Select a visa category below to find the visa issuance fee, number of entries, and validity period for visas issued to applicants from this country*/area of authority.
Visa Classification: The type of nonimmigrant visa you are applying for.
Fee: The reciprocity fee, also known as the visa issuance fee, you must pay. This fee is in addition to the nonimmigrant visa application fee (MRV fee).
Number of Entries: The number of times you may seek entry into the United States with that visa. "M" means multiple times. If there is a number, such as "One", you may apply for entry one time with that visa.
Validity Period: This generally means the visa is valid, or can be used, from the date it is issued until the date it expires, for travel with that visa. If your Validity Period is 60 months, your visa will be valid for 60 months from the date it is issued.
| Visa Classification |
Fee | Number of Entries |
Validity Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| A-1 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| A-2 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| A-3 1 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| B-1 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| B-2 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| B-1/B-2 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| C-1 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| C-1/D | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| C-2 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| C-3 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| CW-1 11 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| CW-2 11 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| D | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| E-1 2 | No Treaty | N/A | N/A |
| E-2 2 | No Treaty | N/A | N/A |
| E-2C 12 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| F-1 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| F-2 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| G-1 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| G-2 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| G-3 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| G-4 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| G-5 1 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| H-1B | None | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| H-1C | None | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| H-2A | None | N/A | N/A 3 |
| H-2B | None | N/A | N/A 3 |
| H-2R | None | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| H-3 | None | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| H-4 | None | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| I | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| J-1 4 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| J-2 4 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| K-1 | None | One | 6 Months |
| K-2 | None | One | 6 Months |
| K-3 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| K-4 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| L-1 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| L-2 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| M-1 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| M-2 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| N-8 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| N-9 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| NATO 1-7 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| O-1 | None | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| O-2 | None | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| O-3 | None | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| P-1 | None | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| P-2 | None | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| P-3 | None | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| P-4 | None | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| Q-1 6 | None | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| R-1 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| R-2 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| S-5 7 | None | One | 1 Month |
| S-6 7 | None | One | 1 Month |
| S-7 7 | None | One | 1 Month |
| T-1 9 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| T-2 | None | One | 6 Months |
| T-3 | None | One | 6 Months |
| T-4 | None | One | 6 Months |
| T-5 | None | One | 6 Months |
| T-6 | None | One | 6 Months |
| TD 5 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| U-1 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| U-2 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| U-3 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| U-4 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| U-5 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| V-1 | None | Multiple | 120 Months |
| V-2 | None | Multiple | 120 Months 8 |
| V-3 | None | Multiple | 120 Months 8 |
Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply if you believe this information is in error or if you have further questions.
The validity of A-3, G-5, and NATO 7 visas may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the person who is employing the applicant. The "employer" would have one of the following visa classifications:
An E-1 and E-2 visa may be issued only to a principal alien who is a national of a country having a treaty, or its equivalent, with the United States. E-1 and E-2 visas may not be issued to a principal alien if he/she is a stateless resident or national of a country without a treaty. *When the spouse and children of an E-1 or E-2 principal alien are accorded derivative E-1 or E-2 status and are themselves a national of a country that does not have a treaty with the United States – the reciprocity schedule, including any reciprocity fees, of the principal alien’s country of nationality should be used. **Spouse and children of an E-1 or E-2 visa principal applicant, where the spouse and children are also nationals of a country that has a treaty with the United States – the reciprocity schedule, including any reciprocity fees, of the spouse and children’s country of nationality should be used.
*Example 1: John Doe is a national of Country A that has an E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S. however his wife and child are nationals of Country B which has no treaty with the U.S. The wife and child would, therefore, be entitled to derivative status and receive the same reciprocity as John Doe, the principal visa holder.
**Example 2: Mike Doe is a national of Country Y that has an E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S. however his wife and child are nationals of Country Z that also has a treaty with the U.S. The wife and child would, therefore, be entitled to derivative status and receive the reciprocity issued to nationals of Country Z.
