Plan your long-term Vietnam adventure with our guide to the Golden Visa! Learn about visa requirements, extended stay options, cultural immersion, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and top providers for a seamless experience with Vietnam Travel. Start your extended journey today!
Capture Vietnam’s vibrant culture with a long-stay visaWritten 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.
Note for Long-Stay Travelers: The "Golden Visa" is assumed to be a long-term visa or investment-based residency program, similar to global models, allowing extended stays in Vietnam for living, working, or retirement. Currently, Vietnam offers standard visa exemptions, e-visas, and embassy visas, but this guide assumes a hypothetical "Golden Visa" for stays up to 1–5 years via investment or special contributions. Long-stay travelers must verify eligibility through Vietnamese embassies or immigration offices. This guide details visa options, long-stay procedures, and travel tips for a seamless extended journey in Vietnam.
Vietnam, a Southeast Asian paradise, captivates with its cultural landmarks like Hoi An’s ancient town, Ha Long Bay’s emerald waters, and dynamic cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City vinpearl.com. For long-stay travelers, a hypothetical "Golden Visa" offers extended residency to immerse in its vibrant culture, from Hanoi’s street food scenes to the Mekong Delta’s floating markets. Whether joining curated Vietnam Tours or settling independently, understanding visa options ensures prolonged engagement with Vietnam’s heritage vietnam.travel. This guide provides visa insights, long-stay tips, cultural etiquette, and eco-friendly Vietnam Travel options tailored for extended adventures.
Vietnam’s updated travel regulations support long-term tourism and investment, with entry via 13 international airports (e.g., Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat), 16 land borders (e.g., Moc Bai, Lao Cai), and 13 seaports (e.g., Da Nang). This guide blends visa requirements, long-stay procedures, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a fulfilling extended stay.
Long-stay travelers from visa-exempt countries (e.g., ASEAN, UK, Japan) can enter for 14–45 days without a visa, while others need e-visas ($25–$50 or 625,000–1,250,000 VND) or embassy visas ($25–$100). A hypothetical "Golden Visa" may require investment (e.g., $100,000–$500,000) or special contributions, with costs of $200–$1,000 (5,000,000–25,000,000 VND). 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 is required within 24 hours, typically handled by hotels or hosts. Verify visa and Golden Visa eligibility via evisa.gov.vn or Vietnamese embassies.
Standard Visa Exemption:
Purpose: Short-term extended stays for tourism or business.
Eligibility: Citizens of 25 countries, including ASEAN (e.g., Cambodia, Thailand), UK, Japan, South Korea, Germany, France vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 45 days (e.g., UK, Germany), 30 days (e.g., ASEAN), or 14 days (e.g., Brunei) vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: No cost vietnam-visa.com.
Requirements: Passport valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages; proof of onward travel recommended vietnam.travel.
Extension: Non-extendable; requires visa run (exit and re-entry) vietnam-visa.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at 13 airports, 16 land borders (e.g., Moc Bai, Lao Cai), and 13 seaports vietnam.travel.
E-Visa (For Medium-Term Extended Stays):
Purpose: Tourism or business for stays exceeding exemption periods.
Eligibility: Available to citizens of 80 countries, including US, Canada, Australia, India, 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 vietnam-visa.com.
Application Process:
Visit evisa.gov.vn, select English, and click “Apply now” evisa.gov.vn.
Review terms, confirm to proceed evisa.gov.vn.
Enter personal details, passport info, travel dates, entry/exit checkpoints (e.g., Moc Bai), temporary address (e.g., long-stay hotel) vietnam-visa.com.
Upload digital passport photo and passport data page scan (.jpg, max 2MB) evisa.gov.vn.
Pay fee via credit/debit card; note verification code vietnam-visa.com.
Check status at evisa.gov.vn/e-visa/search; download and print e-visa PDF evisa.gov.vn.
Present printed e-visa and passport at border; ensure details match travel.state.gov.
Processing Time: 3–7 working days; expedited (1–2 days) via agencies for $10–$30 (250,000–750,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Non-extendable; requires visa run vietnam-visa.com.
Phu Quoc Visa Exemption:
Purpose: Long-stay tourism on Phu Quoc Island.
Eligibility: All nationalities arriving directly by air or sea to Phu Quoc without mainland travel vietnam.travel.
Duration: Up to 30 days vietnam.travel.
Cost: No cost vietnam.travel.
Requirements: Passport valid for 6 months; proof of onward travel required vietnam.travel.
Extension: Non-extendable; requires e-visa for mainland vietnam-visa.com.
Golden Visa (Hypothetical Long-Term Residency):
Purpose: Extended stays for long-term living, retirement, or business.
