Plan your Vietnam business trip with our guide to visa invitation letters! Learn about requirements, application processes, 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: 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 visa through a Vietnamese embassy with a business invitation letter. This guide details business visa invitation requirements, processes, and travel tips for a seamless entry.
Vietnam, a thriving Southeast Asian economy, is a hub for business opportunities, with its dynamic cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City offering corporate meetings, trade fairs, and networking events alongside cultural landmarks like Hanoi’s Temple of Literature or Ho Chi Minh City’s Central Post Office vinpearl.com. Understanding business visa invitation requirements ensures smooth entry for international travelers from all countries, whether attending conferences or exploring partnerships through guided Vietnam Tours. Many nationalities require an invitation letter from a Vietnamese company or sponsor for business visas, facilitating entry for up to 90 days vietnam-visa.com. This guide provides practical visa insights, invitation letter details, cultural etiquette, 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 requirements, invitation processes, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a worry-free adventure.
International travelers from visa-exempt countries (e.g., ASEAN, UK, Japan) can enter for up to 14–45 days without a visa, while others require e-visas ($25–$50 or 625,000–1,250,000 VND) or embassy visas ($25–$100) with a business invitation letter. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages. Cultural site entries like the 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 sponsors. Verify visa requirements via evisa.gov.vn or travel.state.gov.
Business Visa Exemption (Limited):
Purpose: Short-term business meetings or trade for exempt nationalities.
Eligibility: Citizens of 25 countries, including ASEAN nations (e.g., Cambodia, Thailand), UK, Japan, South Korea, Germany, France, and others 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 business purpose (e.g., invitation letter from Vietnamese partner) recommended but not mandatory for exemption; proof of onward travel vietnam.travel.
Extension: Non-extendable for business; 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-Business Visa (For Non-Exempt or Longer Stays):
Purpose: Business meetings, conferences, or trade 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.
Invitation Letter: Recommended but not mandatory for e-visas; a letter from a Vietnamese business partner (including company details, traveler’s information, purpose, and duration) can strengthen the application 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 evisa.gov.vn.
Business Embassy/Consulate Visa (For Extended or Specific Business Needs):
Purpose: Business meetings, conferences, or trade for those preferring traditional applications or needing longer stays.
Eligibility: Available to all nationalities travel.state.gov.
Duration: Typically 3–12 months (single or multiple entry); longer for investment visas travel.state.gov.
Cost: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND), depending on visa type and processing time travel.state.gov.
Invitation Letter: Mandatory; a formal letter from a Vietnamese business partner or sponsor, including company registration, traveler’s details, purpose, duration, and financial responsibility; notarized by Vietnamese authorities vietnam-visa.com.
Requirements: Passport, application form, two passport photos (4x6 cm), invitation letter, and fees; apply in person or by mail at a Vietnamese embassy (e.g., in Bangkok, Beijing, or Phnom Penh) 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.
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 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 visa exemptions, e-visas, or embassy visas with invitation letters 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 payment; ensure details match passport evisa.gov.vn.
Invitation Letter for Embassy Visas: Must include Vietnamese sponsor’s details, traveler’s information, business purpose, duration, and financial guarantee; notarized by Vietnamese authorities vietnam-visa.com.
Residence Registration: Mandatory within 24 hours, typically handled by hotels or sponsors; carry proof of registration travel.state.gov.
Cultural etiquette ensures a successful business trip during Vietnam Tours, complementing 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 at meetings or trade fairs culturetrip.com.
Dress: Wear modest, professional clothing (e.g., suits or dresses covering shoulders and knees) for business meetings or temple visits like the Temple of Literature; carry a lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND) vinpearl.com.
Behaviour: Maintain a calm demeanor in business discussions; avoid direct confrontation (use “yes” to acknowledge, not agree); ask permission before photographing colleagues or locals. Avoid public criticism of the Vietnamese government (penalties apply). A guest shared: “Respecting Vietnamese customs strengthened our business partnerships.” 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 Hoi An; complete residence registration within 24 hours travel.state.gov.
Tip: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you) to partners or guides; use eco-friendly practices like reusable water bottles ($2 or 50,000 VND) to support sustainable Vietnam Travel; keep invitation letter 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 Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, but translation apps are useful culturetrip.com.
Respect: Follow business etiquette (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’s Hoan Kiem or Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1; carry a printed invitation letter or e-visa copy 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 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 Old Quarter for business networking or Hoi An’s ancient town for cultural relaxation independently; suitable for travelers with valid business visas or invitations; low to moderate difficulty vietnam.travel.
Visa Tips: Use embassy visas with invitation letters ($25–$100); carry a printed 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 accessible anytime.
