United States Visa for Vietnam Citizens 2026 - Requirements, Fees & Processing

Overview

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.

Visa 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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

Receive Your Visa

If approved, your passport with visa will be returned via courier. Processing after approval typically takes 3-5 business days.

Visa Application Steps

1. Complete the DS-160 Form
2. Pay the Application Fee
3. Schedule Your Interview
4. Prepare Your Documents
5. Attend Your Interview
6. Receive Your Visa

Visa Fees breakdown

Fee Type: Amount	MRV Application Fee: $185	Visa Issuance Fee: $0	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:

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

Required documents

Valid Passport
DS-160 Application Form
Passport Photo
Visa Interview
Financial Documentation
Ties to Vietnam

Valid Passport

Your Vietnamese passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in the US • At least one blank page for visa sticker; • Must not be damaged] (Tip: Bring any previous passports with travel history)

DS-160 Application Form

Complete the online DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application • Fill out completely and accurately; • Print confirmation page with barcode; • Bring to interview] (Tip: Save your application ID to continue later)

Passport Photo

Recent photograph meeting US visa specifications • 5cm x 5cm (2x2 inches); • White background; • Taken within last 6 months] (Tip: Upload digitally during DS-160 and bring physical copy)

Visa Interview

In-person interview at US Embassy Hanoi or Consulate Ho Chi Minh City • Schedule after completing DS-160 and paying fee; • Biometrics collected at interview; • Be prepared to answer questions about travel plans]

Financial Documentation

Evidence of sufficient funds to cover your trip • Bank statements (last 3-6 months); • Employment letter with salary; • Property documents if applicable] (Tip: Show stable income and savings)

Ties to Vietnam

Evidence demonstrating you will return to Vietnam • Employment letter with approved leave; • Property ownership documents; • Family ties (spouse, children); • Business ownership documents] (Tip: Strong ties are critical for approval)

Optional documents

Travel Itinerary

Planned travel details for your US trip • Intended dates of travel; • Places you plan to visit; • Accommodation plans]

Comparison

Fee Type	Amount	Notes
MRV Application Fee	$185	Non-refundable
Visa Issuance Fee	$0	No reciprocity fee for Vietnamese

Common rejection reasons

%	Reason
40%	Weak Ties to Vietnam
25%	Insufficient Financial Evidence
20%	Unconvincing Interview
10%	Previous Visa Violations
5%	Incomplete Documentation

40% - Weak Ties to Vietnam

How to avoid: Provide comprehensive evidence of ties: employment letter with tenure and salary, property documents, family certificates, business ownership.

25% - Insufficient Financial Evidence

How to avoid: Show 6 months of bank statements with stable, regular income. Avoid large unexplained deposits before application.

20% - Unconvincing Interview

How to avoid: Prepare clear, concise answers. Know your travel plans, budget, and return date. Be honest and confident.

10% - Previous Visa Violations

How to avoid: Be honest about any previous issues. If you overstayed before, explain the circumstances clearly.

5% - Incomplete Documentation

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.

Apply for United States tourist visa online

Sources

US Embassy Vietnam - Visas

https://vn.usembassy.gov/visas/

US Department of State - Visitor Visa

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html

US Visa Application Fee Information

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees.html

At a glance