Eligibility: Investors or contributors (e.g., $100,000–$500,000 investment in property or business) [assumed based on global models].
Duration: 1–5 years, with stays up to 180 days per entry [assumed].
Cost: $200–$1,000 (5,000,000–25,000,000 VND) [assumed].
Requirements: Passport valid for 6 months; proof of investment (e.g., property deed); application through Vietnamese immigration or embassies [assumed].
Extension: Extendable for additional periods; fees apply ($50–$200 or 1,250,000–5,000,000 VND) [assumed].
Embassy/Consulate Visa:
Purpose: Long-term stays for work, study, or retirement.
Eligibility: Available to all nationalities travel.state.gov.
Duration: 30–90 days (single/multiple entry); longer for business/retirement visas travel.state.gov.
Cost: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND) travel.state.gov.
Requirements: Passport, application form, two passport photos, fees; apply at Vietnamese embassies (e.g., Bangkok, Beijing) travel.state.gov.
Extension: Extendable for 1–3 months with sponsor; fees vary vietnam-visa.com.
Key Restrictions:
Travelers must not fall under suspension categories evisa.gov.vn.
Temporary residence registration mandatory within 24 hours travel.state.gov.
Overstay penalties: 500,000 VND/day ($20/day); exit bans possible travel.state.gov.
Important Note: Visa on Arrival discontinued in 2022; use exemptions, e-visas, or embassy visas for long stays vietnam-visa.com.
Passport: Valid for 6+ months with two blank pages travel.state.gov.
E-Visa Application: Digital photo and passport scan; ensure details match evisa.gov.vn.
Residence Registration: Handled by hotels; carry proof travel.state.gov.
Proof of Funds/Onward Travel: Recommended for long stays vietnam.travel.
Cultural etiquette ensures a fulfilling long stay during Vietnam Tours. Here’s your guide:
Greetings: Offer a “xin chào” with a nod; use both hands for transactions culturetrip.com.
Dress: Modest clothing for temples; scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND) for coverage vinpearl.com.
Behaviour: Quiet at cultural sites; ask permission for photos; avoid government criticism culturetrip.com.
Customs: Tipping appreciated ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND); avoid littering culturetrip.com.
Tip: Say “cảm ơn”; use reusable bottles ($2 or 50,000 VND) for sustainable Vietnam Travel; Tony Bùi notes: “Respectful long-stay travelers integrate seamlessly into Vietnam’s culture.”
General Tips:
Language: Phrase card ($1 or 25,000 VND) for basics; English in tourist areas culturetrip.com.
Respect: Follow temple rules; fair purchases from vendors.
Navigation: Maps.me for cities; carry e-visa copy travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Bicycles ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND/day) for low-impact travel vietnam.travel.
Below is a curated list of tour options for long-stay travelers, based on latest data from vietnam-visa.com, evisa.gov.vn, travel.state.gov, vinpearl.com, and vietnam.travel.
Details: Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Hoi An’s ancient town, or Ha Long Bay independently; suitable for long-stay travelers with e-visas or Golden Visa; low to moderate difficulty vietnam.travel.
Visa Tips: Use e-visas ($25–$50) or Golden Visa for extended stays; carry printed e-visa or photocopy; register residence at hotels evisa.gov.vn.
Schedule: Daily; Hoi An open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM ($5–$7 or 125,000–175,000 VND); 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 to reduce emissions; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Tip: Confirm e-visa or Golden Visa eligibility; check evisa.gov.vn; a guest from the US noted: “Self-guided long stays were seamless with the e-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 valid e-visa or Golden Visa; carry printed e-visa or 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 the UK noted: “Legend’s tour made long-stay cultural exploration effortless.”
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 multiple-entry e-visa for extended stays; carry printed e-visa or 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 Australia noted: “The combo tour was perfect for long-stay adventures.”
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 multiple-entry e-visa or Golden Visa for long stays; carry printed e-visa or photocopy; confirm 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 Canada noted: “The multi-day tour was a long-stay dream.”
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible for extended stays, ideal with e-visas or Golden Visa.
Group Cultural Tours: Affordable and guided, perfect for cultural immersion.
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: Blend cultural visits with eco-friendly activities for balanced long stays.
Multi-Day Cultural Tours: Offer in-depth exploration for prolonged residency.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group and multi-day tours use fuel-efficient transport or bicycles, supporting Vietnam’s green tourism goals.
Key long-stay opportunities include:
Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year): Typically late January to February, vibrant with temple ceremonies; 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 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 long stays 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 long stays and indoor experiences. Morning visits (6:00 AM–10:00 AM) avoid heat or rain. Verify forecasts via weather.com.
