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Visas for U.S. citizens traveling abroad

If you are a U.S. citizen planning to travel abroad, you may need a visa to enter a foreign country. Learn how to find your destination's visa requirements.

While not all countries require visas for American travelers, many do. Look up your destination using the U.S. State Department's Learn About Your Destination search tool . On the country’s information page, you will find entry, exit, and visa requirements. You will also find travel advisories and a link to the country’s embassy.

LAST UPDATED: December 6, 2023

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Embassy of the

Socialist republic of vietnam, in the united states of america.

• Ambassador Pham Quang Vinh (2014 - 2018)
• Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Cuong (2011-2014)
• Ambassador Le Cong Phung (2008 - 2011)
• Ambassador Nguyen Tam Chien (2001 - 2007)
• Ambassador Le Van Bang (1995 - 2001)
• Offices/Sections
• Foreign Policy
• Viet Nam's visa procedures
• Visa Exemption
• PASSPORT ISSUANCE, RENEWAL, OR ANNOTATION
• Legalization of documents for marriage
• power of attorney
• Birth registration
• Certificate of Vietnamese origin
• Citizen registration
• Renouncement of Vietnamese citizenship
• Legalization
• permit to transport remains and dead bodies to Vietnam
• Instructions For Registration to Retain Vietnamese Citizenship
• Embassy Activities
• Joint Statements

Search form

Mon, 06 May 2024 10:47:52 -0400

You are here

I. to apply for a visa to come to vietnam, you have the following options:.

For you best convenience in applying tourist visa to Viet Nam, you can leave the required information on our visa application assistant portal:  https://vnmvisa-assistant.web.app

1. APPLY AT THE EMBASSY (STANDARD VISA)

a) Apply in-person at the Embassy ;

b) Apply by mail to the Embassy .

Address and contacts: see Part IV below

2. APPLY THROUGH  THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT (EVISA)

Access the link administered by the Immigration Department, Ministry of Public Security of Viet Nam (evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn)

Note: If have any difficulties or problems occur while applying for the e-visa, please contact the Immigration Department, Ministry of Public Security via email: [email protected] or hotline: +84.24.382.640.26

II. Processing time (at the Embassy of Viet Nam)

1. If applicant hasn't had the letter of approval: Five (05) working days after submission of complete application with all required documentation and fee

* Expedited service: 1 (one) to 4 (four) working days upon your request (to be issued at the Embassy). In case applying by mail, kindly attach an Expedited service or URGENT note/label on your envelope or in your application package.

2. If applicant already had the letter of approval: Three (03) business days after submission of complete application with all required documentation and fee.

* Expedited service: 24-hour processing time (additional fee is required). Kindly attach an Expedited service or URGENT note/label on your envelope or in your application package.

*Note: You can request your hosting/ inviting organization or individual to carry out the procedures to request the competent authority of Vietnam to grant the approval

III. Other important notices

* Make sure you check all personal information printed on your visa. In case you find any inaccuracy, please contact the Embassy immediately for correction.

* Visa’s length and number of entries: your visa can be issued with the length and the number of entries not exceeding that indicated in the visa approval by the competent authority of Vietnam. US citizens can be granted multiple visas with the length up to 01 year.

* Duration of stay: the length of your visa validity is indicated on the visa. You can only enter Viet Nam from the date of entry printed on the visa and must leave by the end of the expiration date.

* The Embassy reserves the right to request further information and documentation from applicants and reject any visa application without explanation

IV. ​​​​   For more information (only for visa applicant at the Embassy) , please contact the Consular Division of the Embassy:

* Business hours: 9:00 A.M – 12:00 P.M and 02:00 P.M – 04:30 P.M from Monday through Friday, except on  Viet Nam and United States holidays .

- Address: 1233 20th Street NW, Suite 400, Washington D.C., 20036.

- Telephone: (202) 999 6589 (text message/call); (202) 716 8666 (text message/call); (202) 999 6938 (text message/call).

- Fax: 202-861-0917; Email:  [email protected]

• The Embassy
• Consular Services
• Vietnam - US Relations

Add: 1233 20th St NW, Ste 400, Washington, DC 20036

Tel: 202-861-0737

Consular emergency: 202-716-8666 

For visa inquiries only: 202-999-6589

Fax: 202-861-0917

[email protected] (consular affairs)

[email protected] (general information)

Hours of Operation (EST)

Embassy: Mon - Fri, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm & 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm    

Consulate: Mon - Fri, 09:00 am to 12:00 pm & 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm

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Application for a Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa - TRV)

You need to give your biometrics.

