United States entry requirements for Vietnam passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Vietnamese passport holders need a visa to enter the United States. As of 2026, there is no visa waiver or visa-on-arrival option for tourism or business — you must apply for a B-1/B-2 visa at the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi or the Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City before you travel.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| US visa application B-1/B-2 visitor visa | Apply for a nonimmigrant visa at the US embassy or consulate in your home country. Complete the DS-160 form online, pay the $185 fee, and schedule an in-person interview. Processing times vary by location — check appointment availability early.Apply for US visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in the US. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by US law, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | US immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or onward ticket ready at the border. Airlines also check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Carry a hotel reservation confirmation or a letter from your US host with their address and contact details. Immigration officers may ask where you're staying, especially for first-time visitors. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or credit card | Show you can cover your expenses during the trip. Recent bank statements, pay stubs, or a credit card with sufficient limit work. No minimum amount is specified, but have evidence ready if asked. | Recommended |
Visa interview wait times are long
Book your interview 2–3 months ahead of your planned travel. Slots fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons (summer, Tet). Check the U.S. Embassy website for current wait times.
ESTA is not available for Vietnamese passport holders
The Visa Waiver Program and ESTA are only for citizens of 40 specific countries. Vietnam is not on that list. You must get a visa — no exceptions.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the DS-160 form online
Go to the Consular Electronic Application Center website, fill in all personal, travel, and employment details, upload a passport-style photo, and submit. Print the confirmation page with the barcode — you'll bring it to the interview.
2
Pay the visa fee
Pay the $185 MRV fee online via the U.S. visa appointment system or at a designated bank in Vietnam. Save the payment receipt — it's required for scheduling the interview.
3
Schedule your interview
Log into the U.S. visa appointment system, choose the embassy (Hanoi) or consulate (Ho Chi Minh City), and pick an available date. Wait times can be 2–3 months, so plan ahead.
4
Attend the interview
Arrive at the embassy or consulate on time with your passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, and supporting documents (job letter, bank statements, travel itinerary). The officer will ask about your trip and ties to Vietnam. Answer honestly and briefly.
5
Wait for visa processing
If approved, your passport will be held for visa stamping. Processing takes 3–5 business days. You'll receive instructions to pick it up or have it couriered.
6
Enter the US
At the US port of entry (airport, land border), present your passport with the visa. The CBP officer may ask about your stay and return plans. Have your return ticket and accommodation details ready.
Download United States Entry Checklist
PDF · Vietnam Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
Validity10 years from issue date
Cost$160 USD (~3,900,000 VND)
Standard tourist/business visa; requires interview at US Embassy.
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
Validity10 years from issue date
Cost$160 USD (~3,900,000 VND)
Same fee as single entry; allows multiple visits over 10 years.
F-1 Student Visa
Max stayDuration of study + 60 days grace
ValidityUp to 5 years, renewable
Cost$160 USD + SEVIS fee $350 USD
For full-time academic programs; requires I-20 from US school.
H-1B Work Visa
Max stayUp to 6 years (3+3)
Validity3 years initially, extendable
Cost$460 USD + premium processing optional
For specialty occupations; requires employer sponsorship and lottery.
work visa
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
Up to 6 years (3+3 extension)
$460 USD filing fee + premium processing optional
For professionals with a bachelor's degree or higher in a specialty field. Requires employer sponsorship and annual lottery. Allows eventual green card application.
Apply student visa
F-1 Student Visa
Duration of study + 60 days grace; OPT up to 12 months (STEM 36 months)
$160 USD + SEVIS fee $350 USD
For full-time academic programs at accredited US institutions. Allows on-campus work and optional practical training after graduation.
Apply investor visa
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa
Permanent residency (green card) after conditional period
$1,050,000 USD minimum investment (or $800,000 in targeted areas) + legal fees
For individuals investing in a US business that creates at least 10 full-time jobs. Leads to permanent residency for investor and immediate family.
Apply treaty trader visa
E-2 Treaty Investor Visa (if applicable)
Up to 5 years, renewable indefinitely
$205 USD + legal fees
For nationals of treaty countries investing a substantial amount in a US business. Vietnam is not currently a treaty country, so this option is unavailable.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)Non-refundable application fee for most nonimmigrant visas. | $160 USD (equivalent to ~3,900,000 VND) |
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)Same fee for multiple entries; validity up to 10 years for Vietnamese citizens. | $160 USD (same as single entry) |
| Visa extension (Form I-539)For extending B1/B2 stay beyond initial I-94 period; processing takes months. | $370 USD (equivalent to ~9,000,000 VND) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay can lead to visa revocation and future inadmissibility; avoid at all costs. | Varies; typically $0–$500+ depending on circumstances |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient ties to home country30%
Incomplete or incorrect application25%
Previous visa overstay or violation20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through United States
Transit visa required
Vietnamese passport holders generally need a C-1 transit visa to change planes in the US, even if staying airside. Exceptions apply for those with a valid US visa or ESTA-eligible nationality.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa (e.g., B1/B2) may transit without a separate transit visa.
- Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries with ESTA approval may transit without visa.
Transit hubsLos Angeles International Airport (LAX) · San Francisco International Airport (SFO) · John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Health & vaccines for United States
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne diseases (Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever)Moderate risk
Risk in wooded/grassy areas, especially Northeast and Upper Midwest.
Mosquito-borne diseases (West Nile virus, dengue)Low risk
West Nile virus present nationwide; dengue rare but reported in southern states.
Foodborne illnessesLow risk
General risk from undercooked food; safe water supply.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Washington, D.C.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Washington Field Office
2675 Prosperity Ave, Fairfax, VA 22031
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles I-539 extensions by mail; no walk-in service for extensions.
New York
USCIS New York Field Office
26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Appointment required for most services; extensions filed by mail.
Practical information for VN travellers
Country basics
CapitalWashington D.C.
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceForeign visitors may drive with a valid home-country licence for the duration of their stay. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyUS Dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
Time zone
Local timeAmerica/New_York
vs New York+0:00 (same timezone)
vs Los Angeles-3h from NY
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins + grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
Emergency numbers
Getting to United States
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United States — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
The entire process takes 2–4 months from start to finish. First, fill the DS-160 (30 minutes). Then schedule an interview — wait times are typically 60–90 days. After the interview, if approved, you get your passport back in 3–5 business days.
No. All applicants aged 14–79 must appear in person for an interview at the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi or the Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City. There is no online-only option.
The non-refundable visa application fee (MRV fee) is $185 USD as of 2026. This covers the application and interview. There are no additional visa issuance fees for most categories.
Bring your passport (valid 6+ months), DS-160 confirmation page, fee receipt, one passport photo (if not uploaded), and supporting documents: employment letter, bank statements (3–6 months), travel itinerary, hotel bookings, and proof of ties to Vietnam (property, family, etc.).
Yes, but you must apply for an extension with USCIS before your authorized stay expires. The maximum total stay is usually 12 months. Extensions are not guaranteed and take 3–6 months to process. Overstaying can result in a ban.
You can reapply at any time, but you must address the reason for rejection. Common reasons: insufficient ties to Vietnam, incomplete documents, or unclear travel purpose. There is no appeal process — just submit a new application.
Yes. Even if you're just changing planes in the US, you need a C-1 transit visa or a B-1/B-2 visa. There is no transit waiver for Vietnamese passport holders.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.