Parents visiting children studying abroad: visit visa and air tickets

🔄 Cập nhật lần cuối: 08/10/26

Parents visiting their children studying abroad is an emotional trip: seeing firsthand how their children live, meeting their children's teachers and friends, or attending a graduation ceremony. To make the trip go smoothly, parents need to prepare early the two most important things: visit visa and plane tickets. This article provides guidance on choosing a visa type, preparing documents, reasonable flight times and experiences for parents going abroad for the first time.

Type of visa parents need to apply for

Most popular study abroad countries require Vietnamese citizens to apply for a visa before entering the country. Parents often apply for short-term tourist/visit visas:

Special note: if your child under 18 years old and parents want to stay with their children long-term, some countries have their own visa types - for example, Australia has a Student Guardian visa (subclass 590). This is different from a normal tourist visa. See more Study abroad documents for students under 18 years old.

Visa application to visit children to study abroad

Specific requirements vary by country, but a set of child visitation documents usually includes:

• Valid passport (usually at least 6 months), standard photos.
• Documents proving relationship: child's birth certificate (translation if necessary).
• Child's documents: copy of passport, student visa, letter confirming study or invitation to attend graduation ceremony from school.
• Child's invitation letter (not required in all countries but helps clear documents): stating purpose, time, and place of residence.
• Financial proof: savings book, account statement, asset documents.
• Proof of commitment in Vietnam: labor contract, leave application, business license, real estate documents, family - helps prove that you will return on time.
• Expected route, hotel reservations (if not staying with children).

Provide truthful information, consistent with your child's study abroad profile - especially information about family finances. Many countries recommend not buying official tickets before having a visa; If necessary, reserve your seat or purchase a ticket that can be exchanged/refundable.

Reasonable time for parents to visit their children

• Graduation ceremony: usually announced many months in advance - enough time to apply for visas and hunt for tickets. Book hotels near the school early because rooms fill up quickly.
• Mid-year break/summer vacation: children have time to take their parents out; Avoid exam season.
• First year: a visit after 2–3 months of admission helps parents feel secure and helps their child settle down.
• Avoid exam weeks and large assignment submissions; Avoid peak travel if budget is limited.

Note the season: winter in North America and Europe is very cold, you need to prepare appropriate clothes - while Australia and New Zealand have the opposite season with Vietnam.

Book airline tickets for parents

1. Choose a journey with few stops: older parents who rarely travel by plane should prioritize a direct flight or one transit point, with connection times that are not too urgent.
2. Check transit visa: some transit airports require a visa with a Vietnamese passport. See transit while flying.
3. Luggage: Parents often bring food and gifts for their children - need to know what items are prohibited (meat, eggs, fresh fruit...) to avoid fines. See Luggage: things to bring and things to avoid.
4. Support services: older people can request wheelchairs, assistance at the airport - register before flying.
5. Combine return tickets for your child: If your children return home on the same occasion, you can book them together to easily travel on the same return trip. See Ticket plan when children return home for summer and Tet holidays.

Experience for parents flying internationally for the first time

• Print out your child's ticket, address, and phone number in English/destination country's language.
• Buy travel insurance with medical benefits - the cost of medical examination and treatment abroad is very high.
• Bring your regular medications, along with your prescription, in your carry-on luggage. See regulations for carrying medication.
• Answer briefly and honestly when meeting with immigration officers: purpose of visiting your child, length of stay, and place of residence.
• Pre-installed communication and map applications; Register international sim/eSIM.

VeDuHoc supports many parents flying to visit their children for the first time: choose an easy-to-connect itinerary, check transit visas, register for wheelchair services/special assistance, send flight information to families via Zalo and provide 24/7 support. 30+ Booker hunts for multi-carrier tickets, refunds the difference if a better price is found after payment. See Book tickets.

Frequently asked questions

Is it difficult for parents to apply for a visa to visit their children to study abroad?

It is not too difficult if the documents are honest, prove the purpose of visiting the child, have enough finances and have clear ties in Vietnam. The results are decided by the consulate, no one can guarantee passing.

Do I need an invitation from you?

Not all countries require it, but an invitation letter with a certificate of study or an invitation to attend a graduation ceremony helps make the application more convincing.

Should I buy tickets before or after getting a visa?

You should wait until you have a visa before issuing a ticket, or choose an exchange/refundable ticket. You can ask the agent to reserve a place to have a schedule to submit documents if needed.

Can parents stay with their children long term?

Tourist visa is for short-term stays only. If you want to stay with your children under 18 years old long term, you need to find out about a guardian visa (if that country has one), for example Australia's Student Guardian visa.

A carefully prepared visit to your child will be a memorable memory for the whole family. Contact VeDuHoc via hotline/Zalo 090.1800.918 to get advice on suitable flight schedules for parents.

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