Jun 22, 2014, 10:21 am
Last edit by: stephem
Moderator note: this Wikipost provides general visa guidelines and summarizes the information provided by FT members throughout this thread. Businesses mentioned in this wiki are in no way endorsed or recommended by FlyerTalk, and advertising is prohibited. FlyerTalk's commercial post rule is strictly enforced in this thread, and all spam-like posts will be immediately removed.
Vietnam Visa Information
Transit Without Visa
Vietnam permits foreigners to transit without a visa (TWOV) provided they remain inside the airport transit areas while awaiting an onward flight out of the country within 24 hours of arrival. Travelers are not allowed to leave the airport without a visa.
Visa Exemption for Phu Quoc Island
If you are only visiting Phu Quoc Island, guess what, you probably don't need a visa at all! There is a 30 day visa exception for Phu Quoc visits, and many people report being able to transit in HAN or SGN en route to PQC. But there are now direct flights to PQC and that allows you to avoid having to get a visa at all. Worth considering...
Regular Visa in Advance of Travel
Foreigners may obtain a visa at the nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate. Prices are not published and appear to vary from location to location. Most recent reports suggest a typical fee of approximately USD 100.
ONLINE APPLICATION LOOSE LEAF VISA
Vietnam Visa Online Application and instructions:
http://vietnamembassy-usa.org/consul...cation-process
From what I've learned, you attach the three (3) files listed below to an email along with your credit card number and the visa section will mail back a loose leaf visa.
As of December, 2015, the fees are $80 = 1 month visa, $20 = overnight USPS, $10 priority mail. Multiple entry visas are available.
Fill out the online application form.
http://vietnamembassy-usa.org/consul...cation-process
Follow "online form" link. Choose language top right.
Including uploading to the application a correctly sized photo, 2x2 inches (website will check and confirm) that will propagate into the application.
Print out the application form, sign, scan as .pdf file. Attach the .pdf to your email.
Attach a correctly sized photo (2x2 inches).
Attach a scanned a copy of your passport (photo, personal detail pages and signature page).
Include your credit card number. The visa section will charge your card for visa type and USPS Express return a loose leaf visa.
Ask politely for the tracking number and total charges.
Call Embassy Visa to double check the above details and current email address: 202. 861. 0737, x118/121/122/123/125
As of December, 2015, the email address to send the application is: [email protected].
Visa Exemption
Those traveling on passports issued by the following nations are generally exempt from visa requirements for varying durations of stay: Belarus, Brunei, Cambodia, Chile, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Norway, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Thailand and UK. See the entry visa exemption list at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for duration of stay info.
eVisa
https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/en...trang-chu-ttdt
List of countries eligible for eVisa: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/do...b-91595a4f5867 (link updated 2017-12-19, note new list can be published with different link) 35 more countries were announced as eligible for e-visa on Feb 20, 2019. Total is now 81 countries. See post 1561 for new additions (government website is down currently, will update with link here when possible).
Remember to print out the e-visa form they give you, as they will request it on arrival and on departure!
Some ports of entry require the evisa to be validated on arrival. In particular DAD has been cited in the thread as requiring the evisa holder to be processed at the VOA desk. Takes about 15 mins.
Visa On Arrival (VOA) at Airport Border Entries
Travelers planning to obtain a VOA should arrive with the following documents:
VOA stamp fees for Non-USA passport holders (as of December 2019) are US$25 for a single entry of 1 or 3 months validity, US$50 for multiple entry of 1 or 3 months validity or US$100 for multiple entry 1 year validity.
For USA passport holders, there was a temporary increase from September to December of 2016, up to $135. However Effective December 15, 2016 the $135 stamping fee for US citizens has been dropped, and there are reports US passport holders can be issued VOA letters for single entry 30 day visas again AND that US citizens should only have to pay a $25 stamp fee at on collection of VOA. In late December, there were reports are that the desks in HAN and DAD did not receive the memo, so YMMV until the airport desks "get the memo."
This fee must be paid at the VOA counter on arrival , and is in addition to whatever fees you have paid the VOA service provider for the invitation letter. Payments are accepted in Vietnamese Dong, USD or Euros.
Visa on arrival (VOA) is permitted for one of the following purposes:
There are countless service providers on the internet that offer VOA approval letters for a fee. Legitimate providers are licensed travel agencies, thus meeting the highlighted criterion above. Those planning to obtain a VOA approval letter are advised to take steps to ensure they are working with a licensed Vietnam travel agency or tour operator. Some Vietnam hotels are also able to provide this service.
Some VOA service providers offer expedited processing for same day or 30 minutes turnaround on issuance of VOA letter and priority processing upon arrival at the airport in Vietnam for an additional fee.
