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 2, 2017, 7:43 am
#1366
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Programs: StarAlliance (UA 1K), PriorityClub (Plat), SPG (Plat), OneWorld (AA), SkyTeam (KLM), Marriott (Gold)
Posts: 97
"If you’re planning to make multiple visits in a short period to Vietnam, consider applying for a multiple entry visa. If you want to make a second visit within 30 days of leaving Vietnam, you’ll need to get a visa or an e-visa to re-enter the country."
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-ad...y-requirements
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-ad...y-requirements
Given the tight timing of the trip I have opted for visa on arrival when I reenter (I got the VOA letter today). I guess I may need to show that letter when I take my outbound flight to Cambodia.
Oct 11, 2017, 6:13 am
#1367
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: NYC
Programs: AA EXP, SPG Plat, Marriott Silver, HH Gold
Posts: 797
Another data point. Got on this a little later than I should have, submitted application for evisa online at the official site.
Says 3 working days, it is now 8pm on the third working day. (applied Friday night US time, now is 8am following Wed).
Will need it tomorrow-- time to worry?
Says 3 working days, it is now 8pm on the third working day. (applied Friday night US time, now is 8am following Wed).
Will need it tomorrow-- time to worry?
Oct 11, 2017, 8:09 am
#1368
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Truth or Consequences, NM
Programs: HH Diamond, Marriott Titanium, Hertz President's Circle, UA Silver, Mobile Passport Unobtanium
Posts: 6,194
Another data point. Got on this a little later than I should have, submitted application for evisa online at the official site.
Says 3 working days, it is now 8pm on the third working day. (applied Friday night US time, now is 8am following Wed).
Will need it tomorrow-- time to worry?
Says 3 working days, it is now 8pm on the third working day. (applied Friday night US time, now is 8am following Wed).
Will need it tomorrow-- time to worry?
Oct 12, 2017, 9:08 am
#1369
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: NYC
Programs: AA EXP, SPG Plat, Marriott Silver, HH Gold
Posts: 797
You may know this already but you won't get notification when it's been processed. You have to go back to the website and enter the code they gave you to retrieve it manually, then print it out. Mine took about 48 hours but, yeah, you probably would have wanted to apply a bit earlier.
Within 3-6 hours (I'm not sure because I was in-flight to SGN), I received an email indicating that my E-Visa was approved. I probably received this email only because of the email for help.
When I boarded my flight to SGN, I already had a rushed VOA letter in hand, just in case. I wasn't going to be happy to have to pay the stamp fee twice, but was resigned to doing so.
Fortunately, the E-Visa came through while I was en route, though now came the problem of how to print. Turns out, the counter selling 4G SIM cards right before immigration can print for $5. SIM cards for both Mobifone and Viettel were going for $9 and $10, with $10 offering calls and texts, both unlimited data. As an aside, the SIM cards before immigration were cheaper than outside. As I thought I required a printout, I negotiated to buy the print and SIM card together for a small discount, total $12.
One issue I had with printing was that I couldn't save the letter for some reason ("file could not be downloaded") and if I "shared" it, it sent a link that the counter couldn't open. So I had to pull up the letter directly on one of the staff's phones, where he took a screenshot, then emailed and printed that? (Their computer's internet was super slow-- ironic for a place selling unlimited 4G SIM cards)
Anyway, print in hand, when I approached immigration officer, I asked about whether the printout was truly required. I showed him the letter on my phone, and he indicated that that would have been fine. So, maybe folks can try this out and confirm (bring a printout, but try without it). In retrospect, I should have tried this first.
Oct 15, 2017, 11:35 am
#1370
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 8
Hello,
I am a US citizen and have a question with regards to international transfers using two different airlines.
We are flying vietjet from REP to HAN with a 3 hour layover and then taking Cebu to MNL. There is a lot of conflicting info out there, but since we are not technically exiting the airport, do we still need to get a visa? We emailed the Vietnam consulate in NYC and they said as long as we so not leave the airport we will be fine, but the info out on the internet is all over the place.
If it helps, we are not checking any bags and will only have carry ons.
Thanks in advance!
I am a US citizen and have a question with regards to international transfers using two different airlines.
We are flying vietjet from REP to HAN with a 3 hour layover and then taking Cebu to MNL. There is a lot of conflicting info out there, but since we are not technically exiting the airport, do we still need to get a visa? We emailed the Vietnam consulate in NYC and they said as long as we so not leave the airport we will be fine, but the info out on the internet is all over the place.
If it helps, we are not checking any bags and will only have carry ons.
Thanks in advance!
Oct 15, 2017, 11:44 am
#1371
Ambassador, Hong Kong and Macau
Join Date: May 2009
Location: HKG
Programs: Non-top tier Asia Miles member
Posts: 19,803
Oh well, if someone is nice over at CX, she'll type a Telex to VN and make sure you really are admissible. But you better have time and the luck to meet a good GA!
Code:
https://www.facebook.com/cathaypacificHK/posts/1195250987285269
Oct 15, 2017, 11:49 am
#1372
Ambassador, Hong Kong and Macau
Join Date: May 2009
Location: HKG
Programs: Non-top tier Asia Miles member
Posts: 19,803
I am a US citizen and have a question with regards to international transfers using two different airlines.
