Plan your Vietnam business trip with our guide to visa durations for international travelers! Learn about requirements, extensions, costs, cultural site visits, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and top providers for a seamless experience with Vietnam Travel. Start your journey today!
Start your visa-prepared journey with Vietnam’s vibrant glow (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, evisa.gov.vn, travel.state.gov, 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. International travelers can use visa exemptions (if eligible), apply for an e-visa online via evisa.gov.vn, or obtain a business visa through a Vietnamese embassy. This guide details business visa durations, requirements, and travel tips for a seamless journey.
Vietnam, a dynamic Southeast Asian destination, is renowned for its business opportunities in cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, alongside cultural landmarks such as Hoi An’s ancient town and Ha Long Bay’s karsts vinpearl.com. Understanding business visa durations ensures smooth entry for international travelers engaging in trade, meetings, or investments. Business visas (DN type) typically last 1–3 months, with options for extensions, facilitating longer stays 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, Tan Son Nhat), 16 land borders, and 13 seaports. This guide blends business visa durations, application processes, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a worry-free adventure.
International travelers require business visas (DN) for commercial activities, with durations of 1–3 months (extendable up to 12 months). Costs range from $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND) for e-visas or embassy applications. 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). Temporary residence registration with local police is required within 24 hours, typically handled by hotels. Verify visa requirements via evisa.gov.vn or travel.state.gov.
Business Visa Exemption:
Purpose: Short business stays for eligible nationalities.
Eligibility: Citizens of 25 countries, including ASEAN nations (e.g., Cambodia, Thailand), UK, Japan, South Korea, Germany, France, and others; not specifically for business but can be used for business activities vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 45 days (e.g., UK, Germany, Japan), 30 days (e.g., ASEAN countries), or 14 days (e.g., Brunei, Myanmar) vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: No cost vietnam-visa.com.
Requirements: Passport valid for at least 6 months from entry date with two blank pages; proof of onward travel (e.g., return bus or flight ticket) recommended but not mandatory; invitation letter or business proof may be requested at immigration vietnam.travel.
Extension: Non-extendable; requires exit and re-entry with a new exemption or business visa 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) vietnam.travel.
E-Visa (For Business Purposes):
Purpose: Business activities for stays exceeding exemption periods or for non-exempt nationalities.
Eligibility: Available to citizens of 80 countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, India, and most EU nations 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, purpose as business), 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, 16 land borders (e.g., Moc Bai, Lao Cai, Mong Cai), and 13 seaports evisa.gov.vn.
Business Visa (DN):
Purpose: Commercial activities, investments, or business meetings.
Eligibility: Available to all nationalities with a sponsoring Vietnamese company or organization vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: 1–3 months (single or multiple entry); extendable up to 12 months vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND), depending on visa type and processing time vietnam-visa.com.
Requirements: Invitation letter from a Vietnamese company, business registration documents, passport, application form, two passport photos (4x6 cm), and fees; apply at a Vietnamese embassy or immigration office travel.state.gov.
Extension: Extendable for 1–3 months with sponsor support; fees vary ($10–$155 or 250,000–3,875,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
5-Year Visa Exemption Certificate:
Purpose: Business or family visits for overseas Vietnamese and their families.
Eligibility: Travelers of Vietnamese origin, their spouses, or children vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 180 days per visit, valid for 5 years or 6 months before passport expiration vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: Application fees vary ($10–$50 or 250,000–1,250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Requirements: Proof of Vietnamese origin or family ties (e.g., birth certificate, marriage certificate); application at a Vietnamese embassy or immigration office vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Extendable for additional 180-day periods; fees apply ($10 or 250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Embassy/Consulate Visa:
Purpose: Business for those preferring traditional applications or needing longer durations.
Eligibility: Available to all nationalities travel.state.gov.
Duration: Typically 1–3 months (single or multiple entry); longer for sponsored business visas travel.state.gov.
Cost: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND), depending on visa type and processing time travel.state.gov.
Requirements: Sponsoring invitation letter, passport, application form, two passport photos (4x6 cm), and fees; apply in person or by mail at a Vietnamese embassy (e.g., Bangkok, Beijing) travel.state.gov.
Extension: Extendable for 1–3 months with sponsor support; fees vary ($10–$155 or 250,000–3,875,000 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 hosts 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 visa exemptions, e-visas, or embassy visas vietnam-visa.com.
Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from entry date with two blank pages travel.state.gov.
Invitation Letter: Required for business visas (DN); provided by a Vietnamese sponsor or company vietnam-visa.com.
Residence Registration: Mandatory within 24 hours, typically handled by hotels or business hosts travel.state.gov.
Proof of Onward Travel: Recommended for exemptions; required for Phu Quoc vietnam.travel.
Cultural etiquette ensures a smooth business experience during Vietnam Tours. Here’s your guide, based on current norms:
Greetings: Offer a “xin chào” (hello) with a slight nod; use both hands for exchanging business cards to show respect, especially during meetings culturetrip.com.
Dress: Wear formal clothing for business meetings (suit and tie for men, modest dress for women); modest attire covering shoulders and knees for temple visits after meetings vinpearl.com.
Behaviour: Maintain a calm demeanor in business discussions; avoid direct confrontation (use indirect communication); ask permission before photographing locals or rituals; carry passport or e-visa securely. Avoid public criticism of the Vietnamese government (penalties apply). A guest shared: “Respecting Vietnamese customs eased our business meetings and 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 Ha Long Bay or Hanoi’s Temple of Literature culturetrip.com.
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 settings culturetrip.com.
Respect: Follow meeting protocols (exchange business cards with both hands); 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 printed e-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 eco-friendly travel 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 or Ho Chi Minh City’s business districts independently after obtaining a business visa; suitable for business travelers with valid visas; low difficulty vietnam.travel.
