Plan your business trip to Vietnam with our guide to visa policies! Learn about requirements, applications, costs, cultural site visits, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and top providers for a seamless experience with Vietnam Travel. Start your journey today!
Photograph the festive spirit of Vietnam’s culture (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, obtain a visa through a Vietnamese embassy, or use visa exemptions if eligible. This guide details visa policies for business purposes, application processes, and travel tips for a seamless journey.
Vietnam, a dynamic Southeast Asian economy, is renowned for its business opportunities in sectors like manufacturing, technology, and tourism, with key hubs like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang vinpearl.com. Understanding Vietnam’s visa policy for business ensures smooth entry for meetings, conferences, or investments, whether joining guided Vietnam Tours or traveling independently. Business travelers benefit from e-visas or embassy visas tailored for commercial purposes, allowing stays up to 90 days with multiple entries 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., Tan Son Nhat, Noi Bai), 16 land borders, and 13 seaports. This guide blends visa policy for business, application processes, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a worry-free adventure.
Business travelers require an e-visa ($25–$50 or 625,000–1,250,000 VND) or embassy visa ($25–$100), with passports valid for at least 6 months and two blank pages. Cultural site entries like Hanoi’s 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. Verify visa requirements via evisa.gov.vn or travel.state.gov.
Business Visa Exemption:
Purpose: Short-term business activities like meetings or conferences under visa exemption if eligible.
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 business purpose (e.g., invitation letter) recommended but not mandatory; proof of onward travel (e.g., return flight ticket) 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., Tan Son Nhat, Noi Bai, 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 Business:
Purpose: Business activities 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, purpose as business), and temporary address in Vietnam (e.g., hotel 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., Tan Son Nhat, Noi Bai, Da Nang), 16 land borders (e.g., Moc Bai, Lao Cai, Mong Cai), and 13 seaports evisa.gov.vn.
Phu Quoc Visa Exemption:
Purpose: Tourism on Phu Quoc Island (not applicable for business).
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.
Embassy/Consulate Visa for Business:
Purpose: Business activities like meetings, conferences, or investments for those preferring traditional applications or needing longer stays.
Eligibility: Available to all nationalities travel.state.gov.
Duration: Typically 3–6 months (single or multiple entry); longer for specific business visas travel.state.gov.
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 a Vietnamese business partner, and fees; apply in person or by mail at a Vietnamese embassy (e.g., in Phnom Penh, Bangkok, or Beijing) travel.state.gov.
Extension: Extendable for 1–3 months with a sponsor; 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 hosts 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; visa exemptions do not apply to long-term business activities vietnam-visa.com.
Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from entry date with two blank pages travel.state.gov.
Invitation Letter: Required for embassy business visas; obtained from a Vietnamese business partner or sponsor vietnam-visa.com.
E-Visa Application: Requires digital passport photo (4x6 cm, white background, no glasses), passport data page scan, invitation letter (if applicable), and payment; ensure details match passport evisa.gov.vn.
Residence Registration: Mandatory within 24 hours, typically handled by hotels or business hosts; carry proof of registration travel.state.gov.
Proof of Onward Travel: Required for Phu Quoc exemption (not applicable for business); recommended for e-visas vietnam.travel.
Cultural etiquette ensures a respectful 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 business cards or documents to show respect, especially in meetings culturetrip.com.
Dress: Wear formal business attire (suits or modest dresses) for meetings; a lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND) aligns with local norms for temple visits after business vinpearl.com.
Behaviour: Maintain a calm demeanor in meetings; ask permission before photographing colleagues or sites; carry passport or e-visa securely for checks. 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 Hanoi’s Old Quarter or Ho Chi Minh City’s markets culturetrip.com.
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 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 Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, but translation apps are useful culturetrip.com.
Respect: Follow meeting rules (be punctual, exchange business cards with both hands); respect local vendors with fair purchases in markets.
Navigation: Use PassApp for ride-hailing; carry a printed e-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 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 business districts, Hoi An’s markets, or Ho Chi Minh City’s landmarks independently after obtaining an e-visa or using exemption; suitable for business travelers with valid visas; low to moderate difficulty vietnam.travel.
Visa Tips: Use e-visas ($25–$50) for business stays; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; register temporary residence at hotels evisa.gov.vn.