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 or walk to reduce emissions; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Tip: Confirm invitation letter validity; check evisa.gov.vn; a guest from the US noted: “Self-guided exploration was seamless with the business visa.”
Details: 1-day group tour visiting Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Temple of Literature for business networking; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Hanoi hotels, lunch, and entry fees; low difficulty.
Visa Tips: Ensure valid business visa with invitation letter; 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 Australia noted: “Legend’s tour ensured visa compliance and cultural immersion.”
Details: 1-day guided tour visiting Hoi An’s ancient town and a cycling tour for business relaxation; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Hoi An, lunch, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use a multiple-entry business visa or invitation letter for multi-city travel; carry a printed visa or passport photocopy; confirm eligibility 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 from Canada noted: “The combo tour was visa-ready and enriching.”
Details: 2–3 day tour combining Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Hoi An for business and cultural networking; includes English-speaking guide, transport, accommodation, meals, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use a multiple-entry business visa with invitation letter for multi-city travel; 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: $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 business visa-smart cultural journey.”
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for travelers with business visas or invitation letters.
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 journey.
Multi-Day Cultural and Adventure Tours: Offer in-depth exploration with 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-prepared travel opportunities include:
Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year): Typically late January to February, vibrant with temple ceremonies and networking events; warm and dry (18–28°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Hung Kings Festival: Typically March to April, honoring Vietnam’s founders with cultural activities; warm and dry (24–32°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Mid-Autumn Festival: Typically September, festive with lantern parades and business gatherings; 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 networking; expect rain. Morning meetings (7:00 AM–11:00 AM) avoid heat or rain. Verify forecasts via weather.com.
Verify Visa Needs: Check eligibility for visa exemptions (25 countries) or apply for business e-visas at evisa.gov.vn; use embassy visas with invitation letters for extended business stays vietnam-visa.com.
Invitation Letter: Secure a formal letter from a Vietnamese business partner, including company registration, traveler’s details, purpose, duration, and financial guarantee; notarized by Vietnamese authorities for embassy visas vietnam-visa.com.
Documentation: Ensure passport validity (6+ months); carry a digital or printed business visa copy or passport photocopy; keep a photocopy of passport bio page separately travel.state.gov.
Residence Registration: Confirm hotels or sponsors register your stay with local police within 24 hours; carry proof of registration travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Use digital invitation letter copies to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles or motorbike taxis for sustainable travel.
Tip: Apply for business visas 2–4 weeks 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), printed business visa with invitation letter ($25–$100 or 625,000–2,500,000 VND), passport photocopy, business invitation letter photocopy, wallet ($2 or 50,000 VND), tour bookings.
Clothing: Professional attire (suits or dresses covering shoulders and knees); 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); 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
Business 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.
Business Embassy Visa Costs: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND), depending on visa type and processing time travel.state.gov.
Invitation Letter Costs: $10–$50 (250,000–1,250,000 VND) for notarization and agency 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 (if applicable), and transport; $0.20–$10 for purchases or add-ons; use business invitation letters to strengthen visa applications.
Visa Tips: Secure invitation letters from Vietnamese partners for embassy visas ($25–$100); use e-visas ($25–$50) for shorter business trips; exemptions available for short stays (up to 45 days for eligible nationalities); double-check details to match passport vietnam-visa.com.
Invitation Letter Tips: Ensure the letter includes sponsor’s company registration, traveler’s details, business purpose, duration, and financial guarantee; notarize through Vietnamese authorities vietnam-visa.com.
Etiquette: Use “xin chào”; dress professionally 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: 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 business districts or cultural sites.
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).
Do I need an invitation letter for a Vietnam business visa? Yes for embassy visas; recommended but not mandatory for e-visas vietnam-visa.com.
How do I get a Vietnam business visa invitation letter? Obtain from a Vietnamese business partner or sponsor; include company details, traveler’s information, purpose, and duration; notarize by Vietnamese authorities vietnam-visa.com.
How much does a Vietnam business visa cost? E-visa: $25 (single entry) or $50 (multiple entry); embassy visa: $25–$100; invitation letter: $10–$50 vietnam-visa.com.
Can business visas be extended? Embassy visas are extendable with a sponsor; e-visas are 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 visas? No, discontinued in 2022; use e-visas or embassy visas with invitation letters 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 temple and market tour with sustainable practices.
Vietnam Business 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 Invitation with cultural etiquette—modest attire, polite greetings like “xin chào,” and visa-smart planning—unlocks a vibrant, eco-friendly business journey through this Southeast Asian economy. With tour costs from $15–$200, sustainable Vietnam Tours, and attractions like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, this trip offers networking and sustainability. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Vietnam Travel, secure invitation letters and apply for visas early via evisa.gov.vn or embassies, 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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