Vietnam visa questions, answered for 2025–2026.

Do I need a visa to enter Vietnam in 2025 or 2026?

It depends on your nationality. Citizens of 25 countries get visa-free entry for up to 45 days, and several more countries have bilateral agreements for longer stays — everyone else needs an e-visa or a visa on arrival. The quickest way to check your status is to send NamVisa your nationality, passport details, and travel dates, and we will confirm exactly what applies to you before you fly.

What are the Vietnam visa requirements for US citizens?

US citizens are not on the visa-exemption list, so they need an e-visa for up to 90 days (single entry US$25, multiple entry US$50) or a visa on arrival. The requirements are a passport valid for at least six months, a recent passport photo, and a scanned copy of the passport data page. NamVisa can process the e-visa urgently — from 1 hour to 3 days — if your travel date is close.

What are the Vietnam visa requirements for UK citizens?

UK citizens get 45 days of visa-free entry, after which they can apply for a 90-day e-visa (single or multiple entry) if they want to stay longer. The 45-day exemption is per entry, so leaving and re-entering resets it. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date.

What are the Vietnam visa requirements for Australian and Canadian citizens?

Australian and Canadian citizens need an e-visa for any stay — neither country is on the 45-day visa-exemption list. The e-visa allows up to 90 days, single entry at US$25 or multiple entry at US$50, and requires a six-month-valid passport, a digital photo, and a passport scan. NamVisa handles the whole application including the photo check.

Which countries get visa-free entry to Vietnam?

25 countries get 45 days of visa-free entry, including most EU countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Norway), the UK, Russia, Japan, and South Korea. Some neighbors (Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia) get 30 days under bilateral agreements, and Chile gets 90 days. Every other nationality needs an e-visa.

How long can I stay in Vietnam without a visa?

Up to 45 days for the 25 visa-exempt nationalities, or 30 days for several Southeast Asian neighbours under bilateral agreements. The exemption is per entry — you cannot extend it inside the country, so if you want to stay longer you either leave and re-enter or apply for a 90-day e-visa before your stay runs out.

What documents do I need to apply for a Vietnam visa?

For the e-visa you need a passport valid for at least six months, a digital passport-style photo (4x6 cm, white background works best), and a clear scan of the passport data page. For a visa on arrival you additionally need a pre-approved visa letter and two printed passport photos. NamVisa reviews your documents before submission so a bad photo or scan never delays your application.

How much passport validity do I need for Vietnam?

Vietnam requires your passport to be valid for at least six months from your date of entry for both e-visas and visa-on-arrival processing. If your passport has less than six months left, renew it before applying — officers can refuse entry at the border. NamVisa can tell you whether your passport passes the check before you submit anything.

What are the Vietnam visa fees from the government in 2026?

The official e-visa fee is US$25 for single entry and US$50 for multiple entry, paid online when you apply. Visa on arrival costs US$25 for single entry plus a US$25 stamping fee at the airport. If you are in a rush, NamVisa's urgent processing starts at US$55 for a 3-day visa and goes up to US$160 for a 1-hour single entry — the government fee is included in our handling.

Can I get a Vietnam visa on arrival at the airport?

Yes, but only with a pre-approved visa letter — there is no walk-up visa desk at Vietnamese airports. You apply online first, receive an approval letter, then present it at the 'Visa on Arrival' counter at the airport with two photos and pay the US$25 stamping fee. NamVisa arranges the approval letter so it is ready before your flight lands.

Do children and babies need their own visa for Vietnam?

Yes. Every traveller needs their own entry permission, including infants — a child travels on their own passport with their own e-visa or visa-exemption stamp, even if they are listed in a parent's passport. The e-visa fee is the same for children. NamVisa processes family applications together so each child gets the correct visa before travel.

Can I enter Vietnam on an expired visa or with an expired visa exemption?

No — an expired visa or exemption stamp means you are overstaying, and exiting or re-entering on it will trigger fines. Under Decree 144/2021, overstay fines range from a warning to 500,000 VND for under 3 days up to 5,000,000 VND plus possible deportation for over 30 days. NamVisa's overstay team helps you clear the record and exit legally before the fine escalates.

What happens if my Vietnam visa is approved with a mistake in my name or passport number?

You should not fly on a visa with wrong details — the airline and border officers will flag it. NamVisa runs a visa correction service that fixes errors in names, passport numbers, entry dates, and ports of entry, usually faster than re-applying from scratch. Send us a copy of the approval and your passport page and we will assess the fastest fix.

What is the difference between a Vietnam e-visa and a visa on arrival?

An e-visa is a pre-approved digital visa valid for up to 90 days that you receive by email and show at immigration — no airport counter needed. A visa on arrival requires a pre-approved letter plus a stop at the airport counter to pay the US$25 stamping fee and get the stamp. For most travellers the e-visa is simpler; the letter route is mainly for urgent cases where the e-visa timeline does not fit.

What is the difference between single entry and multiple entry for Vietnam?

A single-entry e-visa lets you enter Vietnam once within 90 days; a multiple-entry e-visa lets you leave and come back as many times as you like during the 90 days. Multiple entry costs US$50 versus US$25 single. If you plan border trips, island hops, or regional travel, multiple entry almost always pays for itself.

Can I work in Vietnam on a tourist visa or e-visa?

No. Tourist e-visas and visa-exemption stamps do not permit employment — working on one can mean fines, deportation, and an entry ban. To work legally you need a work permit and a business visa (DN) or a temporary residence card arranged by your employer. NamVisa can point you to the right route if you have a job offer.

What happens if I overstay my Vietnam visa by a few days?

You will be fined when you exit: under Decree 144/2021 the fine is up to 500,000 VND for under 3 days, 1,500,000 VND for 3–10 days, and it rises steeply after that, with deportation possible beyond 30 days. Fines are paid at the border or immigration office. NamVisa's overstay help desks in HCMC, Hanoi, Nha Trang, Da Lat, and Hoi An arrange the paperwork and get you out without surprises.

Can I extend a visa-free entry stamp or tourist e-visa inside Vietnam?

Generally no — Vietnam does not extend 45-day exemption stamps or 90-day tourist e-visas from inside the country. The standard solution is to exit and re-enter (a visa run) or to have a new e-visa approved before your current stay ends. If you are on a visa type that can be extended, like some business visas, NamVisa's extension service handles the paperwork with immigration.

What should I do if my Vietnam visa application is taking too long?

Official e-visa processing is around 3 working days, but applications do get stuck in review, often because of photo or scan quality. NamVisa's visa-delay service checks your application status with immigration, fixes the document issues, and can switch you to an urgent processing tier — from 3 days down to 1 hour — if your flight is approaching.

What are the entry requirements for a visa run from Vietnam?

For a visa run you need a passport with six months validity, your current Vietnam stamp or e-visa, USD cash for the neighbouring country's visa (about US$30 at Moc Bai for Cambodia, US$35 at Lao Bao for Laos), and one passport photo. NamVisa's sister network visarun.vn runs same-day trips from HCMC, Da Nang, Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Da Lat.

What are the Vietnam visa requirements for Indian citizens in 2026?

