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🇻🇳VIETNAM
🇺🇸UNITED STATESVN-US

Do Vietnam passport holders need a visa to visit United States?

Visa required. B1/B2 visitor visa, USD 185. Vietnam is not on the Visa Waiver Program. Vietnamese ordinary passport holders need a visa to enter the United States — Vietnam is not on the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). The standard tourist/business visa is the B1/B2, costing USD 185. The application requires the DS-160 form and an in-person interview at the US Embassy in Hanoi or the Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City. B1/B2 visas for Vietnamese were upgraded to 10-year validity with multiple entries effective from 8 August 2024 (previously 1 year) — a major reciprocity improvement under the bilateral relationship upgrade. Each visit allows up to 6 months as determined by the CBP officer on arrival.
VISA REQUIREDTOURISMMULTIPLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-27
For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.
/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-27
Visa type
B1/B2 Visitor Visa
Maximum stay
Up to 6 months per visit (CBP discretion)
per entry
Entries
Multiple
from issue date
Visa fee
USD 185
consular fee only
Processing time
Interview wait 1-3 months
standard track
Validity
10 years (since 8 August 2024)
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Check passport validity
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay with at least 1 blank page.
· 6-month rule
/02
Complete DS-160
Online non-immigrant visa application at ceac.state.gov. Save the confirmation page with barcode.
· DS-160
/03
Pay USD 185 MRV fee
Pay the Machine Readable Visa fee via bank channel in VND equivalent. Save the receipt.
· USD 185
/04
Schedule interview
Book at the US Embassy in Hanoi or Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City. Interview waits typically 1-3 months.
· embassy interview
/05
Attend interview
Bring DS-160 confirmation, passport, photo, fee receipt, financial evidence, employment letter, itinerary. Decision usually same day; passport returned in 5-10 working days.
· in-person interview
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

12 items
Personalized checklist
0 / 12 complete
Vietnamese passport
Valid 6 months beyond stay, 1 blank page
DS-160 confirmation
With barcode
Passport photo
5×5 cm (2×2 inch), white background
USD 185 fee receipt
MRV fee
Interview appointment
At US Embassy Hanoi or Consulate HCMC
Vietnamese ID card (CCCD)
Original
Employment letter
With salary and leave approval
Bank statements
Last 6 months
Property/business evidence
Strong ties to Vietnam (Red Book / Pink Book, business licence)
Family registration (Sổ hộ khẩu)
Photocopy
Itinerary
Flight bookings and accommodation (optional but helpful)
Travel insurance
Strongly recommended; US healthcare is extremely expensive
Track your progress · save & email a copy
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
B1/B2 visa (MRV fee)USD 185Non-refundable; per applicant
Visa Issuance FeeFreeVietnam is not subject to reciprocity issuance fees
Global Entry (optional)USD 1205-year fast-track membership for approved travellers
Overstay penalties3-10 year banStrict enforcement
Total estimateUSD 185 — USD 185incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

B1/B2 standard
1-3 months interview wait
Includes interview scheduling, in-person appointment, and passport return.
Interview waiver (renewal)
2-4 weeks
For renewals within 48 months of expiry of previous B1/B2; document drop-off only.
Emergency appointment
Variable
Available for medical, urgent business, or student emergencies.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
Strong ties not demonstrated
Need to show ties to Vietnam (job, family, property) so the consular officer believes you'll return.
High
/02
Inconsistent answers
Differences between DS-160 and interview answers raise red flags.
Medium
/03
Past US overstay
Any previous overstay or removal heavily affects future approvals.
Medium
/04
Suspected immigrant intent
Section 214(b) refusals are the most common reason. The consular officer must believe you'll leave the US.
High
/05
Weak travel history
First-time international travellers may need stronger supporting evidence (especially funds and employment).
Medium
/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01
CBP inspection
A visa lets you request admission. CBP decides the actual period of stay and records it in your I-94.
/02
Customs
Declare food, agricultural items, and cash over USD 10,000. Missing declarations can cause fines or seizure.
/03
Connectivity
Airport SIMs are expensive; eSIMs or prepaid plans bought online often work better for short trips.
/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024
2026-05-27
Vietnam to US route verified
Confirmed B1/B2 USD 185, Vietnam not on VWP, 10-year reciprocity validity since Aug 2024.
2024-08-08 · major
B1/B2 validity extended to 10 years
US extended B1/B2 reciprocity for Vietnamese citizens from 1 year to 10 years (multiple entries).
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Do Vietnamese citizens need a visa for the US?—
Yes — Vietnam is not on the Visa Waiver Program. Vietnamese ordinary passport holders need a B1/B2 visitor visa (USD 185) to enter the US for tourism, business, or transit.
How much does the US visa cost?+
How long is the B1/B2 valid for Vietnamese?+
How long does the US visa take?+
Is Vietnam joining the Visa Waiver Program?+
What if my B1/B2 visa is refused?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the Vietnam passport

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Compare the Vietnam passport
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Vietnam visa-free map
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Vietnam passport power
Global rank and destination breakdown→
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