In most cases, you now need to give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics) after you apply.

Find out who needs to give biometrics and how the new application process works.

Biometrics and the application process

We refer to your fingerprints and photo as biometrics. We collect biometrics for most applications. Find out what happens from when you submit your application to when you get to Canada and where biometrics fits in the process.

1. Apply for your visitor visa, study permit or work permit

If you want to visit, study or work in Canada, make sure you’re eligible to apply. Use our application guides to help fill out your application properly, then submit your application.

Avoid processing delays by sending us a complete application .

2. Get your fingerprints and photo taken

If you’re between 14 and 79 years old, you probably need to give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics).You only need to give your biometrics once every 10 years to make repeat trips to Canada easier.

• You must pay the  biometrics fee   when you submit your application.  Otherwise you may experience delays.
• Get this done  as soon as you get the letter  from us that tells you to give biometrics.
• You have  30 days  to do this from the date on the letter.

Find out who needs to give , how to give , and  where to give your biometrics .

COVID-19: Biometrics deadline

Some biometrics collection sites are closed. If the site closest to you is closed, we’ll extend your deadline to give your biometrics. Find out how COVID-19 is affecting biometrics .

3. We process your application

After we get your biometrics, we start processing your application. See how long it takes to process your application.

If we need more information from you, we’ll contact you.

4. We make a decision on your application

When we finish reviewing your application, we let you know if you’re approved to come to Canada. If you are, we issue your documents.

If your application is refused, we send you a letter that tells you why.

5. You travel to Canada (if you’re approved)

Make sure you travel with the documents we gave you. This includes travel documents like a visitor visa, study or work permits or an eTA (electronically linked to your passport).

Airline staff and border service officers at ports of entry will ask to see your travel documents. If you don’t have them, you may not be able to board your flight to Canada.

Make sure children under 18 travel with the right documents .

6. We check your identity when you arrive in Canada

When you arrive, we check your identity to make sure that you are the same person who was approved to travel to Canada. We may use your biometrics to do this.

If we can’t verify your identity, you may be detained by a border services officer. These officers help protect the health and safety of Canadians.

If the officer determines that you’re not admissible to Canada, you won’t be allowed to enter Canada. If you came by air, you’ll have to take a return flight to where you came from.

7. You’re allowed to enter Canada

If you pass the identity check and meet the entry requirements , the border services officer stamps your passport and lets you know how long you can stay in Canada. You’re normally allowed to stay in Canada for up to six months.

Children under 18 must meet the same entry requirements as adults. The border services officer may ask minor children to show other documents depending on whether the child is travelling alone or with someone.

Basic entry requirements

You must meet some basic requirements to enter Canada. You must:

• have a valid travel document, like a passport
• be in good health
• have no criminal or immigration-related convictions
• convince an immigration officer that you have ties—such as a job, home, financial assets or family—that will take you back to your home country
• convince an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit
• The amount of money you will need depends on how long you will stay and if you will stay in a hotel, or with friends or relatives.

Some people are not admissible to Canada, which means they are not allowed to enter the country. You can be inadmissible for several reasons, including being involved in:

• criminal activity
• human rights violations
• organized crime

You can also be inadmissible for security, health or financial reasons.

Find out more about inadmissibility .

Biometrics fee

• Individual  applicant: CAD $85
• Families applying at the same time : maximum total fee of CAD $170
• Groups of 3 or more performing artists and their staff  who apply for work permits at the same time: maximum total fee of $CAD 255

You can apply online or on paper (in specific situations) for:

• visitor visas (also known as temporary resident visas)
• super visas (for parents and grandparents)
• transit visas

Apply online

Before you apply, make sure you need a visa to enter Canada. Find out what document you need to enter Canada .

