Vietnam Visa for Children: Rules, Requirements & Family Guide

Vietnam has become more family travel-friendly in the past few years due to increased e-visas and the extension of visa-free time of stay for most nationalities. However, visa rules for minors can be strict, and even a small mistake can lead to delays or entry issues.

Whether you're traveling with a baby, toddler, teenager, or as a multi-generation family, this guide explains what you need to know about Vietnam visa requirements for children and the ways to avoid the most common errors in traveling.

Do Children Need a Visa for Vietnam?

Yes, almost always. All foreign children, from newborns to 17 years old, must meet the same entry requirements as adults. Age alone does not qualify a child for visa-free entry.

Key points:

• Parents do not necessarily include babies and children in their visa.
• Every child with their own passport normally requires their own visa or e-visa.
• The application can be filled in by parents or legal guardians on behalf of minors.

Unless your child qualifies for visa exemption, they will need a visa or e-visa.

Always check the latest Vietnam visa rules for children on official government sources before traveling.

Vietnam Visa Exemption for Families & Kids

Visa-free entry (if your child’s passport qualifies)

Vietnam provides visa-free access to citizens of some countries. See the precise list here. Children are ruled by the nationality of their passport, rather than their parents.
45 days visa-free (most commonly used by families): UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Japan, South Korea, Russia, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland, among other European countries.
30 days visa-free: the majority of ASEAN (Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and so on).
90 days without a visa: Chile and Panama.
Other shorter trips: Philippines (21 days), Brunei (14 days), etc.

*Visa exemption periods (such as 45, 30, or 90 days) depend on nationality and may change. Always confirm the latest information before travel.

Special 5-year visa exemption for children with Vietnamese heritage

Children of Vietnamese citizens or overseas Vietnamese (and their spouses) can apply for a 5-year visa exemption certificate. It’s valid for multiple entries and stays up to 6 months at a time. Apply at a Vietnamese embassy with birth certificates and proof of relationship.

Vietnam Visa Options for Children

Families have three main ways to get visas for children traveling to Vietnam.

1. E-Visa (Electronic Visa) – Best for Most Families

The e-visa is the easiest option for families. It is applied entirely online, and you receive a PDF to print at home.
Eligibility: Citizens of all countries on Vietnam's e-visa list.
Validity: 90 days, single or multiple entries 
Processing time: 3–5 working days (sometimes longer during peak seasons)
Cost: The government fee is fixed, and the agency may charge an extra service fee

Application steps:

• Go to the Vietnam e-visa website: vietnamvisacorp.com
• Create an account or apply as a guest
• Fill out the form with the child's information (use English)
• Upload a passport scan and a photo
• Pay the fee via credit card
• Wait 3–5 working days
• Download and print the approved e-visa

Crucial tip: You should print a paper copy of each e-visa approval as a backup. Some airlines and immigration desks may ask to see a printed copy.

When do you need a parental consent letter for a Vietnam visa for children?

2. Visa on Arrival (VOA) – For Urgent or Non-E-Visa Countries

Visa on arrival requires pre-approval. You cannot just show up at the airport without paperwork.

Best for: Families from countries not on the e-visa list, or those needing faster processing than official e-visa channels
Cost: Approval letter fee ($10–30 per person) + $25 stamping fee at the airport.
Note for families with shared passports: In rare cases where a child is included in a parent’s passport (less common today), the visa may be issued under the parent’s application.

3. 5-Year Visa Exemption – For Families with Vietnamese Ties

This is the best option if one parent is Vietnamese or if the child is of Vietnamese origin. It is not a visa but a visa exemption certificate.

Who qualifies:

• Overseas Vietnamese (Viet Kieu)
• Foreign spouses of Vietnamese citizens

Children of Vietnamese citizens (including foreign-born children) 
Validity: Up to 5 years (must expire at least 6 months before passport expiry) 
Stay duration: 180 days per entry (extendable) 
Entry type: Multiple entries
Where to apply: Vietnamese embassy in your country of residence, or the Immigration Department in Vietnam.

Prepare these documents in advance to avoid delays during check-in or immigration.

Required Documents for Minors & Families

Valid passport (at least 6 months' validity from arrival date).
Recent passport-style photos for every child.
Birth certificate (highly recommended to carry a copy, especially for unaccompanied or mixed-nationality families).

Notarized parental consent letter if:

• Only one parent is traveling.
• A minor under 14 travels with grandparents, nanny, or anyone who isn’t a legal guardian.

Children under 14 traveling without a parent may be asked to present authorization documents, depending on airline and immigration requirements.

Common Family Visa Mistakes to Avoid

Many delays happen because of simple errors.

Avoid these issues:

• Uploading unclear passport scans
• Using a photo that does not meet the requirements
• Entering the wrong passport number
• Booking flights before visa approval
• Applying too close to departure
• Forgetting to print each child’s visa
• Double-check passport details and uploaded documents before payment to avoid delays or reapplications.

Best Time to Apply

Families should apply at least 2 to 3 weeks before travel.

This gives you time to:

• Fix document issues
• Reapply if needed
• Adjust travel dates if approval is delayed

If you are traveling during holidays or school breaks, apply even earlier.

Plan a smooth trip with this Vietnam family visa guide

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need a visa for my 6-month-old baby?
Yes. If the baby has their own passport and does not qualify for visa exemption, they will need their own visa. If the baby is listed on a parent's passport (rare now), they are covered by the parent's visa application.

Can I include my under-14 child on my e-visa?
Yes—if they’re listed on your passport and under 14. Just use the special section in the application.

What if my child’s passport photo is from when they were a baby?
Take a new one. The photo must clearly match the child arriving in Vietnam.

Can my kids enter visa-free if I’m visa-free?
Only if their passports qualify independently, check the latest exemption list for their exact nationality.

Where is the official place to apply?
Apply for a Vietnam e-visa at https://www.vietnamvisacorp.com/apply-visa

How long does a child's e-visa take?
Same as adults: 3–5 working days. Apply at least 2 weeks before travel to allow for delays.

Is there a discount for children's visas?
No. Official government fees are the same for all ages when using separate passports. Some agencies offer small discounts for children, but official fees are fixed.

What if my child's visa is rejected?
Visa rejections for children are rare if the documentation is correct. Common reasons: poor photo quality, passport validity issues, or incomplete forms. You can reapply or contact an agency for assistance.