Plan your Vietnam business trip with our guide to business visa requirements! Learn about visa types, application processes, costs, cultural site visits, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and top providers for a seamless experience with Vietnam Travel. Start your journey today!
Start your business visa journey with Vietnam’s vibrant glowAuthor Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys, and official sources like vietnam-visa.com, travel.state.gov, evisa.gov.vn, vinpearl.com, and vietnam.travel. Information based on the latest data; verify before travel. Reflects Vietnam’s updated travel regulations.
Travelers, please note: The Visa on Arrival (VOA) program was discontinued in 2022. For business purposes, travelers must apply for an e-visa online via evisa.gov.vn (suitable for short-term business activities) or a business visa through a Vietnamese embassy with a sponsor. This guide details Vietnam business visa types, requirements, costs, and travel tips for a seamless journey.
Vietnam, a dynamic Southeast Asian hub, is renowned for its economic growth, cultural landmarks like Hoi An’s ancient town, Ha Long Bay’s limestone karsts, and vibrant business centers like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City vinpearl.com. Understanding Vietnam’s business visa requirements ensures a smooth entry for meetings, contract signings, or market exploration, whether combining with guided Vietnam Tours or independent travel. Business visas (DN1, DN2) cater to specific commercial activities, while e-visas can be used for short-term business needs without a dedicated business category vietnam-visa.com. This guide provides practical insights into business visa types, application processes, and eco-friendly Vietnam Travel options for a seamless business trip.
Following Vietnam’s updated travel regulations, the country is accessible via international airports (e.g., Noi Bai in Hanoi, Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City), land borders, or seaports. This guide blends business visa details, cultural tips, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a worry-free experience.
Vietnam’s business visas (DN1, DN2) require a sponsor company and are applied through embassies, with durations up to 12 months. E-visas, costing $25–$50 (625,000–1,250,000 VND), support short-term business activities (up to 90 days). Passports must be valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages. Cultural site entries like Hoi An cost $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND); guided tours range from $15–$80 (375,000–2,000,000 VND). Visitors must register their temporary residence with local police, typically handled by hotels. Verify business visa requirements via evisa.gov.vn or travel.state.gov.
E-Visa (Short-Term Business Activities):
Purpose: Suitable for short-term business activities (e.g., meetings, conferences, contract signings), though not a dedicated business visa category vietnam-visa.com.
Eligibility: Available to all nationalities evisa.gov.vn.
Duration: Up to 90 days (single or multiple entry) evisa.gov.vn.
Cost: $25 (625,000 VND) for single entry; $50 (1,250,000 VND) for multiple entry; non-refundable vietnam-visa.com.
Application: Online via evisa.gov.vn; requires digital passport photo (4x6 cm, white background, no glasses), passport data page scan, and credit/debit card payment (American Express not accepted) evisa.gov.vn.
Processing Time: 3–7 working days; expedited processing (1–2 days) available for additional fees ($10–$30 or 250,000–750,000 VND) through agencies vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Non-extendable; requires exit and re-entry with a new e-visa (visa run) vietnam-visa.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at 13 airports (e.g., Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, Da Nang), 16 land borders (e.g., Moc Bai, Lao Cai), and 13 seaports (e.g., Nha Trang, Da Nang) evisa.gov.vn.
Note: E-visas do not require a sponsor but are not officially categorized for business; confirm with immigration if used for business purposes vietnam-visa.com.
Business Visa (DN1):
Purpose: For foreigners working with businesses or organizations with legal status in Vietnam (e.g., companies, NGOs) vietnam-visa.com.
Eligibility: All nationalities with a sponsor company in Vietnam vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 12 months (single or multiple entry) vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: $25–$135 (625,000–3,375,000 VND), depending on duration and entry type; stamping fee at embassy or airport vietnam-visa.com.
Application: Requires a sponsorship letter from a licensed Vietnamese company, applied through a Vietnamese embassy or consulate; submit passport, application form, two passport photos (4x6 cm), and sponsorship letter travel.state.gov.
