Plan your Vietnam business trip with our guide to visa on arrival! Learn about requirements, pre-approval, 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, 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: Visa on Arrival (VOA) for business purposes requires a pre-approval letter from a Vietnam-based sponsor company. International business travelers can obtain a VOA at designated airports with the approval letter, or apply for an e-visa online via evisa.gov.vn for simpler entry. This guide details business visa requirements, application processes, and travel tips for a seamless journey into Vietnam for business activities.
Vietnam, a dynamic Southeast Asian destination, 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 limestone karsts vinpearl.com. Understanding business visa on arrival requirements ensures smooth entry for international travelers engaging in business activities, whether joining guided Vietnam Tours or conducting meetings. Business visas require sponsorship and pre-approval for VOA, while e-visas offer a convenient alternative vietnam-visa.com. This guide provides practical visa insights, 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 in Hanoi, Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City), where VOA is available with pre-approval. This guide blends business visa requirements, application processes, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a worry-free adventure.
International business travelers require sponsorship from a Vietnam-based company for visa on arrival, with pre-approval letters; e-visas cost $25–$50 (625,000–1,250,000 VND) for 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). 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.
Visa on Arrival for Business:
Purpose: Business activities, including meetings, conferences, or short-term work.
Eligibility: Available to all nationalities with sponsorship from a Vietnam-based company vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 90 days (single or multiple entry), depending on the approval letter vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: Stamping fee at airport: $25 (single entry) or $50 (multiple entry); pre-approval letter fee: $20–$50 (500,000–1,250,000 VND) through agencies; non-refundable vietnam-visa.com.
Application Process:
Obtain sponsorship from a Vietnam-based company (e.g., business partner or employer) to issue an invitation letter vietnam-visa.com.
Apply for a pre-approval letter through a Vietnamese travel agency or visa service (e.g., via vietnam-visa.com); provide passport details, entry/exit dates, and sponsor information vietnam-visa.com.
Pay the pre-approval fee ($20–$50) via credit/debit card or bank transfer vietnam-visa.com.
Receive the pre-approval letter via email within 2–7 working days; print it vietnam-visa.com.
Prepare two passport photos (4x6 cm) and stamping fee in USD vietnam-visa.com.
At the airport (e.g., Tan Son Nhat or Noi Bai), present the pre-approval letter, passport, photos, and pay the stamping fee to receive the visa stamp vietnam-visa.com.
Complete the entry form and proceed to immigration travel.state.gov.
Processing Time: Pre-approval letter: 2–7 working days; expedited: 1–2 days for additional fees ($10–$30 or 250,000–750,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Extendable for 1–3 months with sponsor support; fees vary ($10–$155 or 250,000–3,875,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at 8 airports (e.g., Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, Da Nang, Phu Quoc) only; not available at land borders or seaports vietnam-visa.com.
E-Visa for Business:
Purpose: Short-term business activities, meetings, or conferences.
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, business purpose), and temporary address in Vietnam (e.g., hotel or sponsor 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 entry 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, and 13 seaports evisa.gov.vn.
Embassy/Consulate Business Visa:
Purpose: Long-term business, work, or investment activities.
Eligibility: Available to all nationalities with business sponsorship travel.state.gov.
Duration: Up to 1 year (multiple entry), depending on sponsor and purpose 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 invitation letter from Vietnam-based company, and fees; apply in person or by mail at a Vietnamese embassy (e.g., in Phnom Penh, Bangkok) travel.state.gov.
Extension: Extendable with sponsor support; fees vary ($10–$155 or 250,000–3,875,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Key Restrictions:
Business visa holders must not engage in unauthorized work; violations lead to fines or deportation travel.state.gov.
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: Visa on Arrival for business requires pre-approval from a Vietnam-based sponsor; e-visas are a convenient alternative for short-term business vietnam-visa.com.
Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from entry date with two blank pages travel.state.gov.
Pre-Approval Letter for VOA: Required from Vietnam-based sponsor company; include business purpose and itinerary vietnam-visa.com.
Sponsor Invitation: Necessary for VOA and embassy visas; issued by a Vietnam-based business partner vietnam-visa.com.
Residence Registration: Mandatory within 24 hours, typically handled by hotels or sponsors travel.state.gov.
Proof of Business: Carry invitation letter or sponsor details for immigration checks vietnam-visa.com.
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 business card exchanges to show respect, especially during meetings in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City culturetrip.com.
Dress: Wear formal business attire (suits for men, conservative dresses for women) for meetings; modest clothing for temple visits after business; carry a lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND) vinpearl.com.
Behaviour: Maintain a calm demeanor in business discussions; avoid aggressive negotiation; ask permission before photographing colleagues or locals; carry passport or visa copy securely for checks. 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; complete residence registration within 24 hours travel.state.gov.
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 business 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 culturetrip.com.
Respect: Follow business meeting rules (punctuality, hierarchy); respect local vendors with fair purchases in markets.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for business districts in 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 vietnam.travel.
Below is a curated list of tour options to enhance your visa-prepared business trip, 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 business districts or Ho Chi Minh City’s landmarks independently after obtaining your business visa; suitable for business travelers with valid visas; low difficulty vietnam.travel.
