Vietnam Diplomatic Visa (NG-1, NG-2, NG-3, NG-4) 2026: Guide, Fees & Requirements

A Vietnam Diplomatic visa is a special visa category issued to foreign diplomats, high-ranking officials, and members of diplomatic missions entering Vietnam for official and governmental purposes. This visa is managed through diplomatic channels under the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, with coordination between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and immigration authorities. Depending on the applicant’s status, it is classified as NG-1, NG-2, NG-3, or NG-4, each with specific eligibility and privileges. In practice, diplomatic visas cannot be applied for individually and must be requested by competent Vietnamese authorities.

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What Is the Vietnam Diplomatic Visa?

The Vietnam Diplomatic visa is an official entry permit granted to foreign nationals traveling to Vietnam for diplomatic or intergovernmental purposes. It is fundamentally different from business, investor, or tourist visas.

This visa is governed by the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, as amended by Law No. 51/2019/QH14 ^[1] and the latest updates under Law No. 23/2023/QH15 ^[2] .

Administrative authority is shared between the Vietnam Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Vietnam Immigration Department.

A critical detail most applicants overlook is that diplomatic visas are not applied for directly by individuals. They must be requested and guaranteed by competent Vietnamese authorities through official diplomatic channels.

Key characteristics of the Vietnam Diplomatic visa:

Issued exclusively for official and diplomatic missions.

Requires a Diplomatic Passport or equivalent official travel document.

Subject to international diplomatic immunity principles and Vietnamese regulations.

Processed primarily via Vietnamese Embassies or Consulates abroad.

Tan Van Lang provides reliable Vietnam visa services backed by over 20 years of professional experience.

>>> Read more: Vietnam visa rejection reasons and how to avoid 2026

Categories of Vietnam Diplomatic Visas (NG-1, NG-2, NG-3, NG-4)

Previously, under Law No. 47/2014/QH13, Vietnam only recognized NG-1, NG-2, and NG-3 visas. Law No. 51/2019/QH14 officially introduced NG-4, expanding diplomatic-related entry categories.

NG-1 Visa – Senior State-Level Delegations

The NG-1 visa is issued to members of foreign delegations invited by the highest leadership of Vietnam, including:

The General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam

The President of Vietnam

The Chairman of the National Assembly

The Prime Minister of Vietnam

This category represents the highest diplomatic rank and is usually granted for short, mission-specific visits.

NG-2 Visa – High-Ranking Government and Institutional Delegations

The NG-2 visa applies to delegations invited by senior Vietnamese officials such as:

Standing members of the Party Secretariat

Vice President, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly

Deputy Prime Minister

President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front

Chief Justice of the Supreme People’s Court

Chief Procurator of the Supreme People’s Procuracy

State Auditor General

Ministers and equivalent provincial leaders

From our daily work with the Vietnam Immigration Department, NG-2 visas often require especially precise invitation documentation to match the rank of the inviting authority.

NG-3 Visa – Diplomatic Missions and Consular Staff

The NG-3 visa is the most commonly issued diplomatic visa in practice. It is granted to:

Members of diplomatic missions

Consular officers and consular staff

Representatives of UN-affiliated international organizations

Representatives of intergovernmental organizations

Accompanying spouses and children under 18

Housemaids during the official term of service

Only NG-3 visa holders are eligible for a Temporary Residence Card Vietnam with the symbol NG-3.

NG-4 Visa – Supporting and Visiting Personnel

The NG-4 visa is issued to individuals who:

Work with diplomatic missions or consular offices

Work with UN-affiliated or intergovernmental organizations

Visit members of diplomatic missions for official purposes

NG-4 is not a diplomatic immunity visa but remains under diplomatic administration.

Contact Tan Van Lang easily via WhatsApp for fast and direct visa assistance.

>>> Read more: Vietnam visa processing time: E-visa, Visa On Arrival 2026

Eligibility Criteria and Required Documentation

Core Eligibility Conditions

To qualify for a Vietnam Diplomatic visa, applicants must meet all of the following conditions:

Hold a Diplomatic Passport or official equivalent.

Enter Vietnam for official diplomatic or intergovernmental duties.

Be sponsored or invited by a competent Vietnamese authority, usually via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Vietnam does not allow conversion from tourist, business, or investor visas into diplomatic visas inside the country.

Required Documentation

The standard documentation set includes:

Diplomatic Passport valid for at least 6 months.

Official diplomatic note or invitation letter.

Visa application form with attached photo.

Written request processed through the Vietnam Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Additional documents may be requested depending on bilateral agreements and the applicant’s nationality.

