Plan your family adventure in Vietnam with our guide to visa tips for families! Learn about visa exemptions, 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!
Begin your visa-prepared day with Vietnam’s tranquil ambiance (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. Families can use visa exemptions (if eligible), apply for e-visas online via evisa.gov.vn, or obtain visas through a Vietnamese embassy. This guide details visa tips for families, including requirements for children, application processes, and travel options for a family-friendly journey.
Vietnam, a family-friendly Southeast Asian destination, is renowned for its cultural landmarks like Hoi An’s ancient town (perfect for family walks), Ha Long Bay’s limestone karsts (ideal for boat trips), and kid-engaging experiences like Hanoi’s water puppet shows or Phu Quoc’s beaches vinpearl.com. Understanding visa tips for families ensures smooth entry for all members, whether joining guided Vietnam Tours or traveling independently. Families from visa-exempt countries can enjoy up to 45 days without a visa, while e-visas or embassy visas are straightforward for others, with special considerations for minors vietnam-visa.com. This guide provides practical visa insights, cultural tips, and eco-friendly Vietnam Travel options for families.
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 tips for families, application processes, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a worry-free adventure.
Families enjoy the same visa exemptions as individuals (up to 45 days for eligible nationalities), but minors must have their own passports or be included in a parent’s passport. E-visas cost $25–$50 (625,000–1,250,000 VND) for up to 90 days, and embassy visas cost $25–$100. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages per traveler. Cultural site entries like Hoi An cost $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND) per person; guided family 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 family-friendly hotels. Verify visa requirements via evisa.gov.vn or travel.state.gov.
Standard Visa Exemption:
Purpose: Tourism, business, or leisure for short family trips.
Eligibility: Families from 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); applies to each family member individually vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: No cost vietnam-visa.com.
Requirements: Each family member’s passport valid for at least 6 months from entry date with two blank pages; proof of onward travel (e.g., family return flight ticket) recommended but not mandatory; minors under 14 can be included in a parent’s passport if from the same nationality vietnam.travel.
Extension: Non-extendable; requires exit to a neighboring country (e.g., Cambodia, Laos) and re-entry with a new exemption or e-visa; family visa runs can be arranged via bus tours 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 Longer Family Stays or Non-Exempt Nationalities):
Purpose: Tourism, business, or leisure for family trips exceeding exemption periods or for non-exempt nationalities.
Eligibility: Available to families from 80 countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, India, and most EU nations evisa.gov.vn.
Duration: Up to 90 days (single or multiple entry); applies to each family member evisa.gov.vn.
Cost: $25 (625,000 VND) for single entry; $50 (1,250,000 VND) for multiple entry per person; 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 for each family member (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., family hotel) 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 for each family member evisa.gov.vn.
Pay the fee ($25 or $50 per person) 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 for each family member evisa.gov.vn.
Present printed e-visa and passport for each family member 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 per person) 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.
Phu Quoc Visa Exemption:
Purpose: Family tourism 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 per family member; proof of onward travel (e.g., family 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 per person) 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 per person) vietnam-visa.com.
Embassy/Consulate Visa:
Purpose: Tourism, business, work, or study for families preferring traditional applications or needing longer stays.
Eligibility: Available to all nationalities travel.state.gov.
Duration: Typically 30–90 days (single or multiple entry); longer for work/study visas travel.state.gov.
Cost: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND per person), depending on visa type and processing time travel.state.gov.
Requirements: Passport, application form, two passport photos (4x6 cm) per family member, 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 per person) 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 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. Families must use visa exemptions, e-visas, or embassy visas vietnam-visa.com.
Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from entry date with two blank pages per family member; minors under 14 can be included in a parent’s passport if from the same nationality vietnam.travel.
E-Visa Application: Requires digital passport photo (4x6 cm, white background, no glasses) and passport data page scan for each family member evisa.gov.vn.
Residence Registration: Mandatory within 24 hours, typically handled by family hotels; carry proof of registration travel.state.gov.