Visa Tips: Use pre-approval for VOA or e-visas ($25–$50); carry invitation letter or sponsor details; 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); Hoi An ancient town open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM ($5–$7 or 125,000–175,000 VND); business meetings can be scheduled flexibly.
Cost: Entry: free (markets); Temple of Literature: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND); Hoi An: $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 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, Vietnam.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use bicycles to reduce emissions; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Tip: Confirm visa validity with sponsor; check evisa.gov.vn; a guest noted: “Self-guided business exploration was smooth with the visa on arrival.”
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; carry invitation letter or sponsor details; 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 visa compliance and business networking.”
Details: 1-day guided tour visiting Hoi An’s ancient town and a business networking session; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Hoi An, lunch, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use a multiple-entry business visa for multi-city travel; carry invitation letter or sponsor details; 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 noted: “The combo tour was visa-ready and enriching for business.”
Details: 2–3 day tour combining Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Ho Chi Minh City for business meetings and cultural visits; includes English-speaking guide, transport, accommodation, meals, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use a multiple-entry business visa; carry invitation letter or sponsor details; 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 business journey.”
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for business travelers with visas.
Group Business Tours: Affordable and guided, perfect for visa-compliant networking.
Combo Business and Cultural Tours: Blend business meetings with cultural experiences for a comprehensive journey.
Multi-Day Business 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 visa-prepared travel opportunities include:
Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year): Typically late January to February, vibrant 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 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 travel and indoor meetings. Morning meetings (7:00 AM–11:00 AM) avoid heat or rain. Verify forecasts via weather.com.
Verify Visa Needs: Obtain sponsor invitation from Vietnam-based company; apply for pre-approval letter through agencies for VOA; use e-visas as an alternative for short-term business vietnam-visa.com.
Documentation: Ensure passport validity (6+ months); carry invitation letter, pre-approval letter (for VOA), passport photos, and stamping fee in USD; 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 pre-approval letters to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles or motorbike taxis for sustainable travel.
Tip: Apply for pre-approval letters 2–7 days early; double-check details to match passport; carry small VND notes for local purchases; check visa status with sponsor. For embassy visas, contact the nearest Vietnamese embassy (e.g., Phnom Penh: +855 23 726 274).
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), pre-approval letter (for VOA), invitation letter, printed e-visa (alternative), passport photocopy, stamping fee ($25–$50 in USD for VOA), wallet ($2 or 50,000 VND), tour bookings.
Clothing: Formal business attire (suits for men, conservative dresses 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); 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
Visa on Arrival Costs: Stamping fee: $25 (single entry) or $50 (multiple entry); pre-approval letter: $20–$50 (500,000–1,250,000 VND); expedited: $10–$30 (250,000–750,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
E-Visa Costs: $25 (single entry) or $50 (multiple entry) evisa.gov.vn.
Embassy Business Visa Costs: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND) travel.state.gov.
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 pre-approval letters to save on business visa processing.
Visa Tips: Secure sponsor invitation from Vietnam-based company; apply for pre-approval letter through agencies; use e-visas as an alternative for short-term business; double-check details to match passport 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: 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 in 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; carry emergency numbers (Police: 113, Medical: 115, nearest embassy).
Do I need a business visa for Vietnam? Yes, for business activities; VOA requires pre-approval from a sponsor; e-visas are an alternative for short-term business vietnam-visa.com.
How do I apply for a Vietnam business visa on arrival? Obtain sponsor invitation, apply for pre-approval letter, pay stamping fee at airport; e-visas available online vietnam-visa.com.
How much does a Vietnam business visa cost? VOA stamping fee: $25 (single entry) or $50 (multiple entry); pre-approval letter: $20–$50; e-visa: $25–$50; embassy visa: $25–$100 vietnam-visa.com.
Can business visas be extended? VOA and e-visas are non-extendable; embassy visas extendable with sponsor support 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? Yes, with pre-approval from a Vietnam-based sponsor at airports; not available at land borders or seaports vietnam-visa.com.
Enhance your business visa-prepared Vietnam journey with eco-conscious tours from Legend Travel Group:
Vietnam Business Eco-Tour ($40–$80/person, 1 day): Guided networking and cultural tour with sustainable practices.
Vietnam Business and Adventure Trail ($100–$200/person, 2 days): Combine business meetings with eco-friendly activities.
Vietnam Explorer ($200–$350/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 on Arrival with cultural etiquette—modest attire, polite greetings like “xin chào,” and visa-smart planning—unlocks a dynamic, eco-friendly business journey through this Southeast Asian hub. With tour costs from $15–$200, sustainable Vietnam Tours, and attractions like Hoi An and Ha Long Bay, this trip offers opportunity and sustainability for business travelers. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Vietnam Travel, secure pre-approval letters or apply for e-visas early via evisa.gov.vn, and respect local customs for the best experience. Safe travels!
Sources:
vietnam-visa.com
evisa.gov.vn
travel.state.gov
vinpearl.com
vietnam.travel
