required documents
- Make sure information is accurate
- Apply during less busy periods
- Consider using professional services
When your application is approved, you can save even more time at the airport by using the Tan Son Nhat airport fast track service, which helps you move quickly through immigration procedures with priority assistance.
Fees for a 5-year visa exemption application
The 5-year visa exemption fee varies depending on whether it is issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department or Vietnamese Embassies/Consulates abroad. According to circular no. 264/2016/TT-BTC dated November 14, 2016, by the Ministry of Finance. The processing fees at the Vietnam Immigration Department are as follows:
- First-time visa exemption certificate: 20 USD
- Subsequent visa exemption certificates: 10 USD
Payment methods differ by location:
- In Vietnam: Cash payment at certain banks or electronic payment
- Outside Vietnam: Follow the embassy’s payment rules
5-year visa exemption application form
Foreign nationals must complete all information in the 5-year visa exemption application form regulated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam, including:
- Full name as shown in passport/foreign permanent residence document
- Vietnamese name
- Gender
- Date of birth
- Place of birth
- Nationality (original, current)
- Passport/International travel document number (number, valid until, issuing authority)
- Occupation
- Current residential address and workplace abroad
- Phone number/email
- Previous residential address in Vietnam before settling abroad – contact address in Vietnam (if applicable)
- Accompanying children (under 14 years old) included in passport/permanent residence document (full name, gender, date of birth)
- Documents proving eligibility for visa exemption certificate
- Preferred location for visa exemption certificate application submission
Frequently asked questions about 5-year visa exemption
Can I apply for a 5-year visa exemption with a passport validity less than 5 years?
Is it possible to extend my Vietnam visa exemption certificate?
VisaNow 5-year visa exemption services for foreign nationals
VisaNow offers complete support for 5-year visa exemption applications. With over 6 years of experience in Vietnamese immigration procedures, our team understands exactly what’s needed for approval. Our comprehensive services include:
- Free initial check to see if you qualify
- Document preparation and review
- Translation and certification services
- Application submission on your behalf
- Regular updates during processing
- Certificate collection and verification
- Fast track immigration services at major airports
For complete assistance with your Vietnam travel documents, whether you need a Vietnam visa service, help with photo requirements, or fast airport processing, contact VisaNow today.
