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
Dec 18, 2017, 8:27 pm
#1411
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 1,633
Just saw that Canada is now listed as e-visa eligible .. Woo Hoo !! https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/do...b-91595a4f5867
Dec 28, 2017, 9:11 am
#1412
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: USA
Programs: AS MVP; UA Gold; DL Gold; Marriott Titanium
Posts: 156
eVIsa via Hanoi IAP, Dec 2017
Utilized the eVisa options (US passport holder) for a trip to Hanoi, Dec 2017. I applied on 14 Dec with a quick iPhone camera pic of my passport's data page and full face pic (with the help of a passport photo app). The credit card process was simple enough ($25USD), and the instructions for the eVisa are also simple enough. The website says to allow for approx. three business days and look for an email. Other than the "we're processing your eVisa" and "payment received" emails, I didn't get a "eVisa complete" email. After three days I checked via their website (tracking info on both their processing and payment emails), and the PDF with the eVisa was ready for download. I printed two copies just in case they took one at immigration going in (they didn't but better safe than sorry).
At Thai Airways checkin in HKG, the agent took my printed eVisa copy and put in the relevant info into my record. When I arrived HAN, I went immediately to the "FOREIGNER" passport line, and when called, I handed my passport and eVisa paper to the immigration official. She quickly entered the data onto her screen, didn't ask me anything, and stamped my passport. (FYI: Vietnam has no arrival card to fill out.) I then headed down to baggage claim, and the process picks up with a standard int'l arrival process.
I did notice a long line of Visa On Arrival people when I got into line at immigration. Not sure if they were passport holders who weren't allowed eVisas, though.
Bottom line: if you have the option of eVisa for Vietnam, I highly recommend that over Visa On Arrival or any other method.
Happy travels!
PS: Loving Hanoi. The food, the crazy traffic, the friendly people. Staying at the JW Marriott Hanoi which is about 30-40 mins from the old quarter, but opted for their amenities in the evening and the hustle and bustle of Hanoi in the daytime. Transport via Uber, which works very well.
At Thai Airways checkin in HKG, the agent took my printed eVisa copy and put in the relevant info into my record. When I arrived HAN, I went immediately to the "FOREIGNER" passport line, and when called, I handed my passport and eVisa paper to the immigration official. She quickly entered the data onto her screen, didn't ask me anything, and stamped my passport. (FYI: Vietnam has no arrival card to fill out.) I then headed down to baggage claim, and the process picks up with a standard int'l arrival process.
I did notice a long line of Visa On Arrival people when I got into line at immigration. Not sure if they were passport holders who weren't allowed eVisas, though.
Bottom line: if you have the option of eVisa for Vietnam, I highly recommend that over Visa On Arrival or any other method.
Happy travels!
PS: Loving Hanoi. The food, the crazy traffic, the friendly people. Staying at the JW Marriott Hanoi which is about 30-40 mins from the old quarter, but opted for their amenities in the evening and the hustle and bustle of Hanoi in the daytime. Transport via Uber, which works very well.
Dec 28, 2017, 5:43 pm
#1413
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SFO/SMF
Programs: Holder of six "persona non-grata" awards
Posts: 1,914
Ditto experience in Ho Chi Minh last week...eVisa is the only way to go. ^
Utilized the eVisa options (US passport holder) for a trip to Hanoi, Dec 2017. I applied on 14 Dec with a quick iPhone camera pic of my passport's data page and full face pic (with the help of a passport photo app). The credit card process was simple enough ($25USD), and the instructions for the eVisa are also simple enough. The website says to allow for approx. three business days and look for an email. Other than the "we're processing your eVisa" and "payment received" emails, I didn't get a "eVisa complete" email. After three days I checked via their website (tracking info on both their processing and payment emails), and the PDF with the eVisa was ready for download. I printed two copies just in case they took one at immigration going in (they didn't but better safe than sorry).
At Thai Airways checkin in HKG, the agent took my printed eVisa copy and put in the relevant info into my record. When I arrived HAN, I went immediately to the "FOREIGNER" passport line, and when called, I handed my passport and eVisa paper to the immigration official. She quickly entered the data onto her screen, didn't ask me anything, and stamped my passport. (FYI: Vietnam has no arrival card to fill out.) I then headed down to baggage claim, and the process picks up with a standard int'l arrival process.
