Plan your Vietnam work visa application with our guide for international applicants! Learn about health check requirements, procedures, costs, cultural site visits, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and top providers for a seamless experience with Vietnam Travel. Start your journey today!
Embrace the vibrant energy of Vietnam’s cultural heritage (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, 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 applicants for work visas must obtain a work permit and visa through Vietnamese embassies or consulates, or use e-visas for initial entry if eligible. This guide details work visa health check requirements, procedures, and travel tips for a seamless application and journey.
Vietnam, a thriving Southeast Asian economy, is renowned for its cultural landmarks like Hoi An’s ancient town, Ha Long Bay’s limestone karsts, and bustling cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City vinpearl.com. Understanding work visa health check requirements ensures smooth entry for international applicants seeking employment, whether joining guided Vietnam Tours or relocating independently. Health checks are mandatory for work permits, verifying fitness for long-term stays, while e-visas or embassy visas facilitate initial entry vietnam-visa.com. This guide provides practical insights, cultural tips, and eco-friendly Vietnam Travel options for applicants from all countries.
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 work visa health check requirements, procedures, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a worry-free adventure.
International applicants for work visas require a work permit (issued by the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs), health check certificate from approved hospitals, and embassy visa ($25–$100 or 625,000–2,500,000 VND). 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 14 days, typically handled by employers. Verify visa requirements via evisa.gov.vn or travel.state.gov.
Work Permit and Visa:
Purpose: Employment in Vietnam for professionals, managers, executives, or technical workers.
Eligibility: International applicants from all countries with a job offer from a Vietnamese employer or sponsoring entity vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 2 years, renewable vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: Work permit: $100–$200 (2,500,000–5,000,000 VND); embassy visa: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND); health check: $50–$100 (1,250,000–2,500,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Health Check Requirements: Mandatory medical examination at approved hospitals (e.g., Cho Ray Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, Bach Mai Hospital in Hanoi) to confirm fitness (no infectious diseases like HIV, TB, or mental health issues); includes blood tests, chest X-ray, and physical exam; certificate valid for 12 months vietnam-visa.com.
Application Process:
Employer submits work permit application to the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA) with job offer, qualifications, and health certificate vietnam-visa.com.
Schedule health check at an approved hospital (e.g., Family Medical Practice or FV Hospital); bring passport, photos, and fees vietnam-visa.com.
Upon work permit approval (15–30 days), apply for work visa at a Vietnamese embassy/consulate with work permit, passport, and health certificate travel.state.gov.
Enter Vietnam with work visa; apply for temporary residence card (TRC) within 15 days for long-term stays vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Work permit extendable for 2 years; visa/TRC extendable with employer sponsorship vietnam-visa.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at 13 airports, 16 land borders, and 13 seaports vietnam.travel.
E-Visa (For Initial Entry):
Purpose: Tourism or business for initial entry before work permit processing.
Eligibility: Available to citizens of 80 countries 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: Similar to general e-visa; use for entry, then apply for work permit and visa evisa.gov.vn.
Health Check: Not required for e-visa but mandatory for work permit after entry vietnam-visa.com.
Temporary Residence Card (TRC):
Purpose: Long-term stay for work visa holders.
Eligibility: Work visa holders with employer sponsorship vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 2 years, aligned with work permit vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: $50–$100 (1,250,000–2,500,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Requirements: Work permit, health certificate, and employer sponsorship; apply at the Immigration Department vietnam-visa.com.
Key Restrictions:
Health checks must be from approved hospitals; failure to meet medical standards (e.g., infectious diseases) results in denial vietnam-visa.com.
Work without a permit leads to fines ($200–$800 or 5,000,000–20,000,000 VND) and deportation travel.state.gov.
Overstay penalties: 500,000 VND/day ($20/day); potential exit bans travel.state.gov.
Important Note: The Visa on Arrival program was discontinued in 2022. International applicants must use e-visas for initial entry or apply for embassy visas vietnam-visa.com.
Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from entry date with two blank pages travel.state.gov.
Health Check: Certificate from approved hospitals confirming no infectious diseases; valid for 12 months vietnam-visa.com.
Work Permit: Issued by MOLISA with employer sponsorship; requires qualifications, health certificate, and criminal record check vietnam-visa.com.
Residence Registration: Mandatory within 14 days, handled by employer or hotel travel.state.gov.
Cultural etiquette ensures a smooth transition for work visa applicants during Vietnam Tours or daily life. 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 immigration or hospitals during health checks culturetrip.com.
Dress: Wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple visits or official appointments; a lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND) aligns with local norms vinpearl.com.
Behaviour: Maintain a calm demeanor at health check centers or work permit offices; ask permission before photographing locals or rituals; carry passport or work visa securely. Avoid public criticism of the Vietnamese government (penalties apply). A guest shared: “Respecting Vietnamese customs eased our work visa process and 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 14 days travel.state.gov.
Tip: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you) to officials 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 applicants 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 urban areas like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City culturetrip.com.
Respect: Follow rules at health check centers (no photography); 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 work 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 work visa health check prepared 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 independently after obtaining work visa; suitable for applicants with valid work permits; low to moderate difficulty vietnam.travel.
Visa Health Check Tips: Use approved hospitals like Cho Ray or Bach Mai for health checks; carry work permit and health certificate; register residence at hotels 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: Schedule health checks early; check vietnam-visa.com; a guest noted: “Self-guided exploration was seamless after health check.”
