What are the visa requirements for attending corporate events in Vietnam?

Vietnam is emerging as a top destination for international corporate events, from conferences and seminars to exhibitions and MICE programs that combine business with leisure. Before you finalize travel plans, it is essential to understand the visa rules and entry procedures that apply to international guests attending or organizing corprate events in Vietnam.

This guide explains which visa types are appropriate, the application process, and key points to ensure your business trip or event runs smoothly.

What is a visa and why is it required for entry into Vietnam?

A visa is an official authorization issued by a country’s competent authority that allows a foreign national to enter, stay temporarily, or transit through that country for a defined period.

When you come to Vietnam to attend a conference, exhibition, or other corporate event (MICE), the visa does more than legalize your entry - it also confirms your purpose of visit. Vietnamese immigration authorities use the visa category to determine the nature of your activities in the country, such as tourism, business, investment, or event participation.

Applying for the correct visa before arrival helps to:

• Comply with Vietnam’s immigration rules and avoid the risk of being denied entry.
  
• Select the visa category that matches your trip purpose, especially when attending or organizing corporate events.
  
• Facilitate smooth stay, travel, and on-site activities - particularly for large delegations or VIP guests.

Which cases are eligible for visa exemption when entering Vietnam?

Not all international visitors need a visa to enter Vietnam. Depending on nationality, purpose, and length of stay, several categories of travelers are eligible for visa exemption under Vietnamese government rules. Knowing whether you qualify for exemption saves time and administrative effort.

Bilateral visa exemption countries

Vietnam has bilateral visa exemption agreements with a number of countries. Typical examples include:

• 45 days: Japan, South Korea, Russia, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Belarus.
• 30 days: Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia.
• 21 days: Philippines.
• 14 days: Brunei, Myanmar.

Note: Exemption lengths may be updated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Always check the latest information before booking travel or planning an event.

European countries with unilateral 45-day exemption

Vietnam also grants a unilateral 45-day visa exemption to passport holders from several European countries, including: Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Switzerland, Austria, the Netherlands, and Ireland.

Travelers from these countries may enter Vietnam without a visa for up to 45 days, which can cover short business trips and event participation. For longer stays or specific business activities, a proper visa remains necessary.

Special-area and special-group exemptions

Beyond nationality-based exemptions, Vietnam provides special exemptions for certain cases:

• Phu Quoc and certain economic zones - visitors to designated island/economic zones may be exempt for up to 30 days, even if their country is not on the standard exemption list.
• APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) holders - typically allowed visa-free entry up to 90 days per visit (subject to ABTC rules).
• Air and ship crew, diplomatic delegations, and certain international organization staff - handled under separate rules and diplomatic protocols.

Important notes for exempt visitors

• If you wish to remain beyond the exemption period, you must apply for a visa or an extension before the exemption expires.
• If you leave Vietnam and plan to return shortly, you may need a new visa or an e-visa; exemption generally applies per single entry and is not a continuous multi-entry allowance.
• For delegations or international guests attending major events, coordinators should confirm exemption eligibility and provide guidance to avoid issues at arrival.

What are the visa requirements for guests attending corporate events in Vietnam?

If you are not eligible for visa exemption, obtaining a visa is required before entry. For corporate events, the following requirements are the most important:

Passport valid for at least six months

Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Vietnam and have at least two blank pages for visa stamps or stickers. If your passport is near expiry, renew it before applying.

Invitation letter or sponsorship letter from a Vietnamese organization

For event participants, an invitation letter or sponsorship document from the event organizer, partner, or Vietnamese company is typically required. This document should confirm the purpose, dates, venue, and organizer contact details. For group MICE programs, a licensed Vietnamese tour operator may act as sponsor and assist with group visa handling.

Complete and accurate application documents

Common application documents include:

• Completed visa application form (NA1 for embassy/consulate applications or the e-visa online form).
• Recent passport photo (4x6 cm, white background).
• Copy of passport bio page.
• Invitation letter or sponsorship letter.
• Travel itinerary and round-trip flight booking details.

Providing full and accurate documentation reduces processing delays and the likelihood of requests for additional information.

Choose the correct visa type for your trip purpose

Select the visa that fits your intended activities (see the visa types section below). Choosing the correct category helps ensure your permitted activities match immigration rules.

Comply with duration and entry limits

Decide whether you need single-entry or multiple-entry permission based on your travel plan:

• Single-entry visas allow one arrival during the visa validity period.
  
• Multiple-entry visas suit delegates who will exit and re-enter Vietnam within the visa validity.
  

Adhering to the visa terms avoids immigration violations and demonstrates professionalism.

