Vietnam Embassy in Canada
The Vietnam Embassy in Canada, located in Ottawa, provides consular services to Vietnamese citizens and supports Canadians engaging with Vietnam. Key services include visa issuance, passport renewal, civil registration, and legalization of Canadian documents for use in Vietnam. For legalization, documents must first be authenticated by Global Affairs Canada or a Canadian notary. Submissions can be made in person or by mail, and processing typically takes five working days. The Embassy also promotes bilateral relations through diplomacy, trade, and cultural exchange.
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The Embassy of Vietnam in Canada
The Vietnam Embassy in Ottawa serves as the official diplomatic mission of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to Canada. It provides a comprehensive range of consular services to Vietnamese citizens residing in or traveling through Canada, including passport issuance and renewal, civil registration, and the legalization of Canadian documents for use in Vietnam.
For Canadians and other foreign nationals, the Embassy facilitates visa applications for tourism, business, education, and long-term stays in Vietnam. Applicants may apply for visas directly at the Embassy or through Vietnam’s official eVisa system at evisa.gov.vn, depending on their travel purpose and entry method.
The Embassy also supports Vietnamese nationals with services such as birth, marriage, and death registration, and offers assistance with travel documentation, citizenship verification, and legal matters. It maintains active engagement with the Vietnamese community in Canada and promotes cultural, educational, and economic exchanges between the two countries.
Vietnam is not a party to the Hague Apostille Convention. Therefore, Canadian documents intended for use in Vietnam must undergo traditional consular legalization. This process typically involves authentication by Global Affairs Canada or a recognized Canadian notary, followed by legalization at the Vietnam Embassy in Ottawa. Applicants must submit original documents, photocopies, and applicable fees either in person or by mail.
Beyond consular services, the Embassy plays a vital role in strengthening Vietnam–Canada relations through diplomatic cooperation, trade and investment facilitation, and cultural outreach, reflecting shared interests and mutual respect.
Contact details
Vietnam Embassy in Ottawa
- 55 Mackay Street Ottawa, Ontario, K1M 2B2, Canada
- +1 (613) 236-0772 ext. 21
- Vietnam Embassy
- +1 (613) 236-2704
Note: As of now, there are no officially listed Vietnamese consulates in other Canadian cities. All consular services are centralized through the Embassy in Ottawa.
Opening Hours
Vietnam Embassy in Ottawa
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Monday to Friday: 09:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., 01:00 p.m. – 05:00 p.m.
Closed on weekends and official public holidays of Vietnam and Canada.
Consular services are available by appointment or direct submission during working hours.
Payment methods
Fees are payable in Canadian dollars. Accepted payment methods include:
- Exact cash (for in-person submissions)
- Bank draft or money order made payable to the Embassy of Vietnam
- Credit cards may be accepted for certain services via the Embassy’s online payment portal, which uses Moneris for secure transactions
- Personal cheques are not accepted
For eVisa applications, payment is processed online through Vietnam’s official Immigration Department portal at evisa.gov.vn. Visa fees are non-refundable, and applicants must ensure all required documents are complete before submission.
List of Consular Services at the Vietnam Embassy in Canada
The Embassy in Ottawa provides a full range of consular services for Vietnamese nationals and foreign applicants:
For Vietnamese Citizens in Canada
- Passport issuance and renewal
- Civil registration: birth, marriage, divorce, death
- Citizenship verification and documentation
- Consular registration for Vietnamese nationals residing in Canada
- Assistance for Vietnamese nationals in distress
- Repatriation and transfer of human remains (when required)
For Canadian and Foreign Nationals
- Visa processing: tourist, business, education, family reunification, and long-term stays – Applications may be submitted in person at the Embassy or online via the Vietnam eVisa portal
- Legalization and authentication of Canadian documents – Includes birth certificates, diplomas, police clearances, and corporate records – Requires prior authentication by Global Affairs Canada
- Notarial services: powers of attorney, affidavits, and declarations
- Visa approval letter facilitation for visa-on-arrival (air travel only)
Document Authentication Process - Legalization for Use in Vietnam
Vietnam is not a party to the Hague Apostille Convention. Therefore, Canadian public documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, police clearances, educational records, and business documents, must undergo a multi-step legalization process before they can be officially recognized in Vietnam.
