How to Apply for a Vietnam Visa in Cincinnati

Vietnam – known for its bustling cities, beaches, rivers, and Buddhist pagodas – has attracted an increasing number of leisure and business travelers from Cincinnati and other cities throughout Ohio in the past decade.  More than 17.5 million foreigners visited the “Land of the Blue Dragon” last year, with the United States ranking among the top five countries for inbound tourists.

“Vietnam is coming into prominence as one of the top destinations in Southeast Asia (SEA),” Global Awareness reported (https://globeaware.org/news/globe-aware-news/1726-heres-why-vietnam-is-becoming-more-popular-among-american-tourists). “Its natural wonders and incredible culture are making it into the mainstream, inspiring American tourists to get out of their comfort zone and travel across the world to explore the country.”

Located on the Indochinese Peninsula, Vietnam borders Cambodia, China, Laos, Thailand, the Gulf of Thailand, and the South China Sea.  It covers some 128,000 square miles and has more than 100 million residents.  Ruled for centuries by various Chinese and regional dynasties, it became part of French Indochina during the 1800s.  Vietnam endured several armed conflicts during the mid-Twentieth Century.  During World War II, it fell under Japanese control before Communist revolutionary Ho Chi Minh led a revolution and declared independence.  France attempted to reestablish control over colonial Vietnam in the First Indochina War but was defeated in 1954, leading to the country’s partition between communist North Vietnam and democratic South Vietnam.  The North’s guerrilla campaign to reunite the two parts of Vietnam led to the Second Indochina War (known as the Vietnam War in the United States, or the American War in Vietnam) during the 1960s.  After U.S. troops pulled out in the early 1970s, the North Vietnamese took the former South Vietnamese capital of Saigon and reunited the country as the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.  Today Vietnam is one of only five Communist states remaining in the world.

After years of post-war social and economic struggles, Vietnam has emerged as one of the fastest-growing economies in the East Asia-Pacific region during the Twenty-First Century.  It generally follows the Chinese state-controlled economic strategy that focuses on manufacturing, exports, and foreign investment.  In fact, as many multinationals diversify away from the politically risky Chinese environment during the current decade, Vietnam has become a popular alternative for some Cincinnati-based companies that require low-cost manufacturing.  Vietnam’s economy grew by 7.1% to exceed $473 billion in 2024, according to government statistics.  Shipments of electronics, smartphones, clothing and farm produce powered that growth, along with a 9.4% increase in foreign direct investment to $25.35 billion.

“Telecommunications, information technology, power generation, transportation infrastructure construction, environmental project management and technology, aviation, defense, and education will continue to offer the most promising opportunities for U.S. companies over the short term as infrastructure needs continue to expand with Vietnam’s pursuit of rapid economic development,” the U.S. International Trade Administration (ITA) stated. “Healthcare will also be a growing sector as the government expands programs and an increasingly wealthy population spends more on medical treatment.” ITA added that agricultural products make up almost half of all U.S. exports to Vietnam. “Key U.S. agricultural inputs to production such as hardwood lumber, cotton, hides, skins, and feed ingredients will also continue to play a key role in helping to fuel Vietnam’s export led manufacturing strategy,” ITA noted, and consumer demand for American meat and dairy products continues to grow. (https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/vietnam-market-opportunities)

Tourism is another pillar of the Vietnamese economy, rising from 6.8% of GDP in 2023 to 7.3% of the overall economy in 2024, according to the World Trade & Tourism Council (WTTC).  International visitor spending reached $18.2 billion in 2024, with business spending making up almost 15% of that total.  Also in 2024, among countries sending inbound travelers to Vietnam, the United States was the top non-Asian nation at fourth place. (https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6329bc97af73223b575983ac/667e82126ef2ac794c246b79_VietNam2024_.pdf)

