Plan your business trip to Vietnam with our guide to visa costs! Learn about business visa requirements, fees, application processes, cultural site visits, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and top providers for a seamless experience with Vietnam Travel. Start your journey today!
Seize the cultural essence of Vietnam’s artistry (Source: Internet)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, international travelers can apply for an e-visa online via evisa.gov.vn or obtain a business visa through a Vietnamese embassy. This guide details business visa costs, requirements, and travel tips for a seamless journey into Vietnam for business activities.
Vietnam, a dynamic Southeast Asian destination, is renowned for its growing economy, cultural landmarks like Hoi An’s ancient town, Ha Long Bay’s limestone karsts, and bustling business hubs like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City vinpearl.com. Understanding business visa costs ensures smooth entry for international travelers engaging in trade, meetings, or investments. Business visas are available through e-visas or embassy applications, with costs ranging from $25–$100 depending on type and duration vietnam-visa.com. This guide provides practical visa insights, cultural tips, and eco-friendly Vietnam Travel options for business travelers.
Following Vietnam’s updated travel regulations, the country is accessible via 13 international airports (e.g., Noi Bai in Hanoi, Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City), 16 land borders, and 13 seaports. This guide blends business visa cost details, application processes, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a worry-free adventure.
Business visa costs for Vietnam range from $25 (e-visa single entry) to $100 (embassy multiple entry), with passports requiring at least 6 months validity and two blank pages. Cultural site entries like Hoi An cost $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND); guided business-oriented tours range from $15–$80 (375,000–2,000,000 VND). Temporary residence registration with local police is required within 24 hours, typically handled by hotels or business sponsors. Verify visa requirements via evisa.gov.vn or travel.state.gov.
E-Visa (For Eligible Nationalities):
Purpose: Business meetings, conferences, or short-term work for stays up to 90 days.
Eligibility: Available to citizens of 80 countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, EU nations, and most ASEAN countries 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 Process:
Visit evisa.gov.vn, select English, and click “Apply now” evisa.gov.vn.
Review terms and conditions, then confirm to proceed evisa.gov.vn.
Enter personal details (full name, date of birth, nationality), passport details (number, issue/expiry date), travel details (intended entry/exit dates, entry/exit checkpoints), and temporary address in Vietnam (e.g., hotel or business address) vietnam-visa.com.
Upload a digital passport photo (4x6 cm, white background, no glasses, straight view) and a scan of the passport data page in .jpg format, max 2MB evisa.gov.vn.
Pay the fee ($25 or $50) via credit/debit card (American Express not accepted); note the verification code vietnam-visa.com.
Check status at evisa.gov.vn/e-visa/search using registration code, email, and date of birth; download and print the e-visa PDF evisa.gov.vn.
Present printed e-visa and passport at the immigration checkpoint; ensure details match exactly to avoid entry issues travel.state.gov.
Processing Time: 3–7 working days; expedited processing (1–2 days) available through agencies for additional fees ($10–$30 or 250,000–750,000 VND) 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, Mong Cai), and 13 seaports (e.g., Nha Trang, Da Nang) evisa.gov.vn.
Embassy/Consulate Business Visa:
Purpose: Business activities, including meetings, conferences, or short-term work.
Eligibility: Available to all nationalities; requires a sponsor letter from a Vietnamese company travel.state.gov.
Duration: Typically 3–12 months (single or multiple entry); extendable travel.state.gov.
Cost: $25–$200 (625,000–5,000,000 VND), depending on visa type, duration, and processing time travel.state.gov.
Requirements: Passport, application form, two passport photos (4x6 cm), sponsor letter from Vietnamese company, and fees; apply in person or by mail at a Vietnamese embassy (e.g., Phnom Penh: +855 23 726 274) travel.state.gov.
Extension: Extendable for 3–12 months with a sponsor; fees vary ($25–$200 or 625,000–5,000,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Key Restrictions:
Travelers must not fall under suspension categories (e.g., security risks) as per Vietnam’s immigration laws evisa.gov.vn.
Temporary residence registration is mandatory within 24 hours, typically handled by hotels or business sponsors 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. Travelers must use e-visas or embassy visas for business purposes vietnam-visa.com.
Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from entry date with two blank pages travel.state.gov.