Indian citizens are not on Vietnam's 45-day visa-exemption list, so they need an e-visa for up to 90 days (US$25 single entry, US$50 multiple entry) or a visa on arrival with a pre-approved letter. In 2025 Vietnam announced a pilot visa-free program for Indian and Chinese tourists, so the rules may change mid-year — check with NamVisa for the current status before booking. The documents are the same as for any e-visa: a passport valid for six months, a digital photo, and a clear scan of the passport data page.

Do I need a return ticket or proof of onward travel to enter Vietnam?

Immigration officers can ask for proof of onward travel, and most airlines require it before boarding — a return ticket, an onward flight, or a land-exit plan showing you will leave Vietnam. It is not a formal e-visa requirement, but travellers without any exit plan are sometimes questioned at the border. NamVisa advises on the documents that satisfy officers at your specific port of entry.

Can I enter Vietnam on a damaged passport or one with less than six months validity?

No — border officers can refuse entry for a damaged passport or one with less than six months of remaining validity, and airlines frequently check the six-month rule before you fly. If your passport is torn, water-damaged, or close to expiry, renew it before applying for any visa. NamVisa checks your passport against the entry rules before processing your application so you never discover the problem at the gate.

What are the Vietnam visa requirements for German, French and other EU citizens?

Citizens of Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, the Czech Republic, Poland, and the other Schengen countries on Vietnam's 45-day exemption list can enter visa-free for up to 45 days per visit. For longer stays they apply for the 90-day e-visa (US$25 single entry, US$50 multiple entry) or a visa on arrival. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your departure date, and NamVisa can process the e-visa urgently if your travel date is close.

Is the Vietnam e-visa available for every nationality in 2026?

Yes. Since August 2023 Vietnam opened the e-visa to citizens of all countries and territories, so there is no longer a restricted nationality list. The e-visa allows up to 90 days, single or multiple entry, and is applied for online through the official portal or through a service such as NamVisa. The only practical requirements are a passport valid for at least six months, a digital passport photo, and a scanned passport data page.

Do I need a visa to transit through Vietnam without leaving the airport?

No — if you stay inside the international transit area and do not pass through immigration, you can transit Vietnamese airports without a visa. You do need a valid visa if you plan to leave the airport between flights, and some airlines still ask for proof of an onward ticket. Check with your airline, since transit rules can vary by nationality and airport, and NamVisa can confirm your exact situation.

I hold two passports — which one should I use to enter Vietnam?

Use the passport that gives you the best entry status — for example, a passport from a 45-day visa-exempt country instead of one that requires an e-visa. The important rule is consistency: apply for your e-visa with the same passport you will present at immigration, and keep using that passport for the whole trip. NamVisa can check both passports and recommend the smoothest option for your travel dates.

How much is the fine for overstaying my Vietnam visa?

Under Decree 282/2025, which replaced the old Decree 144/2021 penalty scale, an overstay of 1 to 15 days is fined from 500,000 to 2,000,000 VND, and longer overstays carry progressively higher fines up to a maximum of 40,000,000 VND plus possible expulsion and blacklisting for very long overstays. Immigration may also require you to leave within a set period. If you have already overstayed, contact NamVisa immediately — we arrange the fine payment, exit permit, or status resolution before it escalates.

What changed in Vietnam visa rules in 2026?

Three things matter for travellers in 2026. Resolution 389/NQ-CP (2 December 2025) expanded the e-visa from 42 to 83 entry points — 17 airports, 27 land border gates and 39 seaports. A free pre-arrival declaration became mandatory at Tan Son Nhat airport from 15 April 2026. And Decree 286/2026/ND-CP, effective 15 September 2026, tightens e-visa and visa-exemption management with real-time data sharing between agencies. The fundamentals did not change: the 90-day e-visa, the US$25 single-entry / US$50 multiple-entry fees and the visa-exemption list all stay the same. NamVisa tracks these changes and applies the current rules to every application.

Do I have to complete the Vietnam pre-arrival declaration before I fly?

If you land at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, yes — since 15 April 2026 every foreign passport holder must complete the free online pre-arrival declaration at prearrival.immigration.gov.vn before arriving. It takes a few minutes, needs your passport and flight details, and can be submitted within the days before arrival, with kiosks in the terminal as a fallback. No other Vietnamese airport requires it yet, although expansion to Hanoi and Da Nang is expected. NamVisa includes a pre-arrival declaration check with every urgent booking.

When do Vietnam's 45-day visa exemptions expire?

The 45-day visa-free stay is a time-limited pilot, not a permanent right. The 12 countries covered by Resolution 44/NQ-CP (from 15 March 2025) are exempt through 14 March 2028, and the 12 additional European countries under Resolution 229/NQ-CP (from 15 August 2025) through 14 August 2028. Both are widely expected to be renewed, but nothing is guaranteed, so confirm the current status if you are booking a long stay near those dates. NamVisa maintains an updated exemption list and checks your nationality against it.

Is travel insurance required for a Vietnam visa?

Travel insurance is not a legal requirement for the Vietnam e-visa or for entry at the airport, but it is strongly recommended — medical evacuation and treatment costs are high and are not covered by the Vietnamese state. A few embassy-issued visas and some long-stay or work-related categories do ask for proof of insurance with a minimum medical cover, so check your specific route. NamVisa tells you during the application check whether insurance proof is needed for your visa type.

How much money or proof of funds do I need to enter Vietnam?

Vietnam sets no fixed minimum for tourists, but immigration can ask to see proof of funds and onward travel, so carry a bank card plus a few million Vietnamese dong in cash for your first days. If you arrive on a visa-on-arrival approval letter, the US$25 single-entry or US$50 multiple-entry stamping fee must be paid in cash (USD or VND) at the airport. Long-stay and business categories may need a sponsor's financial guarantee instead.

What documents should I carry when I land in Vietnam?

Carry your passport (valid at least six months), a printed copy of your e-visa or approval letter, your return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation for the first nights, and, if you are entering at Tan Son Nhat, your completed pre-arrival declaration. Immigration officers may also ask for travel insurance or proof of funds, so keep digital and paper copies. NamVisa sends a printable pre-departure checklist with every order.

What is the Vietnam e-visa and how does it work?

The e-visa is an electronic visa for stays of up to 90 days, issued by the Vietnamese Immigration Department and delivered as a PDF by email. You apply online at the official evisa.gov.vn portal, and on arrival you show the printed approval plus your passport at immigration — no stamping fee and no airport counter. Since August 2023 it is valid for single or multiple entry and accepted at all international border gates.

How do I apply for a Vietnam e-visa step by step?

Go to evisa.gov.vn, fill in the form with your passport details and travel plans, upload a 4x6 cm digital photo and a scan of your passport data page, pay US$25 (single) or US$50 (multiple entry), and wait for the approval PDF. Most applications are processed in about 3 working days. If you would rather not risk a rejection over photo quality, NamVisa submits the application for you and checks it before you fly.

How long does a Vietnam e-visa take to process?

The official processing time is 3 working days, though in practice it can run longer during peak season or if your photo or passport scan does not meet the standard. If your travel date is close, NamVisa's urgent tiers process e-visas in as little as 1 hour (US$160 single entry) or 4 hours (US$95), with same-day and 3-day options at US$85 and US$55.

How much does a Vietnam e-visa cost in 2026?

