Filipinos travel to Vietnam for tourism, professional opportunities, and to visit loved ones. But do Philippine passport holders need a visa? What is the application process? VisaNow provides an easy-to-follow guide, covering visa options, necessary documents, and the procedures required for Filipinos to enter Vietnam smoothly.

Do Filipinos need a visa to travel to Vietnam?

Philippine citizens generally enjoy visa exemptions for short visits, but visas are required for longer stays. Exceptions include:

• Holders of valid temporary residence cards who have been granted long-term stay rights in Vietnam.
• Diplomatic and official passport holders conducting government-related duties are exempt from visas for up to 30 days.
• APEC business travel card holders with Vietnam travel authorization.
• Family members (spouses, children, parents) of Philippine diplomatic and administrative personnel assigned to Vietnam who are visiting their relatives at Philippine embassies or consulates.
• Crew members of Philippine airlines and international carriers operating between Vietnam and the Philippines are allowed visa-free entry for up to 30 days.
• Tourists traveling directly to Phu Quoc Island can stay without a visa for up to 30 days, provided they continue their journey to a third country without entering mainland Vietnam.

Eligibility rules for Filipino travelers visiting Vietnam

Filipino citizens who intend to stay in Vietnam for employment or long-term residence typically apply for a temporary residence card (TRC) for extended stay benefits.

If a Filipino national is not eligible for a TRC, they must apply for a Vietnam visa in the following situations:

• If their passport is nearing expiration, the visa will only be issued based on its remaining validity period.
• If a Filipino professional exits Vietnam before acquiring a TRC, they must obtain a new visa before returning.

To be eligible for a Vietnam visa, Filipino travelers must:

• Maintain a clean criminal record with no violations or exit restrictions.
• Not be included in Vietnam’s entry restriction database.
• Hold a passport with at least six months’ validity from the date of entry and a minimum of two blank pages.
• Provide all necessary documentation as mandated by Vietnamese immigration authorities.

Overview of Vietnam visa types and conditions for Filipinos

Filipino travelers visiting Vietnam for tourism, business, family visits, or work must apply for a visa with different validity durations depending on their needs.

• Tourist visa: Filipino tourists can obtain a 30-day visa with a single entry.
• Business/investor visa: Filipino business professionals can secure a visa valid for up to 90 days, usually with multiple-entry permission.
• Relative visa: Those visiting families in Vietnam may receive a 12-month visa, though parents or children (above 18) of a Filipino expert are limited to 6 months.
• Work visa: Filipino nationals seeking employment in Vietnam can apply for a 12-month work visa.
• Vietnam e-visa: The e-visa now allows Filipino travelers to stay in Vietnam for up to 90 days, with both single and multiple-entry options.

For longer stays beyond 12 months, applying for a temporary residence card (TRC) is advisable, as it may be valid for up to 5 years, depending on the visa category.

Detailed steps to apply for a Vietnam visa from the Philippines

These are the standard visa requirements for Filipinos traveling to Vietnam:

For Filipinos currently outside vietnam

Step 1. Acquiring a Vietnam entry letter

Filipino citizens planning to travel to Vietnam for tourism, business, or visiting relatives must apply for a Vietnam visa approval letter. This procedure can now be conveniently completed online via the Vietnam public service portal. However, all applicants must first set up an electronic identification account through the Ministry of Public Security’s online system. This digital account eliminates the need for:

• A notarized business registration certificate
• A company sponsorship letter (Form NA16) with required signatures and seal

Once the account is approved, Filipino applicants can access the public service portal submit their approval letter request. Additionally, they must prepare the following supporting documents as per the Vietnam Immigration Department’s regulations:

• Entry visa request form (Form NA2)
• A clear copy of the Filipino passport

To finish the entrance permit application procedure for Filipino citizens, please complete all essential information and submit the documentary package listed above, then choose “sign declaration”. Approval times are normally 7-10 working days. The result tracking portal allows applicants to verify their application status and examine entrance permission outcomes online.

Step 2. Document preparation and visa stamping

After receiving the Vietnam entry permit, Filipino applicants must print it and prepare all required documents for visa stamping. Below are the available options for Filipino citizens entering Vietnam:

At the Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate in the Philippines

Filipino travelers must submit the following documents at the Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate:

• Completed NA1 form with necessary details (NA1 template)
• Original passport
• Passport-sized photo
• Visa stamping fee
• Additional supporting documents if requested by the Embassy/Consulate

Filipino applicants can apply in person or send their documents by mail to the designated Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate. Once the visa is approved, they must pay the visa stamping fee, which enables entry into Vietnam.

