ENTRY PROCEDURES FOR FOREIGNERS INTO VIETNAM - OTIS LAWYERS

Who can apply for a visa to enter Vietnam?

All foreign citizens are permitted to enter and exit Vietnam except for those who are prohibited or restricted from entry according to Vietnamese law. Currently, foreigners enter Vietnam for a variety of purposes including: foreign experts, foreign workers in Vietnam, investors, those entering for family visits, tourism, attending meetings, conferences, and more.

Visa application procedures for foreigners entering Vietnam for work or business

Who can sponsor foreigners entering Vietnam?

Individuals, companies, and organizations eligible to invite or sponsor foreigners to enter Vietnam include:

- Companies and enterprises: Limited Liability Companies, Joint Stock Companies, Partnerships; Cooperatives (including both domestic and foreign-invested companies).

- Authorized sponsorship: Branches, representative offices of domestic and foreign enterprises.

- Organizations based in Vietnam: Non-governmental organizations, international organizations, social organizations, professional associations, unions, etc.

- Individuals: Vietnamese citizens (not restricted in their civil rights) and foreigners temporarily or permanently residing in Vietnam can sponsor their relatives to enter Vietnam.

Procedures and documents for obtaining a visa approval letter online or in person for foreigners:

Important notes before applying for a visa approval letter and visa for foreigners:

- Mandatory condition: Passport with a minimum validity of 6 months.

- Determine the place to receive the visa: Foreigners can receive their visa at international airports, land border gates, or at the Vietnamese embassy/consulate abroad.

Note: International border gates include: Land border gates like Huu Nghi, Mong Cai, Lao Cai, Moc Bai, Bo Y, etc., and international airports like Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, Cam Ranh, Da Nang, Cat Bi, Phu Quoc.

Currently, the visa approval letter application can be submitted online or in person at the Immigration Department in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Online visa approval application for foreigners through the public service portal:

- Step 1: Individuals or enterprises access the National Public Service Portal and the Ministry of Public Security's Public Service Portal to register an electronic account (register once only). Upon approval, they can apply for the visa approval letter online.

- Step 2: Enterprises use the approved account to fill out the visa approval application form on the National Public Service Portal. Enterprises upload all required documents and complete the information fields as per regulations. Sign electronically as per electronic signature regulations.

- Step 3: Enterprises supplement documents as requested by the National Public Service Portal (if any) while waiting for the results.

- Step 4: Receive the results online on the National Public Service Portal by logging in and downloading the visa approval letter after 5 working days.

Direct visa application at the Immigration Department in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City:

Documents for sponsoring visa approval for foreign experts, workers, investors, conference attendees, etc., sponsored by organizations or enterprises:

- A certified copy of the sponsoring organization's business license.

- Registration form for the seal and signature of the legal representative of the organization or enterprise as per form NA16 (for first-time applicants).

- Visa application form for entry into Vietnam for foreigners as per form NA2. This form is filled out online on the official website of the Immigration Department, printed, and signed and stamped by the sponsoring organization as per regulations.

For Vietnamese citizens sponsoring their foreign relatives, the documents include:

- Application form for visa approval for family visits as per form NA3.

- Certified copy of the sponsor's identity card.

- Certified documents proving the family relationship, such as birth certificates for children or parents, marriage certificates for spouses, household registration books, family certificates, etc.

Receiving the visa and entering at international airports or Vietnamese embassies/consulates abroad:

- The visa approval letter will indicate the place to receive the visa, whether at the embassy, consulate, or at the airport (Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Cat Bi, etc.) or at a land border gate (Moc Bai, Huu Nghi, Lao Cai, Mong Cai, Cau Treo, Lao Bao, Bo Y, etc.).

- At the place of visa receipt, foreigners need to present:

+ Original passport with validity.

+ Visa approval letter (printed on A4 paper or electronic version on the phone).

+ NA1 form with a 4x6cm photo attached.

+ Pay the visa fee.

For the latest information on entry procedures for foreigners to Vietnam and visa services, you can contact OTIS LAWYERS for necessary information.

For any questions or comments, please contact:

OTIS AND PARTNERS LAW FIRM

Office address: 2nd Floor, CT3 Building, Yen Hoa Park View Urban Area, No. 3 Vu Pham Ham Street, Yen Hoa Ward, Cau Giay District, Hanoi

Email: [email protected]

Hotline: 0987748111