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
May 9, 2009, 11:34 am
#16
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Hsinchu (Taiwan), Saigon, London
Programs: EVA (diamond), A3, BMI, VN
Posts: 2,960
I was pretty impressed because it's rather unusual to fly these long-winded routings since both VN and BR fly direct SGN-TPE and HAN-TPE. Also in both cases the BKK-TPE flight was the BR68 continuation flight which started in LHR (perhaps makes no difference, but the plane isn't on the ground for long).
Nothing ever went missing. I did have to pick up a BP in transit at BKK.
TO THE OP: You could get a second entry/visa added once in Vietnam. The cost used to be pretty small (was about $10 to $20, but I'm not sure now) - most hotels/travel agencies can arrange this and they're pretty used to doing it. People often run in to this when once in Saigon they fancy a couple of days in PP and realise they need another entry in order to return. You might have to be in one place for a couple of days so it can be organised.
Last edited by jimbo99; May 9, 2009 at 11:44 am
May 9, 2009, 10:57 pm
#17
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Southeast USA
Programs: various
Posts: 6,710
At least some of this interlining thing involving VN Airlines (but not transit in SGN) has worked for me albeit on a different route. I did a "bout" of SGN[VN]BKK[BR]TPE and HAN[VN]BKK[BR][TPE] flights a while back and the interlining worked fine.
I was pretty impressed because it's rather unusual to fly these long-winded routings since both VN and BR fly direct SGN-TPE and HAN-TPE. Also in both cases the BKK-TPE flight was the BR68 continuation flight which started in LHR (perhaps makes no difference, but the plane isn't on the ground for long).
Nothing ever went missing. I did have to pick up a BP in transit at BKK.
TO THE OP: You could get a second entry/visa added once in Vietnam. The cost used to be pretty small (was about $10 to $20, but I'm not sure now) - most hotels/travel agencies can arrange this and they're pretty used to doing it. People often run in to this when once in Saigon they fancy a couple of days in PP and realise they need another entry in order to return. You might have to be in one place for a couple of days so it can be organised.
I was pretty impressed because it's rather unusual to fly these long-winded routings since both VN and BR fly direct SGN-TPE and HAN-TPE. Also in both cases the BKK-TPE flight was the BR68 continuation flight which started in LHR (perhaps makes no difference, but the plane isn't on the ground for long).
Nothing ever went missing. I did have to pick up a BP in transit at BKK.
TO THE OP: You could get a second entry/visa added once in Vietnam. The cost used to be pretty small (was about $10 to $20, but I'm not sure now) - most hotels/travel agencies can arrange this and they're pretty used to doing it. People often run in to this when once in Saigon they fancy a couple of days in PP and realise they need another entry in order to return. You might have to be in one place for a couple of days so it can be organised.
Visa 2nd Entry in-country: Thanks for info, I wish I'd known this was possible 6 months ago when in Saigon, I had the exact scenario you mentioned and it sure would have made things easier! Will file this for future use....
Jun 16, 2009, 9:01 pm
#18
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Idaho
Programs: Alaska MVP
Posts: 144
I tried the link for Mr. Diep, adventures indochina, Is his website still active? I couldn't get access.
Jun 20, 2009, 5:14 am
#20
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Stuck on this planet - mainly in STR and LAX
Posts: 5,019
Go to the SFO consulate directly.
Fill out the form, 2 (not 1 as the website says - this is when you send the passport) passport pictures, copy of your passport detail page, return envelope. Check for current pice. No need to send the passport. Do this all the time and recommended it for friends - never a problem - even for non US passports.
The website says you need to send the passport but we never do.
http://www.vietnamconsulate-sf.org/ecms/
Fill out the form, 2 (not 1 as the website says - this is when you send the passport) passport pictures, copy of your passport detail page, return envelope. Check for current pice. No need to send the passport. Do this all the time and recommended it for friends - never a problem - even for non US passports.
