Plan your business trip to Vietnam with our guide to visa requirements for international travelers! Learn about business visas, e-visa applications, extensions, cultural site visits, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and top providers for a seamless experience with Vietnam Travel. Start your journey today!
Phu Bai Airport in Hue City (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: The Visa on Arrival (VOA) program was discontinued in 2022. Business travelers can apply for an e-visa online via evisa.gov.vn or obtain a business visa through a Vietnamese embassy or sponsor. This guide details visa requirements for business purposes, application processes, and travel tips for a seamless journey.
Vietnam, a dynamic Southeast Asian destination, is renowned for its business opportunities, from tech hubs in Ho Chi Minh City to manufacturing in Hanoi, alongside cultural landmarks like the Temple of Literature and vibrant markets vinpearl.com. Understanding visa requirements for business travelers ensures smooth entry for meetings, conferences, or networking, whether joining guided Vietnam Tours or traveling independently. Business travelers can use e-visas or embassy visas for stays up to 90 days, with extensions available for longer projects vietnam-visa.com. This guide provides practical visa insights, cultural tips, 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), 16 land borders, and 13 seaports. This guide blends visa requirements for business, application processes, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a worry-free adventure.
Business travelers require e-visas ($25–$50 or 625,000–1,250,000 VND) or embassy visas ($25–$100), with invitation letters from Vietnamese partners for business visas. 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:
Purpose: Short-term business meetings or networking under visa exemption policies.
Eligibility: Citizens of 25 countries, including ASEAN nations (e.g., Cambodia, Thailand), UK, Japan, and others, can use exemptions for business vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 45 days (e.g., UK, Japan), 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 business purpose (e.g., invitation letter) recommended but not mandatory; proof of onward travel vietnam.travel.
Extension: Non-extendable; requires exit and re-entry with a new exemption or e-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), and 13 seaports (e.g., Nha Trang, Da Nang) vietnam.travel.
E-Visa for Business (For Longer or Non-Exempt Stays):
Purpose: Business meetings, conferences, or networking 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.
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), and 13 seaports evisa.gov.vn.
Business Visa (DL Type) (For Sponsored Business Activities):
Purpose: Business meetings, conferences, or investment activities requiring sponsorship.
Eligibility: Available to all nationalities with a Vietnamese sponsor (e.g., business partner or company) vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: 1–3 months (single or multiple entry); extendable vietnam-visa.com.
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), invitation letter from Vietnamese sponsor, and fees; apply at a Vietnamese embassy or through sponsor travel.state.gov.
Extension: Extendable for 1–3 months with sponsor; fees vary ($25–$155 or 625,000–3,875,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Phu Quoc Visa Exemption:
Purpose: Tourism or business on Phu Quoc Island.
Eligibility: All nationalities arriving directly by air or sea to Phu Quoc and not traveling to mainland Vietnam vietnam.travel.
Duration: Up to 30 days vietnam.travel.
Cost: No cost vietnam.travel.
Requirements: Passport valid for 6 months with two blank pages; proof of onward travel (e.g., return flight ticket from Phu Quoc to a country outside Vietnam) required vietnam.travel.
Extension: Non-extendable; requires e-visa for mainland travel vietnam-visa.com.
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.
Requirements: Proof of Vietnamese origin or family ties (e.g., birth certificate, marriage certificate); application at a Vietnamese embassy or immigration office vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Extendable for additional 180-day periods; fees apply ($10 or 250,000 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. Business travelers must use e-visas or embassy visas 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.
Business Visa Invitation Letter: Required for embassy business visas from a Vietnamese sponsor; include business purpose and itinerary vietnam-visa.com.
Residence Registration: Mandatory within 24 hours, typically handled by hotels or business sponsors travel.state.gov.
Cultural etiquette ensures a smooth experience during Vietnam Tours, complementing visa preparation for business travelers. Here’s your guide, based on current norms:
Greetings: Offer a “xin chào” (hello) with a slight nod; use both hands for exchanging business cards to show respect, especially in meetings or at temples like Temple of Literature culturetrip.com.
Dress: Wear modest, professional clothing (business attire for meetings); cover shoulders and knees for temple visits (e.g., Hanoi’s Temple of Literature); carry a lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND) vinpearl.com.
Behaviour: Maintain a calm demeanor in business meetings; avoid loud behavior or direct confrontation (use indirect communication); ask permission before photographing locals or rituals; carry passport or e-visa securely to verify status. Avoid public criticism of the Vietnamese government (penalties apply). A guest shared: “Respecting Vietnamese customs eased our business visa 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 or Hoi An’s ancient town culturetrip.com.
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 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 Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi culturetrip.com.
Respect: Follow meeting etiquette (arrive on time, exchange business cards with both hands); respect local vendors with fair purchases in markets.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for business districts like Hanoi’s Old Quarter; carry a printed e-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 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 or Ho Chi Minh City’s business districts independently; suitable for business travelers with valid e-visas or exemptions; low difficulty vietnam.travel.