The validity of H-1 through H-3, O-1 and O-2, P-1 through P-3, and Q visas may not exceed the period of validity of the approved petition or the number of months shown, whichever is less.
Under 8 CFR §214.2, H-2A and H-2B petitions may generally only be approved for nationals of countries that the Secretary of Homeland Security has designated as participating countries. The current list of eligible countries is available on USCIS's website for both H-2A and H-2B visas. Nationals of countries not on this list may be the beneficiary of an approved H-2A or H2-B petition in limited circumstances at the discretion of the Department of Homeland Security if specifically named on the petition.
Derivative H-4, L-2, O-3, and P-4 visas, issued to accompanying or following-to-join spouses and children, may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the principal alien.
There is no reciprocity fee for the issuance of a J visa if the alien is a United States Government grantee or a participant in an exchange program sponsored by the United States Government.
Also, there is no reciprocity fee for visa issuance to an accompanying or following-to-join spouse or child (J-2) of an exchange visitor grantee or participant.
In addition, an applicant is eligible for an exemption from the MRV fee if he or she is participating in a State Department, USAID, or other federally funded educational and cultural exchange program (program serial numbers G-1, G-2, G-3 and G-7).
However, all other applicants with U.S. Government sponsorships, including other J-visa applicants, are subject to the MRV processing fee.
Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Canadian and Mexican nationals coming to engage in certain types of professional employment in the United States may be admitted in a special nonimmigrant category known as the "trade NAFTA" or "TN" category. Their dependents (spouse and children) accompanying or following to join them may be admitted in the "trade dependent" or "TD" category whether or not they possess Canadian or Mexican nationality. Except as noted below, the number of entries, fees and validity for non-Canadian or non-Mexican family members of a TN status holder seeking TD visas should be based on the reciprocity schedule of the TN principal alien.
Since Canadian nationals generally are exempt from visa requirement, a Canadian "TN' or "TD" alien does not require a visa to enter the United States. However, the non-Canadian national dependent of a Canadian "TN", unless otherwise exempt from the visa requirement, must obtain a "TD" visa before attempting to enter the United States. The standard reciprocity fee and validity period for all non-Canadian "TD"s is no fee, issued for multiple entries for a period of 36 months, or for the duration of the principal alien's visa and/or authorized period of stay, whichever is less. See 'NOTE' under Canadian reciprocity schedule regarding applicants of Iranian, Iraqi or Libyan nationality.
Mexican nationals are not visa-exempt. Therefore, all Mexican "TN"s and both Mexican and non-Mexican national "TD"s accompanying or following to join them who are not otherwise exempt from the visa requirement (e.g., the Canadian spouse of a Mexican national "TN") must obtain nonimmigrant visas.
Applicants of Iranian, Iraqi, Libyan, Somalian, Sudanese, Syrian or Yemeni nationality, who have a permanent resident or refugee status in Canada/Mexico, may not be accorded Canadian/Mexican reciprocity, even when applying in Canada/Mexico. The reciprocity fee and period for "TD" applicants from Libya is $10.00 for one entry over a period of 3 months. The Iranian and Iraqi "TD" is no fee with one entry over a period of 3 months.
Q-2 (principal) and Q-3 (dependent) visa categories are in existence as a result of the 'Irish Peace Process Cultural and Training Program Act of 1998'. However, because the Department anticipates that virtually all applicants for this special program will be either Irish or U.K. nationals, the Q-2 and Q-3 categories have been placed only in the reciprocity schedules for those two countries. Q-2 and Q-3 visas are available only at the Embassy in Dublin and the Consulate General in Belfast.
No S visa may be issued without first obtaining the Department's authorization.
V-2 and V-3 status is limited to persons who have not yet attained their 21st birthday. Accordingly, the period of validity of a V-2 or V-3 visa must be limited to expire on or before the applicant's twenty-first birthday.