Proof of Onward Travel: Required for Phu Quoc exemption; recommended for standard exemption vietnam.travel.
Cultural etiquette ensures a smooth experience for families during Vietnam Tours. 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 for all family members vinpearl.com.
Behaviour: Maintain a calm demeanor at cultural sites; ask permission before photographing locals or rituals; teach children to avoid touching sacred items. Avoid public criticism of the Vietnamese government (penalties apply). A family guest shared: “Respecting Vietnamese customs made our visa-prepared trip family-friendly.” 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 for the family 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 passports handy for checks. Tony Bùi notes: “In 20 years guiding, I’ve seen families 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 tourist areas like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, but translation apps are useful for family interactions culturetrip.com.
Respect: Follow temple rules (no hats for children, cover shoulders); respect local vendors with fair purchases in markets.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for cities like Hanoi or Hoi An; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy for family members 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 family 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, Hoi An’s ancient town, or Ha Long Bay as a family; suitable for families with valid visa exemptions or e-visas; low to moderate difficulty vietnam.travel.
Visa Tips: Use the 45-day exemption for family trips or e-visas ($25–$50 per person); carry printed e-visas or passport photocopies for each member; register temporary residence at family 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 per person); Temple of Literature open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND per person); Ha Long Bay family cruises available daily.
Cost: Entry: free (markets); Hoi An: $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND per person); Temple of Literature: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND per person); 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 exemption eligibility or apply for e-visas early; check evisa.gov.vn; a family guest noted: “Self-guided exploration was family-friendly with the visa exemption.”
Details: 1-day group tour visiting Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Temple of Literature for families; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Hanoi hotels, lunch, and entry fees; low difficulty.
Visa Tips: Ensure valid exemption or e-visa for all family members; carry printed e-visas or passport photocopies; 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; family discounts available).
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 family guest noted: “Legend’s tour ensured visa compliance and family immersion.”
Details: 1-day guided tour visiting Hoi An’s ancient town and a family-friendly 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 family travel; carry printed e-visas or passport photocopies for each member; 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; family discounts available).
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 family guest noted: “The combo tour was visa-ready and family-enriching.”
Details: 2–3 day tour combining Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Hoi An for families; includes English-speaking guide, transport, family-friendly accommodation, meals, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use a multiple-entry e-visa for multi-city family travel; carry printed e-visas or passport photocopies for each member; 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; family discounts available).
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 family guest noted: “The multi-day tour was a visa-smart family adventure.”
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for families with visa exemptions or e-visas.
Group Cultural Tours: Affordable and guided, perfect for visa-compliant family cultural insights.
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: Blend cultural visits with family-friendly activities for a comprehensive journey.
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 visa-prepared travel opportunities 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 with family-friendly events; warm and dry (24–32°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Mid-Autumn Festival: Typically September, festive with lantern parades and children’s activities; warm and wet (24–31°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Cultural Site Visits: Dry season (January–August) for family outings; February for optimal conditions vinpearl.com.
Dry season (January–August, 18–33°C) is ideal for family travel 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 family trips and indoor experiences. 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 (25 countries) or apply for e-visas at evisa.gov.vn for each family member; use embassy visas for non-exempt nationalities or specific needs; Phu Quoc exemption for family island vacations vietnam-visa.com.
Documentation: Ensure passport validity (6+ months) for all family members; carry digital or printed e-visa copies or passport photocopies; keep photocopies of passport bio pages separately; provide proof of onward travel for Phu Quoc travel.state.gov.
Residence Registration: Confirm hotels register the family’s 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 family-friendly sustainable travel.
Tip: Apply for e-visas 7–14 days early; double-check details to match passports; 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).
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable family visit:
Documents: Passports (valid 6+ months) for all family members, printed e-visas ($25–$50 or 625,000–1,250,000 VND per person if required), passport photocopies, proof of onward travel (e.g., family return flight tickets for Phu Quoc), 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 raincoats ($2 or 50,000 VND) for wet season; lightweight clothing like cotton or linen and light jackets ($3 or 75,000 VND) for dry season; waterproof shoes ($3 or 75,000 VND); hats ($2 or 50,000 VND).