The government fee is US$25 for a single-entry e-visa and US$50 for multiple entry, paid online during the application. There is no stamping fee on arrival for e-visa holders. NamVisa's assisted processing adds handling on top of the government fee — urgent 1-hour service from US$160, with 4-hour, same-day, and 3-day tiers at US$95, US$85, and US$55.

Which ports of entry accept the Vietnam e-visa?

The e-visa is accepted at all international checkpoints — all international airports (Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, Da Nang, Cam Ranh, and more), all international land borders including Moc Bai and Lao Bao, and international sea ports. That means you can enter by air, road, or cruise ship on the same e-visa.

Can I apply for a Vietnam e-visa multiple times?

Yes, there is no limit on how many e-visas you can hold over time, and you do not need to leave the country between applications. A common strategy is to apply for a fresh 90-day e-visa while your current stay is still valid, then exit and re-enter on the new one. NamVisa coordinates this with visa-run desks so the new visa is live before you reach the border.

What if my Vietnam e-visa is still processing and my flight is tomorrow?

Do not fly without an approval — airlines check before boarding. First send NamVisa the application details so we can verify the status and fix any document issues, and if time is truly short we switch you to urgent processing (1-hour to same-day) for a new application. Many 'delayed' e-visas turn out to be stuck on a photo or scan that fails the automated check.

Can I enter Vietnam with the e-visa PDF on my phone?

It is best to print the e-visa approval — some airlines and a few border officers will not accept a phone screen, and printing also protects you if your phone dies at immigration. Carry two copies: one in your bag and one in your passport. NamVisa always emails the PDF to you immediately so you can print it before departure.

What photo requirements does the Vietnam e-visa have?

The e-visa needs a digital passport-style photo, ideally 4x6 cm with a plain white background, no glasses, no hat, and a neutral expression, plus a clear scan of your passport data page. Bad photos are the number one cause of rejection or delay. NamVisa checks and, if needed, re-takes your photo requirements before submission so the application passes on the first try.

Is a 90-day e-visa better than the 45-day visa exemption?

For stays over 45 days, yes — the 90-day e-visa means one application every three months instead of a border trip every six weeks. It also lets you choose multiple entry, so short trips to Cambodia, Laos, or Thailand do not end your stay. For a single short holiday, the free 45-day exemption is simpler. NamVisa's team can recommend which fits your travel pattern.

Can I use a Vietnam e-visa to enter by land from Cambodia or Laos?

Yes — the e-visa is valid at all international land border gates, including Moc Bai (Cambodia) and Lao Bao (Laos). You simply show the printed approval at the Vietnamese entry checkpoint. This is exactly how visa runs work: exit on your old stamp, and re-enter on a freshly approved 90-day e-visa.

What happens if my Vietnam e-visa is rejected?

A rejection usually comes from a photo or passport-scan issue, a mismatch between the form and the passport, or occasionally a nationality flagged for extra checks. The application fee is not refunded, so it pays to get it right the first time. NamVisa reviews your documents before submitting and re-applies with corrected details if a rejection happens.

Can I change my entry date or port of entry on an approved e-visa?

Minor changes like a different port of entry or a shifted arrival date are usually fine — the e-visa is valid for 90 days from the requested entry date, and officers typically accept entry within that window. Big errors like a wrong passport number are not. For anything significant, NamVisa's correction service fixes the approval with immigration before you travel.

Do I need a printed e-visa or is the QR code enough?

Print the e-visa. The approval contains a QR code, but officers at Vietnamese borders and most airlines expect a physical copy to scan and stamp. Keep one printout in your passport and a second in your luggage, and save the PDF on your phone as backup. If your e-visa was processed by NamVisa, we re-send the PDF any time you need another copy.

Can I apply for a Vietnam e-visa while already in Vietnam?

Yes — you can apply from inside Vietnam, and many travellers do exactly that to line up their next 90 days. The new e-visa is approved while you are still in the country, then you exit and re-enter to activate it. NamVisa's desks combine the application with a same-day visa run so the whole reset happens in one trip.

Is the Vietnam e-visa valid for business trips?

The tourist e-visa covers short business activities like meetings and conferences, but it does not permit employment. If you will be paid by a Vietnamese company or work on site for long periods, you need a business visa (DN) sponsored by your employer. NamVisa advises on the right visa class before you commit to a work arrangement.

What if my name is written differently in my passport than on my e-visa?

The e-visa must match your passport exactly — name order, spelling, and passport number. A mismatch can mean denial at the border even though your application was approved. NamVisa's correction service handles name mismatches with immigration and can often fix the approval faster than a full re-application.

Can a child apply for a Vietnam e-visa?

Yes, children need their own e-visa application with their own passport, photo, and fee — there is no family discount in the official system. Parents can submit all family members in one sitting. NamVisa processes family applications as a batch so every member's e-visa arrives together with matching details.

What documents do I need to show at immigration with my e-visa?

Bring your passport (six months validity), the printed e-visa approval, and a return or onward ticket — officers sometimes ask for proof of departure. Have your hotel address ready if asked for the place of stay. Immigration scans the QR code and stamps your entry; the process takes a few minutes at most.

Can I stay 90 days on an e-visa and then apply for another one?

You cannot renew or extend an e-visa in place, but you can apply for a new one before the current visa expires and activate it by exiting and re-entering Vietnam. This is the standard long-stay pattern for digital nomads. NamVisa coordinates the new application with a visa run so there is no gap and no overstay.

When does the 90-day validity of my Vietnam e-visa start?

The 90-day validity runs from the entry date you request on the application form, not from the approval date. You can enter on that date or any day within the 90-day window, and you may then stay up to 90 days from your actual entry. If your plans shift, officers generally accept entry later in the window — NamVisa can confirm the rules for your specific approval.

Do Vietnam e-visa processing times slow down during Tet or peak season?

Yes — around Tet (late January to mid-February) and the summer peak, official processing can stretch well past the standard 3 working days as the Immigration Department handles a surge of applications. Plan to apply 2–3 weeks ahead during these windows. NamVisa's urgent tiers (1 hour to 3 days) keep running through peak periods, and we track your application status so you are never left guessing before a flight.

What happens if my Vietnam e-visa payment fails or the portal rejects my card?

The official evisa.gov.vn portal sometimes rejects international cards or fails mid-payment — first confirm your bank allows international online payments and that the card has sufficient balance, then retry. A failed payment does not create a pending application, so check the status page before paying twice. NamVisa submits applications through the portal on your behalf and resolves card and payment issues for you.

Can I apply for a Vietnam e-visa with a new passport after my old one was approved?

No — the e-visa is tied to the exact passport number in the application, so a renewed passport invalidates the old approval even if the visa is still within its 90-day window. You must apply again with the new passport details, or have NamVisa's correction service handle the change with immigration before you travel. If a renewal is coming up, it is usually simpler to renew your passport first and then apply for the e-visa.

What happens if I arrive at a different port of entry than the one listed on my e-visa?

Your e-visa names the specific airport, seaport, or land border gate you declared, and immigration expects you to enter through that port. Arriving elsewhere can mean being turned back or needing a correction before travel. If your plans change, contact NamVisa to arrange a new e-visa or a correction so your port of entry matches your actual itinerary.

How early should I apply for a Vietnam e-visa before my flight?

