Plan your study journey in Vietnam with our guide to visa types for international students! Learn about study visa requirements, application processes, cultural experiences, eco-friendly Vietnam Study Tours, and top providers for a seamless experience with Vietnam Travel. Start your journey today!
Start your study visa-prepared journey with Vietnam’s vibrant glowWritten by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys, and official sources like vietnam-visa.com, evisa.gov.vn, travel.state.gov, vinpearl.com, and vietnam.travel. Information based on the latest data; verify before travel. Reflects Vietnam’s updated travel regulations.
Travelers, please note: The Visa on Arrival (VOA) program was discontinued in 2022. International students must apply for study visas (DH category) through a Vietnamese embassy or consulate, as e-visas and visa exemptions are not applicable for study purposes. This guide details study visa requirements (DH), application processes, and cultural travel tips for international students planning to study in Vietnam.
Vietnam is an emerging destination for international students, offering prestigious universities like Vietnam National University in Hanoi, vibrant cultural hubs like Ho Chi Minh City, and affordable living alongside rich cultural experiences such as Hoi An’s ancient town and Hanoi’s Temple of Literature vinpearl.com. Understanding Vietnam’s study visa (DH) requirements ensures a smooth entry for academic pursuits, whether joining guided Vietnam Study Tours to explore cultural sites during breaks or studying independently. The DH visa, specifically for study, requires sponsorship from a Vietnamese educational institution and is processed through embassies vietnam-visa.com. This guide provides practical visa insights, cultural etiquette, and eco-friendly Vietnam Travel options for international students.
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 study visa requirements, application processes, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a seamless academic and cultural journey.
International students require a DH study visa ($25–$100 or 625,000–2,500,000 VND), processed through a Vietnamese embassy with a sponsor (e.g., university). Passports must be valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages. Cultural site entries like Hoi An cost $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND); guided tours range from $15–$80 (375,000–2,000,000 VND). Temporary residence registration with local police is required within 24 hours, typically handled by universities or accommodations. Verify visa requirements via vietnam-visa.com or travel.state.gov.
Purpose: For academic pursuits, including university programs, language courses, or short-term educational exchanges.
Eligibility: Available to all nationalities enrolled in a Vietnamese educational institution (e.g., university, language school) vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Typically 3 months to 1 year, depending on the program; renewable with sponsor support travel.state.gov.
Cost: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND), depending on visa duration and processing time travel.state.gov.
Application Process:
Obtain an acceptance letter from a Vietnamese educational institution (e.g., Vietnam National University, RMIT Vietnam) confirming enrollment vietnam-visa.com.
Contact the nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate (e.g., Bangkok: +66 2 251 5836, Beijing: +86 10 6532 1155, or local embassies) to request a DH visa application form travel.state.gov.
Submit required documents: passport (valid 6+ months with two blank pages), completed application form, two passport photos (4x6 cm, white background, no glasses), acceptance letter, proof of financial support (e.g., bank statement), and visa fee vietnam-visa.com.
Apply in person or by mail; some embassies allow online pre-applications (check specific embassy websites) travel.state.gov.
Processing takes 5–10 working days; expedited processing (2–3 days) may be available for additional fees ($10–$30 or 250,000–750,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Collect the visa or receive it by mail; verify details match passport exactly to avoid entry issues travel.state.gov.
Present the visa and passport at the entry checkpoint (e.g., Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, or Moc Bai); register temporary residence within 24 hours travel.state.gov.
Extension: Extendable for 3–12 months with sponsor (e.g., university) support; fees vary ($10–$155 or 250,000–3,875,000 VND); apply at local immigration offices in Vietnam 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.
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 universities or accommodations travel.state.gov.
Overstay penalties: 500,000 VND/day ($20/day); potential exit bans or deportation travel.state.gov.
Important Note: E-visas and visa exemptions are not applicable for study purposes; the DH visa requires embassy processing with a sponsor vietnam-visa.com.
Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from entry date with two blank pages travel.state.gov.
Acceptance Letter: Issued by a Vietnamese educational institution, confirming enrollment vietnam-visa.com.
Financial Proof: Bank statement or sponsor letter proving ability to cover tuition and living expenses vietnam-visa.com.
Residence Registration: Mandatory within 24 hours, typically handled by universities or accommodations; carry proof of registration travel.state.gov.