Legalization Process for Canadian Documents
Notarization: If the document is not issued by a Canadian government authority (e.g. private contracts, translations, corporate records), it must first be notarized by a licensed Canadian notary public. The most applicable document is the long-form birth certificate.
Authentication: The notarized or original document must then be authenticated by Global Affairs Canada or a recognized provincial authority, such as Official Documents Services (ODS). This confirms the legitimacy of the signature and seal on the document.
Legalization: Once authenticated, the document must be submitted to the Vietnam Embassy in Ottawa for final legalization. Applicants must provide:
- The original authenticated document
- A photocopy for Embassy records
- Applicable fees (payable by cash, bank draft, or money order)
- A prepaid return envelope if applying by mail
Only after completing all three steps will the document be legally recognized for use in Vietnam.
Legalization Process for Canadian Documents Intended for Vietnam
| All Documents | |
|---|---|
|
When is legalization needed? |
Canadian documents must be authenticated by the Canadian authorities and then by the Vietnam Embassy in Canada to be legally approved for use in Vietnam |
|
Description |
|
|
Who can apply? |
Canadian citizens and foreign nationals residing in Canada who intend to use Canadian-issued documents in Vietnam. |
|
Fee (in CAD) |
Approx. CAD $100 per document |
|
Processing Time |
Notarization: ~5 business days,
Authentication: ~10–20 business days, Embassy Legalization: ~5 business days (excluding mailing) |
|
Criteria for legalization |
|
|
Submission Notes |
No courier waybills with account numbers, Only prepaid shipping labels/envelopes accepted, Incomplete files may be delayed or rejected, Contact Embassy for complex or bulk submissions. |
Travel and Passport Services at the Vietnam Embassy in Canada
The Embassy of Vietnam in Ottawa provides essential passport and travel-related services for Vietnamese citizens residing in or traveling through Canada. These services include passport issuance and renewal, civil registration, emergency travel documentation, and support for citizenship verification.
Passport Services Offered
- New Passport Issuance: For Vietnamese nationals applying for a passport for the first time or whose previous passport has expired.
- Passport Renewal: Available for Vietnamese citizens with expiring or expired passports.
- Replacement of Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passports: Requires a police report and supporting identification documents.
- Emergency Travel Documents: Issued in urgent cases where a regular passport cannot be provided in time.
- Citizenship Verification: For individuals seeking confirmation of Vietnamese nationality or eligibility for Vietnamese documents.
- Civil Registration: Includes birth, marriage, divorce, and death registration for Vietnamese citizens abroad.
Application Process
All passport and travel document services require in-person submission at the Embassy in Ottawa. Applicants must prepare the following:
- Valid Vietnamese ID card or previous passport
- Proof of Vietnamese citizenship (e.g., birth certificate, household registration)
- Two recent passport-sized photographs (as per Vietnamese biometric standards)
- For minors: parental consent and presence of both parents or legal guardians
- Completed application forms (available at the Embassy or online)
Appointments should be scheduled in advance by contacting the Embassy directly. Processing times vary depending on the document type and completeness of the application.
Passport Application Fees
Fees are payable in Canadian dollars via:
- Exact cash (in-person only)
- Bank draft or money order payable to Embassy of Vietnam
- Credit card payments may be accepted for some services, subject to a 3% transaction fee and completion of a credit card authorization form
Typical fees vary by passport type and urgency. Applicants should confirm current rates with the Embassy before their appointment. All fees are non-refundable.
Important Travel Information for Vietnamese Citizens in Canada
- Vietnamese citizens holding dual Canadian nationality should verify travel document requirements before departure.
- Passports should be renewed well in advance of travel to avoid delays.
- Emergency contact numbers are available through the Embassy for urgent travel situations.
- Vietnamese citizens must travel with a valid Vietnamese passport when entering or leaving Vietnam, even if they hold Canadian citizenship.
Visa Requirements for Travel to Vietnam
For Canadian Citizens:
- Canadians require a visa for most types of travel to Vietnam.