The official processing time is three working days, but you should apply at least two weeks before departure to allow for weekends, holidays, and portal delays. The e-visa becomes valid on the entry date you choose and runs for 90 days from that date, so applying early does not shorten your stay. NamVisa offers urgent e-visa processing from 1 hour to 3 days for last-minute travellers.

Which airports and border gates accept the Vietnam e-visa in 2026?

Since 2 December 2025 (Resolution 389/NQ-CP) the e-visa is accepted at 83 entry points instead of 42: 17 international airports, 27 land border gates and 39 seaports. The airports include Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (HCMC), Da Nang, Cam Ranh, Phu Quoc, Cat Bi, Can Tho, Phu Bai, Van Don, Tho Xuan, Dong Hoi, Phu Cat, Lien Khuong and the new Vinh and Chu Lai, with Long Thanh and Gia Binh listed once operational. Popular land crossings such as Moc Bai, Lao Bao, Huu Nghi, Mong Cai and Lao Cai all accept the e-visa. NamVisa confirms the exact gate for your route before you book.

Can I arrive in Vietnam on a cruise ship or at a seaport with an e-visa?

Yes. The e-visa now covers 39 seaports, so cruise and yacht passengers can enter and exit at ports such as Da Nang, Nha Trang, Chan May (Hue), Hon Gai and Cam Pha (Halong Bay), Ho Chi Minh City (Hiep Phuoc), Vung Tau and An Thoi (Phu Quoc). If you are only ashore for the day as part of a ship excursion, your cruise line usually handles a shore-leave pass, but an e-visa is the safe option if you plan to stay or travel independently. NamVisa issues e-visas for cruise passengers who want to break away from the itinerary.

How do I pay for a Vietnam e-visa if my bank card is declined?

The official portal accepts international Visa and Mastercard and a few local gateways, and declines are common with prepaid cards, cards without 3-D Secure, or cards that block overseas transactions, so tell your bank before you pay. If the payment fails the application stays unpaid and will not be processed, and you should not submit it twice because duplicate applications can be rejected. NamVisa handles the payment and the portal submission for you, so a card problem never costs you your travel date.

Is a multiple-entry e-visa worth it over a single-entry e-visa?

A single-entry 90-day e-visa costs US$25 and a multiple-entry one is US$50. If your trip includes even one exit and re-entry — a side trip to Cambodia, Thailand or Laos, a border run to reset your stay, or a business trip out and back — the multiple-entry pays for itself immediately, because a second single-entry visa would cost another US$25 plus processing time. For a straightforward one-in, one-out holiday, single entry is enough. NamVisa advises which one fits your itinerary and processes both.

Does Vietnam require a yellow fever certificate or other vaccination proof in 2026?

Vietnam has no COVID test, vaccine or quarantine requirement for arriving travellers in 2026. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required only if you arrive from, or have transited, a yellow-fever risk country shortly beforehand, and it is checked at the border. Routine travel vaccines (hepatitis A and B, typhoid, tetanus) are recommended but not mandatory. NamVisa's pre-departure checklist flags any health document your nationality or route requires.

Can I apply for a Vietnam e-visa while I'm travelling in Thailand, Cambodia or Laos?

Yes — the e-visa is applied for online with no residency requirement, so you can submit from anywhere with an internet connection and a valid card, including from a guesthouse in Bangkok, Phnom Penh or Vientiane. Just make sure the passport number and entry date match your plans, and choose an entry point that is on the 83-gate e-visa list. NamVisa processes applications from travellers already on the road every day, with turnarounds from 1 hour to 3 days.

What are the most common reasons a Vietnam e-visa is delayed or rejected in 2026?

The usual culprits are a name that does not match the passport exactly (including middle names and diacritics), a blurry or cropped passport scan, a photo that breaks the 4x6 cm white-background rule, a passport with less than six months' validity, an entry date already in the past, and an entry point that is not on the 83-gate list. Duplicate applications and unpaid fees also cause rejections. NamVisa pre-checks every document before submission and also fixes errors on already-issued e-visas through the immigration correction process.

Does Decree 286/2026 change anything for e-visa holders?

Decree 286/2026/ND-CP, effective 15 September 2026, replaces the old Decree 64/2015 and strengthens management of e-visa holders and visa-exempt entrants through real-time data sharing between immigration, police and other agencies. In practice it means stricter verification of the information you submit and more compliance duties for sponsoring companies and organisations, not new fees or shorter stays for ordinary tourists. Accuracy on your application matters more than ever, and NamVisa reviews every field before filing.

What is a Vietnam temporary residence card (TRC)?

A temporary residence card (TRC) is a physical card issued by Vietnam's Immigration Department that replaces your visa and lets you stay in Vietnam continuously for 1 to 3 years without exiting — longer for some investment-linked categories under the rules in force since 2023. While the card is valid you do not need e-visas, extensions, or visa runs. Eligibility runs through employment, investment, family ties, or study.

Who is eligible for a Vietnam temporary residence card?

Foreigners with a valid work permit, investors and their legal representatives, foreigners married to Vietnamese citizens or with Vietnamese parents/children, and some students and specialists qualify for a TRC. Each category has its own validity period — work cards typically 1–2 years, family and investment cards longer. Check your specific case with the team at temporaryresidencecard.com before applying.

How long is a Vietnam temporary residence card valid?

Most TRCs are issued for 1 to 2 years for work-based categories (LD), up to 2 years for family cards (TT), and 1 to 10 years for investor cards (DT) depending on capital — DT1 investors can receive up to 10 years, DT2 up to 5 years, and DT3 up to 3 years. A card is never issued beyond 30 days before your passport expires, and you must renew before the printed expiry date — there is no grace period. NamVisa tracks your card's expiry and starts the renewal in time.

How much does a temporary residence card cost in Vietnam?

The official government fee for issuing a TRC in 2025–2026 is US$145 for a card valid up to 2 years, US$155 for 2 to 5 years, and US$165 for 5 to 10 years, with renewal extensions around US$10. Agency and translation fees are additional and depend on your category and province. NamVisa's partner service at temporaryresidencecard.com provides a fixed quote after reviewing your case, so there are no surprises.

How do I apply for a temporary residence card in Vietnam?

Your sponsor (employer, spouse, or investment entity) submits the application to the provincial Immigration Department with your passport, a completed application form, photos, and supporting documents like the work permit or marriage certificate. Processing usually takes 5–7 working days. NamVisa's TRC desk reviews your file first to catch missing documents before submission.

TRC vs visa — what is the difference in Vietnam?

A visa is a short-term entry permission for a specific purpose and duration, while a TRC is a long-term residence document that replaces visas entirely for its validity period. With a TRC you skip e-visa applications, stamping fees, and visa runs, and you can leave and re-enter Vietnam freely without extra paperwork. It is the right choice for anyone living in Vietnam long-term.

Can I renew my temporary residence card, and when should I start?

Yes, TRCs are renewable. Start the renewal at least 30 days before expiry — renewals are processed in about 5 working days once submitted, but late applications can leave you overstaying on an expired card, which carries fines under Decree 144/2021. NamVisa's TRC desk tracks your expiry and prepares the renewal file in advance.

What happens if my temporary residence card expires while I am in Vietnam?

