Ho Chi Minh City Entry Requirements

Children must have their own passport (family passports are not accepted). Visa requirements are the same as adults—children from visa-exempt countries receive the same exemption, others need e-visas. If a child is traveling with only one parent or with non-parents (relatives, school groups), carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent(s) authorizing the travel. This may not always be checked but is important to have. Birth certificates showing relationship may also be requested. Children adopted internationally should carry adoption papers. Unaccompanied minors require special arrangements with airlines and may face additional immigration scrutiny.

Pets (dogs and cats) can be imported to Vietnam but require: (1) Microchip implanted before vaccination; (2) Current rabies vaccination at least 30 days before travel but not more than 12 months old; (3) Health certificate issued by licensed veterinarian within 7 days of travel; (4) Import permit from Vietnam Department of Animal Health (apply at least 2 weeks in advance); (5) Veterinary quarantine certificate issued upon arrival. Pets must enter through Tan Son Nhat International Airport and will be inspected by quarantine officials. Some breeds may be restricted. Quarantine periods vary (typically 7-30 days) depending on country of origin and documentation. This process is complex and expensive—consider carefully whether bringing your pet is necessary. Service animals have some exemptions but still require health documentation.

If you need to stay longer than your initial visa allows, you have several options: (1) Visa Extension: Apply through Vietnamese immigration office or authorized travel agency. Tourist visa extensions typically grant 30-90 additional days. Cost varies (USD $50-150). Apply at least one week before your current visa expires. (2) Visa Run: Exit Vietnam (to Cambodia, Thailand, or another nearby country) and re-enter with a new visa or visa exemption. Ensure you meet entry requirements for the country you're visiting. (3) Change Visa Type: If you find employment, enroll in school, or marry a Vietnamese citizen, you can change to appropriate visa category (work visa, student visa, etc.). This requires sponsorship and additional documentation. Overstaying your visa results in fines (approximately USD $25 per day), detention, deportation, and potential bans on re-entry. Always maintain legal status.

Business visitors can often use tourist e-visas for short business trips (meetings, conferences, site visits) but cannot engage in paid employment. For longer business stays or work activities, you need: (1) Business Visa (DN): Valid 30-90 days, requires invitation letter from Vietnamese company; (2) Work Permit: Required if you'll be employed in Vietnam, must be sponsored by employer; (3) Temporary Residence Card: For extended work assignments, valid up to 2 years. Business travelers should carry: company letter explaining purpose of visit, invitation from Vietnamese business partner, business cards, conference registration if applicable. Multiple-entry business visas are available for frequent travelers.

Professional journalists, reporters, and media crews require special press visas (DN) and must be accredited by the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Tourist visas do not permit journalistic activities. Apply through your media organization with assignment letters and detailed itinerary. This process can take several weeks. Freelance journalists should apply through their commissioning publication. Photography and filming for commercial purposes requires permits. Casual travel blogging on tourist visa is generally tolerated, but professional media work is not. Violating these rules can result in deportation and equipment confiscation.

If you hold Vietnamese citizenship (even if also holding another nationality), Vietnam considers you Vietnamese and you must enter/exit on your Vietnamese passport. Former Vietnamese citizens who renounced citizenship should carry proof of renunciation. Overseas Vietnamese (Viet Kieu) with foreign citizenship enter on their foreign passport with appropriate visa or exemption. If you were born in Vietnam but now hold foreign citizenship, be prepared to answer questions about your status. Some dual nationals face complications—consult the Vietnamese embassy in your country before travel.