Vietnam Family Visa (TT Visa): A Complete Guide
Vietnam is an increasingly popular destination for travelers, expatriates, and families looking to reunite. If you have family members in Vietnam and wish to stay for an extended period, you will need a Vietnam family visa. There are two main options available: the E-Visa and the TT Visa. In this guide, we will explore both visa types, their eligibility requirements, application processes, and key differences.
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An Overview of Family Visa
A Vietnam family visa is designed for foreign nationals who have relatives living in Vietnam, allowing them to stay for either a short or long period depending on the visa type. Whether you are planning to visit your spouse, children, or parents, choosing the right visa is essential for a smooth and legal stay in Vietnam.
Vietnam offers 2 primary types of family visas:
- E-Visa: Suitable for short-term visits (up to 90 days).
- TT Visa: Ideal for long-term stays with family in Vietnam (up to 12 months).
Let’s explore each in detail!
Types of Family Visa
E-Visa for Visiting Relatives Purpose
The Vietnam E-Visa is an electronic visa issued by the Vietnamese Immigration Department. It allows foreign nationals to enter and stay in Vietnam for a short period. This visa is suitable for family members visiting their relatives in Vietnam temporarily.
- Types of Visas: Single entry or multiple entry
- Duration of Stay: Maximum stay of 90 days
- Application Process: Fully online
This type of visa is eligible for:
- Citizens from all countries.
- Applicants who have a passport valid for at least six months.
- Those intended for short-term family visits (up to 90 days).
Some Advantages and Limitations of E-Visa:
- Advantages:
- Simple online application process.
- No need to visit an embassy or consulate.
- Quick processing time.
- Limitations:
- Short validity (maximum 90 days).
- Only be accepted by a limited number of Vietnam entry ports. You can refer to the list of 32 Vietnam ports that accept eVisa here.
TT Visa (Dependent Visa)
The TT Visa is a dependent visa issued to foreign family members of a Vietnamese citizen. It allows for a longer stay compared to the E-Visa.
- Types of Visas: Single entry or multiple entry
- Duration of Stay: Maximum stay of 12 months.
- Application Process: Through a Vietnamese sponsor or at a Vietnamese embassy/consulate.

Vietnam dependent visa is granted with conditions:
- Spouses, children under 18 years old, or parents of a Vietnamese citizen or foreigners holding a valid Vietnam visa (such as a work visa or investor visa).
- The sponsor (family member in Vietnam) must have a valid residency status.
Some Advantages and Limitations of the TT Visa:
- Advantages:
- Longer validity (up to 1 year).
- Allows multiple entries.
- Can be extended or converted into a residence permit.
- Limitations:
- Requires additional paperwork and sponsor support.
- More complex application process.
Application Process for a Family Visa
Applying for Visiting Relatives E-visa
You can easily obtain an eVisa by following these steps:
- Access the Portal: Visit the eVisa official website of the Vietnam Immigration Department;
- Upload Documents: Submit a digital passport-sized photo and a scanned copy of your passport;
- Complete the Application: Fill in your personal details, travel itinerary, and other information. Remember to choose the category “visiting relatives” with the option “Purpose of entry”;
- Pay the Fee: Use a credit or debit card to pay the visa fee;
- Receive Approval: Within 3-5 working days, you’ll receive an email with your approved eVisa. Print this document and carry it with you for entry.
Note:
- You can refer to the detailed steps to apply for an eVisa here.
- Please make sure that you fill out the information accurately when applying. Once the visa is issued, the visa fee will not be refunded for any information errors, and you must use visa correction service or apply for a new one.
- To ensure accuracy, you should consider using our Vietnam visa service. We will apply and take care of your application thoroughly, as well as process it urgently (within 1-2 hours) if you are in need.
Applying for TT Visa
TT visa can be obtained in 3 steps as follows:
Step 1: Prepare Required Documents:
- Form NA2 – request for pre-clearance of foreigners’ entry into Vietnam – certified by the Public Security of the Ward/commune where the sponsor’s permanent address is registered;
- Original passport of the dependent (valid for at least 06 months, having at least 01 blank page and valid Vietnam visa);
- Copy of valid passport of the sponsored person;
- Notarized copies of the ID Card, and family book of the sponsor;
- Documents proving family relationship, such as marriage certificate, certificate of birth, etc. If they were issued in foreign countries, they are subject to Vietnamese consular legalization and certified translation into Vietnamese.
Step 2: Submit Application
- In this step, the sponsor/sponsor’s representative will submit the required documents to the Immigration Department.
- The submitter then receives a receipt which indicates the date of receiving the result.
- On the appointed date, the submitter will visit the immigration office to get the TT visa approval letter. The sponsor then needs to send this letter’s scan to the dependent to complete the procedure to get a TT visa for Vietnam.
Step 3: Get the TT Visa On Arrival
Upon receipt of the scan, the sponsored person will need to prepare:
- A printout of the TT visa approval letter;
- A visa application form (also known as Vietnam entry and exit form);
- 02 portrait photos sized 4x6cm;
- Original passport (valid for at least 06 months with at least 02 blank pages);
And then foreigners will get the TT visa stamped on their passports.
You can refer to this link for a detailed guide to get sticker visa at the entry port.
Extending or Renewing a Business Visa
If you are in Vietnam and want to spend more time doing business activities in this country, it is essential to know the available options for legally extending your stay. Two common methods are Visa Run and Visa Extension.
Renewing the E-visa: Visa Run
Since e-visas generally cannot be extended within Vietnam, travelers often do a visa run, which involves:
- Exiting Vietnam to a nearby country (such as Cambodia, Thailand, or Laos) through a border gate.
- Applying for a new e-visa online before re-entering Vietnam.
- Returning to Vietnam once the new visa is approved.
Extending the TT Visa: Visa Extension
For those holding a business visa (DN visa), a visa extension can be arranged without leaving Vietnam by:
- Contacting the sponsored person for assistance.
- Submitting required documents:
- Sponsorship documents: ID card/Citizen ID of the sponsored person with a certified true copy
- Passport of the applicant
- Temporary residence declaration
- Proof of family relationship
- Other required forms: Including an introduction letter and an explanation for the visa extension request.
- NA5 – Visa extension application
- Paying the extension fee, which varies based on the requested extension period.
- Waiting for the extension process (typically 5-7 working days).
- Once approved, you will receive your passport with an updated visa stamp indicating your new expiration date.
Key Differences Between Family E-Visa and TT Visa
E-visa | TT Visa | |
Application Method | Fully online | Online for pre-approval letter |
Entry Type | Single or Multiple Entries | Single or Multiple Entries |
Validity | Up to 90 Days | Maximum 12 months |
Processing Time | Usually 3-5 working days Can be processed urgently within 1-2 hours | 5-7 working days (pre-approval) + airport waiting |
Where to Collect | Online | At airport upon arrival |
Extending or Renewing Method | Visa run | Visa extension |
Which Vietnam family visa should you choose?
- If you are visiting Vietnam for a short time (less than 3 months), the E-Visa is the easiest and fastest option.
- If you plan to stay with your family for a longer period, the TT Visa is a better choice as it allows extensions and even conversion to a residence permit.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Vietnam family visa depends on the length and purpose of your stay. The E-Visa is convenient for short-term visits, while the TT Visa is ideal for long-term stays with family in Vietnam. Be sure to check Vietnam’s latest immigration policies and requirements before applying.
Safe travels and enjoy your time with your loved ones in Vietnam!