Essentials: Reusable water bottles ($2 or 50,000 VND); snacks ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND, e.g., pho); small backpacks ($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); chargers ($3–$5 or 75,000–125,000 VND); local SIMs ($2–$3 or 50,000–75,000 VND); waterproof cameras ($6 or 150,000 VND) for family photos.
Eco Items: Reusable totes ($1 or 25,000 VND) for purchases; phrase cards ($1 or 25,000 VND) with Vietnamese basics.
Extras: Small VND notes for donations or purchases; small first aid kits ($2 or 50,000 VND); umbrellas ($2 or 50,000 VND) for wet season; money belts ($2 or 50,000 VND) for valuables. Tip: Pack light (1 small bag per person, max 5 kg); reusable items support sustainability.
Visa and Travel Costs
E-Visa Costs: Single entry: $25 (625,000 VND per person); multiple entry: $50 (1,250,000 VND per person); expedited processing: $10–$30 (250,000–750,000 VND per person) 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 per person) vietnam-visa.com.
Embassy Visa Costs: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND per person), 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 per person); Temple of Literature: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND per person); 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 per person, includes transport and entry; family discounts available).
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND per person, includes entry; family discounts available).
Multi-Day Cultural and Adventure Tours: $80–$200 (2,000,000–5,000,000 VND per person, includes entries; family discounts available). Safety-Related Costs
Money Belt: $2 (50,000 VND per person).
Local SIM for Emergency Calls: $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND per person).
Travel Insurance (Recommended): $10–$30 (250,000–750,000 VND per person). 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 family costs.
Visa Tips: Use the 45-day exemption for family trips; apply for e-visas at evisa.gov.vn for each member for stays over 45 days; use embassy visas for non-exempt families; Phu Quoc exemption for family island vacations; double-check details to match passports 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 family-friendly 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).
Do families need visas for Vietnam? Families from exempt countries (e.g., ASEAN, UK) can enter for 14–45 days without a visa; others require e-visas or embassy visas for each member vietnam-visa.com.
How do families apply for Vietnam visas? Use exemptions for short stays; otherwise, apply for e-visas online at evisa.gov.vn or embassy visas at a Vietnamese embassy for each family member travel.state.gov.
How much do Vietnam visas cost for families? E-visa: $25 (single entry) or $50 (multiple entry) per person; embassy visa: $25–$100 per person; exemptions: no cost vietnam-visa.com.
Can family visas be extended? Exemptions and e-visas are non-extendable; embassy visas may be extendable with a sponsor vietnam-visa.com.
What are the penalties for family overstaying? Fines of 500,000 VND/day ($20/day) per person; potential exit bans or deportation travel.state.gov.
Is Visa on Arrival available for families? No, discontinued in 2022; use exemptions or apply for e-visas at evisa.gov.vn vietnam-visa.com.
Enhance your visa-prepared Vietnam journey with eco-conscious tours from Legend Travel Group:
Vietnam Family Eco-Tour ($25–$40/person, 1 day): Guided temple and market tour with sustainable practices.
Vietnam Family Cultural Trail ($80–$150/person, 2 days): Explore cultural sites and family-friendly activities 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; family discounts available. Explore options at legendtravelgroup.com or contact sales@legendtravelgroup.com / WhatsApp (+84825862222) for your Vietnam Travel plans.
Mastering Vietnam Visa Tips for Families with cultural etiquette—modest attire, polite greetings like “xin chào,” and visa-smart planning—unlocks a vibrant, family-friendly journey through this Southeast Asian gem. With tour costs from $15–$200, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and attractions like Hoi An and Ha Long Bay, this trip offers adventure and sustainability for families. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Vietnam Travel, leverage the 45-day visa exemption or apply for e-visas early via evisa.gov.vn for longer stays, 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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