>>> Read more: Vietnam visa types: Categories 2026

Step-by-Step Application Process for the Vietnam Diplomatic Visa

Unlike standard visas, diplomatic visas follow a dual-channel approval process involving both diplomatic and immigration authorities.

Step 1: Official Request via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

For NG-1 and NG-2 visas:

The inviting Vietnamese agency sends a written notice to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Ministry instructs overseas visa-issuing authorities.

The Immigration Department is notified simultaneously.

For NG-3 and NG-4 visas:

The inviting organization submits the application directly to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Ministry consults the Immigration Department.

If no objection is raised within 02 working days, approval is issued.

Step 2: Notification and Embassy Submission

After approval:

The sponsoring agency informs the foreign applicant.

The applicant submits the passport and application at a Vietnam Embassy or Consulate abroad.

A critical detail most applicants overlook is that fees are paid to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, not to immigration authorities.

Step 3: Visa Issuance

From the day the Embassy receives official instructions:

NG-1, NG-2 visas: issued within 01-03 working day.

NG-3, NG-4 visas: issued within 03-05 working days.

Processing times may vary by Consulate.

>>> Read more: Vietnam Visa Photo Requirements: The Complete 2026 Guide

Duration, Validity, and Temporary Residence Card Vietnam

Visa Validity

All diplomatic visas (NG-1, NG-2, NG-3, NG-4) are issued for a maximum validity of 12 months per entry.

Temporary Residence Card (TRC)

Only NG-3 visa holders are eligible for a Temporary Residence Card Vietnam (NG-3):

Maximum validity: up to 5 years.

Functions as a multiple-entry visa replacement.

NG-1, NG-2, and NG-4 visa holders must apply for new visas if they need to extend their stay.

>>> Read more: Vietnam Airport Fast Track Service 2026 – Skip the Lines, Save Time

Rights, Privileges, and Vietnam Diplomatic Immunity

Diplomatic visa holders enjoy privileges under international law and Vietnamese regulations, including:

Priority immigration clearance.

Exemption from certain administrative procedures.

Diplomatic immunity as recognized by Vietnam.

However, diplomatic immunity does not exempt holders from Vietnamese criminal law in serious cases.

>>> Read more: Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA): The Complete 2026 Guide

Distinction Between Diplomatic (NG) and Official Visas Vietnam

Criteria	Diplomatic Visa (NG)	Official Visa Vietnam (SQ/LV)
Passport Type	Diplomatic Passport	Official or Service Passport
Issuing Authority	Ministry of Foreign Affairs	Immigration Department
Immunity	Yes (NG-1 to NG-3)	No
TRC Eligibility	Only NG-3	Limited
Purpose	Diplomatic missions	Official government work

From our experience, confusing NG and SQ categories is one of the most common causes of visa refusal.

>>> Read more: List of countries that are difficult to apply for Vietnam visa 2026

Important Compliance Notes (2025–2026)

According to the latest 2025 regulations under Law No. 23/2023/QH15:

Vietnam E-Visa validity is now up to 90 days, multiple entry.

Vietnam Visa exemption stays are extended to 45 days for eligible nationalities.

These provisions do not apply to diplomatic visas, which remain governed by diplomatic law and bilateral agreements.

>>> Read more: Vietnam visa service: Fast & secure solution for your trip 2026

Common Risks and Practical Warnings

Based on thousands of handled cases:

Beware of fake diplomatic visa websites claiming online NG visas.

Entry ports must match official approval records.

Temporary residence declaration remains mandatory upon arrival.

Any inconsistency may trigger inspection by border control authorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Diplomatic Visa required for transit through Vietnam?

A Diplomatic Visa is only required if the transit involves official diplomatic duties or activities in Vietnam. If there is no official function, a diplomatic visa is generally not necessary.

Can NG visa holders apply for a TRC?

Only holders of the NG-3 visa category are eligible to apply for a Temporary Residence Card. Other NG visa types do not qualify for TRC issuance.

Which authority issues invitation letters?

Invitation letters are issued by the Vietnam Ministry of Foreign Affairs or other authorized governmental agencies. These authorities must officially approve and sponsor the visit.

Can family members obtain the same visa?

Family members may be eligible under the NG-3 category if proper relationship documents are provided. Approval depends on meeting all required conditions.

Can a Diplomatic Visa be converted into a Business or Investor visa?

No. A Diplomatic Visa cannot be converted inside Vietnam into another visa type. The applicant must leave Vietnam and apply for a new visa from abroad.

What if the Diplomatic Passport expires in Vietnam?

If the Diplomatic Passport expires while in Vietnam, the visa automatically becomes invalid. The situation must be handled through official diplomatic procedures and coordination between authorities.