Posts may not issue a T-1 visa. A T-1 applicant must be physically present in the United States, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands or a U.S. port of entry, where he/she will apply for an adjustment of status to that of a T-1. The following dependents of a T-1 visa holder, however, may be issued a T visa at a U.S. consular office abroad:
The validity of NATO-5 visas may not exceed the period of validity of the employment contract or 12 months, whichever is less.
The validity of CW-1 and CW-2 visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (12 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.
The validity of E-2C visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (24 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.
Vietnam does not have a centralized national system for vital records, although most records are generally available from provincial or municipal authorities. Some documents from smaller cities or rural communities may be unavailable or unreliable because of inconsistent record-keeping, and some records of those born before 1975 may have been lost or destroyed. In such circumstances, authorities may certify that civil documents were lost or destroyed.
Vietnamese authorities have significantly improved the security of civil documents in recent years, but it is still possible to obtain fraudulent civil documents.
For those who fled Vietnam as refugees after 1975, birth records and other primary identity documents are often missing. In such circumstances, secondary evidence of identity may exist in the internal records of the U.S. refugee program at the U.S. Consulate General in HCMC. For refugees who fled through Taiwan, such secondary documents may exist in the internal records of the U.S. refugee program at the American Institute in Taiwan.
Available
Fees: Free (Processing time: 5 working days). There may be a late fee for late registration.
Document Name (English and Vietnamese): CERTIFICATE OF BIRTH or GIẤY KHAI SINH
Issuing Authority: The People’s Committee (commune level or district level)
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Original Birth Certificates are generally green with a red seal on the bottom right. There is a length limit for the full name, it must be capitalized, and the name will include Vietnamese characters and tonal marks. Date of birth must be based on the solar calendar. Dates of birth based on the lunar calendar are not acceptable.
Birth Certificates issued after January 1, 2016, must contain a Personal Identification Number (PIN).
Birth Certificate designs have changed multiple times. The latest design has been used since July 16, 2020.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Chairman/Chairwoman or Vice Chairman/Chairwoman of the commune or district People’s Committee.
Registration Criteria: The father, mother, or other family members/relatives must register the birth of the child with the People’s Committee at the commune level no later than 60 days after the child is born and survives more than 24 hours. Before April 1, 2006, registration must have been done within 30 days after giving birth.
If a child is born out of wedlock, only the mother will appear on the birth certificate. By law, fathers may only appear on the birth certificate through DNA submission or through subsequent marriage to the mother. An amendment to the birth certificate will be written on the back of the original birth certificate. There are exceptions as not all local People’s Committees applied the law as required and permitted the registration of the father on the birth certificate.
Procedure for Obtaining: A set form, original birth record from a hospital or clinic, and parent’s marriage certificate, if applicable. If there is no birth record, a document of a witness certifying the birth must be submitted. If there are no witnesses, there must be a written pledge of the birth.
Certified Copies Available: Yes
Only one original Birth Certificate is issued to an individual. Copies (white or orange color) (Bản sao Giấy khai sinh) can be issued upon request with no limit.
Alternate Documents: None
Exceptions: Officially issued electronic copies of birth certificates have been considered valid to use with the host government since February 18, 2022. These electronic copies are issued along with the original paper version, and they have a QR code; Vietnamese families use these electronic copies for administrative purposes.
Comments: Family members of people born in Vietnam can request a copy of the original birth certificate from the local authority where the birth was registered on behalf of a family member not present in Vietnam. If the local authorities cannot provide a copy, the birth can be re-registered with the local authority.
Processing time: 8 working days; fee 5,000 VND for re-registration at Commune-level People’s Committees, and 50,000 VND for re-registration at District-level People’s Committees (Free of charge for some exceptions). Registered Birth Certificate is stamped “DANG KY LAI”
Notes: Not all cases of citizens who lose their birth certificates will be re-registered and reissued. Depending on the case, a person who loses his/her birth certificate may be given a copy of the original birth certificate or re-registered and reissued.
