Plan your entrepreneurial adventure in Vietnam with our guide to visa requirements for business travelers! Learn about business visas, e-visa applications, costs, cultural site visits, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and top providers for a seamless experience with Vietnam Travel. Start your journey today!
Seize the cultural essence of Vietnam’s artistry (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. Entrepreneurs can apply for an e-visa online via evisa.gov.vn or obtain a business visa through a Vietnamese embassy or with a sponsor. This guide details visa requirements for entrepreneurs, application processes, and travel tips for a seamless journey into Vietnam.
Vietnam, a dynamic Southeast Asian destination, is renowned for its business opportunities, from tech startups in Ho Chi Minh City to eco-tourism ventures in Ha Long Bay and cultural enterprises in Hanoi’s Old Quarter vinpearl.com. Understanding Vietnam’s visa requirements for entrepreneurs ensures smooth entry for business meetings, investments, or startup explorations, whether joining guided Vietnam Tours or traveling independently. Entrepreneurs benefit from business visas for longer stays, while e-visas or exemptions are available for short business trips vietnam-visa.com. This guide provides practical visa insights, cultural tips, and eco-friendly Vietnam Travel options for entrepreneurial 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 entrepreneurs, application processes, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a worry-free adventure.
Entrepreneurs from visa-exempt countries can enter for up to 14–45 days without a visa, while e-visas cost $25–$50 (625,000–1,250,000 VND) for up to 90 days, and business visas cost $25–$100 with sponsorship. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages. Business site visits like Hanoi’s Old Quarter are free, while 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.
Standard Visa Exemption (For Short Business Trips):
Purpose: Business meetings or short-term entrepreneurship activities.
Eligibility: Citizens of 25 countries, including ASEAN nations (e.g., Cambodia, Thailand), UK, Japan, South Korea, Germany, France, and others vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 45 days (e.g., UK, Germany, Japan), 30 days (e.g., ASEAN countries), or 14 days (e.g., Brunei, Myanmar) vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: No cost vietnam-visa.com.
Requirements: Passport valid for at least 6 months from entry date with two blank pages; proof of onward travel (e.g., return bus or flight ticket) recommended but not mandatory; letter of invitation from a Vietnamese business partner if required for verification vietnam.travel.
Extension: Non-extendable; requires exit to a neighboring country 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, Mong Cai), and 13 seaports (e.g., Nha Trang, Da Nang) vietnam.travel.
E-Visa (For Short to Medium Business Trips):
Purpose: Business meetings, conferences, or short-term entrepreneurship for stays exceeding exemption periods.
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, 16 land borders (e.g., Moc Bai, Lao Cai, Mong Cai), and 13 seaports evisa.gov.vn.
Business Visa (For Extended Entrepreneurship):
Purpose: Investment, startup setup, or business activities requiring longer stays.
Eligibility: Available to all nationalities with a Vietnamese sponsor (e.g., business partner or company) travel.state.gov.
Duration: Up to 12 months (multiple entry) vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND), depending on duration and processing time travel.state.gov.
Requirements: Sponsor’s invitation letter, business registration proof, passport, application form, two passport photos (4x6 cm); apply at a Vietnamese embassy or immigration office vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Extendable for 3–12 months with sponsor support; fees vary ($10–$155 or 250,000–3,875,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Phu Quoc Visa Exemption (For Island-Based Business):
Purpose: Business or investment 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 or business visa for mainland travel vietnam-visa.com.
5-Year Visa Exemption Certificate:
Purpose: Business or investment for overseas Vietnamese and their families.
Eligibility: Entrepreneurs 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.
Embassy/Consulate Visa (For Complex Business Needs):
Purpose: Investment, startup registration, or long-term business requiring traditional applications.
Eligibility: Available to all nationalities travel.state.gov.
Duration: Typically 3–12 months (multiple entry); longer for investment visas travel.state.gov.
Cost: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND), depending on visa type and processing time travel.state.gov.
Requirements: Sponsor’s invitation letter, business plan or investment proof, passport, application form, two passport photos (4x6 cm); apply in person or by mail at a Vietnamese embassy vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Extendable for 3–12 months with sponsor support; fees vary ($10–$155 or 250,000–3,875,000 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 business 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. Entrepreneurs must use e-visas, business visas, or exemptions 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 Sponsorship: Requires invitation letter from a Vietnamese business partner or company registration proof; include business plan for investment visas vietnam-visa.com.
Residence Registration: Mandatory within 24 hours, typically handled by hotels or sponsors; carry proof of registration travel.state.gov.
Cultural etiquette ensures a smooth experience during Vietnam Tours, complementing visa preparation for entrepreneurs. 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 modest business attire (suits or smart casual) for meetings; a lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND) for temple visits aligns with local norms vinpearl.com.
Behaviour: Maintain a calm demeanor in business discussions; avoid loud behavior at cultural sites; 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; complete residence registration within 24 hours (handled by hotels or sponsors) travel.state.gov.
Tip: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you) to partners 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 entrepreneurs 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 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 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 sustainable travel vietnam.travel.
Below is a curated list of tour options to enhance your visa-prepared 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, Ho Chi Minh City’s business districts, or Ha Long Bay independently; suitable for entrepreneurs with valid business visas or e-visas; low to moderate difficulty vietnam.travel.
