How to apply for a family visit visa in Vietnam

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Visiting family members in Vietnam requires the appropriate visa category to ensure a smooth and hassle-free stay. If you are a foreign national planning to reunite with relatives in Vietnam, applying for a family visit visa is the right option.

This guide explains the step-by-step process for obtaining a family visit visa, including same day Vietnam visa options for urgent cases. If you are from Austria, we also cover specific details under the Vietnam visa for Austrian citizens category.

Understanding the Family Visit Visa

What is a Family Visit Visa?

A family visit visa (TT visa) is issued to foreign nationals who wish to visit their family members residing in Vietnam. This visa is typically granted to spouses, children, parents, or other close relatives of Vietnamese citizens or foreign residents holding valid long-term visas in Vietnam.

The validity of a family visit visa ranges from one month to one year, depending on the applicant’s relationship with the sponsor.

Who Needs a Family Visit Visa?

Foreign nationals who have Vietnamese family members (either Vietnamese citizens or foreign residents with valid work permits or residence cards) are eligible. This visa allows them to stay longer than a tourist visa and engage in family-related activities.

Family visit visa application process

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a Family Visit Visa

Step 1: Identify the Visa Type and Duration

Before applying, determine the visa type that best suits your visit:

• Single-entry visa (valid for one-time entry).
• Multiple-entry visa (valid for multiple visits within the visa period).
• Short-term (1-3 months) or long-term (up to 1 year) visas.

For Vietnam visa for Austrian citizens, the process is similar to other nationalities, but applicants should check with the Vietnamese embassy or online visa services for any country-specific requirements.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

To apply for a family visit visa, you need the following:

• A valid passport (at least six months validity).
• A visa application form (NA5 form for family visit purposes).
• A letter of invitation from a Vietnamese citizen or a foreign resident in Vietnam.
• A copy of the sponsor’s ID card (Vietnamese citizen) or residence permit (foreign resident).
• Proof of family relationship (birth certificate, marriage certificate, or other legal documents).
• Recent passport-sized photos (as per Vietnam’s visa photo requirements).

If you need a same day Vietnam visa due to an emergency, expedited processing options may be available for urgent cases.

Step 3: Submit the Visa Application

You can submit your family visit visa application through:

1. Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate:

   • Visit the nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your home country.
   • Submit all required documents and pay the processing fee.
   • Processing time usually takes 3-7 business days, but expedited services may be available.

2. Visa on Arrival (VOA) – Approval Letter:

   • Your Vietnamese sponsor can apply for a visa approval letter from the Vietnam Immigration Department.
   • Once approved, you will receive an approval letter via email.
   • Present this letter at a Vietnam international airport upon arrival to get your visa stamped.
   • This is a convenient option for those seeking a same day Vietnam visa in urgent situations.

Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee and Wait for Processing

The visa fee depends on:

• The visa type (single-entry vs. multiple-entry).
• The visa duration (short-term or long-term).
• Whether you apply through the embassy or VOA service.

Expedited processing, such as same day Vietnam visa, will have higher fees but allows for urgent travel.

Step 5: Receive and Verify Your Visa

Once your visa is approved, carefully check the details to ensure:

• Your name, passport number and visa validity are correct.
• The visa matches the intended duration of your stay.

For those using the Visa on Arrival option, ensure you have cash (USD or VND) to pay the stamping fee at the airport.

How to apply for family visit visa

Expedited Visa Options for Urgent Family Visits

Same Day Vietnam Visa – Fast Processing for Emergencies

In urgent cases, such as family emergencies or special occasions, you may need a same day Vietnam visa. Some visa services offer 24-hour processing, allowing you to receive a visa approval letter on the same day and get your visa stamped upon arrival.

However, this expedited service is generally more expensive and should only be used in time-sensitive situations.

Visa Extensions and Renewals

Can You Extend a Family Visit Visa?

Yes, if you wish to stay longer in Vietnam, you can apply for a visa extension before your visa expires. This process requires:

• A visa extension request submitted to the Immigration Department.
• A valid sponsor letter from your Vietnamese family member.
• Additional fees depending on the extension duration.

Applying early is important to avoid overstay penalties.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying

Delays or Rejections Due to Incorrect Documentation

• Ensure all documents are accurate and complete before submission.
• Double-check the sponsor’s information and proof of relationship.

Last-Minute Applications

• Start the visa process at least 2-4 weeks in advance to avoid stress.
• If urgent, consider using a same day Vietnam visa service.

Choosing the Wrong Visa Type

• A tourist visa does not allow extended family stays—ensure you apply for the correct family visit visa category.

Vietnam family visit visa: Wings for family reunion journey

Conclusion

Applying for a family visit visa in Vietnam involves several steps, from gathering required documents to submitting an application through an embassy or online approval system. If you are from Austria, the Vietnam visa for Austrian citizens follows the same process, with embassy-specific requirements.

For urgent travel needs, same day Vietnam visa options provide a quick solution, allowing you to obtain a visa on short notice.