An expired TRC means you are residing illegally, and you can face fines, an exit ban, or a blacklist if you do not resolve it. You cannot simply stay until the card is renewed — apply before expiry or get an exit-visa arrangement. If your card has already lapsed, contact NamVisa immediately so we can regularise your status before immigration acts.

Can I travel in and out of Vietnam with a temporary residence card?

Yes. While your TRC is valid you can leave and re-enter Vietnam freely without a visa or re-entry permit — just present your passport and card at immigration. This makes a TRC far more convenient than an e-visa if you travel regionally. Keep the card with your passport at all times while in Vietnam, as police checks are common.

What is the difference between a TRC and the 5-year visa exemption (EX5) card?

A TRC is for foreigners residing in Vietnam long-term under work, investment, or family ties. The 5-year visa exemption (EX5) is for overseas Vietnamese — people with Vietnamese roots — and their spouses and children, giving visa-free entry for up to 180 days per visit over 5 years without living in Vietnam. If you hold Vietnamese heritage, the EX5 at 5yearvisa.com is usually the better fit; otherwise a TRC covers long-term residence.

Can I work in Vietnam with a temporary residence card?

The TRC itself is not a work permit — you still need a valid work permit to be employed in Vietnam, and the TRC is what gives you long-term residence while you hold it. In practice, work-based TRCs are issued in line with the work permit's validity so the two documents run together. NamVisa's partner team at temporaryresidencecard.com checks that both are in order before you start work.

What happens to my TRC if I change employers in Vietnam?

Your TRC is tied to the sponsorship behind it, so changing employers means your new company must apply for a new work permit and a new TRC in your name — the old card becomes invalid once the sponsorship ends. You should not work for the new employer until the new permit and card are issued. NamVisa's TRC desk coordinates the transfer paperwork so there is no gap in your legal status.

What should I do if my temporary residence card is lost or stolen?

Report the loss to the local police to obtain a report, then apply for a replacement at the provincial Immigration Department with your passport, the police report, and fresh photos — replacement usually takes about a week. Keep a photocopy or photo of the card stored separately so you have the card number and details while the replacement is processed. NamVisa's TRC team handles the replacement application and tracks it for you.

Can my spouse and children get a temporary residence card based on mine?

Yes. Foreigners who are family members of a TRC holder — spouse, children under 18, and in some cases parents — can be granted their own TT-category temporary residence card. The family card's validity is tied to the principal cardholder's status, so it renews together with the main card. NamVisa's TRC desk prepares the family dossiers and coordinates with the provincial Immigration Department so everyone is covered at the same time.

What is the difference between a temporary residence card and permanent residence in Vietnam?

A temporary residence card is a renewable card that replaces your visa and allows continuous stays of 1 to 10 years depending on your category, but it still expires and must be renewed. Permanent residence is indefinite — it does not expire and lets you live in Vietnam without renewals — but it is far harder to obtain, requiring many years of continuous legal residence and a separate application through the Immigration Department. NamVisa can advise which path fits your situation.

Can investors get a 5-year or longer TRC in Vietnam?

Yes. Investor TRCs are issued in tiers based on capital: DT1 cards for investments of 100 billion VND or more or priority sectors last up to 10 years, DT2 for 50–100 billion VND up to 5 years, DT3 for 3–50 billion VND up to 3 years, and DT4 for smaller investments up to 12 months. An investor TRC removes the need for visa runs and is renewable while the investment remains active. NamVisa helps assemble the investment dossier and file the application.

I lost my passport in Vietnam — what happens to my visa or TRC?

Report the loss to the local police for an official report, then contact your embassy or consulate for a replacement passport or emergency travel document. Your visa or TRC is tied to the old passport number, so once you have the new passport, the visa or TRC must be transferred or re-issued — and an unresolved loss can create an overstay problem. NamVisa coordinates the police report, embassy steps, and immigration transfer so you stay legal throughout.

What visa do I need before I can be issued a temporary residence card?

A TRC is only issued on top of a qualifying long-term visa — typically LD1 or LD2 (work), DT (investment), NN1/NN2/NN3 (expert, manager, technical staff), DH (study) or TT (family). A tourist e-visa or a visa-free entry can never be upgraded into a TRC, so the sequence is always: correct visa first, then the sponsoring company or organisation files for the card. NamVisa plans that sequence with you so you never start a job on the wrong visa.

How long does a temporary residence card take to process, and where is it issued?

Once the file is complete, a TRC normally takes about five to seven working days, and up to two to three weeks in busy periods or if the immigration office requests extra documents. Applications are filed with the Immigration Department in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City (or the provincial police for some categories) by the sponsoring employer, organisation or a licensed agent, since individuals cannot file without a guarantor. NamVisa prepares and files the complete dossier and tracks it through to collection.

Can I get a temporary residence card if I have overstayed or broken visa rules before?

A previous overstay, illegal entry or an unresolved immigration violation will normally block a TRC application until the record is settled and any fine is paid. Immigration checks your history across all entries, so old violations that were never formalised can surface years later at the worst moment. If there is any irregularity in your history, NamVisa resolves the status first — fine, exit permit or record clean-up — and only then files the card.

What are the Vietnam visa requirements for Chinese, Russian and South Korean citizens?

Chinese passport holders need a visa for every trip - Vietnam grants no visa-free entry to Chinese citizens - so the practical options are the 90-day e-visa (USD 25 single entry, USD 50 multiple entry, about 3 working days) or a visa from a Vietnamese mission such as Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Kunming, Nanning or Hong Kong. Russian and South Korean citizens are both on Vietnam's unilateral 45-day exemption list (the other members are Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the UK, Japan, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Belarus), so they can arrive visa-free for up to 45 days per entry - anything longer, or any paid work, needs a proper visa category first. NamVisa confirms which of these applies to your exact passport before you book flights: send your nationality and travel dates through application.html.

What are the Vietnam visa requirements for ASEAN citizens (Thai, Filipino, Indonesian, Malaysian, Singaporean)?

ASEAN member citizens - Thai, Filipino, Indonesian, Malaysian, Singaporean, Cambodian, Lao, Myanmar and Bruneian passports - enter Vietnam visa-free for up to 30 days under the ASEAN exemption, with no fee and no application. That exemption covers tourism and short visits only: it does not cover paid work, and it is not renewable inside the country without leaving and re-entering. Travellers who want to stay longer than 30 days, or who plan to take any paid work, should switch to a 90-day e-visa, a DN business visa, or the work permit pathway that leads to a temporary residence card, because back-to-back exempt entries are scrutinised at the counter. NamVisa maps ASEAN passports to the right category in one message via contact.html.

What are the Vietnam visa requirements for African and South Asian passports (Nigeria, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Kenya)?

Every one of these nationalities needs a visa, and all of them can use the 90-day e-visa, which has been available to citizens of every country since August 2023 - USD 25 for a single entry and USD 50 for a multiple entry, with about 3 working days of processing on the official portal. The two things that delay these applications are photo quality and passport scan clarity, plus the fact that the government fee is not refundable if the file is refused for a document problem. NamVisa checks the photo, the MRZ line and the port name before filing, and can file from 1 hour on urgent cases through urgent-vietnam-visa.html. If you have a previous refusal or overstay on the same passport, tell us first - the record follows the passport number, not the application.