Cultural etiquette ensures a smooth study and travel experience during Vietnam Study Tours, complementing visa preparation. Here’s your guide, based on current norms:
Greetings: Offer a “xin chào” (hello) with a slight nod to professors, locals, or immigration officers; use both hands for transactions at universities or markets like Hanoi’s Old Quarter culturetrip.com.
Dress: Wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for campus visits or cultural sites (e.g., Temple of Literature in Hanoi); a lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND) aligns with local norms vinpearl.com.
Behaviour: Maintain a respectful demeanor in academic settings and cultural sites; avoid loud behavior; ask permission before photographing locals or rituals; carry passport or visa photocopy securely for checks. Avoid public criticism of the Vietnamese government (penalties apply). A guest student shared: “Respecting Vietnamese customs made my study experience seamless.” 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 travel.state.gov.
Tip: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you) to professors, locals, or guides; use eco-friendly practices like reusable water bottles ($2 or 50,000 VND) to support sustainable Vietnam Travel; keep visa documents handy for checks. Tony Bùi notes: “In 20 years guiding, I’ve seen international students thrive in Vietnam’s vibrant academic and cultural scene.”
General Tips:
Language: Carry a phrase card ($1 or 25,000 VND) for Vietnamese basics like “cảm ơn”; English is widely spoken in universities and tourist areas culturetrip.com.
Respect: Follow university and 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 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) to reduce emissions vietnam.travel.
Below is a curated list of tour options to enhance your study experience in Vietnam, 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 during study breaks; suitable for students with valid DH visas; low to moderate difficulty vietnam.travel.
Visa Tips: Ensure valid DH visa; carry a printed visa or passport photocopy; register temporary residence at university or accommodation vietnam-visa.com.
Schedule: Daily; Hoi An ancient town open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM ($5–$7 or 125,000–175,000 VND); Temple of Literature open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND); Ha Long Bay accessible anytime.
Cost: Entry: free (markets); Hoi An: $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND); Temple of Literature: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND); transport (bicycle: $1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND/day; motorbike taxi: $0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND); local purchases: $0.20–$10 (5,000–250,000 VND).
Location: Hanoi, Hoi An, Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use bicycles or walk to reduce emissions; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Tip: Confirm visa validity with your university; check vietnam-visa.com; a student from the US noted: “Self-guided exploration was seamless with my DH 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 DH visa; carry a printed visa or passport photocopy; guides assist with residence registration travel.state.gov.
Schedule: Daily; departs 7:00 AM from Hanoi hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $25–$40/person (625,000–1,000,000 VND, includes transport and entry).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels or university dorms in Hanoi.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group transport with fuel-efficient vehicles minimizes impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via legendtravelgroup.com; a student from Japan 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: Ensure valid DH visa for multi-city travel; carry a printed visa or passport photocopy; confirm registration with university vietnam-visa.com.
Schedule: Daily; departs 6:30 AM from Hoi An hotels or accommodations; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $30–$50/person (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes entry).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels or accommodations in Hoi An.
Eco-Friendly Note: Small groups and cycling reduce environmental impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via localvietnam.com; a student from Australia 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: Ensure valid DH visa for multi-city travel; carry a printed visa or passport photocopy; confirm temporary residence registration travel.state.gov.
Schedule: Daily; departs from Hanoi hotels or university dorms; returns after 2–3 days.
Cost: $80–$200/person (2,000,000–5,000,000 VND, includes entries).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels, dorms, or custom locations in Hanoi.
Eco-Friendly Note: Uses eco-lodges and fuel-efficient transport; supports local communities.
Tip: Book Vietnam Study Tours via legendtravelgroup.com or WhatsApp (+84 825862222); a student from Germany noted: “The multi-day tour was a visa-smart cultural journey.”
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for students with valid DH visas exploring during study breaks.
Group Cultural Tours: Affordable and guided, perfect for visa-compliant cultural insights.
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: Blend cultural visits with eco-friendly activities for a comprehensive experience.
Multi-Day Cultural and Adventure Tours: Offer in-depth exploration with visa-smart itineraries.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group and multi-day tours use fuel-efficient transport or bicycles, supporting Vietnam’s green tourism goals.
Key study and 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; warm and dry (24–32°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Mid-Autumn Festival: Typically September, festive with lantern parades; warm and wet (24–31°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Cultural Site Visits: Dry season (January–August) for comfortable weather; February for optimal conditions vinpearl.com.
Dry season (January–August, 18–33°C) is ideal for study 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 activities or budget travel. Morning visits (6:00 AM–10:00 AM) avoid heat or rain. Verify forecasts via weather.com.