The website says you need to send the passport but we never do.
http://www.vietnamconsulate-sf.org/ecms/
Aug 19, 2010, 3:51 am
#21
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: PVG
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 240
I will have about 5 hours at SGN, coming from BKK (TG) going to PVG (FM).
As I understand from Kiwi's post, I won't need a visa to transit. But I'm still a little confused about the "someone has to go landside to check you in" part. Does this mean that you have to give your passport to some person and they will go to check-in counter and get you a boarding pass?
I remember that there's a contract lounge that's accessible by *G with an invite. Will I be able to get this invite from the "landside" check in person?
Thanks in advance.
As I understand from Kiwi's post, I won't need a visa to transit. But I'm still a little confused about the "someone has to go landside to check you in" part. Does this mean that you have to give your passport to some person and they will go to check-in counter and get you a boarding pass?
I remember that there's a contract lounge that's accessible by *G with an invite. Will I be able to get this invite from the "landside" check in person?
Thanks in advance.
Nov 8, 2010, 2:05 pm
#22
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: LAX
Programs: UA 1P 1MM
Posts: 718
Just want to confirm that my assumption is correct so that I would not be denied boarding. Thanks!
Nov 10, 2010, 8:23 pm
#23
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: New York, NY (USA)
Programs: hardly any
Posts: 851
How Odd
How odd it is: going back several years now, so many of you keep asking the same question yet no one returns to the board to post an update. Did the previous travelers actually return, or are they languishing in a Viet prison somewhere on the outskirts of the airport? How odd.
Nov 11, 2010, 3:11 am
#24
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Hsinchu (Taiwan), Saigon, London
Programs: EVA (diamond), A3, BMI, VN
Posts: 2,960
How odd it is: going back several years now, so many of you keep asking the same question yet no one returns to the board to post an update. Did the previous travelers actually return, or are they languishing in a Viet prison somewhere on the outskirts of the airport? How odd.
I'm guessing in this case it might be that people just change their travel plans or get a visa in the absence of a definitive answer.
FWIW I'm sure we've seen at least a couple of posters saying it's been no problem in SGN even where they've had to collect luggage and re-check it in. In this case they get escorted. But I have no personal experience or know personally of anyone who's done it. I could never enter Vietnam without sticking around a bit, if only for a bowl of pho!
Nov 11, 2010, 10:33 am
#25
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: New York, NY, USA
Posts: 12,476
How odd it is: going back several years now, so many of you keep asking the same question yet no one returns to the board to post an update. Did the previous travelers actually return, or are they languishing in a Viet prison somewhere on the outskirts of the airport? How odd.
There is no issue with transit without a Visa. You just need to show your onward ticket to check in agent. They need to do a lot of typing to document your transit status. At SGN, you can find a small transit desk where you can get your boarding pass, go through security and go upstairs for departure.@:-)
Nov 24, 2010, 2:19 am
#26
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 1
MyVietnamVisa: Severe Personal Identity Theft Risk
Vietnam is issuing approval letters which contain bulk approvals of multiple unrelated travelers. These include their names, birth dates, and passport numbers of all travelers.
It is unclear whether Vietnam is combining the names in their approval letters, or whether it is because they are submitted together.
Hopefully a solution can be found, such as separate approval letters to each traveler or the ability to black out all names except the individual traveler receiving their own copy of the group approval letter.
But this is an identity theft risk that you should be aware of.
It is unclear whether Vietnam is combining the names in their approval letters, or whether it is because they are submitted together.
Hopefully a solution can be found, such as separate approval letters to each traveler or the ability to black out all names except the individual traveler receiving their own copy of the group approval letter.
But this is an identity theft risk that you should be aware of.