E-Visa Application: Requires digital passport photo (4x6 cm, white background, no glasses), passport data page scan, and sponsor letter for business e-visas; ensure details match passport evisa.gov.vn.
Sponsor Letter: Required for embassy business visas from a Vietnamese company detailing purpose, duration, and financial support travel.state.gov.
Residence Registration: Mandatory within 24 hours, typically handled by hotels or business sponsors; carry proof of registration travel.state.gov.
Cultural etiquette ensures a respectful experience during Vietnam Tours, complementing business visa preparation. 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 to show respect, especially in meetings culturetrip.com.
Dress: Wear formal clothing for business meetings (suit and tie for men, modest dress for women); a lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND) is useful for temple visits vinpearl.com.
Behaviour: Maintain a calm demeanor in business discussions; avoid direct confrontation; ask permission before photographing locals or rituals; carry passport or visa photocopy securely to verify status. Avoid public criticism of the Vietnamese government (penalties apply). A guest shared: “Respecting Vietnamese customs smoothed our business visa trip.” culturetrip.com
Customs: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND); avoid littering at cultural sites like Hanoi’s Old Quarter; complete residence registration promptly travel.state.gov.
Tip: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you) to business partners 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 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 areas like Ho Chi Minh City, but translation apps are useful culturetrip.com.
Respect: Follow business etiquette (punctuality, hierarchy); respect local vendors with fair purchases in markets.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for business districts like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City; carry a printed visa or passport photocopy 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) for sustainable travel, aligning with Vietnam’s green tourism goals vietnam.travel.
Below is a curated list of tour options to enhance your visa-prepared business journey, based on the latest data from vietnam-visa.com, evisa.gov.vn, travel.state.gov, vinpearl.com, and vietnam.travel. Confirm schedules and prices before booking.
Details: Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Ho Chi Minh City’s Ben Thanh Market, or Ha Long Bay independently after obtaining a business visa; suitable for travelers with valid e-visas or embassy visas; low to moderate difficulty vietnam.travel.
Visa Tips: Use e-visas ($25–$50) or embassy visas ($25–$200) with sponsor letter; carry a printed visa or passport photocopy; register temporary residence at hotels evisa.gov.vn.
Schedule: Daily; Hanoi’s Temple of Literature open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND); Ben Thanh Market open 6:00 AM–6:00 PM; Ha Long Bay cruises available daily.
Cost: Entry: free (markets); 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, Ho Chi Minh City, Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use bicycles or walk to reduce emissions; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Tip: Confirm e-visa eligibility or apply for embassy visas early; check evisa.gov.vn; a guest from the US noted: “Self-guided exploration was smooth with the business e-visa.”
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.
Visa Tips: Ensure valid business e-visa or embassy visa; carry a printed 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 from Canada noted: “Legend’s tour ensured visa compliance and cultural immersion.”
Details: 1-day guided tour visiting Ho Chi Minh City’s Ben Thanh Market and a cultural site like the War Remnants Museum; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Ho Chi Minh City, lunch, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use a multiple-entry business e-visa for multi-city travel; carry a printed visa or passport photocopy; confirm eligibility vietnam-visa.com.
Schedule: Daily; departs 6:30 AM from Ho Chi Minh City hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $30–$50/person (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes entry).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City.
Eco-Friendly Note: Small groups reduce environmental impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via localvietnam.com; a guest from Australia noted: “The combo tour was visa-ready and enriching.”
Details: 2–3 day tour combining business meetings in Hanoi with cultural sites like Ha Long Bay; includes English-speaking guide, transport, accommodation, meals, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use a business embassy visa with sponsor letter; carry a printed visa or passport photocopy; confirm temporary residence registration travel.state.gov.
Schedule: Daily; departs from Hanoi hotels; returns after 2–3 days.
Cost: $100–$250/person (2,500,000–6,250,000 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 (+84 825862222); a guest from the UK noted: “The multi-day tour was a visa-smart business journey.”
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for business travelers with business e-visas or embassy visas.
Group Cultural Tours: Affordable and guided, perfect for visa-compliant cultural insights alongside business.
Combo Cultural and Market Tours: Blend cultural visits with market experiences for a comprehensive journey.
