Plan your Vietnam business trip with our guide to visa fees for international travelers! Learn about business visa requirements, e-visa applications, costs, cultural site visits, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and top providers for a seamless experience with Vietnam Travel. Start your journey today!
Embrace the vibrant energy of Vietnam’s cultural heritage (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: Business visas are required for activities like meetings, conferences, or market research, but not for general tourism. International travelers can apply for e-visas online via evisa.gov.vn or obtain business visas through a Vietnamese embassy. This guide details business visa fees, requirements, and travel tips for a seamless entry and exploration of Vietnam’s business and cultural landscape.
Vietnam, a thriving Southeast Asian economy, is renowned for its business opportunities in cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, alongside cultural landmarks like Hoi An’s ancient town and Ha Long Bay’s natural wonders vinpearl.com. Understanding business visa fees ensures smooth entry for international travelers engaging in commercial activities, whether joining guided Vietnam Tours or conducting business independently. Business visas range from $25–$100, with e-visas offering a cost-effective option for short-term 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 in Hanoi, Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City), 16 land borders, and 13 seaports. This guide blends business visa fees, requirements, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a worry-free adventure.
Business visas for Vietnam cost $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND) depending on type and duration, with e-visas at $25–$50 for up to 90 days. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages. Business visa applications require a sponsor letter from a Vietnamese company. Cultural site entries like Hanoi’s Temple of Literature cost $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 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 or business hosts. Verify visa requirements via evisa.gov.vn or travel.state.gov.
E-Visa for Business (DL Category):
Purpose: Business activities like meetings, conferences, market research, or short-term work (not full employment).
Eligibility: Available to citizens of 80 countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, EU nations, and India 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 requiring longer stays or specific approvals.
Eligibility: Available to all nationalities travel.state.gov.
Duration: Typically 30–90 days (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: Passport, application form, two passport photos (4x6 cm), sponsor letter from a Vietnamese company, and fees; apply in person or by mail at a Vietnamese embassy travel.state.gov.
Extension: Extendable for 1–3 months with a sponsor; fees vary ($10–$155 or 250,000–3,875,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Work Visa (LD1/LD2 Category):
Purpose: Full-time employment or business operations in Vietnam.
Eligibility: Sponsored by a Vietnamese employer vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 12 months, renewable vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND) plus sponsor fees vietnam-visa.com.
Requirements: Sponsor letter, work permit, passport, and fees; apply through a Vietnamese embassy or immigration office vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Renewable with sponsor support vietnam-visa.com.
Key Restrictions:
Business visas do not allow full-time employment without a work permit; violations can lead to fines or deportation travel.state.gov.
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 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.
Sponsor Letter: Required for embassy or work visas from a Vietnamese company; include details of business purpose vietnam-visa.com.
E-Visa Application: Requires digital passport photo (4x6 cm, white background, no glasses), passport data page scan, and payment; ensure details match passport evisa.gov.vn.
Residence Registration: Mandatory within 24 hours, typically handled by hotels or business hosts; carry proof of registration travel.state.gov.
Cultural etiquette ensures a successful business trip 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 business card exchanges to show respect, especially at meetings in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City culturetrip.com.
Dress: Wear conservative business attire (suits for men, dresses or blouses for women); a lightweight jacket ($3 or 75,000 VND) is useful for air-conditioned meetings vinpearl.com.
Behaviour: Maintain a calm demeanor in meetings; avoid direct confrontation (use “yes” to acknowledge, not agree); ask permission before photographing colleagues or rituals. Avoid public criticism of the Vietnamese government (penalties apply). A guest shared: “Respecting Vietnamese customs smoothed our business negotiations.” 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 Temple of Literature 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 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 meeting rules (arrive on time, exchange cards with both hands); 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 eco-friendly travel, aligning with Vietnam’s green tourism goals vietnam.travel.
Below is a curated list of tour options to enhance your business visa-prepared 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 business districts or Ho Chi Minh City’s Saigon Center independently after obtaining a business visa; suitable for business travelers with valid visas; low difficulty vietnam.travel.
Visa Tips: Use business visas ($25–$100); carry a sponsor letter and printed visa; register temporary residence at hotels vietnam-visa.com.