You must have both of these to apply online:

• access to a scanner or camera to create electronic copies of your documents to upload
• a valid credit card to pay with

How you apply depends on what you apply for. Select the document you want to apply for to get instructions:

Visitor visa : Option 1 of 3

Apply for a visitor visa

Super visa (for parents and grandparents) : Option 2 of 3

Apply for a super visa

Transit visa : Option 3 of 3

Apply for a transit visa

Apply on paper (in specific situations)

Before you apply , make sure you need a visa to enter Canada. Find out what document you need to enter Canada .

Read the instruction guide to get all the details to apply on paper.

• Instruction Guide 5256

Once you have read the guide, you can prepare your application package. You must select the country or territory from which you will apply to get your local visa office instructions.

Permanent residents of Canada

We do not issue temporary resident visas (TRV) to permanent residents (PR). If you are outside Canada without a valid PR card, you must apply for a permanent resident travel document (PRTD) instead. If you meet the requirements for a PRTD, you can return to Canada as a PR.

If you no longer want to be a PR, or if you know you do not meet the requirements to keep your PR status, you can voluntarily give up (renounce) your PR status to apply for a TRV.

Application for Temporary Resident Visa

You can’t fill out and save the application form using your Internet browser. To use the form, you need to:

• Use your computer (Mac or PC). The form won’t open on mobile devices (iPads, tablets, mobile phones, etc.)
• Install Adobe Reader 10 (or higher)
• Download the PDF file to your computer . Save the file in a place you can remember.
• Make sure you use Adobe Reader to open the form. Sometimes if you try to open the form directly, it will use your Internet browser to try to open it.

Note: If you are applying online , you don’t need to print and sign the form. Leave the signature section empty.

Get the form

• Application for Temporary Resident Visa [IMM 5257] (PDF, 556.66 KB) June 2019

Having issues with the form?

• I can’t open my visa application form in PDF format. What can I do?
• After clicking the “validate” button on my visa application form, nothing happens and I don’t see the barcodes. Why is this happening?

How-to video

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American Visa Lottery Results For Ghanaians Released, US Embassy Warns Against Scams

• The US Embassy in Ghana has announced the release of the Diversity Visa selections
• The embassy provided a link to check one's status and warned applicants against potential scams
• The Diversity Visa Programme was opened for registration from October 4 to November 7, 2023

PAY ATTENTION: Follow YEN's WhatsApp channel for a daily dose of breaking news on the go!

The US Embassy in Ghana has announced the release of the Diversity Visa selections, also known as the American Visa Lottery.

Persons who took part in the Diversity Visa have been asked to check the status of their application via a special link.

The US Embassy also cautioned all applicants to be wary of scammers.

"If you receive an e-mail, text, call, or letter notification, these are scams," a statement said.

PAY ATTENTION : Follow us on Instagram - get the most important news directly in your favourite app!

“Troubling phenomenon”: Ghana Education Service raises alarm over students with tattoos

The embassy also provided a link to check the status here .

The US Department of State has opened the 2025 Diversity Visa Programme for registration from October 4 to November 7, 2023.

The lottery programme offers winners permanent residency in the US, also called a green card. More than 50,000 successful applicants will receive permanent residence in the US from the country's government.

However, some reasons might disqualify a person from applying for the DV lottery. Apart from ineligible countries, an applicant who provides misleading claims and information will be eliminated.

The joy of winning the lottery

A couple celebrated migrating to the United States after emerging winners of the diversity American visa lottery.

In a TikTok video, the wife shared how they applied and won twice and showed how they relocated with their kids.

Responding to netizens who asked how they did it, Wabei revealed that they first applied in 2021 and won in 2022.

Supreme Court to start hearing on 'Anti-LGBTQ Bill' next Wednesday, May 8

Reasons applicants might be denied visa to the US

Previously, YEN.com.gh reported that a Ghanaian lawyer in America explained that even though applying for the American Visa lottery is good, it may have some downsides.

The woman said four main dangers are associated with applying for the American Visa lottery.

In a video on YouTube, AK Poku said applicants must know the disadvantages of applying before they do.

The American Immigration lawyer said the US Department of State will get access to all your data after you fill out the form and submit it.

PAY ATTENTION: Stay informed and follow us on Google News!

Source: YEN.com.gh

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Changes to the Start-up Visa and Self-Employed Persons programs to help reduce backlogs and improve processing times

From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

News release

Immigration is critical to the growth of our economy and our communities. Improving processing times is key to providing an immigration system that works better for newcomers and Canadians alike, which is why we are taking action to reduce wait times and modernize our programs and services.