At Vietnamese international airports

For visa stamping at the airport, Filipino travelers must bring the printed entry permit along with:

• Completed NA1 form with all details (NA1 template)
• Two 4×6 cm passport-sized photos (Vietnam’s visa photo requirements)
• Original passport valid for at least 6 months

Upon arrival, Filipino travelers should proceed to the visa counter for document verification and fee payment. The stamping fee varies depending on the visa category

>>> At the international airports in Vietnam, VisaNow provides Filipino with easy fast-track access. Learn more about fast-track services for arrivals at Tan Son Nhat Airport.

For Filipino citizens living in Vietnam

Filipino residents in Vietnam for work should secure a temporary residence card (TRC). If their passport is valid for less than 12 months, they must apply for a visa first.

Work visa (LD2) requirements for Filipino residents

• Notarized business registration certificate (valid for at least 6 months)
• Original passport (minimum 6 months validity) with the latest entry stamp
• Visa extension application form (NA5)
• Signature and seal specimen form (NA16)
• Company introduction letter
• Temporary residence declaration copy
• Visa extension request explanation letter

Investment visa (DT4) requirements for Filipino residents

• Notarized business registration or investment certificate
• Company’s seal and authorized signature specimen form (NA16)
• Notarized capital contribution documents
• Original passport with a valid visa or TRC

Relative visa (TT) for Filipino residents

• Notarized business registration certificate
• Family member’s passport and valid visa (latest entry stamp)
• Sponsoring Filipino employee’s passport, TRC, and work permit
• Visa extension application form (NA5)
• Signature and seal specimen form (NA16)
• Company introduction letter
• Temporary residence declaration
• Legalized relationship documents (birth/marriage certificates)
• Company representative’s national ID copy

For Vietnamese citizens sponsoring Filipino family members, the required documents include:

• Family sponsorship application form (NA3)
• Valid passport copy of the sponsored person
• Notarized sponsor’s ID card and household registration
• Notarized relationship documents

Applications for visas must be made online using the e-portal of the Ministry of Public Security, and original documentation must be turned in at the immigration office for final processing.

Vietnam e-visa application procedure for Filipino residents

Required documents for Vietnam online visa application

• Valid passport with minimum 6 months validity and at least 2 blank pages
• Two 4x6cm passport photos for visa attachment as required by the Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate
• Clear digital copies of passport photo and information page (including photo, personal details, and all ICAO lines)
• Bank account for online e-visa fee payment

The e-visa application process for Filipino residents

Filipino residents can apply for an e-visa online by visiting the Vietnam Immigration Portal and selecting the “Foreigners” option. To complete the online Vietnam tourist visa application, applicants must upload clean passport photos and fill out all essential information forms, as well as pay 25 USD.

Processing normally takes 7-10 days. If their application is granted, they may use the e-visa tracking section to download their visa for admission into Vietnam.

>>>In addition to applying for an e-visa, Americans can also enter Vietnam by acquiring a Vietnam visa-on-arrival. For further information, see VisaNow’s guide to Vietnam visas upon arrival.

Typical processing periods for Filipino applications

The processing time for a Vietnam visa for Filipino travelers depends on the type of visa requested. The general processing timelines are as follows:

• Vietnam e-visas and visa pre-approval letters take approximately 7–10 business days from the application date through the government’s online system.
• Visa stamping at the airport or diplomatic missions generally takes 30–60 minutes, but waiting times may be longer during high-demand periods such as holidays and weekends.

Vietnam visa fees applicable to Filipino citizens

The Vietnam visa fees mentioned follow the official rates set by the Vietnamese government under circular no. 25/2021/TT-BTC, applicable to all foreign applicants. However, visa stamping fees may differ based on the traveler’s nationality and the issuing diplomatic mission or airport.

FAQs about Vietnam visa requirements for Filipinos

Vietnam visa assistance for Filipino nationals

VisaNow provides Vietnam visa services for Filipino travelers, helping over 5,000 individuals and 1,000 businesses annually with visa applications across Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong, Dong Nai, and Long An.

• Full visa & immigration services: We offer assistance with visa applications, temporary residence cards, work permits, document certification, and translation services.
• Expert customer support: Our English-speaking visa specialists provide accurate guidance to make the application process smooth for Filipino citizens.
• Fast & reliable process: We take care of the entire process, from document preparation to government e-portal submission, ensuring minimal waiting time.
• Fair & transparent pricing: Our visa fees are clearly outlined with no hidden costs, so clients can choose the best package based on their needs.

With offices in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and surrounding regions, VisaNow offers assistance with Vietnam visa applications to Filipino tourists visiting Vietnam. From the first consultation to the last clearance, we offer individualized help with clear pricing and expert implementation. Give us a call at 1900 63 63 50.