Advantages of VOA include lower cost than embassy-issued visa, eliminates the need to visit an embassy or mail passport for advance visa, and faster receipt of VOA approval letter (sent via email).
Disadvantages of VOA include longer immigration processing upon arrival, with potentially long waits for receipt of visa (usually 10-20 min., but longer waits do occur); privacy concerns due to inclusion of personal data for multiple unrelated travelers on one approval letter; and risk of scams by unauthorized VOA service providers.
VOA Process at the Airport in SGN
Removed by poster
VOA Service Providers Recommended By FTers
The following are a few of the VOA service providers that have been used and discussed in the thread by active FlyerTalk members. These providers publish sufficient information on their websites to suggest that they are authorized operators (e.g., provide physical business address, state actual travel company name, display tour operator license number, etc.). Members should verify these basic criteria before adding providers this list; simply having had successful transactions is not sufficient:
External Sources
26th-April
Edited to note that some ports of entry require the e-visa to be validated on arrival.
8 December 2019- Edited to add note about Phu Quoc being exempt from visa for 30 day visit and add info about 1 year multiple entry Visa which is now available via VoA process too.
FlyerTalkers with at least 90 days of membership and a minimum of 90 posts are invited to make corrections and update the information in this Wikipost.
Vietnam Visa Information
Main source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam - Visa Application and Information - includes fillable application (external website)
Transit Without Visa
Vietnam permits foreigners to transit without a visa (TWOV) provided they remain inside the airport transit areas while awaiting an onward flight out of the country within 24 hours of arrival. Travelers are not allowed to leave the airport without a visa.
Visa Exemption for Phu Quoc Island
If you are only visiting Phu Quoc Island, guess what, you probably don't need a visa at all! There is a 30 day visa exception for Phu Quoc visits, and many people report being able to transit in HAN or SGN en route to PQC. But there are now direct flights to PQC and that allows you to avoid having to get a visa at all. Worth considering...
Regular Visa in Advance of Travel
Foreigners may obtain a visa at the nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate. Prices are not published and appear to vary from location to location. Most recent reports suggest a typical fee of approximately USD 100.
ONLINE APPLICATION LOOSE LEAF VISA
Vietnam Visa Online Application and instructions:
http://vietnamembassy-usa.org/consul...cation-process
From what I've learned, you attach the three (3) files listed below to an email along with your credit card number and the visa section will mail back a loose leaf visa.
As of December, 2015, the fees are $80 = 1 month visa, $20 = overnight USPS, $10 priority mail. Multiple entry visas are available.
Fill out the online application form.
http://vietnamembassy-usa.org/consul...cation-process
Follow "online form" link. Choose language top right.
Including uploading to the application a correctly sized photo, 2x2 inches (website will check and confirm) that will propagate into the application.
Print out the application form, sign, scan as .pdf file. Attach the .pdf to your email.
Attach a correctly sized photo (2x2 inches).
Attach a scanned a copy of your passport (photo, personal detail pages and signature page).
Include your credit card number. The visa section will charge your card for visa type and USPS Express return a loose leaf visa.
Ask politely for the tracking number and total charges.
Call Embassy Visa to double check the above details and current email address: 202. 861. 0737, x118/121/122/123/125
As of December, 2015, the email address to send the application is: [email protected].
Visa Exemption
Those traveling on passports issued by the following nations are generally exempt from visa requirements for varying durations of stay: Belarus, Brunei, Cambodia, Chile, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Norway, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Thailand and UK. See the entry visa exemption list at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for duration of stay info.
eVisa
https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/en...trang-chu-ttdt
List of countries eligible for eVisa: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/do...b-91595a4f5867 (link updated 2017-12-19, note new list can be published with different link) 35 more countries were announced as eligible for e-visa on Feb 20, 2019. Total is now 81 countries. See post 1561 for new additions (government website is down currently, will update with link here when possible).
Remember to print out the e-visa form they give you, as they will request it on arrival and on departure!
Some ports of entry require the evisa to be validated on arrival. In particular DAD has been cited in the thread as requiring the evisa holder to be processed at the VOA desk. Takes about 15 mins.
Visa On Arrival (VOA) at Airport Border Entries
Travelers planning to obtain a VOA should arrive with the following documents:
- VOA approval letter
- Completed VISA APPLICATION which can be downloaded from most VOA service provider websites (travelers are advised to print the form on A4-size paper as there have been reports of US letter-size paper being refused)
- One passport-type photo
- Cash for visa stamp fee (see below)
VOA stamp fees for Non-USA passport holders (as of December 2019) are US$25 for a single entry of 1 or 3 months validity, US$50 for multiple entry of 1 or 3 months validity or US$100 for multiple entry 1 year validity.