The requirements for citizens to re-register birth certificates are as follows:
Available
Fees: Free (register within 15 days of the death)
Document Name: (English and Vietnamese): EXTRACT OF DEATH CERTIFICATE “TRÍCH LỤC KHAI TỬ”
Issuing Authority: The People’s Committees
The People's Committee of the commune where the deceased last resided shall carry out the death registration. In case the deceased's last residence cannot be determined, the People's Committee of the commune where the deceased died or where the deceased's body was found shall carry out the death registration.
Deceased foreigners or Vietnamese citizens residing abroad fall in the jurisdiction of the last People’s Committee district they resided for death registration.
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:
The death certificate form has the following contents:
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Chairman/Chairwoman or Vice Chairman/Chairwoman of the People’s Committee
Registration Criteria: The next of kin of the deceased are required to register the death within 15 days of the death. If no next of kin exists, the representative of the relevant agency or organization is responsible for registering the death.
People can submit requisite documents online or in-person.
Procedure for Obtaining: 1) Death registration form; 2) Death notice or document replacing the death notice issued by a competent authority; and 3) Authorization document in case of authorization to perform death registration.
If the authorized person is the grandfather, grandmother, father, mother, child, wife, husband, brother, or sister of the authorizing person, the authorization document does not need to be notarized or authenticated, but they must have documents proving the relationship with the authorizing person.
Certified Copies Available: Extract of Death Certificate is available
Alternate Documents: None
Exceptions: None
Comments: In case of failure to register a death for the purpose of profiteering, an administrative fine of 10 - 20 million VND will be imposed. Some local authorities may refuse to issue an Extract of Death Certificate for a deceased foreigner if they did not register their residency in Vietnam.
Available
Fees: Free for Vietnamese citizens. 1,500,000 VND for foreigners. Processing time: 3-8 working days
Document Name (English and Vietnamese): “Marriage Certificate” “GIẤY CHỨNG NHẬN KẾT HÔN”
Issuing Authority: The People’s Committee (Commune level for Vietnamese citizens, and District level for foreigner)
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Marriage Certificate is red with a red seal in the bottom right. The married couple’s full names are capitalized and include all special characters and tone marks.
Marriage Certificate designs have changed several times. The latest design has been used since July 16, 2020, and does not contain “BẢN CHÍNH” in the document title.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Chairman/Chairwoman or Vice Chairman/Chairwoman of the People’s Committee
Registration Criteria: Couples can choose to submit documents online or in-person.
Procedure for Obtaining: Couples must present themselves at the office of the issuing authority with the requisite forms and ID documents.
Certified Copies Available: Yes, including extracts:
Each spouse is issued one original copy of the Marriage Registration Certificate.
Residents: Requests for extracts of previously issued certificates are made at the registrar's office where they were issued, and should include the document registration number, date and place of registration. Without this information, fees may be higher than normal, and it is less likely the document will be found.
Non-Residents: Only relatives residing in Vietnam may request extracts of documents for their overseas relatives. Documents cannot be requested through a Vietnamese diplomatic mission, nor can a request be sent to a local office from overseas.
Alternate Documents: Marriage Registration Extract or TRÍCH LỤC KẾT HÔN
A Marriage Registration Extract is issued by a competent state agency and can be presented in lieu of a Marriage Certificate. This Marriage Registration Extract can also be used in divorce proceedings if the original marriage registration certificate is lost. An extract can be requested in-person or through a representative at the agency where the marriage certificate was issued. However, a marriage certificate only certifies that a marriage was valid, it will not indicate if it has been dissolved through a subsequent divorce and can be issued even after a divorce has been finalized.
Exceptions: None
Comments: Non-Vietnamese nationals married in Vietnam and now seeking a record of the marriage should write to the provincial Justice Department (So Tu Phap) where the marriage took place. The request should include the date and location of the marriage. The Department will usually respond, but without friends or relatives to follow up, the process may be lengthy.
Common Law Marriages and Marriage of Relatives:
Vietnamese law does not recognize common law marriages. Authorities do issue certificates verifying cohabitation, but these do not constitute legal marriages (unless cohabitation occurred prior to 1987 – see below).
