Vietnam is an attractive destination for foreigners, including professionals, investors, tourists, and those visiting family members. To enter Vietnam, foreigners must apply for an entry visa. This procedure helps authorities determine the purpose and duration of their stay. Let’s take a closer look at the process for applying for an entry visa to Vietnam and save you time with FTA LAW’s guidance.
1. Who Can Apply for an Entry Visa to Vietnam?
According to Vietnamese law, any foreign citizen has the right to apply for an entry visa to Vietnam, except for specific cases where entry is restricted or prohibited. Such restrictions are typically applied to individuals who violate international laws or are involved in national security matters.
Common applicants for a Vietnam visa include:
-
Foreign experts working in Vietnam
-
Foreign workers and investors
-
Tourists and those visiting family
-
Attendees of conferences or international events
Each of these categories has different visa requirements, so understanding the types of visas and procedures is essential.
Image: Foreign workers, investors, tourists, etc., can all apply for a visa to Vietnam.
2. Process and Documents for Applying for an Entry Visa
2.1. Who Can Sponsor a Foreign National for a Visa?
In some cases, a foreign national does not apply for the visa directly. Instead, an organization or individual may sponsor their visa application. These sponsors include:
-
Companies and Enterprises: Both domestic and foreign-invested companies can sponsor foreign experts, workers, or investors.
-
Representative Offices: Branches of domestic and international companies in Vietnam can also sponsor visa applications.
-
NGOs and International Organizations: Non-governmental organizations and international agencies can sponsor foreign nationals for humanitarian, research, or international cooperation work.
-
Individual Sponsors: Vietnamese citizens or foreigners residing in Vietnam can sponsor their family members for entry visas.
Image: Any organization or individual can apply for a visa for a foreigner.
2.2. Required Documents and Steps for Sponsoring a Visa
The sponsor needs to prepare several documents and follow specific procedures when applying for a visa on behalf of a foreign national:
-
Valid Passport: The applicant must have a passport with at least 6 months of validity from the visa application date.
-
Visa Collection Location: The applicant must choose where to collect the visa, either at the Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate in their country, an international airport in Vietnam (e.g., Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat), or a land border gate.
Online visa application gates:
-
Register an Account: The sponsor must first create an account on the National Public Service Portal to start the online visa application.
-
Submit Information: After account approval, the sponsor fills in visa details and uploads the necessary documents.
-
Supplement Documents: If required, the sponsor must provide additional documents during the review process.
-
Receive Approval: After approval, the visa result is sent online, and the sponsor can download the entry approval letter after 5 working days.
3. Collecting the Visa and Entering Vietnam
Once the visa is approved, the applicant must go to the registered location to collect their visa. This can be done at the Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate or an international airport in Vietnam.
Required Documents for Entry:
-
Original Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months.
-
Entry Approval Letter: This can be presented as a printed copy or electronically on a phone.
-
NA1 Form: The visa application form with a 4×6 cm photo.
-
Visa Fee: Pay the visa fee as per the current regulations.
This entry procedure ensures that authorities verify and issue the visa while ensuring compliance with all required documents.
4. Conclusion
Applying for an entry visa to Vietnam can be complex due to the different visa types and specific requirements based on the purpose of entry. However, with the guidance of legal professionals, the process can be simplified. FTA LAW’s experienced team is committed to providing professional services, saving you time, and helping you complete all legal procedures efficiently.
This content is for reference purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you have any questions or need assistance with a specific case, please contact us at: support@ftalaw.vn. We are always ready to assist you.