Visa Tips: Use business visas for extended stays; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; register temporary residence at hotels or sponsors evisa.gov.vn.
Schedule: Daily; Hanoi’s Old Quarter accessible anytime; Ho Chi Minh City business districts open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; Ha Long Bay cruises available daily.
Cost: Entry: free (markets); Hoi An ancient town: $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, Ho Chi Minh City, Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use bicycles or walk to reduce emissions; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Tip: Confirm visa eligibility or apply for business visas early; check evisa.gov.vn; a guest entrepreneur noted: “Self-guided exploration was seamless with a business visa.”
Details: 1-day group tour visiting Ho Chi Minh City’s business districts and cultural sites like the War Remnants Museum; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Ho Chi Minh City hotels, lunch, and entry fees; low difficulty.
Visa Tips: Ensure valid business visa or e-visa; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; guides assist with residence registration travel.state.gov.
Schedule: Daily; departs 8:00 AM from Ho Chi Minh City 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 Ho Chi Minh City.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group transport with fuel-efficient vehicles minimizes impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via legendtravelgroup.com; a guest entrepreneur noted: “Legend’s tour ensured visa compliance and business insights.”
Details: 1-day guided tour visiting Hanoi’s Old Quarter for cultural immersion and business networking; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Hanoi, lunch, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use a multiple-entry e-visa or business visa for multi-city travel; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; confirm eligibility vietnam-visa.com.
Schedule: Daily; departs 7:30 AM from Hanoi hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $30–$50/person (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes entry).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Hanoi.
Eco-Friendly Note: Small groups and walking reduce environmental impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via localvietnam.com; a guest entrepreneur noted: “The combo tour was visa-ready and enriching.”
Details: 2–3 day tour combining Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Ha Long Bay for business networking and cultural sites; includes English-speaking guide, transport, accommodation, meals, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use a multiple-entry business 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 entrepreneur noted: “The multi-day tour was a visa-smart business journey.”
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for entrepreneurs with business visas or e-visas.
Group Business Tours: Affordable and guided, perfect for visa-compliant business insights.
Combo Cultural and Business Tours: Blend cultural visits with networking for a comprehensive experience.
Multi-Day Cultural and Business Tours: Offer in-depth exploration with visa-smart itineraries.
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 with business closures but cultural immersion; 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.
Business Opportunities: Dry season (January–August) for comfortable weather; February for optimal networking 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 travelers and indoor activities. Morning visits (6:00 AM–10:00 AM) avoid heat or rain. Verify forecasts via weather.com.
Verify Visa Needs: Check eligibility for visa exemptions or apply for e-visas at evisa.gov.vn; use business visas for extended investment activities with a sponsor vietnam-visa.com.
Documentation: Ensure passport validity (6+ months); carry a digital or printed e-visa copy or passport photocopy; keep a photocopy of passport bio page separately; provide sponsor’s invitation letter for business visas 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 e-visa copies to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles or motorbike taxis for sustainable travel.
Tip: Apply for business visas or e-visas 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., Bangkok: +66 2 251 5836, Beijing: +86 10 6532 1155).
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), printed e-visa ($25–$50 or 625,000–1,250,000 VND if required), passport photocopy, sponsor’s invitation letter (for business visas), 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
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 duration 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.
Embassy Visa Costs: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND), depending on visa type and processing time 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 (if applicable), and transport; $0.20–$10 for purchases or add-ons; use visa exemptions to save on costs.
Visa Tips: Use business visas for investment activities with a sponsor; apply for e-visas at evisa.gov.vn for short trips; use the Phu Quoc 30-day exemption for island-based business; double-check details to match passport 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 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 entrepreneurs need a visa for Vietnam? Citizens of exempt countries (e.g., ASEAN, UK, Japan) are exempt for 14–45 days; others require e-visas or business visas vietnam-visa.com.
How do entrepreneurs apply for a Vietnam business visa? Apply at a Vietnamese embassy with a sponsor’s invitation letter and business proof; e-visas for short business trips via evisa.gov.vn travel.state.gov.
How much does a Vietnam business visa cost? E-visa: $25 (single entry) or $50 (multiple entry); embassy business visa: $25–$100; exemptions: no cost vietnam-visa.com.
Can business visas be extended? Yes, for 3–12 months with sponsor support; fees $10–$155 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 entrepreneurs? No, discontinued in 2022; use e-visas or embassy visas vietnam-visa.com.
Enhance your visa-prepared Vietnam journey with eco-conscious tours from Legend Travel Group:
Vietnam Business Eco-Tour ($25–$40/person, 1 day): Guided business and cultural tour with sustainable practices.
Vietnam Business and Adventure Trail ($80–$150/person, 2 days): Explore business districts 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 for Entrepreneurs with cultural etiquette—modest attire, polite greetings like “xin chào,” and visa-smart planning—unlocks a dynamic, eco-friendly journey through this Southeast Asian business hub. With tour costs from $15–$200, sustainable Vietnam Tours, and attractions like Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Ho Chi Minh City’s districts, this trip offers opportunity and sustainability for entrepreneurs. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Vietnam Travel, leverage business visas or e-visas early via evisa.gov.vn, 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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