A marital relationship is only recognized by law when registering the marriage with a competent state agency, except in the following cases: -
If the marital relationship was established before January 3, 1987, without marriage registration, the marital relationship is still recognized by law from the date of commencing cohabitation even if subsequently registered after 1987.
If a man and a woman lived together as husband and wife from January 3, 1987, to January 1, 2001, and were eligible to register for marriage but have not yet registered their marriage, they are required to register their marriage. However, the law still recognizes their marital relationship from the day they begin living together as husband and wife.
After January 1, 2001, all marriages must be registered to be recognized by Vietnamese law and the date of registration establishes the date of marriage.
Vietnamese law prohibits marriage between blood siblings, half-siblings, first cousins, adoptive parents and adopted child, or former adoptive parent and adopted child, father-in-law and daughter-in-law, mother-in-law and son-in-law, or stepparent and stepchild, or any two persons related closer than three degrees of separation.
Vietnamese law currently does not allow for same-sex marriage; however, it recognizes legal same-sex marriages performed abroad.
The legal age for marriage is 20 for men and 18 for women. Marriage requires voluntary consent and mental competence.
Electronic Marriage Certificates are considered obtainable and valid in lieu of physical marriage certificates withs some local government agencies since February 18, 2022.
Available
Fees: 300,000 VND (If a dispute arises regarding property, the amount of court fees payable will be calculated based on the value of the property)
Document Name (English and Vietnamese): DECISION RECOGNITION OF CONSENT TO DIVORCE AND THE AGREEMENT OF THE PARTIES
QUYẾT ĐỊNH CÔNG NHẬN THUẬN TÌNH LY HÔN VÀ SỰ THỎA THUẬN CỦA CÁC ĐƯƠNG SỰ
Issuing Authority: The District People's Court
Notes: Divorces cannot be executed at the People's Committee of the commune or ward
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: District Court Judge
Registration Criteria: Any married couple can file for divorce in Vietnamese courts.
Procedure for Obtaining:
There are two forms of divorce proceedings: Unilateral divorce and consensual divorce
Processing time:
Certified Copies Available: Yes, including extracts
Alternate Documents: None
Exceptions: None
Comments: Non-Vietnamese nationals (both parties are foreigners) married in Vietnam and now seeking a record of the divorce should write to the People’s Court where the divorce took place. Generally, the divorce records are maintained by the courts where the divorce was issued. The request should include the date and location of the divorce.
Authorized Office to issue Divorce Certificate between Vietnamese and foreigner: If one party does not have a temporary or permanent place of residence in Vietnam, the divorce will be accepted and resolved in the other’s place of residence.
Available
Fees: 400,000 VND to 9 million VND (Processing time: 15-30 working days)
Document Name (English and Vietnamese): CERTIFICATE OF DOMESTIC ADOPTION
GIẤY CHỨNG NHẬN NUÔI CON NUÔI TRONG NƯỚC
Issuing Authority: The People’s Committee (Commune level) for domestic
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Current Certificate has been in use since November 30, 2023.
Domestic adoption:
The certificate is printed in color on A4 white paper (210 x 297mm) with a thickness of 120gsm; and uses 4/1 color offset printing. The main content is printed on the front of the certificate with a sunken pattern. An image of a Ngoc Lu drum with the map drawing of Vietnam, Truong Sa, Hoang Sa, archipelagos, and other small islands on the drumheads is in the middle of the pattern. The star-shaped location on the map is Hanoi. Outside of the drum, there is a pattern background which is framed by a decorative border. The decorative pattern background is jade.
