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
Jun 12, 2014, 10:52 am
#451
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Tri-State Area
Posts: 4,728
In fact her passport expires end of Feb 2015. She's flying out mid July so technically has two extra month buffer. But she will make appointment at local passport office to get it renewed two weeks before her departure date....extra $60 but will get it the next day -- well worth the time and investment.
Jun 13, 2014, 12:25 am
#452
Join Date: Sep 2009
Programs: UA GS>1K>Nothing; DL DM 2MM; AS 75K>Nothing>MVP
Posts: 9,341
It's a bit disconcerting to send in passports with visa applications to the Vietnam embassy in Washington, DC and have FedEx report that the package has been delivered at 8:36 am as follows:
Left at front door. Package delivered to recipient address - release authorized
I'll know early next week if there's an issue because they were given a return FedEx envelope to send them back to us (and I'll be alerted by the tracking information (or lack thereof.))
Left at front door. Package delivered to recipient address - release authorized
I'll know early next week if there's an issue because they were given a return FedEx envelope to send them back to us (and I'll be alerted by the tracking information (or lack thereof.))
Jun 13, 2014, 8:01 am
#453
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: GEG
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Platinum, Hilton Diamond, Lifetime SkyClub, AS MVP
Posts: 2,408
Jun 13, 2014, 8:24 am
#454
Join Date: Sep 2009
Programs: UA GS>1K>Nothing; DL DM 2MM; AS 75K>Nothing>MVP
Posts: 9,341
Jun 13, 2014, 10:08 am
#455
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: GEG
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Platinum, Hilton Diamond, Lifetime SkyClub, AS MVP
Posts: 2,408
I don't meet the requirements for the VOA as outlined in the Wiki.
So, if the VN government decides to enforce the "letter of the law" for VOA shortly before I arrive, I don't have time to get the traditional visa in advance of the trip.
So, if the VN government decides to enforce the "letter of the law" for VOA shortly before I arrive, I don't have time to get the traditional visa in advance of the trip.
Jun 13, 2014, 3:11 pm
#456
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Tri-State Area
Posts: 4,728
http://www.vietnamvisacorp.com/
I've used them in the past and reliable. Good luck!
Jun 13, 2014, 5:51 pm
#457
Join Date: Sep 2009
Programs: UA GS>1K>Nothing; DL DM 2MM; AS 75K>Nothing>MVP
Posts: 9,341
Huh???? What do you mean the "letter of the law"? The letter of the law is being enforced to mean just what it says, "For other urgent reasons," which includes not enough time to go to the Embassy, too busy to send passport to the Embassy, I won't have time for my martini if I take my passport to the Fedex office, etc. 95%+ of air travelers to SGN/HAN requiring a visa, use the VOA system. You're better off worrying about getting hit by an asteroid.
Last edited by 5khours; Jun 13, 2014 at 6:00 pm
Jun 15, 2014, 9:07 am
#458
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Adelphi, MD
Programs: Korean Air Skypass, ANA Skyweb, Amex Premier Rewards, Chase Sapphire Preferred
Posts: 745
Vietnam Visa On Arrival (VOA) and Regular Visa in Advance
VOA is usually the easier way to go but sometimes when many flights come in at once there can be a wait of around an hour. By the time you go out to collect your luggage it is long gone from the carousel and stacked over by the office. So if you are worried about your luggage or this kind of thing bothers you, get a visa ahead of time from the embassy
Jun 16, 2014, 7:25 am
#459
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: GEG
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Platinum, Hilton Diamond, Lifetime SkyClub, AS MVP
Posts: 2,408
Washington DC Visa Turnaround Time
The FedEx envelope received by them on Thursday morning was received and the return envelope was given to FedEx on Friday afternoon. Should receive it soon --- perhaps Tuesday.
Jun 23, 2014, 11:04 am
#460
Moderator, Hertz; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: KRK
Programs: UA 1MM, BA GGL, Hyatt Glob, Hilton Diamond and others
Posts: 12,689
So I will be traveling with a group of 5. we are flying in/out of HAN in Sept.
From what I gathered VOA is the way to go. When should I apply? Does it matter (like the Myanmar visa did)?
From what I gathered VOA is the way to go. When should I apply? Does it matter (like the Myanmar visa did)?
Jun 23, 2014, 11:12 am
#461
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: QLA
Programs: SBUX Gold
Posts: 14,507
As much grief as I give over the inefficiencies of the Vietnamese bureaucracy, consular services are a pleasant surprise in their quick work. I wouldn't hesitate sending my passport to the embassy or consulate in to process the visa vs. rolling the dice with VOA (in terms of delays, if you are unlucky enough to get there right when a flight arrives... or during a shift change... or both.)
Jun 23, 2014, 1:05 pm
#462
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: GEG
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Platinum, Hilton Diamond, Lifetime SkyClub, AS MVP
Posts: 2,408
They processed the visa in a half day and gave it to FedEx (prepaid return envelope was given to them). Had the passports back by Tuesday.
