United States Visa RequirementsFor Vietnam passport holders
Vietnamese citizens must obtain a US visa to visit the United States. The most common type is the B1/B2 tourist and business visa, which costs USD 185 and can permit stays of up to 180 days.
Vietnam passport holders require a visa to enter United States.
Book an interview appointment through the US Embassy website (vn.usembassy.gov). Pay the MRV fee of USD 185. Attend your interview with DS-160 form, financial documents, proof of employment, property ownership, and family ties. Demonstrating intent to return to Vietnam is critical. Wait times for interview appointments can be several months.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Vietnam to United States: What You Need to Know
The United States is home to over 1.5 million Vietnamese Americans, one of the largest overseas Vietnamese communities in the world. Family reunification is a primary travel purpose. US-Vietnam diplomatic relations were normalized in 1995 and economic ties have grown substantially. The US Embassy in Hanoi and Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City both process visa applications.
Practical Tips
Apply as early as possible; interview appointment backlogs can be 3 to 6 months or longer. Bring thorough financial documentation. A letter of invitation from US relatives is helpful for family visits. The consulate in Ho Chi Minh City is convenient for southern Vietnam applicants. Overstaying a US visa has severe long-term consequences including future bans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Vietnamese citizens need a visa for the United States?
Yes. Vietnamese passport holders must obtain a US visa before traveling. The standard B1/B2 tourist and business visa costs USD 185 and can allow stays of up to 180 days, though the actual duration is determined by the immigration officer at the port of entry.
How do I apply for a US visa from Vietnam?
Complete the DS-160 form online at ceac.state.gov, pay the USD 185 MRV fee, and book an interview at the US Embassy in Hanoi or the US Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City. Attend the interview with your passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, and supporting documents including bank statements, employment proof, property ownership, and family ties.
What makes the US visa interview a challenge for Vietnamese applicants?
US visa officers assess whether applicants have strong ties to Vietnam that would ensure they return home after their visit. First-time applicants, younger applicants, and those without stable employment or property can face additional scrutiny. A strong financial profile, close family in Vietnam, and previous travel history to other countries all help demonstrate ties.
How long does it take to get a US visa appointment from Vietnam?
Interview appointment wait times at the US Embassy in Hanoi and Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City fluctuate significantly. In peak periods, waits of 3 to 6 months or even longer are common. Apply as early as possible. Check the appointment availability regularly at ustraveldocs.com/vn for cancellation slots.