Processing Time: 5–10 working days; expedited processing may be available travel.state.gov.
Extension: Extendable for 1–3 months through immigration offices with a sponsor; fees vary ($10–$155 or 250,000–3,875,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Note: Requires a legitimate sponsor company, not a service/ghost company vietnam-visa.com.
Business Visa (DN2):
Purpose: For foreigners offering services, establishing a commercial presence, or performing activities under international treaties to which Vietnam is a member vietnam-visa.com.
Eligibility: All nationalities with a sponsor agency or treaty-based justification vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 12 months (single or multiple entry) vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: $25–$135 (625,000–3,375,000 VND), depending on duration and entry type vietnam-visa.com.
Application: Requires a sponsorship letter or treaty documentation, applied through a Vietnamese embassy or consulate; submit passport, application form, two passport photos, and supporting documents travel.state.gov.
Processing Time: 5–10 working days; expedited processing may be available travel.state.gov.
Extension: Extendable for 1–3 months through immigration offices with a sponsor; fees vary ($10–$155 or 250,000–3,875,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC):
Purpose: Business travel for cardholders from APEC member economies vietnam-visa.com.
Eligibility: Holders with “VNM” on the card vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 60 days per visit vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: No additional visa fee vietnam-visa.com.
Application: No visa application required; present ABTC and valid passport vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Non-extendable; requires exit and re-entry vietnam-visa.com.
Key Restrictions:
Business visas (DN1, DN2) require a legitimate sponsor; e-visas used for business may face scrutiny without official business categorization vietnam-visa.com.
Travelers must not fall under suspension categories (e.g., security risks) as per Vietnam’s immigration laws evisa.gov.vn.
Temporary residence registration with local police is required within 24 hours, typically handled by hotels travel.state.gov.
Overstay penalties: 500,000 VND/day ($20/day); potential exit bans or deportation travel.state.gov.
Important Note: The Visa on Arrival program was discontinued in 2022. Business travelers must use e-visas (for short-term activities) or embassy-issued DN1/DN2 visas vietnam-visa.com.
Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from entry date with two blank pages travel.state.gov.
Sponsorship Letter: Required for DN1/DN2 visas, issued by a licensed Vietnamese company or agency, including applicant’s details, entry date, visa type, and sponsor’s stamp vietnam-visa.com.
Entry/Exit Points: E-visas and business visas apply to 13 airports, 16 land borders, and 13 seaports evisa.gov.vn.
Work Permit: Not required for DN1/DN2 visas (up to 3 months); required for longer-term work vietnam-visa.com.
Cultural etiquette ensures a smooth experience during Vietnam Tours, complementing business visa planning. Here’s your guide, based on current norms:
Greetings: Offer a “xin chào” (hello) with a slight nod; use both hands for business card exchanges or transactions to show respect, especially at meetings or cultural sites like Hanoi’s Old Quarter culturetrip.com.
Dress: Wear formal business attire for meetings; modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for cultural visits (e.g., Temple of Literature in Hanoi); a lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND) aligns with local norms vinpearl.com.
Behaviour: Maintain a professional demeanor at business meetings; ask permission before photographing locals or events; carry passport or e-visa securely to verify status. Avoid public criticism of the Vietnamese government (penalties apply). A guest shared: “Respecting Vietnamese customs made our business visa trip seamless.” culturetrip.com
Customs: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND); avoid littering to preserve cultural sites like Ha Long Bay or Hoi An’s ancient town culturetrip.com.
Tip: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you) to colleagues or guides; use eco-friendly practices like reusable water bottles ($2 or 50,000 VND) to support sustainable Vietnam Travel; keep passport handy for checks. Tony Bùi notes: “In 20 years guiding, I’ve seen business visa travelers thrive in Vietnam’s vibrant culture.”
General Tips:
Language: Carry a phrase card ($1 or 25,000 VND) for Vietnamese basics like “cảm ơn”; English is widely spoken in business and tourist areas like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, but translation apps are useful culturetrip.com.