Jun 23, 2014, 2:13 pm
#463
Moderator, Hertz; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: KRK
Programs: UA 1MM, BA GGL, Hyatt Glob, Hilton Diamond and others
Posts: 12,689
As much grief as I give over the inefficiencies of the Vietnamese bureaucracy, consular services are a pleasant surprise in their quick work. I wouldn't hesitate sending my passport to the embassy or consulate in to process the visa vs. rolling the dice with VOA (in terms of delays, if you are unlucky enough to get there right when a flight arrives... or during a shift change... or both.)
Jun 30, 2014, 4:45 am
#464
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Bangkok
Posts: 284
I'm sorry if this is a repetitive topic but from my searches I cannot figure out whether or not a less than a month transit visa exists in Vietnam.
My fiance and I (US passports) are undertaking a three month trip early next year through SE Asia and China. We cut out Vietnam because we want to be in Hong Kong for Lunar New Year... but going from PNH to HKG we've been able to find a ticket on Vietnam Airlines with a 19 hour layover in SGN.
I'd love to spend the day in HCMC, but don't want to pay for a full month visa to do so. And based on the below info I found on another thread here, I'm wondering, is the $25 transit visa if you fly on Vietnam Airlines a real thing? Do I still need a letter from one of the online tour companies to get said visa?
Note: If the visa doesn't exist, we are going to just book a shorter layover and not leave the airport.
Visa Issuance:
- On arrival: if required, a transit visa when arriving by Vietnam Airlines only, provided holding a letter from Vietnamese Immigration confirming that a visa will be issued on arrival.
Fee: USD 25.-.
Additional Information:
- All visitors must hold:
a. documents required for next destination; and
b. sufficient funds for the duration of their stay; and
c. return/onward ticket, when not requiring a visa to enterVietnam.
My fiance and I (US passports) are undertaking a three month trip early next year through SE Asia and China. We cut out Vietnam because we want to be in Hong Kong for Lunar New Year... but going from PNH to HKG we've been able to find a ticket on Vietnam Airlines with a 19 hour layover in SGN.
I'd love to spend the day in HCMC, but don't want to pay for a full month visa to do so. And based on the below info I found on another thread here, I'm wondering, is the $25 transit visa if you fly on Vietnam Airlines a real thing? Do I still need a letter from one of the online tour companies to get said visa?
Note: If the visa doesn't exist, we are going to just book a shorter layover and not leave the airport.
Visa Issuance:
- On arrival: if required, a transit visa when arriving by Vietnam Airlines only, provided holding a letter from Vietnamese Immigration confirming that a visa will be issued on arrival.
Fee: USD 25.-.
Additional Information:
- All visitors must hold:
a. documents required for next destination; and
b. sufficient funds for the duration of their stay; and
c. return/onward ticket, when not requiring a visa to enterVietnam.
The norm for transit pax in most airports worldwide is that they are subject to the airport departure tax as obviously they are technically not entering the country.
However, in most cases where a transit pax decides to enter the country during their transit they will then be subject to the imposition of a departure tax.
Can anyone confirm that this would be the case for a person in transit with Vietnam Airlines via SGN airport. If post payment of the ticket (minus the dep tax) they then decided to get a VOA (having done an online app etc) and exit the airport, then they would then have to pay the US$14- departure tax.
I raised it as an issue to consider for the flyer. Once someone factors in the visa cost plus the dep tax it could be US$70-75 just to exit for 5-6 hrs.
Jul 1, 2014, 3:12 am
#465
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: London
Programs: Hilton, IHG - BA, GA, LH, QR, SV, TK
Posts: 17,008
I have a query on behalf of another forum where this is being discussed regarding departure tax for transit pax who then decided to enter the country for their transit period.
The norm for transit pax in most airports worldwide is that they are subject to the airport departure tax as obviously they are technically not entering the country.
However, in most cases where a transit pax decides to enter the country during their transit they will then be subject to the imposition of a departure tax.
Can anyone confirm that this would be the case for a person in transit with Vietnam Airlines via SGN airport. If post payment of the ticket (minus the dep tax) they then decided to get a VOA (having done an online app etc) and exit the airport, then they would then have to pay the US$14- departure tax.
The norm for transit pax in most airports worldwide is that they are subject to the airport departure tax as obviously they are technically not entering the country.
However, in most cases where a transit pax decides to enter the country during their transit they will then be subject to the imposition of a departure tax.
Can anyone confirm that this would be the case for a person in transit with Vietnam Airlines via SGN airport. If post payment of the ticket (minus the dep tax) they then decided to get a VOA (having done an online app etc) and exit the airport, then they would then have to pay the US$14- departure tax.
At many airports, transfer passengers pay a reduced charge, or no charge at all, for using the airport. The transfer window is usually up to 24H, and the passenger can leave the airport in that time, subject to visa requirements.
The airport charge is incorporated in the ticket price, so the passenger is blissfully unaware of it - until he/she hits an airport like Bangkok, where going landside during the transfer window triggers the imposition of the full airport charge when the passenger returns airside. Contrary to your assertion, this is far from representing the norm: it is unusual.
Any taxes (government levies) attached to air passenger departures usually follow the same pattern, i.e. they aren't paid by transfer passenger, whether or not these leave the airport.
The short answer is I don't know the Vietnam rules. Most airports don't care what you do within the transfer window, but as airports learn from their neighbours, SGN may well have copied the odd system in force in BKK.