“A land of staggering natural beauty and cultural complexities, of dynamic megacities and hill-tribe villages, Vietnam is unforgettably compelling,” Lonely Planet reported. “With its tumbling emerald landscapes, history-steeped ancient sites, idyllic beaches and energetic cities, Vietnam is a magnet for visitors in search of an incredible travel experience.  This country is packed with attractions, from blissful sands to Cham-era ruins and two of Asia's liveliest megacities.” (https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/best-places-to-visit-in-vietnam) Those cities are the capital of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon).  Both cities are served by international airports and will be the entry points for most Cincinnati-based travelers jetting off to explore the 1,000-mile length of Vietnam.  Hanoi is known for world class dining, inexpensive accommodations, cozy Old Quarter cafes, street food, and historic sites (such as Ho Chi Minh’s marble mausoleum).  Also, “Hanoi is the leaping-off point for the islands and outcrops around Halong Bay and the forest-draped trails of the mountainous northwest,” Lonely Planet noted.  To the south, cosmopolitan Ho Chi Minh City features French Colonial architecture and a culture that reflects the Mekong Delta and nearby Cambodia. “It's fast-paced, frenetic and fun, particularly after dark, when the pavements transform into a mobile buffet of street food stalls and roadside bars,” Lonely Planet added. Veterans and military buffs will find plenty of links to the Vietnam War, such as the War Remnants Museum and the Co Chi tunnels.  Built to defend the area from the French during the first Indochina War and later expanded during the 1960s, the Viet Cong used a vast network of tunnels throughout the country for military campaigns and guerrilla activities.  Some tunnels at Co Chi have been expanded for tourist visits and a museum.

Backpackers, nature lovers, and beach enthusiasts from the Cincinnati area are also flocking to Vietnam in ever-growing numbers to explore the country’s rich culture and biodiversity.  The country has eight sites listed as U.N. World Heritage Sites, including the 1,133 islands of Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba Archipelago; the Hoi An Ancient Town district; the 14th-century Ho Dynasty citadel; My Son Sanctuary.  Another is the complex of monuments, structures, and tombs at Hué, the former feudal capital of the Nguyen dynasty.  The most popular beach along Vietnam’s 2,140-mile coastline is Phu Quoc, home to jewel-blue waters, fine sandy beaches, VinWonders theme park, and the world's longest over-sea cable car at the Sun World Hon Thom nature park.  Other popular beach destinations include Lan Ha Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay, where you can kayak at Cat Ba Island and sample seafood restaurants; the former U.S. military R&R spots of Danang and Nha Trang; and kitesurfing capital Mui Ne.  Vietnam’s land-based natural wonders include Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, home of Hang Son Doong Cave, the largest cavern in the world.  Hike, kayak, or take a boat ride among the limestone peaks of Ba Be National Park, where you may encounter macaques, langur monkeys, rare black bears, or the crested serpent eagle.  Enjoy the mountain views, villages, and rice terraces of Ha Giang province by motorcycle or scooter or while backpacking.  The port city of Hoi An features elaborate Chinese-style guildhalls, intricate covered bridges and colorful Confucian and Buddhist pagodas.

Requirements for Obtaining a Vietnam Visa

Citizens of the United States and many other countries who reside in the Cincinnati area are required to obtain a visa before visiting Vietnam. (The 27 visa-free countries are at https://www.atlys.com/blog/vietnam-visa-waiver-countries.) The main requirement for visa applicants and visa-exempt visitors is holding a passport valid for at least six months beyond their departure date that also contains one blank page.  There are no vaccination requirements, but the CDC recommends several vaccines for visitors, as listed at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/vietnam.

Vietnam offers several types of visas, including tourist, business, student, work, and transit.  Generally, tourist visas are valid for up to 90 days, while business visas are good for 12 months, work visas for two years, and student visas align with specific educational programs.  Applicants can obtain an electronic visa (e-visa) online; a traditional paper visa through a Vietnam embassy or consulate in the country where they live; or a loose-leaf visa as described below.  Visa on arrival is only available with prior government approval.  General information about Vietnam’s visa programs and links can be found at https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/trang-chu-ttdt.

 

Option 1: Electronic Vietnam Visa

Cincinnati-based travelers can apply for electronic visas (e-visas) through the government portal at https://evisa.gov.vn/.  You can apply for a single-entry or multiple-entry visa; either allows you to stay in Vietnam for up to 90 days after arrival (although the length of stay is subject to permission by Vietnam’s Immigration Authority).  The e-visa fees are $25 for a single entry and $50 for multiple entries.  You can submit your applications up to one year before your planned entry to Vietnam.