Do Brazilian, Mexican and other Latin American citizens need a Vietnam visa in 2026?

Yes - Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Chile and the rest of Latin America need a visa, and there is no visa exemption agreement for ordinary Latin American passports. The 90-day e-visa is the cheapest and simplest route: USD 25 for single entry, USD 50 for multiple entry, filed online with a passport scan and a portrait photo. If your trip includes a side visit to Thailand, Cambodia or Laos, pay the extra USD 25 for the multiple-entry version rather than buying two single-entry e-visas, and apply at least 7 days before departure so a rejected photo does not cost you the flight. Long-haul travellers with a tight connection should file with NamVisa instead of the portal - same government fee, checked file, and a person you can reach if Immigration asks a question.

What is the difference between the Vietnam e-visa and a visa issued by a Vietnamese embassy or consulate?

The e-visa is a PDF issued online by Vietnam's Immigration Department: valid up to 90 days, single or multiple entry, USD 25 or USD 50 government fee, about 3 working days, and accepted at 13 international airports, 16 land border gates and 13 seaports. An embassy or consulate visa is a sticker placed in your passport by a Vietnamese mission abroad - it is the route for visa symbols the e-visa does not cover (DN business, LD work, DH study, TT family visit), for stays of 3 to 12 months, and for travellers holding non-standard travel documents. Embassy fees vary by mission, from roughly USD 25 for a 1-month single entry up to about USD 135 for a 12-month multiple entry. NamVisa checks your Vietnam visa requirements against both routes so you pay only the fee your trip needs - see vietnam-visa-options-2026.html.

Does Vietnam have a digital nomad visa or remote work visa in 2026?

No - Vietnam has not created a digital nomad or remote work visa, and no such category exists in the 2026 rules. Remote workers based in Da Nang, Hoi An, HCMC or Hanoi normally live on the 90-day e-visa (USD 25 single, USD 50 multiple entry) and reset the clock with a border run every 90 days, or hold a DN business visa sponsored by a Vietnamese company if they have a local entity to invite them. Working remotely for a foreign employer is not treated as working in Vietnam, but taking a salary from a Vietnamese company without a work permit is - that carries fines of 15 to 25 million VND for the foreigner under Decree 283/2026. NamVisa plans the reset cycle so your e-visa never runs out mid-trip: contact.html.

Is there a Vietnam retirement visa in 2026?

There is no retirement visa category in Vietnam. Retirees usually live here on repeated 90-day e-visas with a border run each cycle, on a multiple-entry visa plus extensions filed in country, or through family ties - a Vietnamese spouse or child qualifies you for the 5-year visa exemption certificate or a TT-based temporary residence card. Budget for the repetition: a 90-day multiple-entry e-visa at USD 50 plus a border run every cycle works out far cheaper than an overstay fine, and visas cannot be extended from inside Vietnam while on an e-visa. NamVisa reviews a retiree's passport, age and family situation and sets the cheapest sustainable cycle, documented at vietnam-visa-options-2026.html.

What is the difference between a Vietnam DN business visa and a tourist e-visa?

A DN business visa is sponsored by a Vietnamese company that invites you, is normally issued for 3 months, and can be extended in country; it is the standard first visa for people heading towards a work permit and a temporary residence card. The e-visa is self-applied with no sponsor and no invitation letter, runs up to 90 days for USD 25 (single) or USD 50 (multiple entry), and is the fastest legal way in for meetings and market research. Neither one is a work permit: meetings, negotiations and site visits are fine on both, but taking a salary from a Vietnamese employer without a work permit is charged under Decree 283/2026 with fines of 15 to 25 million VND for the worker and 30 to 75 million VND per head for the employer. NamVisa files the DN route through a sponsor or starts you on the e-visa and switches you over when the contract is signed.

What is the difference between an LD work visa and a DN business visa in Vietnam?

An LD work visa is tied to a Vietnamese work permit: the employer obtains the permit, the visa matches its term (up to 2 years, extendable once), and the case can then move on to a temporary residence card. A DN business visa needs only the inviting company's paperwork, runs 3 months, and is used for business travel without employment - it cannot be turned into a work permit on its own. If your plan includes a salary, budget for the whole LD chain up front: the health check, the criminal record certificate, the legalised degree and experience letters, and the work permit itself, because Immigration asks for them again at the TRC stage. NamVisa runs the LD and work permit sequence end to end - start at application.html.

What visa do I need for studying, an internship or volunteering in Vietnam?

Study runs on a DH visa, sponsored by the Vietnamese school that admitted you - the school issues the admission and sponsorship papers, and the file then moves to a student temporary residence card valid for the length of the course. Unpaid internships and volunteering with a registered organisation are normally done on an e-visa with a letter from the organisation; paid internships and paid volunteer placements need a work permit unless a legal exemption applies. The distinction matters because paid work without a permit is fined 15 to 25 million VND for the foreigner and 30 to 75 million VND per person for the employer under Decree 283/2026, and the fine lands on your immigration record. NamVisa checks which of the three your placement actually is before you commit - see application.html.

What visa do I need if I am married to a Vietnamese citizen?

Two routes: the TT family visit visa, sponsored by your spouse or a Vietnamese relative and usually issued for up to 12 months, or the 5-year visa exemption certificate (EX5), which is available to spouses and children of Vietnamese citizens and to overseas Vietnamese - it gives multiple entry for 5 years with stays of up to 6 months per entry. If you intend to live in Vietnam rather than visit, the destination is a TT-based temporary residence card (up to 3 years), which removes the need for visa runs altogether. NamVisa handles the marriage certificate legalisation, the EX5 file and the TRC conversion together so there is never a gap where your residency lapses - start at vietnam-5-year-visa-exemption.html.

Can I enter Vietnam on a one-way ticket or with no onward flight?

The airline check-in desk is the real hurdle: most carriers demand proof of onward travel before they will board you, and they are strictest with visa-exempt and e-visa passengers. Immigration itself rarely asks once you hold a valid e-visa or a temporary residence card, and TRC holders can normally fly in one-way without trouble because the card proves long-term status. If your airline is insisting, an onward bus ticket to Phnom Penh or a cheap refundable repatriation booking usually settles it; NamVisa also issues a dated travel confirmation letter for clients whose carrier wants something on paper, and if your Vietnam visa requirements rest on a permit or card rather than an e-visa, carrying proof of that status settles the question at check-in on its own. Ask before you fly rather than at the gate - contact.html.

Should I apply for my Vietnam e-visa myself or use a visa service?

The official portal is cheap and legitimate: USD 25 for a 90-day single entry and USD 50 for multiple entry, payable by card, with about 3 working days of processing. Use a service when the details are the risk - name order against the passport MRZ line, a port of entry that does not match the gate you actually fly into, a passport expiring inside 6 months, a previous refusal or overstay, a flight inside 72 hours, or a family group whose applications must all match one booking. NamVisa checks the file before submission, tracks it while it is pending, and handles the correction if Immigration asks for something extra - the same government fee, plus a service fee you see before you pay. The rest of this Vietnam e-visa guide is a step-by-step walk-through of the same application at vietnam-90-day-e-visa.html.

How much does NamVisa charge for a Vietnam e-visa on top of the government fee?