- Tourist, business, and family visit visas can be obtained via the Vietnam eVisa portal or directly from the Embassy.
- Passport must be valid for at least 6 months at the time of entry.
- Visa-on-arrival is available only for air travel and requires a pre-approved visa letter.
For Other Nationals:
- Visa requirements vary by nationality and purpose of travel.
- All visa applications must be submitted either online or in person at the Embassy.
- Processing times for diplomatic and official visas may require a minimum of 5–10 working days, with expedited options available for urgent cases
Immigration and Civil Registration Services at the Vietnam Embassy in Canada
The Embassy of Vietnam in Ottawa provides immigration, visa, and citizenship-related services for Vietnamese nationals residing in Canada, Canadian citizens planning to travel or reside in Vietnam, and foreign nationals seeking entry or legal status in Vietnam. Most services require in-person submission or mail-in applications, and visa applications may be submitted either directly to the Embassy or via Vietnam’s official eVisa portal.
Visa Applications for Vietnam
Visa Requirements for Canadians
Canadian citizens require a visa for most types of travel to Vietnam. However, transit at Vietnamese airports does not require a visa. For short-term visits, Canadians may apply for:
- Tourist visas
- Business visas
- Family visit visas
- Volunteer or study visas
Travelers must:
- Hold a Canadian passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry
- Submit a completed visa application form (online or printed)
- Provide one recent passport-sized photograph
- Pay the applicable visa fee (non-refundable)
Important: Canadians intending to work, study, or stay long-term must apply for the appropriate visa category before departure. Visa-on-arrival is available only for air travel and requires pre-approval from Vietnamese immigration authorities.
Long-Stay and Specialized Visas
Foreign nationals, including Canadians, may apply for:
- Business or employment visas (requires sponsorship from a Vietnamese company)
- Education visas (requires enrollment confirmation from a Vietnamese institution)
- Family reunification visas
- Diplomatic or official visas (requires government endorsement)
Application Requirements:
- Valid passport with at least one blank page
- Completed visa application form (online or printed)
- Supporting documents specific to visa category
- Visa fee: varies by type and duration; payable by cash, bank draft, money order, or credit card (with 3% surcharge)
- Processing Time: Typically 5 business days, with rush service available (2 business days) for an additional fee
Vietnamese Citizenship and Civil Registration Services
Citizenship Confirmation and Documentation
Vietnamese citizenship is primarily acquired by descent. Vietnamese nationals born abroad must register their birth with the Embassy to obtain citizenship documentation.
Services include:
- Birth registration for children of Vietnamese nationals born in Canada
- Marriage and divorce registration
- Death registration
- Citizenship verification for individuals with Vietnamese ancestry
- Issuance of travel documents for Vietnamese citizens abroad
Application Process:
- Submit original civil status documents (birth, marriage, divorce certificates)
- Provide proof of Vietnamese parentage or citizenship
- Documents issued in Canada must be authenticated by Global Affairs Canada and legalized by the Embassy
- Translations into Vietnamese may be required for non-Vietnamese documents
- Processing times vary depending on document type and completeness
Travel Documents for Vietnamese Citizens
- Emergency Travel Document: Issued for urgent travel when a regular passport cannot be provided in time
- Passport Renewal or Replacement: Requires in-person appointment and supporting identification
- Citizenship Verification: Available for eligible Vietnamese citizens residing in Canada
Appointments, Fees, and Processing
- All services require advance coordination via phone or email
- Fees are payable in Canadian dollars by exact cash, money order, bank draft, or credit card (with surcharge)
- Personal cheques are not accepted
- Typical processing times:
- Visa: 5 business days (rush: 2 business days)
- Passport renewal: 2–4 weeks
- Civil registration: varies by case
Applicant Guidance
- Apply well in advance of travel or legal deadlines
- Ensure passports and documents meet Vietnamese government validity requirements
- Keep copies of all submitted documents and receipts
- For minors, parental consent is mandatory; foreign-issued consent forms must be legalized
- Contact the Embassy directly for complex cases or dual nationality matters
Vietnam Embassy FAQS
Does Vietnam require an apostille or consular legalization?