Multi-Day Business and Cultural Tours: Offer in-depth exploration with business visa-smart itineraries.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group and multi-day tours use fuel-efficient transport, supporting Vietnam’s green tourism goals.
Key visa-prepared travel opportunities include:
Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year): Typically late January to February, vibrant with temple ceremonies and family traditions; warm and dry (18–28°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Hung Kings Festival: Typically March to April, honoring Vietnam’s founders; warm and dry (24–32°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Mid-Autumn Festival: Typically September, festive with lantern parades; warm and wet (24–31°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Business 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 business travelers and indoor meetings. Morning meetings (7:00 AM–11:00 AM) avoid heat or rain. Verify forecasts via weather.com.
Verify Visa Needs: Business travelers should apply for e-visas ($25–$50) or embassy visas ($25–$100); work visas require employer sponsorship and additional costs ($50–$100 plus work permit $100–$200) vietnam-visa.com.
Documentation: Ensure passport validity (6+ months); carry a digital or printed e-visa copy or passport photocopy; keep a photocopy of passport bio page separately; provide business invitation letter for embassy visas travel.state.gov.
Residence Registration: Confirm hotels or business hosts register your stay with local police within 24 hours; 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 or embassy visas early; double-check details to match passport; carry small VND notes for local purchases; check visa status at evisa.gov.vn. For work visas, contact the Vietnamese embassy in your country.
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), printed e-visa ($25–$50 or 625,000–1,250,000 VND), business invitation letter (for embassy visas), passport photocopy, wallet ($2 or 50,000 VND), tour bookings.
Clothing: Formal business attire (suit and tie for men, modest dress for women); 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.
Embassy Visa Costs: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND), depending on visa type and processing time travel.state.gov.
Work Visa Costs: $50–$100 (1,250,000–2,500,000 VND), plus work permit $100–$200 (2,500,000–5,000,000 VND) 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 visa exemptions to save on costs.
Visa Tips: Check eligibility for visa exemptions (25 countries) or apply for e-visas at evisa.gov.vn; use embassy visas for non-exempt nationalities or specific needs; Phu Quoc exemption for island-only visits; double-check details to match passport vietnam-visa.com.
Border Crossing Tips: Choose major borders like Moc Bai (Cambodia) or Lao Cai (China) for smoother immigration; cross early (7:00 AM) to avoid crowds; carry printed e-visa or passport photocopy; have proof of onward travel for exemptions vietnam.travel.
Etiquette: Use “xin chào”; dress modestly for temples; respect border and local customs; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Access: Choose self-guided exploration for flexibility, group tours for visa-compliant insights, or multi-day tours for immersion.
Schedules: Borders open 7:00 AM–7:00 PM (some 24/7); cultural sites open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; peak crowds 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 border areas or cities like Hanoi.
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).
Who needs a visa to cross into Vietnam? Citizens of 25 countries (e.g., ASEAN, UK, Japan) are exempt for 14–45 days; others require e-visas or embassy visas vietnam-visa.com.
Which borders accept e-visas or exemptions? All 13 airports, 16 land borders (e.g., Moc Bai, Lao Cai), and 13 seaports accept e-visas and exemptions evisa.gov.vn.
How much does a Vietnam visa cost? E-visa: $25 (single entry) or $50 (multiple entry); embassy visa: $25–$100; exemptions: no cost vietnam-visa.com.
Can visas be extended at the border? Exemptions and e-visas are non-extendable; embassy visas may be 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? No, discontinued in 2022; use exemptions or apply for e-visas at evisa.gov.vn vietnam-visa.com.
Enhance your visa-prepared 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 Visa Border Crossing with cultural etiquette—modest attire, polite greetings like “xin chào,” and visa-smart planning—unlocks a vibrant, eco-friendly journey through this Southeast Asian gem. With tour costs from $15–$200, sustainable Vietnam Tours, and attractions like Hoi An and Ha Long Bay, this trip offers adventure and sustainability for international travelers. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Vietnam Travel, leverage visa exemptions or apply for e-visas early via evisa.gov.vn, and respect local customs for the best experience. Note that Visa on Arrival is no longer available; plan accordingly. Safe travels!
Sources:
vietnam-visa.com
evisa.gov.vn
travel.state.gov
vinpearl.com
vietnam.travel
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