Last edited by Kovanen; Nov 24, 2010 at 3:21 am
Nov 24, 2010, 2:39 am
#27
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: PDX/AUS
Programs: AA-UA-AS IHG-SPG-Carlson
Posts: 4,562
Yes, I noticed this new pattern of multiple names,
entered last night at HCMC,
hadn't considered the risk angle, I guess you are right,
but I am not worried enough to hassle with an advance
visa by mail or in embassy as long as VOA is offered..
entered last night at HCMC,
hadn't considered the risk angle, I guess you are right,
but I am not worried enough to hassle with an advance
visa by mail or in embassy as long as VOA is offered..
Nov 24, 2010, 7:33 am
#28
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Hsinchu (Taiwan), Saigon, London
Programs: EVA (diamond), A3, BMI, VN
Posts: 2,960
A loss of privacy, maybe, but the information shown is not really enough to steal your identity IMHO.
From my experience of living in Vietnam, there really isn't much privacy. Data and other information is shared all the time. This is partly political, partly cultural. It can work for you as well as against you.
The way visas are processed is just a reflection of Vietnamese attitudes.
From my experience of living in Vietnam, there really isn't much privacy. Data and other information is shared all the time. This is partly political, partly cultural. It can work for you as well as against you.
The way visas are processed is just a reflection of Vietnamese attitudes.
Nov 28, 2010, 3:17 pm
#29
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 129
Legit?
French and German embassy says: no, it's not.
So I'm responsable and avoid it.
Imagine:
What do you do after a 15 hours flight (and after costs over 3000$) when refused to enter just because you wanted to save some 30$? -
Really
And then again, I worry as well about giving away my passport for a week to them in order to get a visa. And you can read it all over the web, sometimes, passports get lost. But then again: is there really any choice? Beeing refused at their border, having all those hotel reservations over amex. No. If it's just for 30 $, I don't even think about it.
French and German embassy says: no, it's not.
So I'm responsable and avoid it.
Imagine:
What do you do after a 15 hours flight (and after costs over 3000$) when refused to enter just because you wanted to save some 30$? -
Really
And then again, I worry as well about giving away my passport for a week to them in order to get a visa. And you can read it all over the web, sometimes, passports get lost. But then again: is there really any choice? Beeing refused at their border, having all those hotel reservations over amex. No. If it's just for 30 $, I don't even think about it.
Last edited by bluebird09; Nov 28, 2010 at 3:30 pm
Dec 3, 2010, 2:41 pm
#30
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: AU
Programs: former Olympic Airways Gold (yeah - still proud of that!)
Posts: 14,401
Legit?
French and German embassy says: no, it's not.
So I'm responsable and avoid it.
Imagine:
What do you do after a 15 hours flight (and after costs over 3000$) when refused to enter just because you wanted to save some 30$? -
Really
And then again, I worry as well about giving away my passport for a week to them in order to get a visa. And you can read it all over the web, sometimes, passports get lost. But then again: is there really any choice? Beeing refused at their border, having all those hotel reservations over amex. No. If it's just for 30 $, I don't even think about it.
French and German embassy says: no, it's not.
So I'm responsable and avoid it.
Imagine:
What do you do after a 15 hours flight (and after costs over 3000$) when refused to enter just because you wanted to save some 30$? -
Really
And then again, I worry as well about giving away my passport for a week to them in order to get a visa. And you can read it all over the web, sometimes, passports get lost. But then again: is there really any choice? Beeing refused at their border, having all those hotel reservations over amex. No. If it's just for 30 $, I don't even think about it.
A check of the lonely planet website says they have been discussing it for years and people continually come back and say 'oh, it might not be legal.'
Of course they are.
It is not a matter of 'saving $30' - it is a time and effort saving. The letter of invitation, which is exchanged for the visa at the airport, is simple and easy to complete on-line. Letter sent to you on-line. So is the arrival form (so you can complete that at home and not queue at the airport on arrival).
It's the convenience rather than saving $.
Perhaps the embassies are getting confused with people who think they can just turn up at the airport in Vietnam and get a visa... you can't... you do need to apply for the letter of invitation before you arrive.
Last edited by LHR/MEL/Europe FF; Dec 3, 2010 at 3:06 pm