Verify Visa Needs: Apply for a DH study visa through a Vietnamese embassy with a university acceptance letter; e-visas and exemptions are not valid for study vietnam-visa.com.
Documentation: Ensure passport validity (6+ months); carry a printed visa or passport photocopy; keep a photocopy of passport bio page separately; provide acceptance letter and financial proof travel.state.gov.
Residence Registration: Confirm universities or accommodations register your stay with local police within 24 hours; carry proof of registration travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Use digital visa confirmations to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles or motorbike taxis for sustainable travel.
Tip: Apply for DH visas 2–4 weeks early; double-check details to match passport; carry small VND notes for local purchases; contact embassies like Bangkok (+66 2 251 5836) or Beijing (+86 10 6532 1155) for visa processing.
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable study and travel experience:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), printed DH visa ($25–$100 or 625,000–2,500,000 VND), passport photocopy, university acceptance letter, proof of financial support, wallet ($2 or 50,000 VND), tour bookings.
Clothing: Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for campus and 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
DH Study Visa Costs: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND); expedited processing: $10–$30 (250,000–750,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Self-Guided Exploration: Entry: free (markets); Hoi An: $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND); Temple of Literature: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND); transport (bicycle: $1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND/day; motorbike taxi: $0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND).
Group Cultural Tours: $25–$40 (625,000–1,000,000 VND, includes transport and entry).
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes entry).
Multi-Day Cultural and Adventure Tours: $80–$200 (2,000,000–5,000,000 VND, includes entries). Safety-Related Costs
Money Belt: $2 (50,000 VND).
Local SIM for Emergency Calls: $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND).
Travel Insurance (Recommended): $10–$30 (250,000–750,000 VND). Other Costs
Local Snacks (e.g., banh mi, pho): $0.20–$1 (5,000–25,000 VND).
Souvenirs (e.g., crafts, textiles): $0.20–$10 (5,000–250,000 VND).
Donations: $0.20–$1 (5,000–25,000 VND). Total Daily Cost (Per Person, Excluding Study Costs)
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; coordinate with your university for visa sponsorship.
Visa Tips: Apply for a DH study visa through a Vietnamese embassy with a university acceptance letter; e-visas and exemptions are not valid for study; double-check details to match passport vietnam-visa.com.
Etiquette: Use “xin chào”; dress modestly for campus and cultural sites; respect local customs; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Access: Choose self-guided exploration for flexibility during study breaks, group tours for cultural 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).
Who needs a DH study visa for Vietnam? All international students enrolled in Vietnamese educational institutions; e-visas and exemptions are not valid for study vietnam-visa.com.
How do I apply for a DH study visa? Apply through a Vietnamese embassy with an acceptance letter, passport, photos, and financial proof; processing takes 5–10 days travel.state.gov.
How much does a DH visa cost? $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND), depending on duration; extensions: $10–$155 vietnam-visa.com.
Can DH visas be extended? Yes, for 3–12 months with university sponsorship; apply at local immigration offices 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 study? No, discontinued in 2022; DH visas require embassy processing vietnam-visa.com.
Enhance your study visa-prepared Vietnam journey with eco-conscious tours from Legend Travel Group:
Vietnam Cultural Eco-Tour ($25–$40/person, 1 day): Guided temple and market tour with sustainable practices.
Vietnam Cultural and Adventure Trail ($80–$150/person, 2 days): Explore cultural sites and eco-friendly activities.
Vietnam Explorer ($150–$250/person, 3 days): Multi-site adventure with eco-lodges and community-focused activities. Prices include guides, transport, and entry fees; group discounts available. Explore options at legendtravelgroup.com or contact sales@legendtravelgroup.com / WhatsApp (+84825862222) for your Vietnam Travel plans.
Mastering Vietnam Visa Types DH with cultural etiquette—modest attire, polite greetings like “xin chào,” and visa-smart planning—unlocks a vibrant, eco-friendly study journey in Vietnam. With tour costs from $15–$200, sustainable Vietnam Study Tours, and cultural attractions like Hoi An and Hanoi’s Temple of Literature, this trip offers academic and cultural immersion for international students. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Vietnam Travel, apply for DH visas early through a Vietnamese embassy and respect local customs for the best experience. Note that Visa on Arrival is no longer available; plan accordingly. Safe travels and successful studies!
Sources:
vietnam-visa.com
evisa.gov.vn
travel.state.gov
vinpearl.com
vietnam.travel
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