When a company says it’s expanding into Southeast Asia, what they often mean is this: “We’re trying to figure out how to relocate John from New York to Ho Chi Minh without a visa headache.”
Fair enough. Because despite the hype about borderless teams and remote work, relocating American citizens to Vietnam still requires something most execs dread: paperwork.
So let’s get the obvious out of the way.
Vietnam Visa for US Citizens
Yes. US citizens need a visa to enter Vietnam.
There’s no visa exemption, no loophole, no “it depends.” If you’re a US passport holder and planning a trip to Vietnam, whether for work, business meetings, or onboarding local teams, you must apply for a Vietnam visa.
But before you roll your eyes and delegate this to “Legal,” here’s the good news: the visa process is faster, easier, and more digital than most people think.
You just need to know which route to take.
The Reality of Vietnam Travel
There’s a strange belief in some corporate circles that Southeast Asia is “easy.” Affordable labor, booming markets, great food. And yes, all that’s true. But here’s what they don’t tell you:
Vietnam doesn’t play when it comes to entry requirements.
US passport holders can’t just show up expecting a visa on arrival. While there is a system for visa on arrival, it still requires advance application and an approval letter issued by Vietnam immigration. So if you’re imagining your staff will just land and sort it out at the airport? Forget it.
And don’t assume your corporate travel agent knows better. Many still confuse visa types or overlook key documents.
This isn’t Bali. This is Vietnam. You need a valid visa to enter, period.
Types of Vietnam Visas for US Citizens
When planning a trip to Vietnam, it’s crucial to understand which type of visa your employee (or contractor) actually needs.
Here are the primary options:
1. Vietnam E-Visa for US Citizens
The Vietnam e-visa is the best option for short-term stays. As of 2023, US citizens can apply online for a 90-day, multiple-entry e-visa. It’s simple, cheap (around $25), and fast (typically 3 business days).
Perfect for:
- Scouting trips
- Initial market visits
- Short-term work or interviews
2. Business Visa (DN1 or DN2)
If your US-based employee is going to work in Vietnam, train staff, or manage local operations, they’ll need a business visa. This usually starts as a single-entry visa, and can be upgraded or extended once in-country.
Important: this doesn’t grant the right to work long-term. It’s more like a stepping stone.
3. Work Visa / Work Permit
For long-term employment, a work permit is non-negotiable. It’s issued only after the company in Vietnam (either a local entity or a registered rep office) sponsors the employee.
And yes, this comes with extra paperwork: a contract, health checks, criminal background checks, and education verification.
But it’s necessary if you’re planning to relocate US staff for more than 90 days.
Embassy vs. E-Visa: Which One Should You Use?
Here’s where companies waste time: trying to do everything through the Vietnamese embassy.
Unless you’re dealing with a very specific visa type, like a diplomatic or investor visa, there is no reason to avoid the e-visa route. The e-visa system is government-run, secure, and removes the need for in-person appointments.
The only time you’d need to go through a Vietnamese embassy or consulate is if:
- You’re applying for a long-term work visa
- You need a visa longer than 90 days
- Your employee was denied an e-visa
Avoiding the Visa-on-Arrival Trap
A decade ago, “visa on arrival” was a buzzword in backpacker blogs. Today? It’s a bureaucratic trap for business travelers.
To use the visa on arrival system, US citizens must still apply online in advance, receive an approval letter, print it, and present it upon arrival in Vietnam.
Miss one step? You’re stuck. Your employee could be denied entry or forced to buy a last-minute return ticket.
Pro tip: Skip this altogether and apply for a Vietnam e-visa for US citizens before the trip.
Planning to Hire Vietnamese Locals?
If your goal is to hire local Vietnamese talent, developers, designers, salespeople, then you don’t need to worry about the visa process for them.
But here’s the catch: you still need to be set up to legally employ and pay them. That means either opening a local entity or partnering with an Employer of Record (EOR) service.
If you go the EOR route (which you should, if speed matters), your company can hire Vietnamese professionals without needing to register a business in Vietnam.
So while American citizens require a visa to enter Vietnam, your ability to tap into the Vietnamese labor market is only limited by your operational setup.
Exit Strategy
Vietnam takes overstays seriously. If your employee enters on a 30- or 90-day visa and stays longer, penalties apply. In worst cases, it can jeopardize future entry or trigger fines.
Always track visa dates. Set calendar alerts. Automate reminders.
If someone needs to stay in Vietnam longer, start the extension process at least 10 days before the visa expires.
Respect the Process, Move Faster
Vietnam is an incredible market with a young, skilled workforce and rising global relevance. But it doesn’t hand out free passes.
Whether you’re sending American citizens to work in Vietnam or hiring Vietnamese employees on the ground, understanding the visa requirements isn’t optional. It’s strategic.
So don’t wing it. Don’t assume. And definitely don’t wait until a week before the flight.
Start your Vietnam visa planning now, or better yet, contact Empleyo to help you navigate the process with confidence.
Because nothing slows down global expansion like a denied entry stamp.
FAQs: Vietnam Visa for US Citizens & Employer Support
1. Can US citizens apply for a Vietnam visa with an expired passport
No. To meet Vietnam visa requirements, US citizens must have a valid passport with at least six months of validity from the date of entry. A passport and a visa are both required to enter and exit Vietnam.
2. Is there a Vietnam visa exemption for dual citizens with Vietnamese heritage?
Yes. Vietnamese-American citizens may be eligible for a certificate of visa exemption, allowing them to visit Vietnam without a visa for up to 5 years. This must be applied for at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate.
3. Can travelers to Vietnam convert a tourist visa into a work visa while in-country?
While it is technically possible to switch visa types after arrival in Vietnam, it’s not guaranteed. Travelers who plan to work should apply for the appropriate entry visa before they travel to Vietnam to avoid complications.
4. How does Empleyo assist US companies with Vietnam visa applications?
Empleyo helps American companies navigate the Vietnam visa process for their employees, from choosing the right visa type to handling documentation and embassy coordination. We streamline compliance so you can focus on growth.
5. Can Empleyo support hiring Vietnamese citizens without setting up a local entity?
Absolutely. Through our EOR solution, Empleyo allows companies to hire and pay Vietnamese professionals legally, without the need to establish a business presence in Vietnam. Contact us to get started.