April 29, 2024—Ottawa— Immigration is critical to the growth of our economy and our communities. Improving processing times is key to providing an immigration system that works better for newcomers and Canadians alike, which is why we are taking action to reduce wait times and modernize our programs and services.

Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced several changes to Canada’s federal business programs to help reduce processing times and the application backlog. These changes take effect on April 30, 2024.

To improve the Start-up Visa Program, we will encourage designated venture capital firms, angel investor groups and business incubators to focus on the most promising proposals by

• capping the number of permanent residence applications we will accept for processing each year to those associated with no more than 10 start-ups per designated organization
• providing priority processing for entrepreneurs whose start-up is supported by Canadian capital or by a business incubator that is a member of Canada’s Tech Network , including applications in the inventory and new applications as they are submitted

In addition, Minister Miller announced a full pause on application intake for the Self­-Employed Persons Program to focus on processing applications from the inventory, starting April 30, 2024. The Self-Employed Persons Program provides a pathway to permanent residence for people with notable experience in art, culture, recreation or sports and who will contribute to Canada’s cultural vitality. Due to the high number of applications submitted for this program, processing times have increased to beyond four years. While the pause is in place, IRCC will continue finalizing applications from the backlog while assessing options for reforming the program and ensuring its integrity.

By restricting application intake through the end of 2026, and through planned increases in admissions for the federal business category as tabled in the 2024–2026 multi-year levels plan , IRCC will be able to reduce the backlog and bring down wait times while continuing to welcome the talented, innovative and entrepreneurial newcomers we need to continue to grow Canada’s economy. 

“Fast processing is critical to the success of entrepreneurs who come to Canada through our federal business programs. These necessary changes will set the Start­up Visa Program and Self-Employed Persons Program on the path to faster processing times while we look ahead to further reforms to make these programs more sustainable and effective over the long term.” – The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

Quick facts

Immigrants account for about one third of business owners with paid staff in Canada. 

Canada ranked number one as the most attractive destination for start-up founders in a  2023 report by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (PDF 2.18 MB) . The rankings were based on a wide variety of factors, including access to capital, corporate tax rates, skills of the workforce, strength of its universities and quality of life, as well as immigration policies for entrepreneurs and their families.

To qualify to apply for the Start-up Visa Program, a foreign entrepreneur must have the committed support of a designated venture capital fund (investment of $200,000), angel investor group (investment of $75,000) or business incubator (acceptance into their incubation program).

Since the program began in 2013, about 900 entrepreneurs have become permanent residents through this category, representing the launch of more than 300 start-ups.

All applications in the venture capital and angel investor streams will get priority processing, as will any business incubator–supported applications that report an investment of at least $75,000.

Related products

• News release: Stabilizing Canada’s immigration targets to support sustainable growth
• News release: Minister Fraser announces Canada’s first Tech Talent Strategy at Collision 2023

Associated links

• Start-up Visa Program
• Self-Employed Persons Program

Bahoz Dara Aziz   Press Secretary Minister’s Office Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada [email protected]

Media Relations Communications Sector Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada 613-952-1650 [email protected]

Page details

Update April 12, 2024

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If you are looking for general visa information , such as the categories of visas that are available, or how to apply, we recommend you review the information on this website first. You will also find guidance on how to apply for a visa on the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate nearest your place of residence. 

If you have further questions about visas to the United States that are not answered on this website or on the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply, our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) may help you:

• About Visas – The Basics
• Visa Waiver Program
• Immigrant Visa Processing FAQs  
• Immigrant Visa Fee Payment FAQs
• Immigrant Visa Affidavit of Support FAQs
• DS-260, Online Immigrant Visa Application FAQs
• How to Submit Documents to the NVC
• Immigrant Visa Medical Exam FAQs
• Immigrant Visa Interview Preparation FAQs
• DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application FAQs

If you need to contact us directly, the table below will guide you to the best contact information for your particular situation. Please note as part of our modernization process, the Visa Office does not respond to inquiries through the mail.  This helps us streamline and provide better services for all involved by using the more efficient contact methods below.

Note : Visa records are confidential under Section 222(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), so information can only be provided to visa applicants. There are some exceptions, such as providing information to U.S. sponsors, attorneys representing visa applicants, members of Congress, or other persons acting on behalf of the applicants.

