Vietnam Visitor Visa (Family & Friends Visit)
The Vietnam Visitor Visa, symbolised VR under Vietnam’s Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners, is issued to foreign nationals visiting relatives or entering Vietnam for other qualifying personal purposes, separate from Vietnam’s Tourist (DL) or Business (DN) categories. According to the official visa classification, the VR visa is specifically defined as being issued “to people who visit relatives or for other purposes,” making it a distinct category from a standard tourist trip. In practice, many travellers visiting family or friends in Vietnam for short stays instead use the Tourist Visa or eVisa system, which also accepts “visiting family/friends” as a stated purpose, while the VR visa is more commonly used for visits tied to a specific relative or personal sponsor in Vietnam. As with all Vietnam Visa categories, the final decision on approval rests solely with the Vietnam Immigration Department.
Eligibility
Based on official Vietnamese government sources, applicants for a Visitor Visa (VR) must generally:
- Be a foreign national travelling to Vietnam to visit relatives, friends, or for another qualifying personal purpose.
- Hold a passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond the intended entry date.
- Not fall under any category of persons prohibited from entering Vietnam under the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners.
- In many cases, have an inviting or guaranteeing individual, agency, or organisation in Vietnam (such as the relative or friend being visited) to support the application, where the visa is processed outside the e-Visa system.
Government Visa Fees
The government fee structure follows Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance Circular No. 28/2026/TT-BTC (effective April 1, 2026). Where the visit is processed through the e-Visa system, the standard fee schedule applies:
| Fee Type | Amount |
| Single-Entry Visa (e-Visa route, up to 90 days) | USD 25 |
| Multiple-Entry Visa (e-Visa route, up to 90 days) | USD 50 |
| VR Visa (up to 6 months, via embassy/consulate or sponsored application) | Information may vary depending on the visa category and individual circumstances |
| INR Equivalent | Information 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.
Vietnam Visa Processing Time
Vietnam’s Immigration Law prescribes a standard processing time of 3 working days for applications submitted through the e-Visa system. For a VR visa processed through a sponsoring relative, friend, or organisation in Vietnam — rather than the e-Visa system — processing may take longer, as the sponsor must first submit an invitation or guarantee request to the Immigration Department before the visa can be issued. Applicants should coordinate with their host in Vietnam and apply well ahead of their intended travel date.
Required Documents Checklist
Step-by-Step Application Process
Important Notes
Why Choose Shivansh Consultants
Applying for a Vietnam Visitor Visa (Family & Friends Visit) requires accurate documentation, proof of your relationship with the host, and compliance with the immigration requirements prescribed by the Vietnamese authorities. At Shivansh Consultants, we provide personalized guidance and end-to-end support, assisting you with visa application forms, invitation letters, relationship documents, travel itineraries, financial evidence, accommodation details, 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 client-focused assistance throughout your Vietnam Visitor 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 Vietnam Visitor Visa application with confidence.