Verify visa details before travel

Before departure, verify all details on the visa or approval letter (full name, nationality, passport number, visa validity dates, visa type, number of entries). If you find errors, contact your sponsor or the issuing authority immediately to correct them.

Which types of visas are suitable for guests attending events in Vietnam?

Choosing among DN1, DN2, DL, and e-visa depends on the nature of the visit. Below are the four commonly used types for event participation:

DN1 visa - for foreign partners and investors working with Vietnamese enterprises

DN1 visas are issued to foreigners who enter Vietnam to work with enterprises or organizations registered under Vietnamese law. This is often the preferred visa for guests attending conferences, negotiations, or investment-related meetings with Vietnamese companies.

• Typical validity: up to 3 months (can be single or multiple entries).
• Sponsor: Vietnamese enterprise or event organizer.
• Suitable for: business meetings, negotiations, market visits, and professional event participation.
• Note: DN1 usually requires an official sponsorship letter or a government-issued approval.

DN2 visa - for those working with foreign-invested enterprises or under international agreements

DN2 visas apply to foreigners dealing with foreign-invested enterprises (FDI), representative offices, or activities covered by international agreements. If your visit involves collaboration with an FDI entity or cross-border service provision, DN2 may be appropriate.

• Typical validity: up to 3 months, may be extendable.
• Sponsor: FDI company, representative office, or branch in Vietnam.
• Suitable for: internal company events, service provision, and business activities tied to the foreign-invested entity.
• Note: Supporting documents should demonstrate the relationship with the sponsoring entity.

DL visa - for tourist travel or MICE combined with leisure

DL (tourist) visas are suitable when the primary purpose is tourism or when event participation is combined with leisure activities, such as incentive trips or company retreats.

• Typical validity: up to 30 days.
• Sponsor: licensed Vietnamese travel agency for group MICE programs.
• Suitable for: incentive travel, team retreats, and events where no formal business transactions occur.
• Note: DL is not appropriate for formal business activities like contract signing or official business operations.

E-visa - fast and convenient online option

Vietnam’s e-visa system enables eligible nationals to apply online and receive electronic visas by email. It is convenient for individual travelers or small groups attending short-term events.

• Typical validity: up to 90 days, single or multiple entries (depending on conditions).
• How to apply: online via the official portal.
• Suitable for: short conferences, exhibitions, and business visits with clear, short-term duration.

Note: Ensure accurate entry of personal details and travel purpose when applying online to avoid rejection.

How do you apply for a visa to attend corporate events in Vietnam?

The visa application process for event attendees generally follows four practical steps:

Step 1 - identify the appropriate visa type

Determine whether your travel is business-focused (DN1/DN2) or short-term event/tourism (DL/e-visa). Selecting the correct category at the outset avoids delays and compliance issues.

Step 2 - prepare the required documents

Common documents include: a passport valid for at least six months, a recent 4x6 photo, invitation or sponsorship letter, completed application form (NA1) or e-visa registration, and travel itinerary.

Step 3 - submit the application and wait for approval

• DN1/DN2 applications are usually processed via the Vietnamese sponsor or organizer to the Vietnam Immigration Department.
• E-visa applications are submitted directly online at the official portal.
  Processing time typically ranges from 3 to 7 working days, though urgent or complex cases may require more time.

Step 4 - receive your visa and enter Vietnam

After approval, print your e-visa or obtain the visa sticker from the embassy/consulate or airport visa-on-arrival process (if applicable). Present your passport, visa or approval letter, and invitation letter when completing immigration formalities.

How can VietnamEvents help ensure a smooth visa process?

As Vietnam grows as a MICE hub, professional local organizers play a key role in minimizing visa-related friction. VietnamEvents offers comprehensive support for international delegations:

• Prepare and verify official invitation letters and sponsorship documents to meet immigration requirements.
• Guide participants step by step through the e-visa or embassy application process to ensure accurate completion.
• Coordinate directly with the Vietnam Immigration Department and relevant authorities to expedite processing for large groups or urgent requests.

With VietnamEvents handling administrative details, your team can focus on the event agenda and business outcomes rather than paperwork. Contact VietnamEvents today to get tailored visa assistance and full event support for your delegation.

Conclusion

With increasingly flexible visa policies, modern infrastructure, and a business-friendly environment, Vietnam is fast becoming one of Asia’s leading MICE destinations. From conferences and trade exhibitions to incentive programs, Vietnam offers professional event services and memorable experiences for international guests.

If you are planning to host or attend a corporate event in Vietnam, let VietnamEvents manage the visa process and event delivery from start to finish. Get in touch with VietnamEvents today to start your seamless, high-quality MICE journey in Vietnam.