One Year Contact Requirement

Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) section 203(g) provides that the Secretary of State shall terminate the registration (petition) of any alien who fails to apply for an immigrant visa within one year of notice of visa availability. The petition may be reinstated if, within two years of notice of visa availability, the alien establishes that the failure to apply was for reasons beyond the alien’s control. Therefore if you do not respond to notices from the NVC within one year you risk termination of your petition under this section of law and would lose the benefits of that petition, such as your priority date.

More Information

A-Z Index Latest News What is a U.S. Visa? Diversity Visa Program Visa Waiver Program Fraud Warning Find a U.S. Embassy or Consulate Straight Facts on U.S. Visas

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US Embassy Issues Fresh Update & Instructions on Visa Applications

T he United States (US) Embassy Nairobi has issued new directives and guidelines affecting all non-immigrant (DS-160) visa applications.

In a statement on May 6, the Embassy directed DS-160 applicants to adjust their profiles before May 18, 2024. 

The Embassy has warned that failure to comply with the guidelines will result in the cancellation of visa appointments.

“Visa Update! To improve customer experience, all non-immigrant visa applicants are required to present the same DS-160 application form during the visa interview as was used to book the appointment. Click here https://bit.ly/3UIHaPx for instructions on how to adjust your profile by May 18,” read the statement in part.

New Visa Application Requirements

To meet the new visa processing requirements all applicants must do the following:

1.Locate your DS-160 confirmation page. If you do not have your DS-160 confirmation page, go to step #3 below.

2.Log in to your account at https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-ke to confirm the DS-160 number on your account matches the DS-160 number on the confirmation page.

“If the confirmation numbers do not match, go to step #3 below. If the numbers match, please attend your interview at the time you have scheduled,” the Embassy explained.

3.Go to https://ceac.state.gov/GenNIV/Default.aspx and follow the instructions there to complete a new D-160. Print out the confirmation page for your new DS-160 so you can bring that to your new appointment.

4.Log in to your account at https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-ke again, click on the gear icon at the far-right end and select the edit button and replace the old DS-160 number with your new, correct DS-160 number.

“If you have any issues entering your new DS-160 number, click on Contact Us at the bottom of the webpage and follow the instructions to obtain assistance,” the statement read in part.

“If you fail to confirm or update your DS-160 number by May 18, the U.S. Embassy will cancel your appointment and instruct you to schedule a new appointment.”

Also Read:  Larry Madowo Questions Nigeria’s Visa Charges

Application Fees Validity

Besides, the US Embassy explained that Visa application fees are valid to use for 365 days from date of purchase.

After the 365 days, if the applicant has not scheduled their interview appointment or submitted their application to apply for a US Non-Immigrant visa (including K fiancé visas), the fee will expire, and the applicant will forfeit the right to use the fee for a visa application.

“To check the expiry date of your visa fee, log into your account on this website (https://ais.usvisa-info.com/), click the Continue button, and select Payment Receipt option. The visa fee expiry date for each visa applicant is listed on the Payment Receipt,” the Embassy stated.

Individuals who fail to use the fee before the fee expiration date will be required to pay a new fee if they want to apply for a visa.

Future Appointments Can’t Be Cancelled

Additionally, scheduled appointments cannot be cancelled or rescheduled after the visa fee expiration date unless a customer pays a new visa fee.

“Your current appointment is still valid even if it is scheduled after the visa fee expiration date. Please plan to attend your scheduled visa interview appointment,” the Embassy explained.

“If you try to cancel or reschedule your appointment, the scheduling system will display a warning message indicating that your visa payment of the original appointment has expired and if you wish to continue with your appointment cancelation or reschedule, the system will require you to pay a new visa fee.”

Applicants will be required to pay a new visa fee if they miss their interview appointment and wish to continue with the visa application after the fee used to schedule the appointment has expired.

Also Read:   U.S Embassy in Kenya Issues Travel Advisory, Hours After UK

Applicants Who Attended Consular Appointments

Kenyans who already attended the consular appointment but were refused and their visa application is still pending review are not affected by the visa fee expiration date.

The Embassy said their visa application is already in progress and they should follow the guidance received during interviews.

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