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
Oct 4, 2011, 3:43 am
#76
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 509
Last year (Oct,2010) we visited Halong Bay via RCCL, on a short trip from Hong Kong: the cruiseship held our passports and got the Vietnam stamp per passenger and our on-board account was charged $30/visa. No extra picture was needed. just a ":chop- stamp" in the passport. --A few years earlier when we visited Vietnam on another cruiseline, we had to go to the consulate for our visas.
Do check with the cruiseline re their recommendations. Each year can bring changes.
Do check with the cruiseline re their recommendations. Each year can bring changes.
Oct 24, 2011, 4:20 pm
#77
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: San Rafael, CA
Programs: Life SPG Plat, 7X NH DIA
Posts: 2,840
Most nationalities (including most EU) need the authorisation letter in advance. A few don't for 15 day stays - principally some Scandinavian countries, Japan, South Korea, perhaps a few others - BUT CHECK.
If you need the authorisation in advance, I have used these people and came to me recommended.
http://hotels-in-vietnam.com/hotels/...tnam_visa.html
Perhaps search for this link/my name - I think there was quite a lengthy thread on this before.
If you need the authorisation in advance, I have used these people and came to me recommended.
http://hotels-in-vietnam.com/hotels/...tnam_visa.html
Perhaps search for this link/my name - I think there was quite a lengthy thread on this before.
Ahh the visa conga! Ordered Sat in SFO. Landed in TYO to an email saying they couldn't process my Amex and please use the Verified by Visa link to a different payment engine.
Completed from Friendly Limo bus on iPad late Monday PM. Immediate response to my follow-up email requesting payment confirmation.
I should have the invite email by this evening.
Do they make change for the stamp? I'm just carrying $20s
Thanks, Scho
Last edited by schoflyer; Oct 24, 2011 at 4:22 pm Reason: Typo
Oct 24, 2011, 4:55 pm
#78
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Hsinchu (Taiwan), Saigon, London
Programs: EVA (diamond), A3, BMI, VN
Posts: 2,960
Used to be US$25 for single entry, US$50 for multiple entry.
They will give you change for your US$.
They will give you change for your US$.
Oct 25, 2011, 2:04 pm
#79
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: San Rafael, CA
Programs: Life SPG Plat, 7X NH DIA
Posts: 2,840
Thanks jimbo99
Hotels in Vietman turned my letter in 24 hours after payment confirmation on Monday. (first business day after Sat application)
I did pay the extra $ for ther urgent service. Total $19.
Does the whole thing seem a bit fly-by-night? yes
Let's see if I can get on the plane and or in country with the fancy PDF attachment.
Cheers,
Scho
Hotels in Vietman turned my letter in 24 hours after payment confirmation on Monday. (first business day after Sat application)
I did pay the extra $ for ther urgent service. Total $19.
Does the whole thing seem a bit fly-by-night? yes
Let's see if I can get on the plane and or in country with the fancy PDF attachment.
Cheers,
Scho
Oct 25, 2011, 2:09 pm
#80
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: San Rafael, CA
Programs: Life SPG Plat, 7X NH DIA
Posts: 2,840
Oh... And I'm the only traveller listed on my letter in case that matters to you.
Oct 25, 2011, 9:22 pm
#81
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,048
You'll have no trouble. I was the only traveler on my letter last time I used this service. Enjoy Vietnam.
Oct 26, 2011, 3:49 pm
#82
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: San Rafael, CA
Programs: Life SPG Plat, 7X NH DIA
Posts: 2,840
I had read posts about these approvals being processed in Bulk from one agent and approvals were coming with multiple unrelated traveller info along with yours.
Just thought that someone put off by this may like to know that Hotels in Vietnam seemed a bit less "bulky".
As always YMMV^
-Scho
Oct 27, 2011, 9:39 am
#83
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Hsinchu (Taiwan), Saigon, London
Programs: EVA (diamond), A3, BMI, VN
Posts: 2,960
Kinda depends what's happening that day. Most places they just seem to get batched up.
When I arranged them for clients, the agent didn't batch them so they were always listed one at a time.
