Understanding the Vietnam relative visa (also known as TT visa) is essential for a smooth entry into the country. This specialized visa allows foreign nationals to legally visit their Vietnamese relatives for periods typically ranging from 1-3 months, with possible extensions up to 6 months in certain cases. The family visa application process follows specific procedures, requiring documentation that proves your relationship with Vietnamese citizens or residents.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Vietnam family visas – from eligibility criteria and application procedures to processing times and frequently asked questions, ensuring you’re fully prepared for your family visit to Vietnam.
What is a Vietnam relative visa (TT visa)?
A Vietnam family visa (officially coded as “TT visa”) is a specialized permit issued by Vietnam’s Immigration Department specifically for foreigners with family connections in Vietnam. Unlike standard tourist visas, this visa type acknowledges your important family bonds and provides greater flexibility.
VisaNow’s document specialists can review your family relationship proof before submission. Call HOTLINE: 1900 63 63 50 for a free consultation.
How long is a Vietnam relative visa valid? Duration options explained
Your Vietnam family visa can be valid for up to 12 months, but the actual duration depends on your specific circumstances and documentation quality. Immigration officials often grant shorter periods than requested, leading to unexpected travel disruptions.
Vietnam visa family members duration options
| Duration | Entry type | Typical use | Common issues |
| 1-3 months | Single entry | Short family visits | Limited flexibility, no re-entry |
| 3-6 months | Multiple entry | Extended family stays | Higher documentation requirements |
| 6-12 months | Multiple entry | Long-term family reunions | Complex approval process |
Remember that your Vietnam family visa will always expire at least 30 days before your passport expires—a detail many applicants overlook. The exact allowed stay period appears on your visa stamp, and overstaying can result in significant fines or future visa restrictions.
>>> For travelers arriving at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, we also offer Ho Chi Minh airport fast track services to help you bypass immigration queues and reunite with your family faster.
Who can apply for a Vietnam relative visa?
According to Vietnamese immigration law, eligibility for a Vietnam family visa is specific and requires clear documentation. Many applicants face rejection simply because they misunderstood these requirements.
Eligible applicants include:
- Foreign nationals who are parents, spouses, or children of Vietnamese citizens
- Foreign spouses and children (under 18) of foreigners who already have certain types of Vietnamese visas or residence cards
The family relationship must be proven with official documents that are properly translated and authenticated according to Vietnamese regulations – a process that can be frustratingly complex without proper guidance.
Step-by-Step Vietnam relative visa application procedure
The application process varies significantly depending on whether you’re applying from outside Vietnam or are already in the country. Following the wrong procedure is a common mistake that leads to delays and rejections.
Application process for foreigners outside Vietnam
Step 1. Get your Vietnam entry approval letter
First, you need an entry approval letter from Vietnam’s Immigration Department. This critical first step often causes the most confusion for applicants.
Required documents include:
- Entry request form (NA2 form)
- Passport copy
- Documents proving your family relationship
Many applicants spend weeks waiting for approval only to discover their application had errors that could have been easily avoided.
>>> If you prefer a more convenient option, you might want to consider using a Vietnam invitation letter service, which helps simplify the approval letter process for family visitors.
Step 2. Completing the visa stamping process
Once approved, you’ll need to complete the visa stamping process, which varies depending on your location.
At Vietnamese Embassies/Consulates abroad
- You’ll need your entry approval letter, application form, passport, photos, and fee
- Each embassy has slightly different requirements that aren’t always clearly communicated
Be sure to prepare the correct Vietnam visa application form and check the specific visa photo requirements to avoid rejection due to technical issues that could delay your family reunion.
At Vietnam’s international airports
- Bring your printed approval letter, completed NA1 form, photos, and passport
- Airport visa counters can have long queues and variable processing times
For many travelers with family in Vietnam, the Vietnam visa on arrival option provides a convenient alternative, especially when visiting on short notice.
Avoid airport queues and embassy confusion. VisaNow handles the entire Vietnam visa family members application process. Contact HOTLINE: 1900 63 63 50 for stress-free visa stamping.
Application process for foreigners in Vietnam
If you’re already in Vietnam, the application process is different and often more complex, with different documentation requirements.
- For foreign employees’ family members
- For Vietnamese citizens sponsoring foreign family members
- Requires company documents, passport copies, family relationship proof, and other paperwork
- Corporate sponsorship documentation must meet exact specifications
- Requires sponsorship application, passport copy, ID card copy, household registration, and family relationship documents
- Local authority certification adds additional complexity
Where to submit Vietnam relative visa documents?
Knowing exactly where to submit your application is essential for avoiding wasted trips and delays.
- In Vietnam
- Overseas
Submit visitor visa applications for foreign nationals to the Vietnam Immigration Department.
- Ho Chi Minh City Immigration Office address: 337 Nguyen Trai Street, Nguyen Cu Trinh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Hanoi Immigration Office address: 44-46 Tran Phu Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
Foreign nationals must submit visitor visa applications to Vietnamese Embassies/Consulates abroad or at ports of entry upon arrival, provided they have obtained an approval letter from the Vietnam Immigration Department.
Visitor visas will be issued at the Immigration Office of the Police Department in provinces/cities where the company/organization operates.
Vietnam family visa processing time
Understanding processing timeframes is crucial for planning family reunions without stressful delays.
- Entry approval letters: 7-10 working days (often longer during holiday seasons)
- Visa stamping at embassies/consulates: 3-5 working days
- Visa stamping at airports: 30-60 minutes (but queues can extend waiting times significantly)
Many applicants underestimate these timeframes, leading to expensive flight changes or missed family events.
Vietnam family visa fees – Official cost breakdown
Understanding the complete cost structure helps avoid budget surprises during your application process.
| Duration | Entry type | Fee |
| 90 days | Single entry | 25 USD |
| 90 days | Multiple entry | 50 USD |
| 90 – 180 days | Multiple entry | 95 USD |
| 6 month – 1 year | Multiple entry | 135 USD |
However, these official fees don’t include additional costs that many applicants don’t anticipate:
- Potential expedited processing surcharges
- Document translation and authentication fees
- Courier or express mail costs
- Embassy-specific processing fees
Frequently asked questions about Vietnamese relative visas
Can foreign nationals with Vietnamese children apply for a relative visa without registered marriage?
After obtaining a relative visa while in Vietnam, are foreign nationals required to exit and re-enter the new visa?
Can parents sponsor their children for a Vietnamese relatives visa?
VisaNow’s professional Vietnam family visa services
VisaNow specializes in Vietnam family visa service, helping thousands of clients annually across major Vietnamese cities. Our multilingual consultants understand the emotional importance of family reunions and provide comprehensive support throughout the entire application process.
Why choose VisaNow for your family visit visa application?
- Expert support: Our specialized team has processed thousands of family visa applications and knows exactly what immigration officials require.
- Time-saving: We handle all paperwork and submissions, eliminating the need for multiple trips to government offices.
- Transparent pricing: All fees are clearly communicated upfront with no hidden costs or surprises.
- Custom solutions: We address unique family situations with tailored application strategies.
- Continuous assistance: Our support doesn’t end with visa approval – we help with residence registration and future extensions.
For individuals seeking reliable relatives visa services in Vietnam, contact VisaNow immediately via HOTLINE 1900 63 63 50. We stand as your trusted partner in ensuring full compliance and protecting your interests throughout the visa process.