Our published desk prices include the government fee, so you can read the service element directly off the difference. Standard 3-day processing is USD 55 single entry or USD 80 multiple entry (government fee USD 25 and USD 50 respectively, so the service element is USD 30); 1-day processing is USD 85 single or USD 105 multiple entry; and a 4-hour file is USD 95 single or USD 115 multiple entry. A 1-hour rush, normally used when a flight is leaving the same day, is USD 160 single or USD 175 multiple entry. The full published table, including what each city desk charges, is on services-and-prices.html.

Can a visa service get my Vietnam e-visa approved faster than the official portal?

No service can shorten the administrative processing time set by Vietnam's Immigration Department - the 3-day standard exists for everyone, and anyone promising to beat it without an expedited category is guessing. What a service does change is the failure rate and the recovery path: a pre-checked file is far less likely to be bounced for an unclear photo or a mismatched name, and when a file is pending close to a flight, the expedited desk can be escalated to the 1-hour or 4-hour category instead of you starting again. NamVisa's desk prices for those categories are USD 95 to USD 175 depending on speed and entry type, and the current queue position is confirmed before you pay. See urgent-vietnam-visa.html.

What counts as an urgent Vietnam e-visa, and when can one actually be issued in 1 hour?

Urgent means your flight or border crossing is inside 24 hours and you have no approved e-visa in hand. Vietnam's immigration system can issue an e-visa within an hour during office hours, and NamVisa files those cases at USD 160 for a single entry or USD 175 for a multiple entry, government fee included. It is realistic only when the documents are complete and clean - a readable passport page, a compliant photo, no name mismatch, no previous refusal, and a submission in Vietnamese working hours (roughly 08:00 to 16:30, Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays). Files that need a correction first move to a later category. Start the check at emergency-visa-before-flight.html or on WhatsApp.

Is it safe to send my passport photo and details to an online visa service?

Your passport data is required by the application itself, so the question is who holds it and how long they keep it. NamVisa works from your passport bio page and portrait photo only, uses them solely for the Immigration submission, and does not need your original passport in hand for an e-visa - you keep the booklet until you arrive. Be suspicious of any provider that asks for a payment outside a traceable method, quotes a price far below the government fee of USD 25, or cannot tell you which office will process the file. Our terms and data handling are on terms.html and privacy.html, and the paperwork list is confirmed in writing before you send anything.

Can NamVisa correct a Vietnam e-visa that has already been approved with wrong details?

Yes, if the error is the kind Immigration can edit: a misspelled name, a transposed passport number, a wrong date of birth, a wrong port of entry or a validity date that does not cover your trip. Corrections are filed in Vietnam with the approved e-visa number, the passport page and a short explanation, and the corrected approval usually comes back the same working day - it does not require a new government fee. Errors that cannot be edited (a completely different person's document, or a passport number belonging to an old passport) mean a fresh application, and we tell you which one it is before you pay. Details at vietnam-visa-correction.html.

What happens if my Vietnam e-visa is refused, and do I get a refund?

The government fee is non-refundable once the application has been processed, whether it is approved or refused - that rule applies on the official portal and through any legitimate service. What you can control is the reason: most refusals in 2026 come from an unreadable passport scan, a photo that fails the facial-recognition check, a name that does not match the passport MRZ line, an e-visa requested for a nationality that does not match the passport, or a previous overstay or ban on the passport number. NamVisa re-files refused cases with the fix applied, and tells you honestly when a passport number carries a record that needs cleaning before any new application will succeed. Read the refusal first - send it to us through vietnam-e-visa-delayed.html.

The Vietnam e-visa portal is down, frozen or rejecting my card - what do I do?

The official portal has a known habit of failing at the payment step: cards are declined for international-transaction blocks, the session times out while you are uploading, or the page loops after payment without confirming. First check whether your bank blocked a foreign card transaction and try a different card or a different browser before re-applying, because a duplicate submission can leave you with two charges and one approval. If the portal has taken the money but shows no confirmation, keep the transaction reference and file the number with us - Immigration can trace a paid-but-missing application that you cannot. NamVisa also takes the whole payment step out of your hands by filing the application on your behalf at the published desk prices on services-and-prices.html.

My flight leaves in 24 hours and I have no Vietnam visa - what are my options, in order?

In order of speed: an urgent e-visa filed in Vietnamese office hours can come back within 1 to 4 hours (USD 160 for a 1-hour single entry, USD 95 for a 4-hour single entry, government fee included); a file already pending can be escalated at the desk for USD 25 to USD 125 depending on the window; and if neither is possible in time, the fallback is to change the arrival plan - enter visa-exempt if your passport qualifies, land in a neighbouring country and cross by land once the e-visa is approved, or move the flight one day. What does not work is boarding without a visa and arguing at the counter: the airline is fined and will refuse you. Send your flight details to emergency-visa-before-flight.html and we will tell you within minutes which of these is realistic; the rest of this Vietnam e-visa guide's stuck-file paths are set out at vietnam-e-visa-delayed.html.

Do I need an approval letter or invitation letter for Vietnam in 2026?

No - the e-visa replaced the old approval-letter system, and an e-visa holder needs nothing but the printed or PDF approval, a passport valid 6 months beyond arrival, and the entry port matching the visa. An invitation or sponsorship letter is still required for the visa categories that are not e-visas: DN business visa, LD work visa, TT family visit, DH study and investment categories, where a Vietnamese company, relative, school or investor supplies the letter as part of the file. If a third-party website is selling you a 'Vietnam visa approval letter' for a tourist trip, you are paying for something the e-visa made obsolete. NamVisa issues or reviews the right sponsorship letter only where the category genuinely requires one - see vietnam-visa-options-2026.html.

Can someone else apply for a Vietnam e-visa on my behalf while I am travelling?

Yes - the e-visa application does not have to be submitted from Vietnam or even from your home country, and it does not require your passport. Anyone you authorise can file it with a copy of your passport bio page, a compliant portrait photo and your intended entry date and port, so a traveller in Bangkok, Bali or Phnom Penh can be approved before landing in Hanoi. Two cautions: the nationality and passport number must match the passport you will actually travel on, and the applicant email must be one you can reach, because that is where the approval PDF is delivered. NamVisa files for travellers already on the road from every city desk - use contact.html or WhatsApp with your passport photo and travel date.

How do I check that my Vietnam e-visa is genuine, and what if there is a problem at the airport?

Every genuine e-visa carries a QR code and a registration number, and both can be checked against the approval copy itself: the name, passport number, date of birth, validity dates, entry port and entry type must all match the passport you present. Print it at A4 - a phone screen that will not load on arrival, or a PDF that has been edited, is the most common cause of friction at the counter. If immigration questions the document, stay polite and hand over the printed copy plus your passport and any correspondence; in most cases the officer can verify it in the system and clear you, and if a correction is genuinely needed it is filed the same working day through vietnam-visa-correction.html. Airport fast-track services only speed up queues - they cannot fix an invalid visa.

Do I need a work permit before I can apply for a temporary residence card in Vietnam?