VN doesn't have the same privacy thing that westerners have. What might be an issue for visitors probably doesn't register at all for most Vietnamese.
When I arranged them for clients, the agent didn't batch them so they were always listed one at a time.
VN doesn't have the same privacy thing that westerners have. What might be an issue for visitors probably doesn't register at all for most Vietnamese.
Oct 30, 2011, 3:29 pm
#84
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: YVR
Programs: AC E75, SPG Plat, HH peon-by-choice (ex Gold)
Posts: 8,090
Most nationalities (including most EU) need the authorisation letter in advance. A few don't for 15 day stays - principally some Scandinavian countries, Japan, South Korea, perhaps a few others - BUT CHECK.
If you need the authorisation in advance, I have used these people and came to me recommended.
http://hotels-in-vietnam.com/hotels/...tnam_visa.html
Perhaps search for this link/my name - I think there was quite a lengthy thread on this before.
If you need the authorisation in advance, I have used these people and came to me recommended.
http://hotels-in-vietnam.com/hotels/...tnam_visa.html
Perhaps search for this link/my name - I think there was quite a lengthy thread on this before.
Hoping it goes through ok. I understand the comment about seeming like a fly-by-night operation.
Oct 31, 2011, 3:09 am
#85
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: melbourne.au
Posts: 200
i just did VOA app via myvietnamvisa but im having a bit of grief tracking down somewhere that'll do 4cm x 6cm photos....
epassportphotos does a 5cm x 4cm or 2" x 2" - wonder if i could get away with those???
any seasoned viet travellers able to comment please?
epassportphotos does a 5cm x 4cm or 2" x 2" - wonder if i could get away with those???
any seasoned viet travellers able to comment please?
Oct 31, 2011, 12:03 pm
#86
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Hsinchu (Taiwan), Saigon, London
Programs: EVA (diamond), A3, BMI, VN
Posts: 2,960
I've seen people use different sizes. Mine are usually 3.5cm x 4.5cm and I don't have a problem.
6cm x 4cm is crazy large and on one version of the form I have if you glued it where they asked you to it would obscure part of the writing.
I wouldn't worry.
6cm x 4cm is crazy large and on one version of the form I have if you glued it where they asked you to it would obscure part of the writing.
I wouldn't worry.
Nov 1, 2011, 1:32 am
#87
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: San Rafael, CA
Programs: Life SPG Plat, 7X NH DIA
Posts: 2,840
Just filled out a VOA due to the seeming success of others on this thread. The "summary" page really f'd-up my info but, by clicking on the Back button, all the info was correct.
Hoping it goes through ok. I understand the comment about seeming like a fly-by-night operation.
Hoping it goes through ok. I understand the comment about seeming like a fly-by-night operation.
It was all good in the end.
Prompt service with that fly-by-night feel.
I printed my letter in color but i some some black and white, my 4x6 size didn't seem to be scrutinized. There were 100 peeps waiting. My wait was about 30 min.
Loved my stay.
-Scho
Nov 1, 2011, 10:15 pm
#88
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: YVR
Programs: AC E75, SPG Plat, HH peon-by-choice (ex Gold)
Posts: 8,090
Just got my response back from them. Only the names I submitted were on the form. All in all, there was good communication and the experience was positive!
I'm even thinking of booking airport/hotel transfers through them. I don't have to worry about getting into the "wrong" taxi and it's still way cheaper than a hotel transfer.
I'm even thinking of booking airport/hotel transfers through them. I don't have to worry about getting into the "wrong" taxi and it's still way cheaper than a hotel transfer.
Nov 3, 2011, 11:55 pm
#89
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: body: A stone's throw from SFO, mind: SE Asia
Programs: Some of this 'n some of that
Posts: 17,263
My experience of traveling in Asia is nobody really cares what size the photo is so long as its visible who you are. The only embassy that's ever given me a hassle over photo size is my very own: The US Embassy.
Nov 4, 2011, 2:35 pm
#90
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: CA
Posts: 86
US passport photos worked fine for me. Also they only took one of the photos and gave me back the second photo. This was in HCMC.