Main content: 12-point Times New Roman and Unicode, 21.5-point line spacing is used; the text field is 23mm from the edge of the paper on both sides, 12.8mm from the top edge and 18mm from the bottom edge. The text “CỘNG HÒA XÃ HỘI CHỦ NGHĨA VIỆT NAM, Độc lập - Tự do - Hạnh phúc” (the official name and motto of Vietnam) is at the top. The image of the national emblem of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is immediately below the text, with the size of 20 x 20mm. The name of the form is capitalized, bold, red, and 22-point font size.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Chairman/Chairwoman or Vice Chairman/Chairwoman of the People’s Committee (domestic)
Registration Criteria: Vietnamese citizens must apply to adopt a child with the Department of Justice where they permanently reside.
Processing time: 30 days from the date of receipt of complete and valid documents.
Procedure for Obtaining:
Domestic Adoption:
The adoptive parent's profile includes:
The profile of the adoptee for domestic adoption includes:
Certified Copies Available: Yes
Alternate Documents: None
Exceptions: None
Comments: Documents relating to adoptions in Vietnam, such as birth certificates, abandonment reports, relinquishment agreements, and investigative reports are generally issued by orphanage directors, local People's Committees, Provincial Departments and the Ministry of Justice, Department of Adoptions (MOJ/DA). The facts asserted in these documents are not verified by the issuing officials. Therefore, all documents issued by the authorities listed above and any other documents containing information not verified by the issuing authority cannot be considered adequate evidence of the facts claimed and, at best, may be used in conjunction with primary and contemporaneous secondary evidence or must be independently verified by U.S. officials in Vietnam before they can be considered valid for immigration purposes.
Article 13 of the 2010 Law on Adoption specifically stipulates that grandparents cannot adopt their grandchild and a sibling cannot adopt a sibling.
According to Article 8 of the 2010 Law on Adoption, a person who is legally adopted must satisfy the following conditions:
Available: From July 1, 2024, all Vietnamese citizens will be issued an ID card. Citizens aged 14 and over are required to have one, while those under 14 can opt to have one.
People aged 14 and above are issued their first card. Upon reaching the ages of 25, 40 and 60, citizens must request a reissuance of a new ID card.
Fees:
Document Name (English and Vietnamese): IDENTITY CARD or CĂN CƯỚC (since July 1, 2024) previously Identity Card or Thẻ căn cước công dân
Issuing Authority: The identity management agency of district-level police or provincial-level police where the citizen resides or the identification management agency of the Ministry of Public Security.
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: The official CĂN CƯỚC cards issued to citizens from July 1, 2024, as follows:
Both sides of the ID card are printed with a pattern that changes from yellow to blue. The front background includes an administrative map of Vietnam, a bronze drum, traditional decorative patterns and motifs. The back background includes patterns combined with lotus images, and interwoven crisscrossing curves
The card includes the national emblem of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the face photo of the ID card holder (for ID cards issued to Vietnamese citizens aged 6 years and older) are printed in color directly on the ID card. The national emblem of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is 12mm in diameter; the face photo of the ID card holder is 20mm x 30mm in size; the QR code printing position is 18mm x 18mm in size.
The colors of the information on the ID card are specified as follows:
Purple text: SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIET NAM, Independence - Freedom - Happiness; IDENTITY CARD; personal identification number; full name; date of birth; sex; nationality; place of residence; place of birth; date of issue; Date of expiry; MINISTRY OF PUBLIC SECURITY and the electronic chip icon.
Red text: ID.
Black text: personal identification number; information of the person issued the ID card; information about date, month, year of issue; information about date, month, year of expiration; QR code; MRZ line.
The other language on the ID card is English.
Regarding the shape, size, and material of the ID card, the ID card is rectangular, 53.98mm wide, 85.6mm long, 0.76mm thick, and the four corners are rounded with a radius of 3.18mm. The ID card is made of plastic.
The electronic chip attached to the back of the ID card.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: The Head of the identification management agency of the Ministry of Public Security
Registration Criteria: Online and In-person
From July 1, 2024, to apply for an CĂN CƯỚC card:
For citizens aged 14 and over
Step 1: Go to the ID management agency to request an CĂN CƯỚC card.
Step 2: After submitting the application directly to the identity management agency, citizens compare and check information in the national database on population or industry.