Yes for the employment route: a temporary residence card based on work (the LD category) sits on top of a valid Vietnamese work permit, and Immigration will ask for the permit and the labour contract in the file. The shorter exceptions are investment-based cards (company documents instead of a permit), family cards for spouses and children of Vietnamese citizens or of TRC holders, and study cards sponsored by a school. A tourist e-visa cannot be converted straight into a TRC, so the sequence is: work permit, then an LD visa, then the temporary residence card. NamVisa runs the full chain - health check, criminal record certificate, legalisation, permit, visa, card - and tells you the order before you start, at application.html.

How long must my work permit or labour contract run for the temporary residence card to be granted?

The card can only be issued for a period that fits inside your remaining work permit and labour contract, and the standard is at least 1 year of validity left on the permit at the date of application. A permit with 14 months left typically produces a 12-month card; a permit with 8 months left usually means a card limited to that 8 months, or a recommendation to renew the permit first. Work permits themselves run up to 2 years and can be extended once, so the cleanest plan is to file the permit renewal and the card together rather than paying for two rounds of paperwork. Send NamVisa the permit expiry and contract dates and we will tell you whether to file now or extend first.

What documents must be legalised or apostilled for a Vietnam temporary residence card or work permit?

Expect to legalise your degree or professional certificate, your home-country criminal record certificate, and - depending on the category - a marriage or birth certificate, plus the employer's Vietnamese documents which are handled locally. Documents issued in a country that is party to the Apostille Convention need only an apostille, which has applied to Vietnam since September 2023; documents from non-member countries still need consular legalisation at the Vietnamese embassy in that country. Everything then has to be translated into Vietnamese and notarised. NamVisa coordinates apostille, legalisation and certified translation in one pass so the permit file is not held up by a single missing stamp - see vietnam-apostille.com and certified-translations.html.

How long are the health check and criminal record certificate valid for a Vietnam work permit or TRC application?

The health check certificate is accepted for 12 months from the date of issue, and it must come from a Vietnamese hospital or clinic that is licensed to perform the foreign-worker health check - a check-up from your home country is not accepted for the permit file. The criminal record certificate is the tighter one: Vietnam's judicial record certificate (so 1) is valid for 6 months, and a foreign police check must also be recent, translated, notarised and apostilled or consularised before it can be used. If either document expires while the file is sitting with the labour authority, the whole submission restarts, so the working rule is to fix the health check and police check 6 to 8 weeks before filing. NamVisa schedules both against your permit and card dates - see police-checks.html.

What is the tam tru registration, and does it affect my temporary residence card?

Tam tru is the declaration of your place of residence in Vietnam. Hotels and licensed accommodation do it for you automatically, but if you stay in a private apartment or house, your landlord - or you - must declare your presence to the commune or ward police, normally within 12 to 24 hours of moving in, and many provinces now take the declaration through the online public service portal. It matters at every stage of a TRC file: the address on your card application, your work permit and your police registration all have to agree, and enforcement officers periodically check that the foreigner actually lives where the file says. If your landlord does not want to declare you, that is a warning sign about the tenancy, not just the paperwork. NamVisa checks address consistency before the file goes in.

Does my temporary residence card have to be renewed at the same time as my work permit?

They are linked but separate: the card is bound to the remaining validity of the work permit and labour contract, so a permit ending in 8 months normally produces a card that ends with it. The efficient sequence is to renew the work permit first (extendable once, for up to another 2 years), then file the card against the new term, because renewing a card on a short permit just repeats the process in a few months. Start 45 to 60 days before the earlier of the two expiry dates - the permit renewal needs the labour authority's approval before Immigration will touch the card. NamVisa runs the two renewals as one schedule so there is never a week where neither is valid.

Can a Vietnam temporary residence card application be refused, and what are the most common reasons?

Yes, and refusals cluster around a handful of causes rather than bad luck: a work permit or labour contract that expires inside the requested card period, missing legalisation on the degree, criminal record certificate or marriage certificate, a health check older than 12 months, an address on the file that does not match your tam tru declaration, an employer whose tax or social-insurance position is not clean, and unspent overstay or immigration violations on the passport. False or altered documents are the one category that closes the route entirely and can trigger a re-entry ban, so never let a broker 'adjust' a paper. NamVisa audits the whole file against the current checklist before submission and tells you what has to be fixed first - start at application.html.

What happens to my temporary residence card if I lose my job or my employer closes down?

The card is sponsored by your employer, so when the employment ends the sponsorship does too: the company is required to notify the labour and immigration authorities, the work permit is revoked, and the residence card based on it can be cancelled even though the plastic still shows a future expiry date. In practice you have a short window - days to a few weeks, not months - to either transfer the permit and card to a new employer, switch to another visa category, or leave Vietnam, and staying past that window turns into an overstay. If the company has already dissolved and cannot sign anything, the file has to be rebuilt with a new sponsor. Talk to NamVisa before your last working day, not after: contact.html.

Can I get a residence card for a child born in Vietnam?

A child born in Vietnam to two foreign residents does not get residence automatically. The parents first register the birth with the commune or ward to obtain the Vietnamese birth certificate, then file a dependant card application for the child supported by that certificate, the parents' passports, their cards and proof of address - the child's card normally follows the parent's remaining validity. A child with a Vietnamese parent is a different case, because Vietnamese nationality may apply and the file goes through a different route entirely. Because birth registration, translation and the card file are three different offices, families usually start the child's paperwork in the same week as the birth. NamVisa handles the sequence - see civil-registration-support.html.

How long can I stay outside Vietnam on a temporary residence card before it is cancelled?

The card keeps its printed validity while you are abroad, so re-entry inside the expiry date is normally straightforward: present the card, the passport and, if asked, a copy of the sponsor's documents. What is not protected is the sponsorship behind it - if the employer closes, the work permit lapses or the sponsor reports the job ended, the card can be cancelled while you are out of the country and you will learn about it at the airport. Long absences also attract questions about whether you genuinely reside in Vietnam, so keep them under about 6 months where possible and keep your tam tru address alive. If you have a long trip planned, NamVisa checks the sponsor status before you fly - contact.html.

Where is the Vietnam temporary residence card issued, and how long does the whole process take?

The card is issued by Vietnam's Immigration Department, with applicants filing through its Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City offices; many central-Vietnam files are handled through the Da Nang provincial police, and the card is collected or couriered back to you once printed. Once a complete file is accepted, the card itself is usually printed in about 5 to 7 working days, but the realistic door-to-door timeline is 3 to 5 weeks, because the work permit, the legalised documents and the visa conversion have to be in place first. Files submitted around Tet or national holidays add a week or more. NamVisa gives you a dated schedule with the permit, visa and card stages marked - see da-nang-visa-service.html for central Vietnam.

What is the difference between a 2-year and a 5-year temporary residence card in Vietnam?

The duration follows the category, not the fee: employment-based cards (LD) run up to 2 years and match the work permit, family cards (TT) run up to 3 years, and investment cards scale with the capital invested - up to 3 years for mid-tier investors and up to 5 years for the largest investment categories and their legal representatives. A 5-year card is not a permanent residence permit, and it does not carry the rights of Vietnamese citizenship or of a permanent residence card; it simply removes the need to leave and re-enter for a much longer stretch. Most employees who want a longer horizon reach it by keeping the permit chain clean and renewing, rather than by aiming at an investor category they do not qualify for. NamVisa assesses which duration your file can actually support - see temporaryresidencecard.com.