Plan your long-term Vietnam adventure with our guide to 1-year visa options! Learn about visa types, application processes, cultural etiquette, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and top providers for a seamless experience with Vietnam Travel. Start your journey today!
Capture the authentic charm of Vietnam’s cultural sceneWritten 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. For stays up to 1 year, international travelers must apply for embassy or consulate visas (e.g., business, work, or investor visas) through a Vietnamese embassy or obtain a 5-year visa exemption certificate (if eligible). E-visas (up to 90 days) or short-term exemptions (14–45 days) are not suitable for 1-year stays. This guide details 1-year visa options, application processes, and travel tips for a seamless long-term journey in Vietnam.
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 bustling cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City vinpearl.com. Understanding 1-year visa requirements allows international travelers to stay longer for work, business, or cultural immersion, whether joining guided Vietnam Tours or living independently. Options like business visas, work visas, or the 5-year visa exemption certificate cater to long-term stays, with entry through Vietnam’s 13 international airports, 16 land borders, or 13 seaports vietnam.travel. This guide provides practical visa insights, cultural etiquette, and eco-friendly Vietnam Travel options for travelers seeking a year-long adventure.
Following Vietnam’s updated travel regulations, long-term visa holders benefit from streamlined processes and access to cultural hubs. This guide blends 1-year visa requirements, application procedures, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a worry-free extended stay.
For a 1-year stay, travelers typically require a business visa ($50–$155), work visa ($50–$155), or 5-year visa exemption certificate ($10–$50, for those of Vietnamese origin). Passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the visa’s expiry 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 mandatory within 24 hours, typically handled by hotels or sponsors. Verify visa requirements via vietnam-visa.com or travel.state.gov.
Business Visa (DN Visa):
Purpose: Business activities, investment, or work-related stays.
Eligibility: Available to all nationalities with a sponsoring company or organization in Vietnam vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 1 year (single or multiple entry) vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: $50–$155 (1,250,000–3,875,000 VND), depending on processing time and entry type vietnam-visa.com.
Application Process:
Secure a sponsoring company or organization in Vietnam (e.g., employer, business partner) to issue an invitation letter or approval document vietnam-visa.com.
Contact a Vietnamese embassy or consulate (e.g., Bangkok, Beijing, or Phnom Penh) to obtain an application form travel.state.gov.
Submit the application form, passport (valid 6+ months), two passport photos (4x6 cm, white background, no glasses), invitation letter, and fees ($50–$155) in person or by mail travel.state.gov.
Receive the visa within 5–10 working days; expedited processing (2–3 days) may incur extra fees ($10–$30 or 250,000–750,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Present the visa and passport at entry points (e.g., Noi Bai Airport, Moc Bai border); ensure details match exactly to avoid issues travel.state.gov.
Extension: Extendable for another year with sponsor approval; fees apply ($50–$155 or 1,250,000–3,875,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at 13 airports (e.g., Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat), 16 land borders (e.g., Moc Bai, Lao Cai), and 13 seaports (e.g., Nha Trang, Da Nang) vietnam.travel.
Work Visa (LD Visa):
Purpose: Employment in Vietnam.
Eligibility: Available to all nationalities with a work permit and sponsoring employer vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 1 year (single or multiple entry) vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: $50–$155 (1,250,000–3,875,000 VND), plus work permit fees ($20–$50 or 500,000–1,250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Application Process:
Obtain a work permit from Vietnam’s Ministry of Labor, requiring a job offer, degree certificates, and criminal record check vietnam-visa.com.
Submit the work permit, application form, passport (valid 6+ months), two passport photos (4x6 cm), and fees ($50–$155) to a Vietnamese embassy travel.state.gov.
Receive the visa within 5–10 working days; expedited processing available ($10–$30 or 250,000–750,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Present the visa and passport at entry points; ensure details match travel.state.gov.
Extension: Extendable for another year with renewed work permit; fees apply ($50–$155 or 1,250,000–3,875,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at 13 airports, 16 land borders, and 13 seaports vietnam.travel.
