Entry Visa

Visa, also known as a visa or visa sticker, is a stamp or paper affixed directly to a passport or a separate visa page, and it signifies that an individual is allowed to enter a particular country.

So, what is a passport? In English, a passport is commonly referred to as "Passport," or, according to Vietnamese people, it's often called "sổ xanh."

While many of us have heard a lot about visas, some people may still not fully understand what a visa is.

What is a VISA?

Visa, also known as a visa or visa sticker, is a stamp or paper affixed directly to a passport or a separate visa page, and it signifies that an individual is allowed to enter a particular country.

So, what is a passport? In English, a passport is commonly referred to as "Passport," or, according to Vietnamese people, it's often called "sổ xanh."

In simple terms, a passport serves as international identification and is a necessary requirement for traveling abroad and returning to one's own country.

Therefore, the first step to traveling abroad is to have a passport, followed by obtaining a visa.

However, the specific visa requirements can vary because governments of different countries have different agreements. As a result, some countries require a visa while others do not.

As of now, holding a Vietnamese passport allows you to enjoy visa-free entry (without needing a visa) in 77 countries for tourism purposes. The duration of visa-free stays can range from 14 days to 180 days, with the most common period being between 14 and 30 days.

Visa Classification

When it comes to border issues, visas can be divided into two categories:

Entry Visa: This type of visa is issued to foreigners entering Vietnam and is granted by one of the three immigration departments under the Ministry of Public Security, located in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Danang, or by the Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate located abroad.

Exit Visa: This type of visa is issued to Vietnamese citizens leaving the country and is granted by the foreign embassies/consulates in Vietnam.

In terms of form, visas can be categorized into two types:

Paper Visa: This type of visa is directly affixed to any page of the passport and remains attached to the passport until it expires or runs out of pages.

Electronic Visa (e-Visa): This type of visa is obtained through an online application process. The issuing authority will send the visa via email, and travelers can print it out and present it to the customs authorities upon arrival.

Regarding the duration, visas can be categorized into two types:

+ Short-term Visa: Valid for less than 30 days up to 12 months.
+ Long-term Visa: Valid for more than 12 months.

Let's focus on Entry Visas

In terms of the purpose of the visa, it can be further classified into different types:

+ HN Visa: Issued for individuals attending seminars and conferences in Vietnam, with a maximum validity of 3 months.
+ DL Visa: Issued for foreign tourists visiting Vietnam, with a maximum validity of 3 months.
+ VR Visa: Issued for foreign visitors coming to Vietnam for family visits or other purposes, with a maximum validity of 6 months.
+ LV1-LV2 Visa: Issued for foreigners working with central-level agencies and organizations in Vietnam, with a maximum validity of 12 months.
+ NG1-NG4 Visa: Issued for members of foreign diplomatic missions, with a maximum validity of 12 months.

+ DN Visa: Issued for foreigners working with enterprises in Vietnam, with a maximum validity of 12 months.
+ NN3 Visa: Issued for foreigners working with non-governmental organizations, foreign offices, branches of foreign organizations, etc., in Vietnam, with a maximum validity of 12 months.
+ DH Visa: Issued for foreigners coming to Vietnam for study and internships, with a maximum validity of 12 months.
+ PV1-PV2 Visa: Issued for reporters and journalists residing in Vietnam or working short-term in Vietnam, with a maximum validity of 12 months.
+ TT Visa: Issued for foreigners who are spouses, children under 18 years old of foreigners with LV1, LV2, ĐT, NN1, NN2, DH, PV1, or LĐ visas or relatives (father, mother, husband, wife, child) of Vietnamese citizens, with a maximum validity of 12 months.
+ LĐ Visa: Issued for foreigners returning to work in Vietnam, with a maximum validity of 24 months.
+ ĐT Visa: Issued for foreigners investing in Vietnam, with a maximum validity of 60 months.

To apply for a visa to enter Vietnam, foreign applicants must provide the necessary documents with confirmation from relevant authorities:

Foreign Embassies/Consulates in Vietnam or, conversely, confirmation from the Department of Foreign Affairs, Consular Department, Translation and Notarization Department. Visa application processes can vary, depending on your travel history and the requirements of different countries.

For a Vietnam entry visa, it's essential to prepare all the required documents and follow the specific procedures set by the Vietnamese authorities.