Adopting a child can be a challenging yet joyous experience. For individuals hoping to adopt a young girl or boy from overseas, the process may seem daunting and it can be difficult to know where to begin.

This article provides prospective parents with practical information for obtaining the Vietnamese visa they will need in order to travel to Vietnam during the intercountry adoption procedure.

With so much to consider and many steps to take when adopting a youngster from abroad, parents will be pleased to discover that the Vietnam eVisa can be obtained fully online in just 3 steps, with no need to visit an embassy or consulate.

It is essential that those interested in welcoming a foreign child into their family consult adoption authorities to confirm the specific criteria before making travel arrangements.

Requirements Of Vietnam Visa For The Adopter

Foreigners are not usually expected to reside in Vietnam for a certain period of time before they are able to adopt a minor.

However, most people will spend some time in Vietnam, perhaps getting to know the child or attending meetings and interviews with authorities.

Whether or not a preliminary trip is made, at least one adopting parent must travel to Vietnam to take part in the ‘Giving and Receiving’ ceremony.

This important event finalizes the adoption before the Vietnamese authorities, it is the official handing over of the child to begin his or her new life in a different country.

In most cases, parents spend 2-3 weeks in Vietnam before attending the Giving and Receiving Ceremony. This relatively short stay means that it is not necessary to apply for a temporary residence card, instead, a Vietnam tourist visa will suffice.

Do children need a visa for Vietnam to accompany their parents?

Some parents who already have children take the decision to extend their family by adopting a boy or girl from Vietnam. They may, therefore, wish for their youngsters to partake in the Giving and Receiving Ceremony.

In these circumstances, adoptive parents traveling to Vietnam with children should be aware that over 14s and under 14s with their own passport need to have an individual eVisa.

The visa requirements for minors are the same as those for adults.

How long can adoptive parents stay in Vietnam with an eVisa?

The Vietnamese eVisa is suitable for short stays in the country. The permit is valid for 30 days from the arrival date indicated on the application and the maximum permitted stay is 30 days.

Conveniently, this should allow for enough time to travel to Vietnam and carry out all the necessary steps, including attending the main event, the Giving & Receiving ceremony.

Only in certain circumstances will visitors be granted a Vietnam visa extension, foreigners are advised to seek advice from Vietnamese immigration authorities to check whether they are eligible.

It is important to note that the eVisa is single-entry: it is not possible to leave Vietnam and return using the same document. Parents needing to go to Vietnam several times during the course of the adoption should request a new eVisa each time.

How to Apply For a Vietnamese Visa to Adopt a Child

The majority of foreigners wishing to enter Vietnam to adopt a child need a visa, only 24 nationalities can access the country visa-free.

Fortunately, citizens of 80 countries can now apply for the eVisa online. With no need to present paperwork in person it is fast and efficient: welcome news for parents involved in a lengthy adoption process.

The eVisa application is completed in 3 simple steps:

• Complete the online form, including stating the reason for entry
• Pay the Vietnamese eVisa fee using a debit or credit card
• Receive the eVisa by email and print a copy to be carried at all times

The online form requests basic personal information such as full name and address plus passport details.

Which documents do adoptive parents need to obtain the Vietnam visa?

To apply, parents must meet all the Vietnam visa requirements. Eligible applicants must be in possession of a passport valid for at least 6 months from the arrival date and with at least one blank page.

Anyone requiring an eVisa for Vietnam also needs a debit or credit card to pay the fees and a current email address.

How long does it take to get a visa to adopt a Vietnamese child?

During the adoption process, it may be necessary to make an urgent or last-minute trip to Vietnam. Fortunately, Vietnamese eVisas can be acquired quickly.

The digital form is completed in just a few minutes and most requests are processed within 4-5 working days. Adoptive families don’t need to worry about slow visa applications causing delays.

Whenever possible, it is advisable to apply at least 7 days before departure in case of any complications.