There are many types of visas to enter Vietnam that make you wonder which one to choose. But if you are a Vietnamese living abroad or married to a Vietnamese citizen / overseas Vietnamese, don’t miss one of the best options: 5-year visa exemption.

Vietnam 5-year visas eliminate the need for frequent visa applications and renewals, simplifying the process for Vietnamese overseas and your families. In this post, you can get all the comprehensive information regarding a 5 years visa to Vietnam.

1. What is the Vietnam 5-year visa? How many types are there?

The Vietnam 5-year visa (also known as the visa exemption certificate) is a valid travel document of Vietnam issued to overseas Vietnamese or the spouses or children of Vietnamese citizens or overseas Vietnamese. This certificate is valid as a substitute for a Vietnam visa to enter the country for the purpose of visiting relatives and dealing with personal matters.

Individuals entering Vietnam with the Vietnam 5-year visa may stay in the country for up to six months for each entry. If the certificate's validity is less than six months, they are permitted to stay until the 5-year Vietnam visa expiry date. Individuals can extend the stay beyond the six-month period if there is a legitimate reason.

There are two types of Vietnam 5-year visas as follows:

• Vietnam 5-year visa sticker: This type of Vietnam 5-year visas is a convenient and versatile option for both overseas Vietnamese and foreign nationals wishing to enter Vietnam. It is stamped directly to the passport of the eligible individual as proof of their exemption.
• Vietnam 5-year visa book: This type of Vietnam 5-year visas is for overseas Vietnamese who only have permanent residence cards issued by foreign countries and passport holders of countries and territories with which Vietnam has no diplomatic relations.
• 

There are two types of Vietnam visa multiple entry 5 years (Source: Collected) 

2. Who can be granted Vietnam 5-year visa exemption?

Vietnam 5-year visa exemption is granted to the following individuals:

• Overseas Vietnamese who have a foreign passport or an equivalent paper that is valid for at least 1 year. Otherwise, they must have a permanent residence card issued by a foreign country (commonly known as a "green card") that is valid for at least 1 year from the expected date of entry to Vietnam.
• Foreign spouses and children of Vietnamese citizens or overseas Vietnamese who have a foreign passport or an equivalent paper that is valid for at least 1 year.

Important notes:

• No visa is required for travel to Vietnam within 05 years. Those people having a 5-year Vietnam visa exemption certificate are allowed to stay in Vietnam for 180 days at maximum for each visit.
• If they want to stay longer than 180 days without leaving the country, they can extend visa in Vietnam with support from a relative in Vietnam. The extended duration is up to 6 months.
• The Visa exemption certificate shall be valid for up to 05 years and expires at least 6 months before the expiration of the holder’s passport or equivalent paper.

3. The required documents to apply for the Vietnam 5-year visa

3.1. For overseas Vietnamese

• A completed 5-year Vietnam visa exemption application form: The applicant needs to fill out the form online, print it, and attach photos.
• A passport, travel document, or residence permit issued by the competent authority in the country of residence: The paper should be valid for at least 1 year.
• Two recent passport-sized photos: The photos must have a white background, the applicant's face looking straight, without any headgear or colored glasses.
• Documents proving the eligible status for the Vietnam 5-year visa: birth certificate, certificate of Vietnamese citizenship, decision of renunciation of Vietnamese citizenship, certificate of loss of Vietnamese citizenship, expired Vietnamese passport, identity card, or household registration book.

3.2. For foreign spouses and children of Vietnamese citizens or overseas Vietnamese

• A completed 5-year Vietnam visa exemption application form: The applicant needs to fill out the form online, print it, and attach photos.
• A passport or travel document: The paper should be valid for at least 1 year.
• Two recent passport-sized photos: The photos must have a white background, the applicant's face looking straight, without any headgear or colored glasses.
• Documents proving the marriage or parental relationship: certificate of marriage, birth certificate, certificate of parental relationship, or decision of adoption.

Applicants should check the latest Vietnam visa details on the official website of the Vietnamese government (Source: Collected)  

4. The processing time and fee of the Vietnam 5-year visa

Usually, it takes up to 7 days to get your Vietnam 5-year visa exemption certificate issued and granted.

• Within 1 working day from the date of receiving a complete application, the overseas visa-issuing authority of Vietnam, or Vietnam embassy, will transfer the applicant's information to the Immigration Department in Vietnam.
• Within 3 working days, the Immigration Department will review the application and respond to the overseas visa-issuing authority of Vietnam.
• Within 1 working day from the date of receiving the response of the Immigration Department, the overseas visa-issuing authority of Vietnam will issue the visa exemption certificate.
• Note that these processing times and fees are subject to change, and it is always best to check with the Vietnamese embassy or consulate or the relevant immigration authority for the latest information.

The 5-year Vietnam visa cost is reasonable (Source: Collected)

5. Information about the re-issuance of the Vietnam 5-year visa

In case of loss, damage, or expiration of the Vietnam 5-year visa, or in case its contents need to be adjusted, you can apply for the re-issuance of the Vietnam 5-year visa by submitting the following papers:

• An application form.
• A passport, travel document, or residence permit issued by the competent authority in the country of residence: The paper should be valid for at least 1 year.
• Two recent passport-sized photos: The photos must have a white background, the applicant's face looking straight, without any headgear or colored glasses.

Applicants who are currently residing abroad must submit one set of the required documents to the overseas visa-issuing authority of Vietnam.

The Vietnam 5-year visa serves as a bridge connecting overseas Vietnamese with their homeland, promoting cultural understanding and strengthening family ties. It also entices foreign spouses and children of Vietnamese citizens to explore the rich heritage, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality of Vietnam. Hopefully, this article has provided you with all the detailed information about how to apply Vietnam visa for 5 years.