Schedule: Daily; Saigon Center open 10:00 AM–10:00 PM; Hanoi’s Temple of Literature open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND).
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 or Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use bicycles to reduce emissions; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Tip: Confirm business visa eligibility and apply early; check evisa.gov.vn; a guest noted: “Self-guided exploration was smooth with the business visa.”
Details: 1-day group tour visiting Hanoi’s business districts and Temple of Literature; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Hanoi hotels, lunch, and entry fees; low difficulty.
Visa Tips: Ensure valid business visa; carry a sponsor letter and printed visa; 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 noted: “Legend’s tour ensured visa compliance and cultural immersion.”
Details: 1-day guided tour visiting Ho Chi Minh City’s Saigon Center and Hoi An’s ancient town (day trip); 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 a sponsor letter and printed visa; confirm eligibility vietnam-visa.com.
Schedule: Daily; departs 6:00 AM from Ho Chi Minh City hotels; returns by 6:00 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 noted: “The combo tour was visa-ready and enriching.”
Details: 2–3 day tour combining Hanoi’s business districts, Temple of Literature, and a day trip to Ha Long Bay; 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 a sponsor letter and printed visa; 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 noted: “The multi-day tour was a visa-smart cultural journey.”
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for business travelers with valid 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 visa-prepared 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 Vietnam’s founders; warm and dry (24–32°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Mid-Autumn Festival: Typically September, festive with business networking; 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 indoor business activities; expect rain. Morning meetings (7:00 AM–11:00 AM) avoid heat or rain. Verify forecasts via weather.com.
Verify Visa Needs: Apply for e-visas ($25–$50) or embassy visas ($25–$100) with a sponsor letter; work visas require employer sponsorship vietnam-visa.com.
Documentation: Ensure passport validity (6+ months); carry a sponsor letter, digital passport photo (4x6 cm, white background, no glasses), passport data page scan, and payment for e-visas; double-check details to match passport evisa.gov.vn.
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 business visas 7–14 days early; double-check details to match passport; carry small VND notes for local purchases; check visa status at evisa.gov.vn. For embassy visas, contact the nearest Vietnamese embassy (e.g., Bangkok: +66 2 251 5836, Beijing: +86 10 6532 1155).
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), sponsor letter for business visa, printed e-visa ($25–$50 or 625,000–1,250,000 VND if required), passport photocopy, proof of residence registration, wallet ($2 or 50,000 VND), tour bookings.
Clothing: Conservative business attire; 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., banh mi); 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
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: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND) plus sponsor fees 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 to save on fees.
Visa Tips: Apply for e-visas ($25–$50) or embassy visas ($25–$100) with a sponsor letter; work visas require employer sponsorship; double-check details to match passport vietnam-visa.com.
Etiquette: Use “xin chào”; wear conservative attire for meetings; 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: Business 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 business districts 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 are Vietnam’s business visa fees? E-visa: $25 (single entry) or $50 (multiple entry); embassy visa: $25–$100, depending on type and duration vietnam-visa.com.
Do I need a sponsor for a business visa? Yes, a Vietnamese company sponsor letter is required for embassy or work visas vietnam-visa.com.
How long does a business visa last? E-visa: up to 90 days; embassy visa: 30–90 days, extendable; work visa: up to 12 months vietnam-visa.com.
Can business visas be extended? Embassy visas extendable with sponsor; e-visas non-extendable 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 embassy visas 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 business district and cultural tour with sustainable practices.
Vietnam Business and Heritage Trail ($80–$150/person, 2 days): Combine business meetings with eco-friendly cultural 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 Fees with cultural etiquette—conservative attire, polite greetings like “xin chào,” and visa-smart planning—unlocks a vibrant, eco-friendly journey through this Southeast Asian economy. With tour costs from $15–$200, sustainable Vietnam Tours, and attractions like Hanoi’s business districts and Hoi An’s ancient town, this trip offers opportunity and sustainability for business travelers. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Vietnam Travel, apply for business visas early with sponsor letters, and respect local customs for the best experience. Safe travels!
Sources:
vietnam-visa.com
evisa.gov.vn
travel.state.gov
vinpearl.com
vietnam.travel
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