Plan your long-term stay in Vietnam with our guide to the proposed Golden Visa! Learn about eligibility, investment options, cultural site visits, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and top providers for a seamless experience with Vietnam Travel. Start your journey today!
Begin your Golden Visa day with Vietnam’s tranquil ambiance (Source: Internet)Author Bio: 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. The Vietnam Golden Visa program is currently a proposed initiative and not yet implemented as of September 2025. Travelers must use e-visas via evisa.gov.vn or other visa types until the Golden Visa is launched, expected by mid-2026. This guide details the proposed Golden Visa, current visa options, and travel tips for a seamless journey.
Vietnam, a vibrant Southeast Asian destination, is renowned for its cultural landmarks like Hoi An’s ancient town, Ha Long Bay’s limestone karsts, and thriving economic hubs like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City vinpearl.com. The proposed Vietnam Golden Visa aims to attract investors, professionals, and long-term residents with extended residency options, making it ideal for those planning to combine business or lifestyle with guided Vietnam Tours or independent exploration. The program, still under review, is designed to boost tourism and investment with 5–10 year residency options vietnam-visa.com. This guide provides insights into the proposed Golden Visa, current visa alternatives, cultural tips, and eco-friendly Vietnam Travel options for a seamless long-term stay.
Following Vietnam’s updated travel regulations, the country is accessible via international airports (e.g., Noi Bai in Hanoi, Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City), land borders, or seaports. This guide blends Golden Visa details, current visa options, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a worry-free experience.
The proposed Vietnam Golden Visa includes 5–10 year options (Golden Visa, Investor Visa, Talent Visa), with a minimum investment of $120,000 (VND 3 billion) for eligibility. As it’s not yet implemented, travelers can use e-visas ($25–$50 or 625,000–1,250,000 VND, up to 90 days) or other visa types. 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). Visitors must register their temporary residence with local police, typically handled by hotels. Verify visa requirements via evisa.gov.vn or travel.state.gov.
Proposed Golden Visa Program (Not Yet Implemented):
Status: Proposed by the Vietnam Tourism Advisory Board, expected launch by mid-2026; to be piloted in cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Phu Quoc vietnam-visa.com.
Categories:
Golden Visa: 5–10 years, extendable, for long-term residents contributing to tourism or economy vietnam-visa.com.
Investor Visa: 10 years, with a pathway to permanent residency after 5 years of maintained investment vietnam-visa.com.
Talent Visa: 5 years, with simplified renewal, for professionals in fields like IT, healthcare, or education vietnam-visa.com.
Eligibility: Minimum investment of $120,000 (VND 3 billion) in real estate, businesses, or government-approved sectors; proof of clean funds, reputable career, and stable finances vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: 5–10 years, extendable; Investor Visa offers permanent residency after 5 years vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: Not yet finalized; expected to align with investment thresholds (starting at $120,000) vietnam-visa.com.
Application: Expected to be fully digital, likely via an updated evisa.gov.vn platform; requires investment proof, background checks, and health insurance vietnam-visa.com.
Benefits: Long-term residency, family sponsorship, access to healthcare and education, and work rights aligned with investment vietnam-visa.com.
Note: Details are subject to change; verify updates via official channels when launched vietnam-visa.com.
Current Visa Alternatives (Available as of September 2025):
E-Visa:
Purpose: Tourism, business, or leisure; suitable for short-term visits evisa.gov.vn.
Eligibility: All nationalities 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 vietnam-visa.com.
Application: Online via evisa.gov.vn; requires digital passport photo (4x6 cm, white background, no glasses), passport scan, and payment evisa.gov.vn.
Extension: Non-extendable; requires visa run vietnam-visa.com.
Investor Visa (DT1–DT4):
Purpose: For investors establishing or contributing to businesses in Vietnam vietnam-visa.com.
Eligibility: Varies by investment amount:
DT1: Over $4 million (VND 100 billion), up to 5 years.
DT2: $2.04–$4 million (VND 50–100 billion), up to 5 years.
DT3: $122,000–$2.04 million (VND 3–50 billion), up to 3 years.
