Introduction
Whether you are visiting the United States for the first time, returning to Vietnam to see family, or helping a parent navigate the consulate — travel documents matter. The wrong paperwork can delay or stop a trip entirely.
MY-VIET has provided travel document support, consulate coordination, and visa preparation services for over 18 years. This guide covers the most common travel needs for our community.
Key Takeaways
- Most foreign nationals need a visa to enter the United States — or qualify for the Visa Waiver Program
- The B-1/B-2 is the most common tourist and business visitor visa
- Vietnamese citizens in the U.S. can use the Vietnam Consulate for passport renewal and other services
- MY-VIET assists with consulate appointments, document preparation, and translation
- Always verify your visa status before booking international travel
Common Visa Types for Travelers
B-1/B-2 Tourist and Business Visitor Visa
The B-1 is for short business trips — meetings, conferences, negotiations. The B-2 is for tourism, family visits, or medical treatment. They are usually issued together as the B-1/B-2 visa. The standard stay is up to 6 months.
Visa Waiver Program (VWP / ESTA)
Citizens of 40+ countries — including many in Europe, Japan, South Korea, and Australia — can visit the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa through the Visa Waiver Program. They must apply for ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before traveling. Vietnam is not currently part of the VWP.
Transit Visas (C-1)
If you are transiting through the U.S. without stopping — for example, connecting to a flight — you may need a C-1 transit visa. Check requirements based on your nationality.
Applying for a B-1/B-2 Visa from Vietnam
Step 1 — Complete Form DS-160
Start at the U.S. Embassy website for Vietnam. Complete Form DS-160 online. Answer every question honestly.
Step 2 — Pay the Visa Fee
The nonimmigrant visa application fee (MRV fee) must be paid before scheduling the interview. Keep the payment receipt.
Step 3 — Schedule the Visa Interview
Schedule your interview at the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi or the U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City. Wait times vary. Apply months in advance for busy periods.
Step 4 — Attend the Interview
Bring your DS-160 confirmation, passport, photo, fee receipt, and supporting documents. Be prepared to explain your purpose of travel and your ties to Vietnam that will bring you home.
What Officers Look For
- Clear purpose of the trip
- Proof of financial ability to support yourself during the visit
- Strong ties to Vietnam — job, family, property — showing you will return
- No prior overstays or immigration violations
Vietnam Consulate Services for Vietnamese-Americans
Vietnamese citizens living in the United States still need to use the Vietnam Consulate for many important documents. MY-VIET assists clients with:
- Vietnamese passport renewal — document preparation and submission
- Vietnam visa applications for U.S. residents returning to Vietnam
- Family registry (Ho Khau) document retrieval
- Vietnam birth certificate, marriage certificate, and death record requests
- Power of attorney preparation and notarization for Vietnam transactions
- Document authentication and apostille guidance
MY-VIET has extensive experience coordinating with Vietnam Consulate offices in Houston and Washington D.C.
Document Support for International Travel
Traveling internationally requires the right documents. MY-VIET helps with:
- Certified translation of Vietnamese documents into English (for U.S. legal processes)
- Certified translation of U.S. documents into Vietnamese (for Vietnam authorities)
- Notarization coordination
- Apostille guidance for documents used internationally
- Document authentication for consulate submission
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a Vietnamese citizen stay in the U.S. on a B-2 visa?
Typically up to 6 months per visit, as authorized by the CBP officer at entry. The actual authorized stay is noted on Form I-94 — not on the visa stamp. Always check your I-94 at i94.cbp.dhs.gov after arriving.
My Vietnamese passport is expiring soon. What do I do?
Contact the Vietnam Consulate office nearest you — in Houston or Washington D.C. MY-VIET can help you prepare the required documents and coordinate with the consulate. Do not let your passport expire before renewing it.
Can MY-VIET help me get a visa to travel to Vietnam?
Yes. We assist Vietnamese-Americans and their family members with Vietnam e-visas, visa-on-arrival letters, and consulate-processed Vietnam visas.