United States Tourist Visa
B1/B2 Visitor Visa · For Vietnam citizens
Planning a trip to the United States as a Vietnamese citizen? You will need a B1/B2 tourist visa, which costs $185 and requires an in-person interview at the US Embassy in Hanoi or Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City. Processing times vary based on interview availability. This guide covers everything you need for a successful application.
USA Tourist Visa for Vietnamese Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For Vietnam citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your Vietnamese passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in the US
Complete the online DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application
Recent photograph meeting US visa specifications
In-person interview at US Embassy Hanoi or Consulate Ho Chi Minh City
Evidence of sufficient funds to cover your trip
Evidence demonstrating you will return to Vietnam
Recommended (Optional)
Planned travel details for your US trip
Application Process
Vietnamese citizens must apply for a B1/B2 visitor visa to travel to the United States.1 The process requires an in-person interview.
1. Complete the DS-160 Form
Visit ceac.state.gov and complete the DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application online.2 You will need:
- Passport information
- Travel plans
- Employment history
- A digital photograph
Save your confirmation page with the barcode after completing the form.
2. Pay the Application Fee
Pay the $185 MRV fee at designated payment locations or online.3 The current exchange rate is US$1 = 27,000 VND. Keep your payment receipt.
3. Schedule Your Interview
Create a profile at the US visa appointment website and schedule your interview at either:1
- US Embassy in Hanoi
- US Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City
4. Prepare Your Documents
Gather supporting documents including:
- Valid passport
- DS-160 confirmation page
- Payment receipt
- Passport photograph
- Financial documents
- Employment proof
- Evidence of ties to Vietnam
5. Attend Your Interview
Arrive at the Embassy/Consulate on time with all documents.1 You will provide biometrics and answer questions about your travel plans. Most decisions are made at the interview.
6. Receive Your Visa
If approved, your passport with visa will be returned via courier. Processing after approval typically takes 3-5 business days.
Fees
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MRV Application Fee | $185 | Non-refundable |
| Visa Issuance Fee | $0 | No reciprocity fee for Vietnamese |
Pay in VND at the current exchange rate.1
What You Need to Prove
US visa officers assess applications based on Section 214(b) of the Immigration Act:2
- Nonimmigrant intent: You must demonstrate you will return to Vietnam
- Financial capability: Sufficient funds for your trip without working in the US
- Ties to home country: Strong reasons to return (job, family, property)
- Clear travel purpose: Legitimate reason for visiting the US
Processing Times
| Stage | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Interview Wait Time | Varies (check embassy website) |
| Decision | Usually same day as interview |
| Passport Return | 3-5 business days after approval |
Apply well in advance of your travel date. Interview wait times fluctuate.1
After Your Visa is Approved
Once approved:
- Your passport will be returned with the visa sticker
- The visa shows validity period and number of entries
- At US immigration (CBP), you will be asked about your visit
- CBP officer determines actual length of stay (up to 6 months)
- Keep return ticket and accommodation details accessible
If Your Visa is Refused
If denied under Section 214(b):
- Understand the reason: Usually lack of ties to Vietnam or insufficient funds
- Gather stronger evidence: More documentation of ties and finances
- Reapply: No waiting period required
- Consider timing: Changed circumstances (new job, property) may help
Most denials are due to inability to prove ties to Vietnam.2 A denial does not permanently bar future applications.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Weak Ties to Vietnam
Unable to demonstrate strong reasons to return to Vietnam, such as stable employment, property, or family obligations.
How to avoid: Provide comprehensive evidence of ties: employment letter with tenure and salary, property documents, family certificates, business ownership.
Insufficient Financial Evidence
Bank statements showing low balance, inconsistent income, or unexplained large deposits.
How to avoid: Show 6 months of bank statements with stable, regular income. Avoid large unexplained deposits before application.
Unconvincing Interview
Unclear or inconsistent answers about travel purpose, itinerary, or funding source.
How to avoid: Prepare clear, concise answers. Know your travel plans, budget, and return date. Be honest and confident.
Previous Visa Violations
History of overstaying visas in the US or other countries.
How to avoid: Be honest about any previous issues. If you overstayed before, explain the circumstances clearly.
Incomplete Documentation
Missing required documents or DS-160 errors.
How to avoid: Double-check all documents. Bring originals and copies. Ensure DS-160 is complete and accurate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Vietnamese citizens need a visa for USA?
Yes, Vietnamese citizens need a B1/B2 tourist visa to visit the United States. Vietnam is not part of the Visa Waiver Program.
How much does a US visa cost for Vietnamese citizens?
The US B1/B2 visa application fee is $185 (MRV fee). This fee is non-refundable regardless of whether the visa is approved.
How long does US visa processing take for Vietnamese?
Processing time depends on interview availability. After the interview, most decisions are made immediately. Check the Embassy website for current wait times.
How long can Vietnamese stay in the USA on a tourist visa?
The B1/B2 visa can allow stays of up to 6 months per visit. The actual duration is determined by the immigration officer at the port of entry.
What is the US visa approval rate for Vietnamese citizens?
The approval rate is approximately 75% for Vietnamese applicants with proper documentation. Strong ties to Vietnam significantly improve approval chances.
Where do I apply for US visa in Vietnam?
Apply at the US Embassy in Hanoi or the US Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City. Complete DS-160 online first, then schedule an interview.
What questions are asked in US visa interview?
Common questions include: purpose of trip, travel dates, who is funding the trip, your occupation, ties to Vietnam, and previous travel history.
Can I reapply if my US visa is denied?
Yes, you can reapply. Address the reasons for denial in your new application. There is no mandatory waiting period, but submitting the same application without changes is unlikely to succeed.