If you are an overseas Vietnamese (Viet Kieu) or the foreign spouse of a Vietnamese citizen, the Vietnam 5 year visa exemption is your ticket to hassle-free travel. This special visa waiver allows you to stay in Vietnam for up to 180 days per entry without applying for a visa each time. In this guide, we cover everything – eligibility, application steps, required documents, fees, renewal, and common questions. Whether you’re planning a short visit or a long stay, this exemption simplifies your travel.
What is the Vietnam 5 Year Visa Exemption?
The Vietnam 5 year visa exemption (also called the 5-year visa waiver) is a permit that allows eligible individuals to enter Vietnam multiple times without a visa for up to 5 years. Each stay can last up to 180 days. It’s designed for overseas Vietnamese (people of Vietnamese origin living abroad) and their foreign spouses and children.
- Validity: 5 years from the date of issue.
- Stay Duration: Up to 180 days per entry – no need to leave the country every 30 or 90 days.
- Multiple Entries: You can come and go as you please during the 5 years.
- Purpose: Suitable for tourism, visiting family, business, or even short-term stays.
Who is Eligible for the 5 Year Visa Exemption?
Eligibility is based on your nationality, family ties, or previous Vietnamese citizenship. Here are the main categories:
- Overseas Vietnamese (Viet Kieu) holding a foreign passport but with Vietnamese origin (e.g., born in Vietnam, parents/grandparents Vietnamese).
- Foreign spouses and children (under 18) of Vietnamese citizens or overseas Vietnamese who hold the exemption.
- Individuals who previously held Vietnamese citizenship but renounced it (e.g., naturalized in another country).
- Certain foreign nationals married to a Vietnamese citizen for at least 3 years (in some cases).
Important: You must have a valid passport (at least 6 months validity) and provide proof of Vietnamese origin or marriage. The exemption does not automatically grant permanent residency – it’s a visa waiver, not a residence permit.
Required Documents for Application
To apply for the 5-year visa exemption, you need to submit a set of documents. Requirements may vary slightly depending on your embassy or immigration office, but generally include:
- Completed visa exemption application form (NA5 or NA6 form).
- Original passport (valid for at least 6 months) plus a copy of the bio page.
- Two recent passport-sized photos (4x6 cm, white background).
- Proof of Vietnamese origin (e.g., old Vietnamese passport, birth certificate, or certificate of Vietnamese citizenship).
- Marriage certificate (if applying as spouse of a Vietnamese citizen).
- For children: birth certificate and proof of parent’s eligibility.
- Proof of residence in the foreign country (e.g., visa, residence permit, or utility bill).
Application Process: Step by Step
You can apply for the 5-year visa exemption at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate abroad, or at the Immigration Department in Vietnam (if you are already in the country). Here’s the typical process:
- Step 1: Prepare all documents – make sure they are clear and translated into Vietnamese/English if needed.
- Step 2: Submit the application in person or by mail to the nearest Vietnamese embassy/consulate. Some embassies accept online pre-registration.
- Step 3: Pay the processing fee (usually $10-$50 depending on location).
- Step 4: Wait for processing – typically 5-10 working days, but can take up to 30 days in peak periods.
- Step 5: Receive your visa exemption certificate (a separate paper or a sticker in your passport). You must carry this when entering Vietnam.
Costs and Processing Times
The cost of the 5-year visa exemption is relatively low compared to regular visas. Here’s a breakdown:
- Application fee: $10-$50 (depending on embassy).
- Stamp fee (upon entry): $25 (single entry) or $50 (multiple entry) – paid at the airport or border gate.
- Processing time: 5-10 working days (standard), 2-3 days (urgent – extra fee).
- Total cost: Typically $60-$100 for the whole process (including stamp fees).
Note: The 5-year exemption is not a visa – it is a waiver. You still need to pay the stamp fee each time you enter Vietnam (unless you are a Vietnamese citizen holding a passport). The stamp fee is collected at the entry point.
Benefits of the 5 Year Visa Exemption
Why choose this over a regular visa? Here are the key advantages:
- No need to apply for a visa every time you travel – saves time and paperwork.
- Longer stays – up to 180 days per visit, perfect for extended family visits or settling affairs.
- Multiple entries – you can leave and re-enter freely within the 5-year period.
- Cost-effective – the total cost over 5 years is much lower than applying for multiple visas.
- Simplified renewal – you can apply for a new exemption before the old one expires.
How to Renew or Replace Your Exemption
Your 5-year exemption can be renewed or replaced if lost or damaged. Here’s what to do:
- Renewal: Apply for a new exemption before the current one expires (recommended 1-3 months before). You need to submit a new application with updated documents.
- Replacement: If lost/stolen, report to the local police and then apply for a replacement at the Immigration Department or embassy.
- Change of passport: If you get a new passport, you must transfer the exemption to the new passport (free of charge at immigration office in Vietnam).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work in Vietnam with the 5-year visa exemption?
No, the exemption is for short-term stays (tourism, family visits, business meetings). If you want to work, you need a work permit and a separate visa.
Can I extend my stay beyond 180 days?
Yes, you can apply for a temporary residence extension at the Immigration Department in Vietnam. Extensions are usually granted for 1-3 months.
Is the 5-year exemption available for all nationalities?
No, it’s only for overseas Vietnamese and their foreign spouses/children. Other nationalities must use standard visa types (e-visa, tourist visa, etc.).
Do I need to leave Vietnam every 180 days?
You can stay up to 180 days per entry. After that, you must exit and re-enter to reset the stay. You can return immediately.
How long does it take to get the exemption?
Typically 5-10 working days. Urgent processing (2-3 days) is available at some embassies for an extra fee.
Comparison: 5-Year Exemption vs Other Vietnam Visas
| Feature | 5-Year Exemption | E-Visa | Tourist Visa (1 month) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Validity | 5 years | 30 days (single entry) | 1-3 months (single/multiple) |
| Max stay per entry | 180 days | 30 days | 30-90 days |
| Multiple entries | Yes | Single entry only | Yes (multiple entry option) |
| Application location | Embassy/Immigration Dept | Online | Embassy/Online |
| Cost (total) | $60-$100 | $25 | $25-$50 |
| Eligibility | Overseas Vietnamese & spouses | 80+ nationalities | All nationalities |
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