Everything You Need to Know About Long-Stay Tourism and Family Visas in Vietnam
Vietnam continues to rise as a top travel destination in Southeast Asia, offering an irresistible mix of ancient culture, natural beauty, and modern development. Whether you're dreaming of cruising through Ha Long Bay, trekking in the mountains of Sapa, or soaking up the sun in Da Nang, Vietnam has something for every kind of traveler. But before booking your flight, it's essential to understand the visa process—especially if you're planning to stay longer or bring your family with you.
This guide explains everything you need to know about applying for a VIETNAM THREE MONTH TOURIST VISA and securing a Vietnam dependent visa for accompanying family members. With the right documents and preparation, you can enjoy a stress-free entry into this dynamic country.
Vietnam Three-Month Tourist Visa: Ideal for Long-Term Explorers
For travelers who want more than just a quick vacation, the Vietnam three-month tourist visa is the perfect choice. This visa allows foreign nationals to stay in Vietnam for up to 90 days, giving them ample time to travel across the country, learn the language, or even scout out long-term living arrangements.
Unlike the standard 30-day visa, the three-month tourist visa provides more flexibility for digital nomads, retirees, or those on extended vacations. Depending on the type of visa issued, it may be valid for single or multiple entries. A single-entry visa allows you to enter Vietnam once and stay for the duration of the visa. A multiple-entry visa lets you leave and re-enter the country multiple times within the 90-day period.
To apply for the Vietnam three-month tourist visa, travelers typically go through an online visa agency or directly apply at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate. For those entering through an international airport like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang, the visa-on-arrival method is also a viable option—but it must be arranged in advance with a pre-approval letter.
Required documents often include a valid passport (with at least six months of validity and two blank pages), a recent passport-size photo, and a completed visa application form. If applying online, you will receive the pre-approval letter via email, which you must present upon arrival along with your passport and visa stamping fee.
While the process is generally straightforward, it's important to apply early, as processing times may vary. Also, travelers must not overstay their visa, as penalties can include fines or future entry bans.
Vietnam Dependent Visa: Keeping Families Together
For expatriates or long-term residents already living in Vietnam under work, investor, or student visas, bringing family members along is often a priority. In such cases, the Vietnam dependent visa provides a legal pathway for spouses, children, or other eligible family members to stay in the country for an extended period.
The dependent visa, often referred to as the TT visa, is available to immediate family members of those holding long-term visas like the LD (labor) or DT (investment) visas. This visa does not allow the dependent to work in Vietnam, but it does permit them to stay for the same duration as the sponsoring individual's visa.
To apply for a Vietnam dependent visa, the sponsor (usually the family member working or investing in Vietnam) must provide a range of documents, including a valid work permit or residence card, proof of relationship (such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate), and a letter of guarantee. The applicant must also submit a completed visa application form, passport-size photos, and a valid passport.
The application can be submitted at the Vietnamese Immigration Department or through a local agency that assists with visa services. Processing times usually range from 5 to 7 working days, though this may vary depending on the type of visa held by the sponsor and the completeness of the documentation.
Once granted, the Vietnam dependent visa can be extended or renewed within the country, offering a convenient option for families who wish to stay together during the duration of the sponsor's assignment or business in Vietnam.
Key Differences Between Tourist and Dependent Visas
While both visa types allow for extended stays in Vietnam, they serve very different purposes. The Vietnam three-month tourist visa is intended for leisure or casual travel. It does not permit any form of employment or official business activity. It is ideal for those exploring Vietnam or taking part in non-commercial activities like yoga retreats, travel writing, or cultural immersion.
On the other hand, the Vietnam dependent visa is a family visa linked to a primary visa holder who has legal status in the country for work, study, or investment. While dependents cannot legally work, they can live in Vietnam, attend school, and freely travel within the country.
For travelers or expats deciding between the two, it’s essential to consider the purpose of the visit, intended length of stay, and legal eligibility for either visa. Misusing a tourist visa for dependent living—or vice versa—can result in penalties or even visa denial.
Final Thoughts
Vietnam’s visa policies have become more accommodating in recent years, reflecting the country’s desire to attract both tourists and international talent. Whether you’re a world traveler planning to stay for a few months or an expatriate looking to bring your family along, understanding the Vietnam three-month tourist visa and the Vietnam dependent visa will help you navigate your journey with ease.
By choosing the appropriate visa, submitting accurate documents, and respecting Vietnam’s immigration laws, you’ll be well on your way to experiencing the warmth, flavor, and charm that this fascinating country offers. For those seeking both adventure and connection, Vietnam welcomes you with open arms—and the right visa can be your key to unlocking it all.