For USA passport holders, there was a temporary increase from September to December of 2016, up to $135. However Effective December 15, 2016 the $135 stamping fee for US citizens has been dropped, and there are reports US passport holders can be issued VOA letters for single entry 30 day visas again AND that US citizens should only have to pay a $25 stamp fee at on collection of VOA. In late December, there were reports are that the desks in HAN and DAD did not receive the memo, so YMMV until the airport desks "get the memo."
This fee must be paid at the VOA counter on arrival , and is in addition to whatever fees you have paid the VOA service provider for the invitation letter. Payments are accepted in Vietnamese Dong, USD or Euros.
Visa on arrival (VOA) is permitted for one of the following purposes:
- Attend the funeral of family member or visit a family member in critical condition;
- Arrival from a country where there is no Vietnamese diplomatic mission/consular office;
- Visit Vietnam on tours organized by Vietnamese international travel agencies;
- Provide emergency technical assistance for construction works, projects; emergency treatment for critical patients or accident victims; emergency relief in cases of natural disasters or epidemics in Vietnam;
- For other urgent reasons.
- Provide emergency technical assistance for construction works, projects; emergency treatment for critical patients or accident victims; emergency relief in cases of natural disasters or epidemics in Vietnam;
- Visit Vietnam on tours organized by Vietnamese international travel agencies;
- Arrival from a country where there is no Vietnamese diplomatic mission/consular office;
There are countless service providers on the internet that offer VOA approval letters for a fee. Legitimate providers are licensed travel agencies, thus meeting the highlighted criterion above. Those planning to obtain a VOA approval letter are advised to take steps to ensure they are working with a licensed Vietnam travel agency or tour operator. Some Vietnam hotels are also able to provide this service.
Some VOA service providers offer expedited processing for same day or 30 minutes turnaround on issuance of VOA letter and priority processing upon arrival at the airport in Vietnam for an additional fee.
Advantages of VOA include lower cost than embassy-issued visa, eliminates the need to visit an embassy or mail passport for advance visa, and faster receipt of VOA approval letter (sent via email).
Disadvantages of VOA include longer immigration processing upon arrival, with potentially long waits for receipt of visa (usually 10-20 min., but longer waits do occur); privacy concerns due to inclusion of personal data for multiple unrelated travelers on one approval letter; and risk of scams by unauthorized VOA service providers.
VOA Process at the Airport in SGN
Removed by poster
VOA Service Providers Recommended By FTers
The following are a few of the VOA service providers that have been used and discussed in the thread by active FlyerTalk members. These providers publish sufficient information on their websites to suggest that they are authorized operators (e.g., provide physical business address, state actual travel company name, display tour operator license number, etc.). Members should verify these basic criteria before adding providers this list; simply having had successful transactions is not sufficient:
- Hotels-in-Vietnam.com - part of Tun Travel, international tour operator license 0738/2007/TCDL-GP LHQT
- VietnamStay.com - multi-office tour operator, no license info found on website, multiple physical addresses provided
***Link not working - VietnamVisaCorp.com - part of Song Thu Travel, international tour operator license 79-411/2013/TCDL-GP LHQT
- Visa4Vietnam.com - part of Sense of Indochina, company license 0103103092
- Cheapvietnamvisa.net - data references on this thread Sep/08 & Sep/24 & Oct/07 & Dec/02 - 2015
External Sources
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam - Visa Application and Information - includes fillable application
- Ordinance on Entry, Exit and Residence of Foreigners - Vietnam Ministry of Justice
26th-April
Edited to note that some ports of entry require the e-visa to be validated on arrival.
8 December 2019- Edited to add note about Phu Quoc being exempt from visa for 30 day visit and add info about 1 year multiple entry Visa which is now available via VoA process too.
FlyerTalkers with at least 90 days of membership and a minimum of 90 posts are invited to make corrections and update the information in this Wikipost.
Prior to 2022: Visa / VOA Info for Vietnam
Dec 27, 2013, 1:03 pm
#376
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 1999
Posts: 24,153
This is absolutely standard practice for this. Almost every google search on the web or search of FT will describe this.
That being said, if you've never traveled in Asia before, get ready to write this information down on a lot of forms for a lot of people. Especially in China, but almost everywhere in Asia, every hotel is going to have your passport #, DOB, legal name, and nationality. So, just be prepared with this information being rather publicly distributed with no real security practices. Sorry!