5-Year Visa Exemption Certificate:
Purpose: Tourism, family visits, or business for overseas Vietnamese and their families.
Eligibility: Travelers of Vietnamese origin, their spouses, or children vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 180 days per visit, valid for 5 years or 6 months before passport expiration vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: Application fees vary ($10–$50 or 250,000–1,250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Application Process:
Provide proof of Vietnamese origin or family ties (e.g., birth certificate, marriage certificate) vietnam-visa.com.
Submit application form, passport (valid 6+ months), two passport photos (4x6 cm), and fees at a Vietnamese embassy or immigration office travel.state.gov.
Receive the certificate within 5–10 working days; expedited processing available ($10–$30 or 250,000–750,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Present the certificate and passport at entry points; requires exit and re-entry every 180 days travel.state.gov.
Extension: Extendable for additional 180-day periods; fees apply ($10 or 250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at 13 airports, 16 land borders, and 13 seaports vietnam.travel.
Investor Visa (DT Visa):
Purpose: Investment or business establishment in Vietnam.
Eligibility: Investors with approved projects or businesses in Vietnam vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 1 year (extendable up to 5 years for large investments) vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: $50–$155 (1,250,000–3,875,000 VND), depending on investment size vietnam-visa.com.
Application Process:
Secure investment approval from Vietnam’s authorities (e.g., Department of Planning and Investment) vietnam-visa.com.
Submit application form, passport (valid 6+ months), two passport photos (4x6 cm), investment documents, and fees at a Vietnamese embassy travel.state.gov.
Receive the visa within 5–10 working days; expedited processing available ($10–$30 or 250,000–750,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Present the visa and passport at entry points travel.state.gov.
Extension: Extendable for another year with investment verification; fees apply ($50–$155 or 1,250,000–3,875,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at 13 airports, 16 land borders, and 13 seaports vietnam.travel.
Key Restrictions:
Travelers must not fall under suspension categories (e.g., security risks) as per Vietnam’s immigration laws travel.state.gov.
Temporary residence registration is mandatory within 24 hours, typically handled by hotels, employers, or sponsors travel.state.gov.
Overstay penalties: 500,000 VND/day ($20/day); potential exit bans or deportation travel.state.gov.
Important Note: E-visas (up to 90 days) and short-term exemptions (14–45 days) are not suitable for 1-year stays; use business, work, investor, or 5-year exemption certificates vietnam-visa.com.
Passport: Valid for at least 6 months beyond visa expiry with two blank pages travel.state.gov.
Sponsorship: Business, work, or investor visas require a sponsoring entity (e.g., company, employer); 5-year exemption requires proof of Vietnamese origin or family ties vietnam-visa.com.
Residence Registration: Mandatory within 24 hours, handled by hotels, employers, or sponsors; carry proof of registration travel.state.gov.
Documents: Include invitation letter (business visa), work permit (work visa), investment approval (investor visa), or proof of Vietnamese origin (5-year exemption) vietnam-visa.com.
Cultural etiquette ensures a smooth long-term stay during Vietnam Tours, complementing 1-year visa preparation. 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 temples or markets 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 calm demeanor at cultural sites; ask permission before photographing locals or rituals; carry passport or visa documents securely for checks. Avoid public criticism of the Vietnamese government (penalties apply). A guest shared: “Respecting Vietnamese customs made our year-long stay 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; complete residence registration with local police travel.state.gov.
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 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 cities 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 Hoi An; carry a printed visa or passport 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 1-year stay, 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, Hoi An’s ancient town, or Ha Long Bay independently with a 1-year visa; suitable for long-term travelers; low to moderate difficulty vietnam.travel.
Visa Tips: Use a business, work, investor, or 5-year exemption visa; carry a printed visa or passport photocopy; register temporary residence with sponsors or hotels travel.state.gov.
