VietnamVisits and short stays

Vietnam visa for visiting relatives (VR)

Visa for visiting relatives (VR)

In short

The VR visa is issued to people who visit relatives in Vietnam or come for other purposes not covered by another symbol. It is valid for up to 180 days and is sponsored by a Vietnamese citizen residing in Vietnam or a foreigner holding a temporary or permanent residence card. For shorter family visits of up to 90 days, the e-visa needs no sponsor.

Apply on Vietnam Immigration portal – invite and sponsor foreigners checked 24 October 2026

Key facts

Maximum stay
Up to the visa validity, at most 180 days; extendable through the sponsor
Validity
VR visa: up to 180 days
Fee
US$25USD 25 single entry; multiple entry USD 50 (up to 90 days) or USD 95 (90–180 days)
Processing time
Immigration Department replies to the sponsor within 5 working days
Work
No
Where to apply
Sponsor files in Vietnam (also online on the immigration portal); visa abroad or at a border gate

Who can sponsor a family visit

Individuals can sponsor foreigners for a visit if they are Vietnamese citizens permanently residing in Vietnam or foreigners holding a permanent or temporary residence card, and they must prove their relationship to the visitor. Temporary and permanent residence card holders may sponsor grandparents, parents, spouses and children. From 1 July 2026, Vietnamese grandparents residing in Vietnam can also sponsor foreign grandchildren.

E-visa as an alternative

If your visit lasts no longer than 90 days, the e-visa is usually simpler: no sponsor is needed and visiting relatives is one of the purposes you can declare. For stays between 90 and 180 days, or when you plan to stay with family for a long period, the VR visa is the appropriate category. Close relatives of residence card holders who want to live in Vietnam, rather than visit, use the TT category instead.

Fees and extension

Under Circular 28/2026/TT-BTC: USD 25 single entry, USD 50 multiple entry up to 90 days and USD 95 multiple entry from 90 to 180 days. If you need more time, your sponsor applies for an extension of temporary residence (USD 10, decided within five working days) or for a new visa.

Sponsorship and issue

The relative files the request at the Immigration Department, in person or through the immigration portal's service for relatives sponsoring foreigners, with proof of the family relationship. The Department replies within five working days and informs the Vietnamese embassy or border gate where you will collect the visa. You then submit your passport, application form and photo and pay the fee.

  1. Decide between an e-visa (up to 90 days, no sponsor) and a VR visa (up to 180 days, sponsor required).
  2. Send your relative copies of your passport and the documents proving your relationship.
  3. Your relative files the sponsorship at the Immigration Department or through the immigration portal.
  4. After approval, collect the VR visa at the Vietnamese embassy or consulate or the border gate named in the approval.
  5. On arrival, your host declares your temporary residence to the local police.

Documents

Required documents

Identity

  • Your passport valid at least 30 days beyond the visa

Money

  • Visa fee (USD 25 to 95)

Family

  • Sponsor's request with proof of the family relationship (for example birth or marriage certificate)
  • Sponsor's Vietnamese ID or residence card

Other

  • Visa application form with photo

Frequently asked questions

How long can I visit my family in Vietnam?

Up to 180 days on a VR visa sponsored by your relative, or up to 90 days on an e-visa.

Can a foreign friend sponsor me?

Only if the friend holds a Vietnamese temporary or permanent residence card and can prove the relationship; residence card holders sponsor mainly close family.

Who has to register my stay with the police?

Your host. Foreigners declare temporary residence through the person managing the accommodation, including private homes.

What does VR stand for?

VR is the symbol for visits to relatives or other purposes; its maximum validity was raised from six months to 180 days in 2023.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for Vietnam

Visits and short stays

  • Tourist visa Maximum stay: Up to 90 days (DL and EV visas)

Business and self-employment

  • Business visa Maximum stay: Up to the visa validity, at most 1 year
  • Investor visa Maximum stay: Up to 12 months stamped on entry, then a residence card (ĐT1 up to 10 years from 1 July 2026)

Study and training

  • Student visa Maximum stay: DH residence card up to 5 years, at least 30 days shorter than the passport

Work

  • Work visa Maximum stay: Temporary residence of up to 12 months on entry; then a residence card of up to 2 years

Family

Residence

  • Residence permit Validity: ĐT1, UĐ1, UĐ2: up to 10 years; NG3, LV1, LV2, DH and other ĐT: up to 5 years; NN1, NN2, TT: up to 3 years; LĐ, PV1: up to 2 years
  • Permanent residence Validity: Card exchanged every 10 years

Online travel permits

  • e-Visa Maximum stay: Up to 90 days, matching the validity printed on the e-visa
  • Visa on arrival Maximum stay: According to the visa issued, for example up to 90 days for a DL tourist visa

Vietnam visa guide