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 Health Check Tips: Ensure health certificate is valid; carry work visa or permit; guides assist with residence registration travel.state.gov.
Schedule: Daily; departs 7:00 AM from Hanoi hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $25–$40/person (625,000–1,000,000 VND, includes transport and entry).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Hanoi.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group transport with fuel-efficient vehicles minimizes impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via legendtravelgroup.com; a guest noted: “Legend’s tour ensured health check 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 Health Check Tips: Use a multiple-entry work visa for multi-city travel; carry health certificate; confirm eligibility vietnam-visa.com.
Schedule: Daily; departs 6:30 AM from Hoi An hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $30–$50/person (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes entry).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Hoi An.
Eco-Friendly Note: Small groups and cycling reduce environmental impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via localvietnam.com; a guest noted: “The combo tour was health check-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 Health Check Tips: Use a multiple-entry work visa for multi-city travel; carry health certificate; confirm temporary residence registration travel.state.gov.
Schedule: Daily; departs from Hanoi hotels; returns after 2–3 days.
Cost: $80–$200/person (2,000,000–5,000,000 VND, includes entries).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels or custom locations in Hanoi.
Eco-Friendly Note: Uses eco-lodges and fuel-efficient transport; supports local communities.
Tip: Book Vietnam Tours via legendtravelgroup.com or WhatsApp (+84 825862222); a guest noted: “The multi-day tour was a health check-smart cultural journey.”
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for applicants with valid work visas.
Group Cultural Tours: Affordable and guided, perfect for health check-compliant cultural insights.
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: Blend cultural visits with eco-friendly activities for a comprehensive journey.
Multi-Day Cultural and Adventure Tours: Offer in-depth exploration with health check-smart itineraries.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group and multi-day tours use fuel-efficient transport or bicycles, supporting Vietnam’s green tourism goals.
Key health check-prepared travel opportunities include:
Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year): Typically late January to February, vibrant with temple ceremonies; warm and dry (18–28°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Hung Kings Festival: Typically March to April, honoring 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 health checks 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 experiences; expect rain. Morning visits (6:00 AM–10:00 AM) avoid heat or rain. Verify forecasts via weather.com.
Verify Visa Needs: Apply for work permits and visas through employers; schedule health checks at approved hospitals vietnam-visa.com.
Health Check Tips: Book appointments at Cho Ray or Bach Mai; bring passport, photos, and fees; ensure certificate confirms no infectious diseases vietnam-visa.com.
Documentation: Ensure passport validity (6+ months); carry health certificate, work permit, and visa photocopies travel.state.gov.
Residence Registration: Confirm employers or hotels register your stay within 14 days; carry proof of registration travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Use digital health certificate copies to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles or motorbike taxis for sustainable travel.
Tip: Schedule health checks early; double-check details to match passport; carry small VND notes for local purchases; check status at evisa.gov.vn for initial e-visas. 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), work visa ($25–$100 or 625,000–2,500,000 VND), health certificate ($50–$100 or 1,250,000–2,500,000 VND), work permit, 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 Health Check Costs
Work Visa Costs: Embassy visa: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND); health check: $50–$100 (1,250,000–2,500,000 VND); work permit: $100–$200 (2,500,000–5,000,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
E-Visa Costs (for Initial Entry): 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.
5-Year Exemption Costs: $10–$50 (250,000–1,250,000 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)
Budget: $15–$40 (self-guided, snacks, transport, entry).
Mid-range: $40–$70 (group tour, purchases).
Luxury: $70–$120 (private tour, premium souvenirs). Tip: Budget $15–$120 for tours, visa costs, and transport; $0.20–$10 for purchases or add-ons; use exemptions to save on visa costs.
Visa Health Check Tips: Schedule health checks at approved hospitals like Cho Ray or Bach Mai; bring passport, photos, and fees; ensure certificate confirms no infectious diseases 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 health check-compliant insights, or multi-day tours for immersion.
Schedules: Health checks available weekdays 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 international applicants need a health check for Vietnam work visas? Yes, a mandatory medical examination at approved hospitals to confirm fitness and no infectious diseases vietnam-visa.com.
How much does a health check cost? $50–$100 (1,250,000–2,500,000 VND), depending on the hospital and tests vietnam-visa.com.
Where can I get a health check? Approved hospitals like Cho Ray (Ho Chi Minh City) or Bach Mai (Hanoi); book appointments in advance vietnam-visa.com.
What does the health check include? Blood tests, chest X-ray, physical exam, and screening for HIV, TB, and mental health issues; certificate valid for 12 months vietnam-visa.com.
Can the health check be done outside Vietnam? No, must be conducted at approved Vietnamese hospitals after entry vietnam-visa.com.
What if I fail the health check? Work permit and visa may be denied; reapply after treatment if applicable vietnam-visa.com.
Enhance your work visa health check 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 Work Visa Health Check with cultural etiquette—modest attire, polite greetings like “xin chào,” and visa-smart planning—unlocks a vibrant, eco-friendly journey through this Southeast Asian gem. With tour costs from $15–$200, sustainable Vietnam Tours, and attractions like Hoi An and Ha Long Bay, this trip offers adventure and sustainability for international applicants. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Vietnam Travel, schedule health checks early at approved hospitals 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
evisa.gov.vn
travel.state.gov
vinpearl.com
vietnam.travel
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