Schedule: Daily; Hoi An ancient town 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 or walk to reduce emissions; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Tip: Confirm visa eligibility; apply early at a Vietnamese embassy; check vietnam-visa.com; a guest from the US noted: “Self-guided exploration was seamless with a business 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 1-year visa; 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; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Hoi An, lunch, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use a multiple-entry 1-year visa 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 Japan 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 1-year 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 (+84 825862222); a guest from Germany noted: “The multi-day tour was a visa-smart cultural journey.”
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for long-term travelers with 1-year visas.
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 for long-term stays include:
Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year): Typically late January to February, vibrant with temple ceremonies and family traditions; 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 cultural exploration and outdoor activities. Hot period (April–August, 24–33°C) suits early morning outings. Wet season (September–December, 24–31°C) is best for indoor experiences or budget travel. Morning visits (6:00 AM–10:00 AM) avoid heat or rain. Verify forecasts via weather.com.
Verify Visa Needs: Apply for business, work, investor, or 5-year exemption visas at a Vietnamese embassy (e.g., Bangkok: +66 2 251 5836, Beijing: +86 10 6532 1155); e-visas (90 days) are not suitable for 1-year stays vietnam-visa.com.
Documentation: Ensure passport validity (6+ months beyond visa expiry); carry a printed visa or passport photocopy; provide invitation letter, work permit, or proof of Vietnamese origin; keep a photocopy of passport bio page separately travel.state.gov.
Residence Registration: Confirm hotels, employers, or sponsors register your stay with local police within 24 hours; 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 1-year visas 2–4 weeks early; secure a sponsor for business or work visas; carry small VND notes for local purchases; contact embassies for assistance (e.g., Hanoi: +84 24 3825 0736 for Cambodian citizens).
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable long-term stay:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months beyond visa expiry), printed 1-year visa ($50–$155 or 1,250,000–3,875,000 VND) or 5-year exemption certificate ($10–$50), passport photocopy, invitation letter or work permit (if applicable), wallet ($2 or 50,000 VND), tour bookings.
Clothing: 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
Business/Work/Investor Visa Costs: $50–$155 (1,250,000–3,875,000 VND); work permit: $20–$50 (500,000–1,250,000 VND); expedited processing: $10–$30 (250,000–750,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
5-Year Exemption Costs: $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/day for tours and transport, $0.20–$10 for purchases; factor in visa costs ($10–$155) for the year; use 5-year exemptions to save on frequent visa applications.
Visa Tips: Apply for business, work, investor, or 5-year exemption visas at a Vietnamese embassy; secure a sponsor for business/work/investor visas; 5-year exemption requires proof of Vietnamese origin; e-visas are not suitable for 1-year stays vietnam-visa.com.
Etiquette: Use “xin chào”; dress modestly for temples; 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 cities like Hanoi or Hoi An.
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).
Who is eligible for a 1-year visa in Vietnam? All nationalities with a sponsoring company (business/work/investor visas) or those of Vietnamese origin (5-year exemption) vietnam-visa.com.
How much does a 1-year Vietnam visa cost? Business/work/investor visas: $50–$155 (1,250,000–3,875,000 VND); 5-year exemption: $10–$50 (250,000–1,250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Can a 1-year visa be extended? Business/work/investor visas are extendable with sponsor approval; 5-year exemption allows 180-day stays with re-entry 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.
Are e-visas available for 1-year stays? No, e-visas are limited to 90 days; use business, work, investor, or 5-year exemption visas vietnam-visa.com.
Is Visa on Arrival available for 1-year stays? No, discontinued in 2022; apply at embassies for long-term visas vietnam-visa.com.
Enhance your 1-year 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 Vietnam Visa 1 Year with cultural etiquette—modest attire, polite greetings like “xin chào,” and visa-smart planning—unlocks a vibrant, eco-friendly long-term 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 for long-term travelers. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Vietnam Travel, apply for business, work, investor, or 5-year exemption visas early via a Vietnamese embassy, 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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