Schedule: Daily; Hoi An ancient town open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM ($5–$7 or 125,000–175,000 VND); Temple of Literature open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND); business meetings flexible.
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, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use bicycles to reduce emissions; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Tip: Confirm e-visa validity or exemption eligibility; check evisa.gov.vn; a guest from Phnom Penh noted: “Self-guided business exploration was seamless with the e-visa.”
Details: 1-day group tour visiting Hanoi’s Temple of Literature and Old Quarter for business networking and cultural insights; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Hanoi hotels, lunch, and entry fees; low difficulty.
Visa Tips: Ensure valid e-visa or embassy visa; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; guides assist with residence registration travel.state.gov.
Schedule: Daily; departs 8:00 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 Singapore noted: “Legend’s tour ensured visa compliance and business insights.”
Details: 1-day guided tour visiting Hoi An’s ancient town and a local business networking session; 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 8:00 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 walking reduce environmental impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via localvietnam.com; a guest from the US noted: “The combo tour was visa-ready and enriching for business.”
Details: 2–3 day tour combining Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hoi An for business meetings and cultural sites; 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 from Canada noted: “The multi-day tour was a visa-smart business journey.”
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for business travelers with visa exemptions or e-visas.
Group Cultural Tours: Affordable and guided, perfect for visa-compliant cultural 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 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.
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 budget travelers and indoor meetings; expect rain at land borders like Moc Bai. Morning meetings (7:00 AM–11:00 AM) avoid heat or rain. Verify forecasts via weather.com.
Verify Visa Needs: Check eligibility for visa exemptions (25 countries) or apply for e-visas at evisa.gov.vn for business stays; use embassy visas for long-term or specific business purposes; invitation letter from Vietnamese partner required for embassy business visas vietnam-visa.com.
Application Preparation: For e-visas, upload passport photo and data page; pay online; for embassy visas, submit invitation letter, application form, and fees evisa.gov.vn.
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 invitation letter for business visas travel.state.gov.
Residence Registration: Confirm hotels or business hosts 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 after entry for sustainable travel.
Tip: Apply for e-visas 3–7 days early for business stays; 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 ($25–$50 or 625,000–1,250,000 VND if required), passport photocopy, invitation letter (for business visas), wallet ($2 or 50,000 VND), tour bookings.
Clothing: Formal business attire (suits or modest dresses); lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND) for temple visits; 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., 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 (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.
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: Apply for e-visas ($25–$50) or embassy visas ($25–$100) for business stays; obtain invitation letter from Vietnamese partner; use exemptions for short business trips if eligible vietnam-visa.com.
Etiquette: Use “xin chào”; wear formal attire for meetings; 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: Business hours 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; 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 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 business travelers need a visa for Vietnam? Yes, unless eligible for exemptions (e.g., ASEAN countries for 30 days); e-visas or embassy visas required for longer stays vietnam-visa.com.
How do business travelers apply for a Vietnam visa? Apply for e-visas online at evisa.gov.vn or embassy visas with an invitation letter from a Vietnamese partner travel.state.gov.
How much does a Vietnam business visa cost? E-visa: $25 (single entry) or $50 (multiple entry); embassy visa: $25–$100; exemptions: no cost vietnam-visa.com.
Can business visas be extended? Embassy visas are extendable with a sponsor; e-visas are non-extendable vietnam-visa.com.
What are the penalties for overstaying? Fines of 500,000 VND/day ($20/day); potential exit bans or deportation travel.state.gov.
Is Visa on Arrival available for business? No, discontinued in 2022; use e-visas or embassy visas vietnam-visa.com.
Enhance your business visa-prepared Vietnam journey with eco-conscious tours from Legend Travel Group:
Vietnam Business Eco-Tour ($25–$40/person, 1 day): Guided cultural tour with sustainable practices.
Vietnam Business and Heritage Trail ($80–$150/person, 2 days): Explore cultural sites and business networking with low-emission transport.
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 Policy for Business with cultural etiquette—modest attire, polite greetings like “xin chào,” and visa-smart planning—unlocks a vibrant, eco-friendly journey through this Southeast Asian economy. With tour costs from $15–$200, sustainable Vietnam Tours, and attractions like Hanoi’s Temple of Literature and Hoi An’s ancient town, this trip offers business opportunities and sustainability. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Vietnam Travel, leverage e-visas or exemptions, 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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