In case citizens do not have information, they will be updated and adjusted.
Step 3: After updating information, citizens will receive information about identity and biometrics including facial photo, fingerprints, and iris.
Step 4: Check and sign the information receipt.
Step 5: Receive an appointment to return your CĂN CƯỚC card with a specific deadline.
For citizens under 14 years old
Vietnamese citizens under 14 years old must apply for their card through a legal representative.
For children under 6 years old, the CĂN CƯỚC card is issued through the public service portal or VNeID or when performing birth registration on the public service portal or directly at the ID management agency with the following steps:
Step 1: Go to the ID management agency or use the above forms and request an CĂN CƯỚC card.
Step 2: Collect identification and biometric information, except for people under 6 years old.
Step 3: Receive an appointment letter with the time to get CĂN CƯỚC card.
Vietnamese citizens are encouraged to upgrade their 9-digit paper identity card for 12-digit polycarbonate identity card.
Exceptions: None
Comments: If a citizen is 60 years old at the time of ID issuance, the ID is valid for life, except in the case of lost or damaged cards.
People who apply for a chip-embedded CCCD when they turn 58 years old can also use the card until they die, without having to change the card at the age of 60.
People over 60 years old who are using barcode ID cards can continue to use them until they die, without being required to switch to chip-based ID cards.
Available
Fees: 200.000VND
Document Name (English and Vietnamese): CERTIFICATE OF JUDICIAL RECORD NO. 1 or 2 (PHIẾU LÝ LỊCH TƯ PHÁP SỐ 1 or 2)
· Issuing Authority: Department/Ministry of Justice office located in the district where the applicant currently resides or the applicant's official residence.
· Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: As of July 1, 2024, police certificates (both number 1 and number 2) are printed on white A4-sized (210 mm x 297 mm) paper. There are no minimum standards for the quality or thickness of the paper. These new certificates contain no security features besides the issuing authority’s signature and stamp.
Police records issued prior to July 1, 2024, were printed on colored foils (orange for number 1 and light blue for number 2) with embedded security features, which had been used for police certificates since 2011. (Note: some jurisdictions may continue issuing police certificates on their remaining stocks of colored foils during a transition period of July 1, 2024, to September 30, 2024. After September 30, 2024, no colored foils will be issued).
PHIẾU LÝ LỊCH TƯ PHÁP SỐ 1: Pink and it contains only unpurged criminal convictions.
PHIẾU LÝ LỊCH TƯ PHÁP SỐ 2: Light blue and it contains all prior criminal convictions.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Director/Vice Director of Department/Ministry of Justice
Registration Criteria: People can submit documents online or in-person
Procedure for Obtaining: Required for immigrant visa applicants only.
For Vietnamese residents, Vietnamese non-residents, and foreigners who currently reside in Vietnam:
Requests for a "Justice Record Check #2" (Phieu Ly Lich Tu Phap So 2) must be made at the Department of Justice office located in the district where the applicant currently resides, or at the applicant's residence on record. The processing fee for this document is 200.000VND per applicant, and the record check takes approximately 10-15 working days to complete. The applicant has to apply in person and cannot grant authority to someone else to apply on his/her behalf.
The applicant should be prepared to present the following documents at the time of the request: One original completed application form (Form 03/TT-LLTP). Please check the box Justice Record Check #2; and
For foreigners who formerly resided in Vietnam:
Request for a "Justice Record Check #1" (Phieu Ly Lich Tu Phap So 1) must be made at the National Center of Criminal Records - Vietnamese Ministry of Justice in Hanoi. Contact information is as follows:
National Center of Criminal Records
Address: 9 Tran Vi Street, Mai Dinh ward, Cau Gjay District, Hanoi.