That being said, if you've never traveled in Asia before, get ready to write this information down on a lot of forms for a lot of people. Especially in China, but almost everywhere in Asia, every hotel is going to have your passport #, DOB, legal name, and nationality. So, just be prepared with this information being rather publicly distributed with no real security practices. Sorry!
Im not panicked or stressed out over it. It happened, not way to undo it. I just wanted to Warn others what may be in store for them in case theyd rather not go down that path
Personally I didnt google anything about the Visa,I read several threads on FT and dont recall once reading where someone posted this does occur.Had I I would have asked if anyone knew a service that handles them 1 by 1, could be those who charge more money handle them 1 by 1. It would be nice if there was 1 post listing those who do combined letters and those that dont and tahtw ay each person can do as they wish
Dec 29, 2013, 3:36 am
#377
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Boston, MA
Programs: UA 1K 3MM Lifetime, AA PlatPro,Marriott Titanium Elite Lifetime, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 741
It all depends on how many other people require visa on arrival on the day of your travel. If your flight arrives after one or two other planes of foreigners all asking for visas you'll be waiting for more than an hour.
A flight from Australia landed immediately before my flight. Everyone from that plane was in line before me. My waiting time was about 45 minutes. Arrive with your visa letter and photograph. You still need to fill out a visa application form at the airport when you arrive. Give all the forms, photos, and passport, and cash application fee to the visa desk, sit down, and wait for them to call your name. They will give you back your stamped passport. Then you line up for immigration.
A flight from Australia landed immediately before my flight. Everyone from that plane was in line before me. My waiting time was about 45 minutes. Arrive with your visa letter and photograph. You still need to fill out a visa application form at the airport when you arrive. Give all the forms, photos, and passport, and cash application fee to the visa desk, sit down, and wait for them to call your name. They will give you back your stamped passport. Then you line up for immigration.
Jan 2, 2014, 10:44 am
#378
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 1999
Posts: 24,153
OT but arriving at midnight are taxis the only way to the hotels in district 1? is it fixed rate or metered, do they accept UD$ and what should it cost at that hour if taxis are the only way
tia
tia
Jan 3, 2014, 5:26 am
#379
Join Date: Sep 2009
Programs: UA GS>1K>Nothing; DL DM 2MM; AS 75K>Nothing>MVP
Posts: 9,341
Taxis are the only way. (You can also walk... takes about an hour). Use Vinasun or Mailinh. Should cost between 120,000 and 150,000.
Jan 3, 2014, 8:28 am
#380
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Southeast USA
Programs: various
Posts: 6,710
Just a reminder that this entire discussion has an underlying assumption that one is arriving into Vietnam by flight, where the prearranged VOA can be used as an option in lieu of the old-fashioned method of getting advance visa in the passport from a Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate. However, travelers planning to enter Vietnam overland must already have the regular visa in the passport when they get to the land border, no prearranged VOA option at present.
Jan 3, 2014, 9:33 pm
#381
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: London
Programs: Hilton, IHG - BA, GA, LH, QR, SV, TK
Posts: 17,008
Just a reminder that this entire discussion has an underlying assumption that one is arriving into Vietnam by flight, where the prearranged VOA can be used as an option in lieu of the old-fashioned method of getting advance visa in the passport from a Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate. However, travelers planning to enter Vietnam overland must already have the regular visa in the passport when they get to the land border, no prearranged VOA option at present.
Jan 12, 2014, 9:15 am
#382
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: UK
Programs: BA Gold / Hilton Diamond / IHG Diamond Ambassador / Marriot Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 2,533
The Vietnam Embassy in London is charging £236 ($380 USD approx) for a family of 4 to obtain single entry 30 day visa by post. I have completed the forms and gotten the photographs for trip in April, but having read these comments it seems the on arrival process is cheaper and relatively straightforward.
We are due to arrive at 6pm on CX from HKG in business so will be off fairly quickly. Has anyone used the fast tack process which cost $45 each. (In addition to stamping fees) Is it worth another £100 or is the process relatively quick at that time of night. I would pay to save an hour in queues but this is a first visit and will be arriving after flights from London.
Thanks
We are due to arrive at 6pm on CX from HKG in business so will be off fairly quickly. Has anyone used the fast tack process which cost $45 each. (In addition to stamping fees) Is it worth another £100 or is the process relatively quick at that time of night. I would pay to save an hour in queues but this is a first visit and will be arriving after flights from London.
Thanks
Jan 12, 2014, 2:16 pm
#383
Join Date: Sep 2009
Programs: UA GS>1K>Nothing; DL DM 2MM; AS 75K>Nothing>MVP
Posts: 9,341
The Vietnam Embassy in London is charging £236 ($380 USD approx) for a family of 4 to obtain single entry 30 day visa by post. I have completed the forms and gotten the photographs for trip in April, but having read these comments it seems the on arrival process is cheaper and relatively straightforward.