Respect: Follow meeting etiquette (e.g., punctuality, formal address); respect local vendors with fair purchases in markets.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City; carry a passport or e-visa photocopy for checks travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Opt for bicycles ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND/day) or motorbike taxis ($0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND) to reduce emissions, aligning with Vietnam’s green tourism goals vietnam.travel.
Below is a curated list of tour options to enhance your business visa journey, based on the latest data from vietnam-visa.com, travel.state.gov, evisa.gov.vn, vinpearl.com, and vietnam.travel. Confirm schedules and prices before booking.
Details: Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Hoi An’s ancient town, or Ha Long Bay during business trip downtime; suitable for travelers with e-visas or DN1/DN2 visas; low to moderate difficulty vietnam.travel.
Business Visa Tips: Use e-visa for short-term business; secure DN1/DN2 for formal engagements; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; register temporary residence at hotels evisa.gov.vn.
Schedule: Daily; Hoi An ancient town open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM ($5–$7 or 125,000–175,000 VND); Hanoi’s Temple of Literature open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND); Ha Long Bay cruises available daily.
Cost: Entry: free (markets); Hoi An: $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND); Temple of Literature: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND); transport (bicycle: $1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND/day; motorbike taxi: $0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND); local purchases: $0.20–$10 (5,000–250,000 VND).
Location: Hanoi, Hoi An, Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use bicycles to reduce emissions; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Tip: Plan cultural visits around business schedules; check evisa.gov.vn; a guest noted: “Self-guided exploration complemented our business visa trip.”
Details: 1-day group tour visiting Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Temple of Literature; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Hanoi hotels, lunch, and entry fees; low difficulty.
Business Visa Tips: Ensure e-visa or DN1/DN2 visa validity; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; guides assist with residence registration travel.state.gov.
Schedule: Daily; departs 7:00 AM from Hanoi hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $25–$40/person (625,000–1,000,000 VND, includes transport and entry).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Hanoi.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group transport with fuel-efficient vehicles minimizes impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via legendtravelgroup.com; a guest noted: “Legend’s tour ensured business visa compliance and cultural immersion.”
Details: 1-day guided tour visiting Hoi An’s ancient town and a cycling tour; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Hoi An, lunch, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Business Visa Tips: Use a multiple-entry e-visa or DN1/DN2 visa for multi-city travel; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; confirm visa type suitability vietnam-visa.com.
Schedule: Daily; departs 6:30 AM from Hoi An hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $30–$50/person (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes entry).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Hoi An.
Eco-Friendly Note: Small groups and cycling reduce environmental impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via localvietnam.com; a guest noted: “The combo tour was business visa-ready and enriching.”
Details: 2–3 day tour combining Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Hoi An; includes English-speaking guide, transport, accommodation, meals, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Business Visa Tips: Use a multiple-entry e-visa or DN1/DN2 visa for multi-city travel; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; confirm temporary residence registration travel.state.gov.
Schedule: Daily; departs from Hanoi hotels; returns after 2–3 days.
Cost: $80–$200/person (2,000,000–5,000,000 VND, includes entries).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels or custom locations in Hanoi.
Eco-Friendly Note: Uses eco-lodges and fuel-efficient transport; supports local communities.
Tip: Book Vietnam Tours via legendtravelgroup.com or WhatsApp (+84825862222); a guest noted: “The multi-day tour was a business visa-smart cultural journey.”
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for business travelers with downtime.
Group Cultural Tours: Affordable and guided, perfect for visa-compliant cultural insights.
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: Blend cultural visits with eco-friendly activities for a comprehensive experience.
Multi-Day Cultural and Adventure Tours: Offer in-depth exploration with business visa-smart itineraries.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group and multi-day tours use fuel-efficient transport or bicycles, supporting Vietnam’s green tourism goals.