Vietnam is not a party to the Hague Apostille Convention. Canadian documents intended for use in Vietnam must be authenticated by the Official Documents Services (ODS) or Global Affairs Canada and then legalized by the Vietnam Embassy in Ottawa.
What is the process for legalizing Canadian documents for Vietnam?
Documents must follow a three-step process:
Notarization (if applicable) by a Canadian notary public
Authentication by Global Affairs Canada or ODS.
Legalization by the Vietnam Embassy in Ottawa
What consular services are available for Vietnam citizens in Canada?
- Passport issuance and renewal
- Civil registration: birth, marriage, divorce, death
- Citizenship verification and documentation
- Consular registration for Vietnamese nationals residing in Canada
- Assistance for Vietnamese nationals in distress
- Repatriation and transfer of human remains (when required)
Can DAC assist with notarizing my documents for the legalization process?
Yes, all documents (except long-form birth certificates) must be notarized by a Canadian notary public before it can be legalized. DAC coordinates notarization to ensure full compliance.
What types of Canadian documents can be legalized for use in Vietnam?
Canadian documents commonly legalized for Vietnam include birth and marriage certificates, RCMP police clearances, academic degrees, transcripts, powers of attorney, business registration records, corporate resolutions, and export-related documents. DAC ensures these are properly prepared, notarized if needed, and submitted to the relevant authorities for authentication and legalization.
How long does it take to legalize documents at the Vietnam Embassy?
Processing times vary depending on the issuing province and document type. Most legalizations requests passing through Global Affairs Canada are completed within 20-30 business days. Translation services may add 2-5 days if required.
Does the Vietnam Embassy in Canada offer translation services?
No. The Embassy does not provide translation services. If your documents are not in Vietnam, you may need to arrange certified translations independently before submission. Translations may be required depending on the document type and its intended use in Vietnam. At Document Authentication Canada, we also facilitate the translation process in addition to document notarization and legalization.
I need to use my Canadian diploma in Vietnam. What are the required steps?
Canadian diplomas must be legalized before they are accepted in Vietnam. The process involves three steps:
First, the diploma must be notarized by a Canadian notary public.
Second, it must be authenticated by ODS or Global Affairs Canada.
Third, the authenticated document must be submitted to the Vietnam Embassy in Ottawa for legalization.
Can the Vietnam Embassy in Canada help with visas or Vietnam travel documentation?
Yes. The Vietnam Embassy in Ottawa offers consular services, including visa processing for Canadian and foreign nationals, passport renewal for Vietnamese citizens, and travel documentation such as tourist and student visas. Applicants must submit required forms and supporting documents through the Embassy, often by appointment. It’s important to note that while DAC does not assist with visa services, we ensure your Canadian documents, such as police clearances, medical letters, or financial statements, are apostilled and translated as required for Vietnam immigration or travel applications. For the most current visa requirements, consult the Embassy’s official website or contact the consular office directly.
How do I begin working with DAC to legalize my documents for Vietnam?
Simply request a free quote through our website. DAC will guide you step-by-step, helping with notarization (if needed), and obtaining the authentication and legalization.
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IN CONCLUSION
You should now have a clearer understanding of the requirements, fees, and procedures to obtain visas, passports, document legalization, and other consular services from the Vietnam Embassy in Canada.
Navigating embassy processes and government departments can be complex and overwhelming, especially if you are planning to travel, work, study, or immigrate to Vietnam, or if you need to authenticate important documents for official use.
At Document Authentication Canada (DAC), we simplify and streamline the entire process for you. We coordinate closely with the Vietnam Embassy in Ottawa and its Consulates to ensure your documents are correctly prepared, submitted, and returned to you on time.
If you need assistance with Vietnam document legalization, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Contact us today at 613-229-6674 for a personalized quote and a free document review!
About The Author
Muna Hasen, Director of Customer Experience
Muna Hasen brings a strong background in legal support and community engagement. Born and raised in Ottawa, she has gained valuable experience both across Canada and internationally. Muna is committed to client-centered service, ensuring every interaction is guided by clarity, professionalism, and trust.