U.S. Visitors to Vietnam Now Eligible for 1 Year Visa

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For the most up to date information on Vietnam’s visa program see: Vietnam’s Visas and Work Permit Procedures 2022

By: Dezan Shira & Associates

New visa standards have come into effect extending US visas in Vietnam to one year. The extension comes as the result of a diplomatic agreement, which was negotiated between the United States and Vietnam in late 2015, made public in January, and passed by the National Assembly on April 9th. Following an official release on August 30th, the new policy has been rolled out as of September 4th. 

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Understanding US Vietnam Visa Updates

Visa updates between the United States and Vietnam replace a previous arrangement that had allowed both tourists and those doing business to enter the country for a maximum of 3 months with entry fees starting at US$ 25. Under the updated visa scheme, two new categories of visas have been introduced and are outlined below. These are to apply to both business visitors and tourists, allowing a significant expansion of maximum stay for US tourists. 

  • 6 months, multiple entry
  • 1 year, multiple entry

Fees: While the application fees will likely differ depending on the consulate or agency used, Vietnam has outlined a stamping fee of US$ 135 to be applied for one year visas across the board. It remains to be seen if this fee will be extended for six month visas as well. With details on the policy still forthcoming, it is also unclear if some of the shorter term and less costly visas will continue to be available for US citizens. 

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Takeaways for Tourism and Investment

Business Visits: The extension of travel times for US businessmen and women significantly eases entry restrictions for those with interests in Vietnam. The utility of this measure is set to grow as TPP is implemented and US investment becomes more prominent. Nonetheless, it will be important for business leaders to makes sure to apply for visas through proper channels to avoid holdups.

Travelers: From the perspective of a tourist, little is likely to change in terms of the application process. Instead, it will be important to understand the particulars of the new visa policy to see if any limitations on the duration of stay will be applied. As mentioned above, the confusion over pricing and availability of shorter term visas is likely to be of great concern. 

Investments in Tourism: Analysts are currently split on the impact that the policy is set to have on domestic tourism. While some speculate that lengthening the period of stay for tourists will increase interest, others have balked at the pronounced increase in visa fees. 

For more information on the particulars of this latest visa update and how it may impact the vietnamese business environment, please email vietnam@dezshira.com or visit www.dezshira.com


About Us

Asia Briefing Ltd. is a subsidiary of Dezan Shira & Associates. Dezan Shira is a specialist foreign direct investment practice, providing corporate establishment, business advisory, tax advisory and compliance, accounting, payroll, due diligence and financial review services to multinationals investing in China, Hong Kong, India, Vietnam, Singapore and the rest of ASEAN. For further information, please email vietnam@dezshira.com or visit www.dezshira.com.

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