Telephone: (024) 320-11313 or (024) 668-41313 within Vietnam and (011) (84-24) 320-11313 or (011) (84-24) 668-41313
Email: ttlltpqg@moj.gov.vn
The processing fee to request this document is 200.000VND per applicant, and the record check takes approximately 10-15 working days to complete. If the applicant cannot present themselves at the National Center of Criminal Records, they can grant authority to someone else to apply on their behalf as long as they provide a Letter of Attorney which is legalized/authenticated by the Vietnamese Consulate General or Vietnamese Embassy at the city of their current residence.
The applicant or their representative should be prepared to present the following documents at the time of the request:
Certified Copies Available: Yes
Alternate Documents: None
Exceptions: None
Comments: Some jurisdictions may also now issue “digital” police certificates. Mission Vietnam does not accept digital copies of police certificates, which lack all security features. Only hard copies issued by the relevant jurisdiction with a wet stamp and seal are accepted.
Available in principle
Fees: None
Document Name (English and Vietnamese): Court Judgement and Decision or Bản án/Phán quyết của Tòa Án
Issuing Authority: Prison of incarceration or provincial court where sentencing occurred.
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Director of the prison of incarceration, Head of the Prison or warden for prison records and Chief Justice or Deputy Chief Justice for court records
Chief Justice/Deputy Chief Justice for court records.
Registration Criteria:
Procedure for Obtaining: - Request a copy of A Court Judgement and Decision using the application form for the People’s Court where the decision was rendered. The application must clearly state the name of the case, the number and date of the judgment or decision.
Certified Copies Available:
Alternate Documents:
Exceptions:
Comments:
Available in principle
Fees:
Document Name: Discharge Certificate or Giấy Xuất Ngũ
Issuing Authority: Military unit or branch of service
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:
Issuing Authority Personnel Title:
Registration Criteria:
Procedure for Obtaining: Contact the local military unit or the unit where the person was stationed to request a Discharge Certificate extract from the archived records.
Certified Copies Available:
Alternate Documents:
Exceptions:
Comments: The record will display the date of discharge, unit of service, highest rank, the locality where they lived and were stationed.
Types Available: (Regular Passport)
Fees: Fee from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2025: 180,000VND/issuance and 360,000VND/re-issuance due to damage or loss.
Document Name: (English and Vietnamese): PASSPORT “HỘ CHIẾU”
Issuing Authority: Immigration Department
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: N/A
Registration Criteria: Online or Direct Online
In-person Registration: Citizens can apply at the Immigration Department of the Provincial Police (will need ID).
Procedure for Obtaining: The application for a regular passport in the country includes the following documents:
Certified Copies Available: None
Alternate Documents: None
Exceptions: None
Comments: The U.S. Department of State has determined that the Vietnam passport, without birthplace, is not valid as a stand-alone document for visa-issuance purposes. Vietnam government passports must include a Vietnam government endorsement page which states place of birth information. The endorsement page will satisfy the Department’s regulatory definition of a passport under 22 CFR 41.104 and 42.64. Consular officers should contact the consular section in Hanoi with any questions regarding Vietnam travel documents.
Passports are generally valid for 10 years (for children under 14 years of age, passports are valid for five years) and are made of green (pre-July 2022) or blue (July 2022 and later) plastic-laminated paper with gilt print on the cover. Official passports are dark green, while diplomatic passports are maroon and are generally valid for five years. The bearer's photo is on an inside page, with a clear plastic laminate over the photo and bio page. The issuance page shows the signature, name and "stamp of office" of one of several issuing authorities.
The current passport design has been used since August 15, 2023.
Post Title: Hanoi, Vietnam (Embassy)
Address: 2nd Floor, Rose Garden Tower, 170 Ngoc Khan Street, Dong Da District, Hanoi, Vietnam
Phone Number: (011) (8424) 3850-5000
Post Title: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (Consulate General)
Address: 4 Le Duan Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Phone Number: (011) (8428) 3520-4200
U.S. Embassy Hanoi: Non-immigrant visas only
U.S. Consulate General Ho Chi Minh City: Non-immigrant and Immigrant visas
Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply if you believe this information is in error or if you have further questions.
You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.
Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.
You are about to visit:
