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
Jan 4, 2017, 9:55 am
#1231
Join Date: Nov 2016
Posts: 19
For those who concerns about stamp fee at the airport:
Stamp fee for short term (1 or 3 month) single entry visa: $25
Stamp fee for short term (1 or 3 month) multiple entry visa: $50
Note: The above stamp fee is the same for all passengers regardless of their nationality (including American). However, please bear in mind that it'll be applicable for VOA and get visa at the airport only. In case you apply visa at the Embassy, the fee will be much higher.
Best,
Stamp fee for short term (1 or 3 month) single entry visa: $25
Stamp fee for short term (1 or 3 month) multiple entry visa: $50
Note: The above stamp fee is the same for all passengers regardless of their nationality (including American). However, please bear in mind that it'll be applicable for VOA and get visa at the airport only. In case you apply visa at the Embassy, the fee will be much higher.
Best,
Last edited by l etoile; Jan 27, 2017 at 8:16 am Reason: Commercial
Jan 4, 2017, 11:40 am
#1232
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 3,097
That recent VOA letter I mentioned was indeed printed on A4 paper.
Who knows whether letter-size paper would be a problem.
Who knows whether letter-size paper would be a problem.
Jan 4, 2017, 7:29 pm
#1233
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: EWR, SLC, SGN
Posts: 1,113
I've done both many times. I would try for A4 if it makes people nervous on their trip, but wouldn't stress over it.
Jan 4, 2017, 7:51 pm
#1234
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 1999
Posts: 24,153
I did scan the wiki, but I was looking for an apparent change back to VOA that occurred around Dec 16 2016 - and this wiki states at the top:
US Passport holders see below regarding fee change effective 9/1/16.
Therefore, this would not contain the most recent change if in fact it did occur, as it is only updated as of 9/1/16. Please correct me if I'm wrong and it does have the December changes, or if that can be found in another forum or link.
Thank you for your help.
US Passport holders see below regarding fee change effective 9/1/16.
Therefore, this would not contain the most recent change if in fact it did occur, as it is only updated as of 9/1/16. Please correct me if I'm wrong and it does have the December changes, or if that can be found in another forum or link.
Thank you for your help.
So I can see where someone who checks in on this thread on a reg basis would have read a bunch of posts where folks have said they paid $25 at the airport, and a TA who issues the VOA letter post numerous time sits now $25 again.
I guess I didnt really believe you were questioning 889 if they went thru it themselves or was behind someone who did it. Which doesnt make sense to me since if they didnt do VOA how would they know what went down. They dont ask anything at PP control only check the Visas/PP, so unless I saw someone walk over from the VOA area and get in my line right before me I dont see how what bothered you could transpire. But glad the dates are up to date
Jan 4, 2017, 8:10 pm
#1235
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 29
Thanks for updating! You state under reasons allowed for VOA: Visit Vietnam on tours organized by Vietnamese international travel agencies. I'm traveling solo as a tourist. Is this a permitted VOA reason?
Jan 4, 2017, 8:50 pm
#1237
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: EWR, SLC, SGN
Posts: 1,113
I think Bob is just being extra cautious. I'm sure he'll have a great trip.
Jan 5, 2017, 8:22 am
#1238
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 1999
Posts: 24,153
I understand wikis to be usually kept up to date with the latest info, but I added the "temporary note" as I believe we get people coming here and checking more than once, and some repeat visitors from a year or two before, etc, and wanted them to see there was new info for US passport holders as of Sept. and that they should scroll down and read carefully. I took it down today, and should have done a few weeks ago, but I think if anyone read closely they would see the info it had changed back on 12/15 or so.
I think Bob is just being extra cautious. I'm sure he'll have a great trip.
I think Bob is just being extra cautious. I'm sure he'll have a great trip.
Last edited by Ocn Vw 1K; Jan 8, 2017 at 10:22 am Reason: To comply with FY Rule that members discuss the topic, not the member.
Jan 5, 2017, 12:03 pm
#1239
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 29
Unfair
[Reply to since-edited post edited by Moderator per FT Rule 12.]
Though here's a question for someone else to answer - in the worst case scenario, if the VOA is not accepted, will I just have to pay the $135 fee? (Or as the NY consulate told me in early December, it's now $80 for 30 days).
Though here's a question for someone else to answer - in the worst case scenario, if the VOA is not accepted, will I just have to pay the $135 fee? (Or as the NY consulate told me in early December, it's now $80 for 30 days).
Last edited by Ocn Vw 1K; Jan 8, 2017 at 10:24 am Reason: Reply to since-edited post.
Jan 5, 2017, 1:07 pm
#1240
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Omaha
Posts: 1,674
Hey Bob, don't worry about those guys. You're asking a bunch of beginner questions, and that's fine.
So I think you are asking what happens if you have your VOA letter, you arrive in Vietnam, you give them your paperwork and then it comes back denied while you're sitting there at the airport. I really don't know what the correct answer is, but if your VOA was denied, I would imagine a regular visa would also be denied. If you do not have a visa, then you cannot enter the country.
I can't tell by your posts if you're confused with the difference between the VOA and the regular visa.
So I think you are asking what happens if you have your VOA letter, you arrive in Vietnam, you give them your paperwork and then it comes back denied while you're sitting there at the airport. I really don't know what the correct answer is, but if your VOA was denied, I would imagine a regular visa would also be denied. If you do not have a visa, then you cannot enter the country.
I can't tell by your posts if you're confused with the difference between the VOA and the regular visa.
Jan 5, 2017, 1:44 pm
#1241
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 1999
Posts: 24,153
I think your response is very unfair, since you are equating being unable to enter a country after spending a year planning, with being afraid to cross the street.
[Conforming moderator edit to quoted post.]
Though here's a question for someone else to answer - in the worst case scenario, if the VOA is not accepted, will I just have to pay the $135 fee? (Or as the NY consulate told me in early December, it's now $80 for 30 days).
[Conforming moderator edit to quoted post.]
Though here's a question for someone else to answer - in the worst case scenario, if the VOA is not accepted, will I just have to pay the $135 fee? (Or as the NY consulate told me in early December, it's now $80 for 30 days).
Its just a guess on my part, but I believe after you contact whichever VOA letter issuer you do and pay them, once they see the $$ are in their acct they forward the info onto which ever govt office(dept) they need to and in turn you are assigned a # by said office/dept which is recorded in the computer. Im guessing and assume that if a person was gonna denied entry and the visa that they never will have a # assigned to them = I hardly doubt its possible to get a# and upon arrival be denied, unless for whatever reason the person did something bet the time of being accepted and arriving to Nam or Interpol puts out an all points bullentin for that person in which case theyd be arrested
The only problem I can forsee is you arranged for the VOA at say SGN and then changed your plans and fly into HAN, but even that may not be much of a problem I just dont know enough to say it will be or not
Take note you arent the 1st US citizen (I assume U R) to visit Nam and do VOA, 100s if not 1000s of people from all Countrys do it every week, if what youre worrying about was a problem we would know about it.
Ive been on numerous flights arriving into the US where non-US citizens or residents are escorted away and held and returned to where they arrived from on the next flight. Ive seen folks taken away and been on flights where they flown back on. So I imagine they had the proper documents some didnt it turned out and should never have been allowed to fly here or CBP messed up and didnt deny them when they applied for their Visa but before arriving their name popped up on the list and were denied entry into the US. Theres no way to know in advanced especially once a Visa was issued that in the end it will be revoked. That never stopped me from flying to those Countrys I need a visa for, if it happens I will simply deal with it when I get there.
Last edited by Ocn Vw 1K; Jan 8, 2017 at 10:27 am Reason: Per FT Rule 12.
Jan 5, 2017, 2:41 pm
#1242
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Omaha
Posts: 1,674
Personally I wouldn't worry about it unless somebody in your party is a convicted felon or holds a very sensitive job position.
Jan 5, 2017, 2:59 pm
#1243
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 29
Hey Bob, don't worry about those guys. You're asking a bunch of beginner questions, and that's fine.
So I think you are asking what happens if you have your VOA letter, you arrive in Vietnam, you give them your paperwork and then it comes back denied while you're sitting there at the airport. I really don't know what the correct answer is, but if your VOA was denied, I would imagine a regular visa would also be denied. If you do not have a visa, then you cannot enter the country.
I can't tell by your posts if you're confused with the difference between the VOA and the regular visa.
So I think you are asking what happens if you have your VOA letter, you arrive in Vietnam, you give them your paperwork and then it comes back denied while you're sitting there at the airport. I really don't know what the correct answer is, but if your VOA was denied, I would imagine a regular visa would also be denied. If you do not have a visa, then you cannot enter the country.
I can't tell by your posts if you're confused with the difference between the VOA and the regular visa.
Jan 5, 2017, 3:05 pm
#1244
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 29
Its just that in all the pages on this VOA I never saw anyone so dizzy about it all. My 1st time I simply read the Wiki and found the cheapest place(TA) to get the VOA letter and off I went. In those there werent any pics of what to lookout for and didnt need them, the VOA counter was the only thing in front of me besides the reg lines to enter the country
Its just a guess on my part, but I believe after you contact whichever VOA letter issuer you do and pay them, once they see the $$ are in their acct they forward the info onto which ever govt office(dept) they need to and in turn you are assigned a # by said office/dept which is recorded in the computer. Im guessing and assume that if a person was gonna denied entry and the visa that they never will have a # assigned to them = I hardly doubt its possible to get a# and upon arrival be denied, unless for whatever reason the person did something bet the time of being accepted and arriving to Nam or Interpol puts out an all points bullentin for that person in which case theyd be arrested
The only problem I can forsee is you arranged for the VOA at say SGN and then changed your plans and fly into HAN, but even that may not be much of a problem I just dont know enough to say it will be or not
Take note you arent the 1st US citizen (I assume U R) to visit Nam and do VOA, 100s if not 1000s of people from all Countrys do it every week, if what youre worrying about was a problem we would know about it.
Ive been on numerous flights arriving into the US where non-US citizens or residents are escorted away and held and returned to where they arrived from on the next flight. Ive seen folks taken away and been on flights where they flown back on. So I imagine they had the proper documents some didnt it turned out and should never have been allowed to fly here or CBP messed up and didnt deny them when they applied for their Visa but before arriving their name popped up on the list and were denied entry into the US. Theres no way to know in advanced especially once a Visa was issued that in the end it will be revoked. That never stopped me from flying to those Countrys I need a visa for, if it happens I will simply deal with it when I get there.
Its just a guess on my part, but I believe after you contact whichever VOA letter issuer you do and pay them, once they see the $$ are in their acct they forward the info onto which ever govt office(dept) they need to and in turn you are assigned a # by said office/dept which is recorded in the computer. Im guessing and assume that if a person was gonna denied entry and the visa that they never will have a # assigned to them = I hardly doubt its possible to get a# and upon arrival be denied, unless for whatever reason the person did something bet the time of being accepted and arriving to Nam or Interpol puts out an all points bullentin for that person in which case theyd be arrested
The only problem I can forsee is you arranged for the VOA at say SGN and then changed your plans and fly into HAN, but even that may not be much of a problem I just dont know enough to say it will be or not
Take note you arent the 1st US citizen (I assume U R) to visit Nam and do VOA, 100s if not 1000s of people from all Countrys do it every week, if what youre worrying about was a problem we would know about it.
Ive been on numerous flights arriving into the US where non-US citizens or residents are escorted away and held and returned to where they arrived from on the next flight. Ive seen folks taken away and been on flights where they flown back on. So I imagine they had the proper documents some didnt it turned out and should never have been allowed to fly here or CBP messed up and didnt deny them when they applied for their Visa but before arriving their name popped up on the list and were denied entry into the US. Theres no way to know in advanced especially once a Visa was issued that in the end it will be revoked. That never stopped me from flying to those Countrys I need a visa for, if it happens I will simply deal with it when I get there.
The change the end of Aug for US citizens was an increase in price to $135 for a 1 yr visa - 30 day visas weren't being issued.
In Sept, when I called the NY Embassy who issue visas, they stated no to VOA's, also in early Dec; even today they said that. HOWEVER, today this person added a clarification that others there had not - that the US embassies do NOT issue VOA's - so perhaps in Aug when Nam increased the cost VOA's were still being issued for US citizens and I made an assumption - so does anyone here know this answer: VOA's were still available even in Aug/Sept 2016 for US citizens but only issued by the Vietnam agencies that do that?
Jan 5, 2017, 3:29 pm
#1245
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: NYC
Posts: 538
I hear what you're saying and I would not be worried about the VOA in the least if it weren't for the fact that Vietnam changed the rules the end of August when US citizens could not use a VOA - only a regular visa. Now - I am making an assumption here - and my mind will be at rest if this is clarified:
The change the end of Aug for US citizens was an increase in price to $135 for a 1 yr visa - 30 day visas weren't being issued.
In Sept, when I called the NY Embassy who issue visas, they stated no to VOA's, also in early Dec; even today they said that. HOWEVER, today this person added a clarification that others there had not - that the US embassies do NOT issue VOA's - so perhaps in Aug when Nam increased the cost VOA's were still being issued for US citizens and I made an assumption - so does anyone here know this answer: VOA's were still available even in Aug/Sept 2016 for US citizens but only issued by the Vietnam agencies that do that?
The change the end of Aug for US citizens was an increase in price to $135 for a 1 yr visa - 30 day visas weren't being issued.
In Sept, when I called the NY Embassy who issue visas, they stated no to VOA's, also in early Dec; even today they said that. HOWEVER, today this person added a clarification that others there had not - that the US embassies do NOT issue VOA's - so perhaps in Aug when Nam increased the cost VOA's were still being issued for US citizens and I made an assumption - so does anyone here know this answer: VOA's were still available even in Aug/Sept 2016 for US citizens but only issued by the Vietnam agencies that do that?
Vietnam did not disallow the use of VOA letters by US citizens; instead, it limited the type of visa that would be issued (in advance or with a VOA letter) to US citizens. Now that change has been reverted, and Americans have more choices again for visas.
Remember that the embassies/consulates issuing visas are essentially in competition with the travel agencies issuing VOA letters. As such, they will often caution you against using VOA letters. Fortunately, this thread has examples of reputable agencies that can issue the letters at myriad prices.