Key business visa travel opportunities include:
Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year): Typically late January to February (lunar calendar), vibrant with temple ceremonies but may disrupt business; warm and dry (18–28°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Hung Kings Festival: Typically March to April (lunar calendar), honoring Vietnam’s founders; ideal for business and cultural visits; warm and dry (24–32°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Mid-Autumn Festival: Typically September (lunar calendar), festive with lantern parades; suitable for business networking; warm and wet (24–31°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Cultural Site Visits: Dry season (January–August) for comfortable weather; February for optimal conditions vinpearl.com.
Dry season (January–August, 18–33°C) is ideal for business meetings and cultural visits. Hot period (April–August, 24–33°C) suits early morning outings. Wet season (September–December, 24–31°C) is best for budget travelers and indoor meetings. Morning visits (6:00 AM–10:00 AM) avoid heat or rain. Verify forecasts via weather.com.
Select Visa Type: Use e-visa for short-term business (up to 90 days); apply for DN1/DN2 visas for formal engagements; secure a legitimate sponsor for DN1/DN2 vietnam-visa.com.
Documentation: Ensure passport validity (6+ months); carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; obtain a sponsorship letter for DN1/DN2 visas; keep a photocopy of passport bio page separately travel.state.gov.
Residence Registration: Confirm hotels register your stay with local police; carry proof of registration travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Use digital e-visa copies to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles or motorbike taxis for sustainable travel.
Tip: Apply for e-visas 7–14 days early via evisa.gov.vn; contact embassies for DN1/DN2 visas; carry small VND notes for local purchases; confirm sponsor legitimacy vietnam-visa.com.
Pack for a professional, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), printed e-visa ($25–$50 or 625,000–1,250,000 VND) or DN1/DN2 visa, sponsorship letter, passport photocopy, wallet ($2 or 50,000 VND), business cards, tour bookings.
Clothing: Business attire for meetings; modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for cultural visits; lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND); quick-dry clothing and raincoat ($2 or 50,000 VND) for wet season; lightweight clothing like cotton or linen and light jacket ($3 or 75,000 VND) for dry season; waterproof shoes ($3 or 75,000 VND); hat ($2 or 50,000 VND).
Essentials: Reusable water bottle ($2 or 50,000 VND); snacks ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND, e.g., pho); small backpack ($2 or 50,000 VND); sunscreen ($1 or 25,000 VND); insect repellent ($1 or 25,000 VND).
Tech: Phone with translation apps (e.g., Google Translate); charger ($3–$5 or 75,000–125,000 VND); local SIM ($2–$3 or 50,000–75,000 VND); waterproof camera ($6 or 150,000 VND) for photos.
Eco Items: Reusable tote ($1 or 25,000 VND) for purchases; phrase card ($1 or 25,000 VND) with Vietnamese basics.
Extras: Small VND notes for donations or purchases; small first aid kit ($2 or 50,000 VND); umbrella ($2 or 50,000 VND) for wet season; money belt ($2 or 50,000 VND) for valuables. Tip: Pack light (1 small bag, max 5 kg); reusable items support sustainability.
Visa and Travel Costs
E-Visa Costs: Single entry: $25 (625,000 VND); multiple entry: $50 (1,250,000 VND); expedited processing: $10–$30 (250,000–750,000 VND) evisa.gov.vn.
DN1/DN2 Visa Costs: $25–$135 (625,000–3,375,000 VND), depending on duration and entry type vietnam-visa.com.
APEC Card: No additional visa fee vietnam-visa.com.
Self-Guided Exploration: Entry: free (markets); Hoi An: $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND); Temple of Literature: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND); transport (bicycle: $1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND/day; motorbike taxi: $0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND).
Group Cultural Tours: $25–$40 (625,000–1,000,000 VND, includes transport and entry).
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes entry).
Multi-Day Cultural and Adventure Tours: $80–$200 (2,000,000–5,000,000 VND, includes entries). Safety-Related Costs
Money Belt: $2 (50,000 VND).
Local SIM for Emergency Calls: $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND).
Travel Insurance (Recommended): $10–$30 (250,000–750,000 VND). Other Costs
Local Snacks (e.g., banh mi, pho): $0.20–$1 (5,000–25,000 VND).
