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Vietnam Journalist Visa

The Vietnam Journalist Visa, symbolised PV1 and PV2 under Vietnam’s Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners, is issued to foreign media professionals working in Vietnam. According to official visa classification, a PV1 visa is issued to journalists with permanent residence (resident correspondents) in Vietnam, while a PV2 visa is issued to journalists entering Vietnam for short-term reporting activities. Foreign journalists working in Vietnam are also generally required to hold press accreditation from the relevant Vietnamese government authority overseeing foreign media, in addition to their visa. As with all Vietnam Visa categories, the final decision on approval rests solely with the Vietnam Immigration Department and relevant government agencies overseeing foreign press activity.

Eligibility

Based on official Vietnamese government sources, applicants for a Journalist Visa (PV1/PV2) must generally:

  • Be a foreign national working as a journalist, reporter, or correspondent for a recognised foreign media organisation.
  • Hold a passport valid for a period exceeding the intended visa validity by at least 30 days.
  • For PV1 (resident correspondents): intend to be based in Vietnam on a longer-term basis as an accredited resident journalist.
  • For PV2 (short-term press activity): be entering Vietnam for a specific, shorter reporting assignment.
  • Provide a formal letter from their media organisation confirming their role and assignment, and obtain the necessary press accreditation from the relevant Vietnamese authority.

Government Visa Fees

Government fees for PV1/PV2 visas are set under Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance Circular No. 28/2026/TT-BTC (effective April 1, 2026), and generally follow the fee structure applied to other non-tourist, sponsor-based visa categories.

Fee TypeAmount
Journalist Visa (PV1/PV2), by validity and entry typeInformation may vary depending on the visa category and individual circumstances
INR EquivalentInformation may vary depending on the visa category and individual circumstances

Fees are non-refundable regardless of the outcome. Applicants should confirm the exact current fee with the Vietnam Immigration Department or the relevant Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate, as PV visas are not processed through the standard e-Visa fee schedule.

Vietnam Visa Processing Time

Because Journalist Visas require both immigration approval and coordination with the Vietnamese government authority responsible for foreign press accreditation, official Vietnamese sources do not publish a single fixed processing timeline for PV1/PV2 visas. Processing may take longer than for standard tourist or business visas, particularly for PV1 resident correspondent applications, which involve longer-term accreditation. Applicants should submit their media organisation’s letter and accreditation request well in advance of their planned assignment and confirm expected timelines with the relevant Vietnamese authority and Embassy/Consulate.

Required Documents Checklist

Passport valid for a period exceeding the intended visa validity by at least 30 days
Digital passport-style photograph
Formal letter from the applicant's media organisation confirming their role, assignment, and expected duration in Vietnam
Press accreditation application or supporting documents for the relevant Vietnamese government authority overseeing foreign media
Completed visa application form
Additional supporting documents as requested by the Vietnam Immigration Department or the specific embassy/consulate

Step-by-Step Application Process

Confirm whether your assignment qualifies as a PV1 (resident correspondent) or PV2 (short-term reporting) visa.
Obtain a formal letter from your media organisation confirming your role and assignment in Vietnam.
Submit a press accreditation request to the relevant Vietnamese government authority overseeing foreign media.
Complete the visa application form and submit it to the Vietnamese Embassy, Consulate, or Immigration Department.
Provide your passport, photograph, and supporting media/accreditation documents.
Pay the applicable visa fee.
Await review and coordination between immigration and press accreditation authorities.
Receive your visa decision and, if approved, your press accreditation.
Present your visa, passport, and accreditation documents at the immigration checkpoint upon arrival, and carry them while working in Vietnam.

Important Notes

Foreign journalists are generally required to hold both a PV1/PV2 visa and separate press accreditation to legally conduct reporting activities in Vietnam.
A PV1 visa is intended for resident correspondents based in Vietnam long-term, while PV2 covers short-term reporting assignments.
Visa fees are non-refundable, even if the application is refused.
PV1 and PV2 visas are generally valid for up to 12 months, in line with the standard validity periods for this visa group under Vietnamese law.
Processing may take longer than standard visa categories due to press accreditation coordination.
Providing false or incomplete information about the media assignment may result in visa refusal.

Why Choose Shivansh Consultants

Applying for a Vietnam Journalist Visa requires accurate documentation, official media credentials, and compliance with the immigration and press regulations prescribed by the Vietnamese authorities. At Shivansh Consultants, we provide personalized guidance and end-to-end support, assisting eligible applicants with visa application forms, media accreditation documents, invitation letters, assignment letters, travel itineraries, and all required supporting paperwork. Our experienced consultants carefully review your application to help minimize errors and delays while ensuring your documentation is complete and meets the applicable visa requirements. We are committed to delivering transparent, reliable, and professional assistance throughout your Vietnam Journalist Visa application process. While the final decision on visa approval rests solely with the Vietnamese immigration authorities, our goal is to help you submit a complete, accurate, and well-prepared Journalist Visa application with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between a PV1 and PV2 Journalist Visa?
A PV1 visa is issued to journalists with permanent residence in Vietnam (resident correspondents), while a PV2 visa is issued to journalists entering Vietnam for short-term reporting assignments.
2. Do I need press accreditation in addition to my Journalist Visa?
Yes. Foreign journalists working in Vietnam generally need both a PV1/PV2 visa and separate press accreditation from the relevant Vietnamese government authority overseeing foreign media.
3. How much does a Vietnam Journalist Visa cost?
Fees vary by validity and entry type and are not part of the standard e-Visa fee schedule. Confirm the exact fee with the Vietnam Immigration Department or the relevant embassy/consulate.
4. How long does it take to process a Vietnam Journalist Visa?
There is no single published processing timeline, as PV1/PV2 applications involve both immigration approval and press accreditation coordination. Applicants should apply well in advance.
5. Can I work as a journalist in Vietnam on a Tourist Visa?
No. Journalistic and press activities require a dedicated PV1 or PV2 Journalist Visa, along with the relevant press accreditation; a Tourist Visa does not permit this type of work.