Visa Tips: Use business visas (1–3 months); carry invitation letter and visa copy; register temporary residence at hotels vietnam-visa.com.
Schedule: Daily; Hanoi’s Temple of Literature open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND); Ho Chi Minh City’s Reunification Palace open 7:30 AM–4:00 PM ($2 or 50,000 VND).
Cost: Entry: free (markets); Temple of Literature: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND); Reunification Palace: $2 (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 or Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use bicycles or walk to reduce emissions; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Tip: Confirm business visa duration and extension options; check evisa.gov.vn; a guest from the US noted: “Self-guided exploration was seamless with a business visa.”
Details: 1-day group tour visiting Hanoi’s Temple of Literature and Old Quarter for business networking; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Hanoi hotels, lunch, and entry fees; low difficulty.
Visa Tips: Ensure valid business visa; carry invitation letter and visa copy; guides assist with residence registration travel.state.gov.
Schedule: Daily; departs 8:00 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 Australia noted: “Legend’s tour ensured visa compliance and cultural immersion.”
Details: 1-day guided tour visiting Ho Chi Minh City’s Reunification Palace and a business district walk; 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 visa for multi-city travel; carry invitation letter and visa copy; confirm eligibility vietnam-visa.com.
Schedule: Daily; departs 7:30 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 Canada noted: “The combo tour was visa-ready and enriching.”
Details: 2–3 day tour combining Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Ha Long Bay for business and cultural sites; includes English-speaking guide, transport, accommodation, meals, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use a multiple-entry business visa for multi-city travel; carry invitation letter and visa copy; 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 (+84 825862222); a guest from the UK noted: “The multi-day tour was a visa-smart cultural journey.”
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for business travelers with visa exemptions or business visas.
Group Business and Cultural Tours: Affordable and guided, perfect for visa-compliant cultural insights.
Combo Business and Cultural Tours: Blend business districts with cultural experiences for a comprehensive journey.
Multi-Day Business and Cultural Tours: Offer in-depth exploration with visa-smart itineraries.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group and multi-day tours use fuel-efficient transport, supporting Vietnam’s green tourism goals.
Key business travel opportunities include:
Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year): Typically late January to February, festive but many businesses close; warm and dry (18–28°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Hung Kings Festival: Typically March to April, honoring 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 Meetings: 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; expect rain at land borders. Morning meetings (7:00 AM–11:00 AM) avoid heat or rain. Verify forecasts via weather.com.
Verify Visa Needs: Business visas (DN) typically 1–3 months, extendable up to 12 months with sponsor; check eligibility for exemptions (14–45 days) or e-visas (up to 90 days) vietnam-visa.com.
Documentation: Ensure passport validity (6+ months); obtain invitation letter from Vietnamese sponsor; carry a digital or printed visa copy or passport photocopy; keep a photocopy of passport bio page separately 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 visa copies to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles or motorbike taxis for sustainable travel.
Tip: Apply for business visas early through embassies; double-check details to match passport; carry small VND notes for local purchases; check visa status at evisa.gov.vn if using e-visa. For extensions, contact the Vietnam Immigration Department with sponsor support.
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), business visa ($25–$100 or 625,000–2,500,000 VND), invitation letter, passport photocopy, wallet ($2 or 50,000 VND), tour bookings.
Clothing: Formal business attire (suit/tie for men, modest dress for women); modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple 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); laptop or tablet ($100 or 2,500,000 VND) for business.
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
Business Visa Costs: Embassy visa: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND); e-visa (if used for business): $25–$50 (625,000–1,250,000 VND); exemptions: no cost vietnam-visa.com.
Extension Costs: $10–$155 (250,000–3,875,000 VND), depending on duration 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 extensions, and transport; $0.20–$10 for purchases or add-ons; use business visas for extended stays.
Visa Tips: Business visas (DN) typically 1–3 months, extendable up to 12 months with sponsor; check eligibility for exemptions (14–45 days) or e-visas (up to 90 days) vietnam-visa.com.
Etiquette: Use “xin chào”; dress formally for business; respect 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: Cultural sites open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; markets open 6:00 AM–6:00 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 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, nearest embassy).
What is the duration of a Vietnam business visa? Typically 1–3 months (single or multiple entry); extendable up to 12 months with sponsor support vietnam-visa.com.
How do I extend a Vietnam business visa? Apply through the Vietnam Immigration Department with sponsor support; extensions for 1–3 months; fees $10–$155 (250,000–3,875,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
How much does a Vietnam business visa cost? Embassy visa: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND); e-visa (if used for business): $25–$50 (625,000–1,250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Can business visas be obtained on arrival? No, Visa on Arrival discontinued in 2022; apply for e-visas or embassy visas in advance 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.
Are exemptions available for business travelers? Yes, for short stays (14–45 days) for eligible nationalities, including ASEAN countries; use for business activities vietnam-visa.com.
Enhance your business visa-prepared Vietnam journey with eco-conscious tours from Legend Travel Group:
Vietnam Business Eco-Tour ($25–$40/person, 1 day): Guided cultural and business site tour with sustainable practices.
Vietnam Business and Heritage Trail ($80–$150/person, 2 days): Explore business districts and cultural sites with low-emission transport.
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 Duration with cultural etiquette—modest attire, polite greetings like “xin chào,” and visa-smart planning—unlocks a dynamic, eco-friendly journey through this Southeast Asian hub. With tour costs from $15–$200, sustainable Vietnam Tours, and attractions like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, this trip offers opportunity and sustainability for international business travelers. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Vietnam Travel, leverage business visas for extended stays 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