We are due to arrive at 6pm on CX from HKG in business so will be off fairly quickly. Has anyone used the fast tack process which cost $45 each. (In addition to stamping fees) Is it worth another £100 or is the process relatively quick at that time of night. I would pay to save an hour in queues but this is a first visit and will be arriving after flights from London.
Thanks
We are due to arrive at 6pm on CX from HKG in business so will be off fairly quickly. Has anyone used the fast tack process which cost $45 each. (In addition to stamping fees) Is it worth another £100 or is the process relatively quick at that time of night. I would pay to save an hour in queues but this is a first visit and will be arriving after flights from London.
Thanks
Jan 12, 2014, 3:59 pm
#384
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: UK
Programs: BA Gold / Hilton Diamond / IHG Diamond Ambassador / Marriot Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 2,533
But are you saying the fast track should also be purchased? Given your experience is the VOA without fast tack just as good?
Jan 13, 2014, 1:24 am
#385
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: London
Programs: Hilton, IHG - BA, GA, LH, QR, SV, TK
Posts: 17,008
The Vietnam Embassy in London is charging £236 ($380 USD approx) for a family of 4 to obtain single entry 30 day visa by post. I have completed the forms and gotten the photographs for trip in April, but having read these comments it seems the on arrival process is cheaper and relatively straightforward.
We are due to arrive at 6pm on CX from HKG in business so will be off fairly quickly. Has anyone used the fast tack process which cost $45 each. (In addition to stamping fees) Is it worth another £100 or is the process relatively quick at that time of night. I would pay to save an hour in queues but this is a first visit and will be arriving after flights from London.
Thanks
We are due to arrive at 6pm on CX from HKG in business so will be off fairly quickly. Has anyone used the fast tack process which cost $45 each. (In addition to stamping fees) Is it worth another £100 or is the process relatively quick at that time of night. I would pay to save an hour in queues but this is a first visit and will be arriving after flights from London.
Thanks
If you get the paperwork cash and photos together to present at the visa window. Get to the window as quickly as possible (you can move ahead of your family group - they'll have time to catch up!). There'll be something of a queue, but once your paper sare accepted it should be a wait of ten\fifteen minutes or so.
Forget the express service: what's the rush?
Jan 16, 2014, 10:58 pm
#386
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Programs: Hotels.com Gold
Posts: 168
Has anyone had a problem (or tried) submitting a non-professional photo? Such as one taken in front of a white wall instead of a professional passport photo?
According to the directions on the arrival form it simply says 4x6cm photo looking forward.
According to the directions on the arrival form it simply says 4x6cm photo looking forward.
Jan 16, 2014, 11:15 pm
#387
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 42,031
I'm not sure if this applies to VOA, but the VN consulates here in China are happy to scan the photo from your passport itself in lieu of using a new picture (they charge a small fee for this).
Jan 17, 2014, 8:15 am
#388
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: WAS
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Titanium, Nexus, GE
Posts: 2,123
Just one heads-up. The VOA counter in Hanoi at least is not obviously signed. You don't go to the immigrations booth directly. Look around for the VOA counter first and you'll save yourself a bit of time.
Jan 17, 2014, 7:10 pm
#389
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Programs: Hotels.com Gold
Posts: 168
I don't think they care about a lot of things. As long as it looks reasonably OK they seemed pretty happy. Also, only 1 photo is necessary these days.
Just one heads-up. The VOA counter in Hanoi at least is not obviously signed. You don't go to the immigrations booth directly. Look around for the VOA counter first and you'll save yourself a bit of time.
Just one heads-up. The VOA counter in Hanoi at least is not obviously signed. You don't go to the immigrations booth directly. Look around for the VOA counter first and you'll save yourself a bit of time.
Is there a photo booth available there in case they dont accept the photos I provide? Or would I be stuck in the airport for 4 days?
Last edited by Shocker077; Jan 17, 2014 at 7:32 pm
Jan 17, 2014, 9:36 pm
#390
Join Date: Sep 2009
Programs: UA GS>1K>Nothing; DL DM 2MM; AS 75K>Nothing>MVP
Posts: 9,341
Took almost 45 minutes to get through this morning. Longest I've ever experienced. Might be the upcoming Tet holidays.
Picked up photo at BKK airside just outside immigration hall. No photo booths at HND International Terminal.
Picked up photo at BKK airside just outside immigration hall. No photo booths at HND International Terminal.