Vietnam passport and visa information

Passport

To study abroad, you must have a signed, valid passport from your country of citizenship that will not expire for a minimum of six months after your planned return date. If you do not have a passport, or it's about to expire, make sure you apply for or renew it as soon as possible! U.S. Citizens can refer to the U.S. Department of State’s website for more information about passports and processing time.

Visa FAQs

“Do I need a student visa?”

Yes. U.S. passport holders staying in Vietnam for 90 days or more (semester or yearlong programs) must obtain a student visa, which allows you to live and study in the country.

“How do I get a student visa?”

You will apply through a Vietnamese consulate before departure, with guidance from your host university and Program Advisor. Visas are issued at the discretion of the Vietnamese government and are not guaranteed.

“When should students apply for their visa and how long does it take?”

USAC recommends starting the process about two months before your departure. Students first submit required visa documents to the host university, which obtains a visa approval letter on their behalf. Once received, students schedule an in-person appointment at a Vietnam Consulate in the U.S. Visa processing usually takes about one week, though delays are possible, so plan accordingly.

“Can I still travel while applying for a student visa?”

No. International travel before your program may interfere with your application.

“Does USAC help with the student visa process?”

Yes. Your Program Advisor will guide you through each step and share current visa information . However, because visa requirements can change, it is your responsibility to monitor the consulate’s website for the most updated information.

Non-U.S. citizens

Check with your home country consulate, as well as the embassy of the country in which you plan to study, regarding visa requirements. Permanent Residents of the U.S. should check with U.S. Immigration as leaving the country for more than one year may jeopardize permanent resident status. Tax clearance and re-entry forms may also be necessary in these cases.