We are flying vietjet from REP to HAN with a 3 hour layover and then taking Cebu to MNL. There is a lot of conflicting info out there, but since we are not technically exiting the airport, do we still need to get a visa?
We are flying vietjet from REP to HAN with a 3 hour layover and then taking Cebu to MNL. There is a lot of conflicting info out there, but since we are not technically exiting the airport, do we still need to get a visa?
Information as of 15OCT17 / 1746 UTC
National USA (US) /Embarkation Cambodia (KH)
Transit Viet Nam (VN) /Destination Philippines (PH)
ALSO CHECK DESTINATION INFORMATION BELOW
Viet Nam (VN)
TWOV (Transit Without Visa):
Visa required, except for Holders of confirmed onward tickets time of 24 hours.
Visa Issuance:
Visa required, except for Passengers with a printed confirmation letter that a transit visa has been approved before departure and issued in Hanoi (HAN) by the Vietnamese
Immigration (Ministry of Public Security) or the Consular Department (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) can obtain a transit visa if arriving on Vietnam Airlines (VN).
Additional Information:
- International transit passengers through Viet Nam are permitted to stay overnight in the transit lounge. However, there are limited airport facilities available to the passenger.
Warning:
- Visa exempt visitors not holding return/onward tickets could be refused entry.
National USA (US) /Embarkation Cambodia (KH)
Transit Viet Nam (VN) /Destination Philippines (PH)
ALSO CHECK DESTINATION INFORMATION BELOW
Viet Nam (VN)
TWOV (Transit Without Visa):
Visa required, except for Holders of confirmed onward tickets time of 24 hours.
Visa Issuance:
Visa required, except for Passengers with a printed confirmation letter that a transit visa has been approved before departure and issued in Hanoi (HAN) by the Vietnamese
Immigration (Ministry of Public Security) or the Consular Department (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) can obtain a transit visa if arriving on Vietnam Airlines (VN).
Additional Information:
- International transit passengers through Viet Nam are permitted to stay overnight in the transit lounge. However, there are limited airport facilities available to the passenger.
Warning:
- Visa exempt visitors not holding return/onward tickets could be refused entry.
Oct 15, 2017, 12:39 pm
#1373
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 8
No need (Timatic search) (Timatic is the system that airlines use to check visa requirements - it does not override official government response, but I haven't actually been able to phone the consulate in my city ever nor have read anyone (globally) getting a response from any Vietnam consulate/embassy/immigration dept direct):
I do want to note this was booked via third party (kiwi.com) and the confirmation said we would need a visa, but it still let us book.
Oct 15, 2017, 1:18 pm
#1374
Ambassador, Hong Kong and Macau
Join Date: May 2009
Location: HKG
Programs: Non-top tier Asia Miles member
Posts: 19,803
As with CX selling you a flight from HKG to JFK with a stop with Vancouver (all non-Americans will require Canadian visa)
Oct 15, 2017, 2:48 pm
#1375
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 8
Sorry I am getting a bit confused. Are you saying we do NOT need a visa to transfer upon arriving in Hanoi? We are flying REP-HAN with Vietjet and then HAN-MNL with Cebu Pacific?
Oct 15, 2017, 5:52 pm
#1376
Join Date: Sep 2009
Programs: UA GS>1K>Nothing; DL DM 2MM; AS 75K>Nothing>MVP
Posts: 9,341
FYI
1. 12 month multiple VOA still available. Stamp fee is $135.
2. SGN VOA counter is remodeled and much more efficient.
3. They have new visa application form (about the same but with different format) so if you plan to fill it out before arriving make sure you have the newest form.
1. 12 month multiple VOA still available. Stamp fee is $135.
2. SGN VOA counter is remodeled and much more efficient.
3. They have new visa application form (about the same but with different format) so if you plan to fill it out before arriving make sure you have the newest form.
Oct 15, 2017, 6:31 pm
#1377
Ambassador, Hong Kong and Macau
Join Date: May 2009
Location: HKG
Programs: Non-top tier Asia Miles member
Posts: 19,803
Oct 15, 2017, 8:13 pm
#1378
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Virginia City Highlands
Programs: Nothing anymore after 20 years
Posts: 6,900
Oct 15, 2017, 9:25 pm
#1379
Ambassador, Hong Kong and Macau
Join Date: May 2009
Location: HKG
Programs: Non-top tier Asia Miles member
Posts: 19,803
My recent times still bad. Data points (SGN):
29/9/17 15:30 arrival: 90 minute wait (2 mates, Economy)
30/9/17 11:30 arrival: 30 minute wait (myself, Premium Economy)
Is it this one http://www.approval-letter.com/form-on-arrival.pdf ? I didn't print and fill it out in advance but I grabbed a copy and filled it out while queuing - I don't think I filled in an updated form.
29/9/17 15:30 arrival: 90 minute wait (2 mates, Economy)
30/9/17 11:30 arrival: 30 minute wait (myself, Premium Economy)
Last edited by percysmith; Oct 15, 2017 at 9:32 pm