Visa Tips: Use e-visas ($25–$50) or business visas ($25–$100); carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; register temporary residence at hotels evisa.gov.vn.
Schedule: Daily; Temple of Literature open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND); markets open 6:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Cost: Entry: free (markets); 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 or Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use bicycles or walk to reduce emissions; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Tip: Confirm e-visa or business visa eligibility; check evisa.gov.vn; a guest noted: “Self-guided exploration was smooth 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 business visa; carry a printed e-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 for multi-city travel; carry a printed e-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 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 for multi-city travel; carry a printed e-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 noted: “The multi-day tour was a visa-smart cultural journey.”
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for business travelers with e-visas or exemptions.
Group Cultural Tours: Affordable and guided, perfect for visa-compliant cultural insights during business trips.
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: Blend cultural visits with eco-friendly activities for a comprehensive business leisure experience.
Multi-Day Cultural and Adventure Tours: Offer in-depth exploration with visa-smart itineraries for extended business stays.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group and multi-day tours use fuel-efficient transport, supporting Vietnam’s green tourism goals.
Key visa-prepared travel opportunities include:
Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year): Typically late January to February, festive but many businesses close; warm and dry (18–28°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Hung Kings Festival: Typically March to April, honoring founders; ideal for business networking; warm and dry (24–32°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Mid-Autumn Festival: Typically September, festive with business events; warm and wet (24–31°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Business Conferences: 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 indoor business activities; expect rain. Morning meetings (7:00 AM–11:00 AM) avoid heat or rain. Verify forecasts via weather.com.
Verify Visa Needs: Business travelers can use e-visas ($25–$50) or embassy business visas ($25–$100) with invitation letters; exemptions available for short stays in eligible countries vietnam-visa.com.
Invitation Letter: Obtain from Vietnamese sponsor for embassy business visas; include business purpose, itinerary, and sponsor details vietnam-visa.com.
Documentation: Ensure passport validity (6+ months); carry invitation letter, printed e-visa, 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 letters and e-visas to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles or motorbike taxis for sustainable travel.
Tip: Apply for e-visas 7–14 days 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., Phnom Penh: +855 23 726 274, Bangkok: +66 2 251 5836).
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), printed e-visa or business visa ($25–$100 or 625,000–2,500,000 VND), invitation letter (for business visas), passport photocopy, proof of onward travel (e.g., return flight ticket), wallet ($2 or 50,000 VND), tour bookings.
Clothing: Business attire for meetings; 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
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 Visa Costs: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND), depending on visa type and processing time travel.state.gov.
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); 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).
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 exemptions to save on visa costs.
Visa Tips: Apply for business visas at Vietnamese embassies with sponsor letters; use e-visas for short business stays; 5-year exemptions for Vietnamese-origin travelers; double-check details to match passport vietnam-visa.com.
Business Experiences Tips: Network at events in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City; use business visas for meetings; extend with sponsor support; carry business cards for exchanges culturetrip.com.
Etiquette: Use “xin chào”; dress formally for meetings; respect hierarchy; 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 districts accessible anytime; cultural sites open 8:00 AM–5:00 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 or nightlife areas; carry emergency numbers (Police: 113, Medical: 115, nearest embassy).
Do I need a business visa for Vietnam? Yes for business activities exceeding visa exemptions; apply at embassies with sponsor letters vietnam-visa.com.
How do I apply for a Vietnam business visa? Gather sponsor letter, business registration, application form, photos, and fees; apply at Vietnamese embassies travel.state.gov.
How much does a Vietnam business visa cost? $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND); extensions $10–$155 (250,000–3,875,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Can business visas be extended? Yes for 1–3 months 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? No, discontinued in 2022; use e-visas or embassy visas vietnam-visa.com.
Enhance your business visa experiences in Vietnam with eco-conscious tours from Legend Travel Group:
Vietnam Business Eco-Tour ($40–$80/person, 1 day): Guided networking and cultural visit with sustainable practices.
Vietnam Business Heritage Trail ($100–$200/person, 2 days): Combine business meetings with low-emission cultural tours.
Vietnam Explorer ($200–$350/person, 3 days): Multi-site adventure with eco-lodges and community-focused activities. Prices include guides, transport, and fees; group discounts available. Explore options at legendtravelgroup.com or contact sales@legendtravelgroup.com / WhatsApp (+84825862222) for your Vietnam Travel plans.
Mastering Vietnam Visa for Business Experiences with cultural etiquette—formal attire, polite greetings like “xin chào,” and visa-smart planning—unlocks a dynamic, professional 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, apply for business visas early with sponsor support, 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
travel.state.gov
evisa.gov.vn
vinpearl.com
vietnam.travel
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