DT4: Under $122,000 (VND 3 billion), up to 1 year vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: $25–$135 (625,000–3,375,000 VND), depending on duration vietnam-visa.com.
Application: Requires sponsorship letter, investment certificates, and embassy application vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Extendable; DT1–DT3 eligible for Temporary Residence Card (up to 10 years) vietnam-visa.com.
Standard Visa Exemption:
Purpose: Tourism or business for short stays.
Eligibility: Citizens of 38 countries (e.g., Australia, Japan, UK) for 14–45 days vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: 14–90 days, depending on nationality vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: No cost vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Non-extendable; requires visa run vietnam-visa.com.
Phu Quoc Visa Exemption:
Purpose: Tourism on Phu Quoc Island.
Eligibility: All nationalities, arriving directly to Phu Quoc vietnam.travel.
Duration: Up to 30 days vietnam.travel.
Cost: No cost vietnam.travel.
5-Year Visa Exemption:
Purpose: For overseas Vietnamese and families.
Eligibility: Overseas Vietnamese, spouses, or children vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 180 days per visit, valid for 5 years vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: $10–$50 (250,000–1,250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Key Restrictions:
Golden Visa is not yet available; current visas require compliance with immigration laws evisa.gov.vn.
Temporary residence registration is mandatory within 24 hours, typically handled by hotels 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. Use e-visas, DT visas, or exemptions until the Golden Visa is implemented vietnam-visa.com.
Passport: Valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages travel.state.gov.
Golden Visa (Proposed): Expected to require investment proof ($120,000+), background checks, health insurance, and clean funds vietnam-visa.com.
DT Visas: Require investment certificates and sponsorship letter vietnam-visa.com.
Entry/Exit Points: E-visas and DT visas apply to 13 airports, 16 land borders, and 13 seaports evisa.gov.vn.
Cultural etiquette ensures a smooth experience during Vietnam Tours, complementing Golden Visa or long-term visa planning. Here’s your guide, based on current norms:
Greetings: Offer a “xin chào” (hello) with a slight nod; use both hands for transactions to show respect, especially at markets or cultural sites like Hanoi’s Old Quarter culturetrip.com.
Dress: Wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple visits (e.g., Temple of Literature in Hanoi); a lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND) aligns with local norms vinpearl.com.
Behaviour: Maintain a respectful demeanor at cultural sites; ask permission before photographing locals or rituals; carry passport or visa documents securely. Avoid public criticism of the Vietnamese government (penalties apply). A guest shared: “Respecting Vietnamese customs made our long-term visa trip seamless.” culturetrip.com
Customs: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND); avoid littering to preserve cultural sites like Ha Long Bay or Hoi An’s ancient town culturetrip.com.
Tip: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you) to locals or guides; use eco-friendly practices like reusable water bottles ($2 or 50,000 VND) to support sustainable Vietnam Travel; keep visa documents handy for checks. Tony Bùi notes: “In 20 years guiding, I’ve seen long-term visa 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 tourist areas like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, but translation apps are useful culturetrip.com.
Respect: Follow temple rules (avoid touching sacred items); 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 passport or visa photocopy for checks 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) to reduce emissions, aligning with Vietnam’s green tourism goals vietnam.travel.
Below is a curated list of tour options to enhance your Golden Visa or long-term visa journey, 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 Old Quarter, Hoi An’s ancient town, or Ha Long Bay independently; suitable for travelers with e-visas or DT visas; low to moderate difficulty vietnam.travel.
Visa Tips: Use e-visas for short-term stays; apply for DT visas for investment-based residency; 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 cruises available daily.
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 to reduce emissions; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Tip: Plan for long-term stays with DT visas until Golden Visa is available; check evisa.gov.vn; a guest noted: “Self-guided exploration was ideal with a DT 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 e-visa or DT visa validity; 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 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; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Hoi An, lunch, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use a multiple-entry e-visa or DT visa for multi-city travel; carry a printed visa or passport photocopy; confirm visa suitability 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.”