Souvenirs (e.g., crafts, textiles): $0.20–$10 (5,000–250,000 VND).
Donations: $0.20–$1 (5,000–25,000 VND). Total Daily Cost (Per Person)
Budget: $15–$40 (self-guided, snacks, transport, entry).
Mid-range: $40–$70 (group tour, purchases).
Luxury: $70–$120 (private tour, premium souvenirs). Tip: Budget $15–$120 for tours, visa costs, and transport; $0.20–$10 for purchases or add-ons; use e-visas for short-term business to save costs.
Business Visa Tips: Use e-visas for short-term business (up to 90 days); apply for DN1/DN2 visas for formal engagements; secure a legitimate sponsor; verify requirements at evisa.gov.vn or embassies vietnam-visa.com.
Etiquette: Use “xin chào”; dress formally for meetings; respect local customs; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Access: Choose self-guided exploration for downtime, group tours for cultural insights, or multi-day tours for immersion.
Schedules: Cultural sites open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; markets open 6:00 AM–6:00 PM; plan business meetings in dry season (January–August); book early for festivals.
Sustainability: Use bicycles or motorbike taxis; carry reusable items; support local vendors with fair purchases.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
Weather: Dry season (Jan–Aug, 18–33°C) ideal; hot period (Apr–Aug, 24–33°C) suits early mornings; wet season (Sep–Dec, 24–31°C) requires rain gear; check forecasts via weather.com.
Safety Note: Secure valuables with a money belt ($2 or 50,000 VND); beware of pickpocketing in markets or nightlife areas; carry emergency numbers (Police: 113, Medical: 115).
What are Vietnam’s business visa types? E-visa (short-term, up to 90 days), DN1 (working with Vietnamese companies), DN2 (treaty-based activities), and APEC card (60 days) vietnam-visa.com.
Do I need a sponsor for a business visa? Yes for DN1/DN2; e-visas do not require a sponsor but are not officially business-specific vietnam-visa.com.
How much does a business visa cost? E-visa: $25–$50; DN1/DN2: $25–$135; APEC card: no additional fee vietnam-visa.com.
Can I extend a business visa? E-visas are non-extendable; DN1/DN2 visas are extendable with a sponsor vietnam-visa.com.
What are the penalties for overstaying? Fines of 500,000 VND/day ($20/day); potential exit bans or deportation travel.state.gov.
Is Visa on Arrival available for business? No, discontinued in 2022; use e-visas or DN1/DN2 visas via embassies vietnam-visa.com.
Enhance your business visa Vietnam journey with eco-conscious tours from Legend Travel Group:
Vietnam Cultural Eco-Tour ($25–$40/person, 1 day): Guided temple and market tour with sustainable practices.
Vietnam Cultural and Adventure Trail ($80–$150/person, 2 days): Explore cultural sites and eco-friendly activities.
Vietnam Explorer ($150–$250/person, 3 days): Multi-site adventure with eco-lodges and community-focused activities. Prices include guides, transport, and entry fees; group discounts available. Explore options at legendtravelgroup.com or contact sales@legendtravelgroup.com / WhatsApp (+84825862222) for your Vietnam Travel plans.
Mastering Vietnam Business Visa requirements with cultural etiquette—formal attire, polite greetings like “xin chào,” and visa-smart planning—unlocks a productive, eco-friendly journey through this Southeast Asian business hub. With tour costs from $15–$200, sustainable Vietnam Tours, and attractions like Hoi An and Ha Long Bay, this trip blends business and cultural exploration. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Vietnam Travel, use e-visas for short-term business or DN1/DN2 visas with a sponsor for formal engagements, and respect local customs for the best experience. Note that Visa on Arrival is no longer available; apply for e-visas via evisa.gov.vn or DN1/DN2 visas via embassies. Safe travels!
Sources:
vietnam-visa.com
travel.state.gov
evisa.gov.vn
vinpearl.com
vietnam.travel
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