Table of Contents
A comprehensive guide on securing a 5-year visa exemption certificate for overseas Vietnamese, allowing multiple entries and up to 180 days per stay.
What is the 5-Year Visa Exemption?
The 5-year visa exemption certificate is a special travel document issued by the Vietnamese government for Overseas Vietnamese (Viet Kieu) and their foreign spouses and children. Valid for up to 5 years, it allows the holder to enter Vietnam multiple times. Each entry permits a continuous stay of up to 180 days. For those who frequently visit family or conduct business in Vietnam, this is significantly more convenient than applying for a standard Vietnam eVisa each time you travel.
Who is Eligible in 2026?
To qualify for this exemption, you must fall into one of the following categories:
- Vietnamese residing abroad (Viet Kieu) who hold a foreign passport or a substitute travel document.
- Foreigners who are spouses or children of a Vietnamese citizen or a Vietnamese residing abroad.
Your passport must be valid for at least 1 year at the time of application, and the exemption certificate's validity will be at least 6 months shorter than your passport's expiration date.
Required Documents for Application
The application process requires verifying your Vietnamese origin or your relationship to a Vietnamese citizen. You will need to prepare:
- A completed visa exemption application form.
- Two recent passport-sized photos (4x6 cm) with a white background.
- Your valid foreign passport (original and a copy).
- Proof of Vietnamese origin (e.g., old Vietnamese passport, birth certificate, ID card, or family register) OR proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate) for spouses and children.
If you do not have documents proving your Vietnamese origin, you can request a guarantee from a Vietnamese overseas association or a relative in Vietnam.
Understanding the 180-Day Rule
While the certificate is valid for up to 5 years, it does not allow you to stay for 5 years continuously. Upon each arrival at any of Vietnam's entry ports, you will receive an entry stamp allowing a stay of up to 180 days. If you wish to stay longer, you can apply for an extension of up to 180 additional days through the Vietnam Immigration Department, provided you have a valid reason and a sponsor.
How to Apply
You can apply for the 5-year visa exemption certificate either at a Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence, or at the Immigration Department if you are already in Vietnam. If you need immediate entry and haven't processed your 5-year certificate yet, you can easily apply for an eVisa first to enter Vietnam, and then handle the 5-year exemption paperwork locally.