I have a question regarding a visa for an American visiting Vietnam. I have been to Vietnam a few times in the last several years for brief business trips (1-2 days) and have always gotten a business visa. These are typically used for longer stays and/or mulitple entries (neither of which I use). Business visas are much more challenging to receive and require an official invitation from the company and also the government.
My question is, one of my colleagues will be travelling to Vietnam in the next month. What determines if you need a business visa vs. a regular tourist visa? Could they instead get a tourist visa for a future trip that is only 1-2 days and saves the time/expense and complexity of requesting a business visa?
jimbo99
Feb 15, 07, 6:37 am
To answer your question directly.. as of a few years ago when I checked this out, it is the principal purpose of your trip that determines the type of visa you need. So if you are going for business on a tourist visa, then you are making a misdeclaration on the visa application form and again on the landing card.
Having said that, I don't think they really care. Just I suppose your colleague should be careful that if its a tourist visa he has, he doesn't tick "business" on the landing form. I had plenty of customers (mostly British) visit me on a tourist visa without a hitch. At least one ticked "business" even though he was on a tourist visa. No problem. (Someone organised his visa and he didn't realise what it was.)
I suppose I would avoid wearing a posh suit on arrival... Its fine to be an independent traveller. They always seem to be easy going - and any questions seem to be more a chance for the official concerned to practise his English than an attempt at a serious enquiry.
As you note, once you want a longer stay, or multiple entries, the economics quickly point to a business visa.
Different story if you are of Vietnamese origin (Viet Kieu) - but those who are usually know what's involved.
It is a long time since I myself arrived on a tourist visa in Vietnam, and I'm not American either. (Don't think being American makes a difference per se.) Maybe collate a few more opinions before acting!
The different types of visa does not seem to pose a problem for me so far. My guess is that it is more for record tracking than for other goals (at least for now).