Details: 2–3 day tour combining Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Hoi An; includes English-speaking guide, transport, accommodation, meals, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use a multiple-entry e-visa or DT visa 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 (+84825862222); a guest noted: “The multi-day tour was a visa-smart cultural journey.”
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for travelers with current visa options awaiting the Golden Visa.
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 experience.
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 travel opportunities include:
Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year): Typically late January to February (lunar calendar), vibrant with temple ceremonies; warm and dry (18–28°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Hung Kings Festival: Typically March to April (lunar calendar), honoring Vietnam’s founders; warm and dry (24–32°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Mid-Autumn Festival: Typically September (lunar calendar), festive with lantern parades; 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 cultural visits and business activities. 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 activities. Morning visits (6:00 AM–10:00 AM) avoid heat or rain. Verify forecasts via weather.com.
Golden Visa Preparation: Monitor updates for the Golden Visa launch (expected mid-2026); prepare investment proof ($120,000+), background checks, and health insurance vietnam-visa.com.
Current Visa Options: Use e-visas for short-term stays (up to 90 days); apply for DT visas for investment-based residency; secure sponsorship for DT visas vietnam-visa.com.
Documentation: Ensure passport validity (6+ months); carry a printed visa or passport photocopy; keep investment or sponsorship documents for DT visas travel.state.gov.
Residence Registration: Confirm hotels or residences register your stay with local police; 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 e-visas 7–14 days early via evisa.gov.vn; contact embassies for DT visas; monitor Golden Visa updates; carry small VND notes for local purchases vietnam-visa.com.
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), printed e-visa ($25–$50 or 625,000–1,250,000 VND) or DT visa, investment/sponsorship documents, passport photocopy, wallet ($2 or 50,000 VND), tour bookings.
Clothing: Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for cultural 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
Proposed Golden Visa Costs: Not finalized; expected to start at $120,000 (VND 3 billion) for investment vietnam-visa.com.
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.
DT Visa Costs: $25–$135 (625,000–3,375,000 VND), depending on duration vietnam-visa.com.
Exemption Costs: No cost for standard exemptions (14–45 days) or Phu Quoc (30 days); 5-year exemption: $10–$50 (250,000–1,250,000 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; use exemptions or e-visas until Golden Visa is available.
Golden Visa Tips: Monitor updates for the Golden Visa launch (expected mid-2026); prepare investment documentation; verify eligibility via official channels vietnam-visa.com.
Current Visa Tips: Use e-visas for short-term stays; apply for DT visas for investment-based residency; secure legitimate sponsorship; check evisa.gov.vn or embassies vietnam-visa.com.
Etiquette: Use “xin chào”; dress modestly for cultural sites; respect local customs; avoid littering.
Access: Choose self-guided exploration for flexibility, group tours for cultural 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; plan visits 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).
What is the Vietnam Golden Visa? A proposed program (not yet implemented) offering 5–10 year residency for investors, professionals, and long-term residents; expected launch by mid-2026 vietnam-visa.com.
What are the Golden Visa requirements? Expected to require a minimum $120,000 investment, clean funds, background checks, and health insurance vietnam-visa.com.
What are current visa alternatives? E-visas (up to 90 days), DT visas (1–5 years), standard exemptions (14–45 days), Phu Quoc exemption (30 days), and 5-year exemptions (180 days per visit) vietnam-visa.com.
Can I extend a Golden Visa? Expected to be extendable; current e-visas and exemptions require visa runs; DT visas are 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? No, discontinued in 2022; use e-visas or DT visas via evisa.gov.vn or embassies vietnam-visa.com.
Enhance your Golden Visa or long-term 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 the Vietnam Golden Visa (once implemented) or current visa options like e-visas and DT visas, combined 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. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Vietnam Travel, monitor Golden Visa updates, use current visa options, and respect local customs for the best experience. Note that Visa on Arrival is no longer available; apply for e-visas via evisa.gov.vn or DT visas via embassies. Safe travels!
Sources:
vietnam-visa.com
travel.state.gov
evisa.gov.vn
vinpearl.com
vietnam.travel
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