You can use the e-visa at more than 40 international border crossing gates designated by the Vietnamese government.  There are currently 16 land borders, 13 air borders, and 13 seaports that take the e-visa.  The permitted entry points are linked at the bottom of the portal home page in the previous paragraph.

The main requirement to obtain an e-visa is holding a valid passport that does not expire before your trip ends.  However, the validity of the E-visa must be at least 30 days shorter than your passport expiration date.  Thus, you would not be able to stay for 90 days unless your passport is valid for at least 120 days after arrival. 

The basic process to apply for the e-visa is:

  • Review and complete and review the online application at https://evisa.gov.vn/e-visa/foreigners. You will need to include a scanned color copy of your passport information/biometrics page, a digital photo, personal information, and details about your trip (such as intended entry gate, where you will reside, and how long you will stay).
  • Pay the appropriate fees online. Fees can be paid using several payment methods, including Visa, MasterCard, JCB, ATM card, and Apple Pay.
  • Receive an approval email from Vietnamese authorities with your e-visa confirmation.
  • Download your e-visa and present it to immigration authorities when you arrive in Vietnam.
  • Health Insurance. Although not required for the visa, we recommend purchasing international medical insurance to cover accidents, injuries, and illnesses while traveling in Vietnam.  International medical insurance from GeoBlue can be purchased from Visa Supply online through the following link: ⇒Order Now.

You can also apply for accompanying children up to 14 years old using the same online session.  You will need to include the child’s name, birthdate, sex, and photo.

 

Option 2: Traditional Physical Visa

Residents of Cincinnati can also apply for a traditional visa through the Vietnam embassy to the United States in Washington, D.C., or through their consulate in New York City (however, tourist visas are typically no longer handled by the consulate and should be secured online according to the instructions in Option 1 above).  You can apply in person at any of these offices, through the government’s online portal, or by mail.  You can choose to receive either a traditional visa sticker affixed to your passport or a loose-leaf visa.  The latter is a piece of paper that is mailed to your home, which you then clip to your passport.  Processing time for traditional visas is about a week.  Many physical visas require a local sponsor, typically a Vietnamese business or travel agent.

To apply online, visit https://vnmvisa-assistant.web.app/.  You will need to:

  • Complete and review the application.
  • Upload your passport biometrics page and a digital photo.
  • Provide details about your trip, a copy of your flight or vessel itinerary.
  • Once you receive a tracking number, pay your visa fee online using an electronic payment method on the “payment of fees” tab.

Visa fees generally vary by length of stay and type of visit -- please contact Visa Supply for the latest fees.

You can also apply for a physical business visa in person at the Vietnamese embassy in Washington, D.C. or at a regional consulate.  If you decide to apply in person, no appointment is necessary.  You will need to bring:

You can also mail your application, passport, and other documents to the embassy via FedEx (preferred), UPS, or USPS.  Include a self-addressed FedEx envelope with a tracking number so the embassy can mail back your passport and visa.  Write down the tracking number so you can monitor the status of the mailing.  The embassy address is:

Embassy of Vietnam, Consular Division
1233 20th Street, NW, Suite 400
Washington, D.C. 20036

 

We Can Help if You Need Assistance

Finally, residents of Cincinnati and the state of Ohio can use a courier service such as Visa Supply to obtain a tourist, business, or other visa to visit Vietnam.  We can answer questions about the requirements, plus help you complete and submit your visa application.  Our couriers can also deliver your paperwork to the embassy or consulate and then retrieve your passport and visa (for an additional charge).  For more information, feel free to schedule a telephone consultation at https://www.timetap.com/book/BOOKVS1.

We provide the following Vietnam visa services for our customers in Cincinnati:

  • Vietnam Tourist Visa
  • Vietnam Business Visa
  • Vietnam Student Visa
  • Vietnam Work Visa
  • Vietnam Official and Diplomatic Visas
  • Vietnam Medical Insurance
  • Vietnam Flight Tickets
  • Vietnam Hotel Accommodations
  • Vietnam Packaged Tours