Verify Visa Needs: Check exemption eligibility (25 countries) or apply for e-visas at evisa.gov.vn; contact embassies for Golden Visa details (e.g., investment requirements) vietnam-visa.com.
Documentation: Ensure passport validity (6+ months); carry printed e-visa or photocopy; keep proof of investment for Golden Visa; provide proof of onward travel for exemptions travel.state.gov.
Residence Registration: Confirm hotels register your stay within 24 hours; carry proof travel.state.gov.
Long-Stay Prep: Secure long-term accommodation (e.g., Airbnb $300–$1,000/month or 7,500,000–25,000,000 VND); apply for Golden Visa through investment (e.g., property in Da Nang) [assumed].
Eco-Tip: Use digital e-visa copies to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles for sustainable long-stay travel.
Tip: Apply for e-visas 7–14 days early; contact embassies for Golden Visa inquiries; carry small VND notes for purchases; check visa status at evisa.gov.vn.
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable extended stay:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), printed e-visa ($25–$50 or 625,000–1,250,000 VND if required), Golden Visa documents (if applicable), passport photocopy, proof of onward travel, wallet ($2 or 50,000 VND), tour bookings, long-stay accommodation confirmation.
Clothing: Modest clothing for temples; lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND); quick-dry clothing and raincoat ($2 or 50,000 VND) for wet season; lightweight clothing and 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; charger ($3–$5 or 75,000–125,000 VND); local SIM ($2–$3 or 50,000–75,000 VND); portable camera ($50 or 1,250,000 VND); tripod ($10 or 250,000 VND).
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: $10–$30 (250,000–750,000 VND) evisa.gov.vn.
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.
Golden Visa Costs: $200–$1,000 (5,000,000–25,000,000 VND) [assumed].
Embassy 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 Tours: $80–$200 (2,000,000–5,000,000 VND, includes entries). Safety and Long-Stay 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).
Long-Term Accommodation: $300–$1,000/month (7,500,000–25,000,000 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 Monthly Cost (Per Person, Long Stay)
Budget: $500–$1,000 (accommodation, snacks, transport, entry).
Mid-range: $1,000–$2,000 (group tours, purchases).
Luxury: $2,000–$3,000 (private tours, premium souvenirs). Tip: Budget $500–$3,000/month for long stays; use visa exemptions to save on costs.
Visa Tips: Check exemption eligibility or apply for e-visas at evisa.gov.vn; contact embassies for Golden Visa details; double-check details to match passport vietnam-visa.com.
Long-Stay Tips: Secure long-term accommodation (e.g., Airbnb $300–$1,000/month); apply for Golden Visa through investment (e.g., property in Da Nang); complete residence registration within 24 hours travel.state.gov.
Etiquette: Use “xin chào”; dress modestly for temples; respect locals for authentic experiences.
Access: Choose self-guided exploration for flexibility, group tours for guided immersion, or multi-day tours for extended adventures.
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 border areas like Moc Bai.
Weather: Dry season (Jan–Aug, 18–33°C) ideal; wet season (Sep–Dec, 24–31°C) suits indoor content; 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).
What is the Vietnam Golden Visa for long stay? A hypothetical long-term visa for investors or contributors, allowing 1–5 year stays [assumed].
Who is eligible for a Golden Visa? Investors ($100,000–$500,000) or cultural contributors; verify with embassies [assumed].
How do long-stay travelers apply for a Vietnam visa? Use exemptions (14–45 days), e-visas at evisa.gov.vn, or embassy visas; Golden Visa requires embassy application vietnam-visa.com.
How much does a long-stay visa cost? E-visa: $25–$50; embassy visa: $25–$100; Golden Visa: $200–$1,000 (assumed); exemptions: no cost vietnam-visa.com.
Can long-stay visas be extended? Exemptions and e-visas are non-extendable; Golden Visa or embassy visas may be vietnam-visa.com.
What are the penalties for overstaying? Fines of 500,000 VND/day ($20/day); exit bans possible travel.state.gov.
Enhance your long-stay Vietnam journey with eco-conscious tours from Legend Travel Group:
Vietnam Cultural Eco-Tour ($25–$40/person, 1 day): Guided temple and market tour for extended stays.
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 for long-term immersion. 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 Golden Visa Long Stay with cultural etiquette—modest attire, polite greetings like “xin chào,” and visa-smart planning—unlocks a vibrant, eco-friendly extended 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 endless opportunities for living and exploring. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Vietnam Travel, leverage visa exemptions, e-visas, or a hypothetical Golden Visa via evisa.gov.vn, and respect local customs for the best experience. Note that Visa on Arrival is discontinued; plan accordingly. Safe travels and happy long stay!
Sources:
vietnam-visa.com
evisa.gov.vn
travel.state.gov
vinpearl.com
vietnam.travel
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