I did notice a long line of Visa On Arrival people when I got into line at immigration. Not sure if they were passport holders who weren't allowed eVisas, though.
Bottom line: if you have the option of eVisa for Vietnam, I highly recommend that over Visa On Arrival or any other method.
Happy travels!
PS: Loving Hanoi. The food, the crazy traffic, the friendly people. Staying at the JW Marriott Hanoi which is about 30-40 mins from the old quarter, but opted for their amenities in the evening and the hustle and bustle of Hanoi in the daytime. Transport via Uber, which works very well.
At Thai Airways checkin in HKG, the agent took my printed eVisa copy and put in the relevant info into my record. When I arrived HAN, I went immediately to the "FOREIGNER" passport line, and when called, I handed my passport and eVisa paper to the immigration official. She quickly entered the data onto her screen, didn't ask me anything, and stamped my passport. (FYI: Vietnam has no arrival card to fill out.) I then headed down to baggage claim, and the process picks up with a standard int'l arrival process.
I did notice a long line of Visa On Arrival people when I got into line at immigration. Not sure if they were passport holders who weren't allowed eVisas, though.
Bottom line: if you have the option of eVisa for Vietnam, I highly recommend that over Visa On Arrival or any other method.
Happy travels!
PS: Loving Hanoi. The food, the crazy traffic, the friendly people. Staying at the JW Marriott Hanoi which is about 30-40 mins from the old quarter, but opted for their amenities in the evening and the hustle and bustle of Hanoi in the daytime. Transport via Uber, which works very well.
Dec 28, 2017, 7:02 pm
#1414
Join Date: Sep 2009
Programs: UA GS>1K>Nothing; DL DM 2MM; AS 75K>Nothing>MVP
Posts: 9,341
Last time I did the VOA, it took 30 seconds to submit the form. Less than an hour for the VOA letter to arrive. Five minutes to get the visa issued in SGN and two minutes through immigration and customs. Not knocking the e-visa process, but VOA is pretty painless especially if you you’re in a hurry or make multiple trips to VN or don’t want to carry around an extra piece of paper.
(Caveat - some people report long lines for VoA, but I’ve done it a dozen time and only once waited more than 20 minutes. Also with some many countries now visa exempt and with online/evisas for other countries, the VoA lines are pretty empty these days.)
(Caveat - some people report long lines for VoA, but I’ve done it a dozen time and only once waited more than 20 minutes. Also with some many countries now visa exempt and with online/evisas for other countries, the VoA lines are pretty empty these days.)
Dec 29, 2017, 4:14 pm
#1415
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Truth or Consequences, NM
Programs: HH Diamond, Marriott Titanium, Hertz President's Circle, UA Silver, Mobile Passport Unobtanium
Posts: 6,195
Last time I did the VOA, it took 30 seconds to submit the form. Less than an hour for the VOA letter to arrive. Five minutes to get the visa issued in SGN and two minutes through immigration and customs. Not knocking the e-visa process, but VOA is pretty painless especially if you you’re in a hurry or make multiple trips to VN or don’t want to carry around an extra piece of paper.
(Caveat - some people report long lines for VoA, but I’ve done it a dozen time and only once waited more than 20 minutes. Also with some many countries now visa exempt and with online/evisas for other countries, the VoA lines are pretty empty these days.)
(Caveat - some people report long lines for VoA, but I’ve done it a dozen time and only once waited more than 20 minutes. Also with some many countries now visa exempt and with online/evisas for other countries, the VoA lines are pretty empty these days.)
Where is this "extra piece of paper" that is such a burden to carry around?
Dec 30, 2017, 1:46 pm
#1416
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Northern Nevada
Programs: DL,EK
Posts: 1,652
Utilized the eVisa options (US passport holder) for a trip to Hanoi, Dec 2017. I applied on 14 Dec with a quick iPhone camera pic of my passport's data page and full face pic (with the help of a passport photo app). The credit card process was simple enough ($25USD), and the instructions for the eVisa are also simple enough. The website says to allow for approx. three business days and look for an email. Other than the "we're processing your eVisa" and "payment received" emails, I didn't get a "eVisa complete" email. After three days I checked via their website (tracking info on both their processing and payment emails), and the PDF with the eVisa was ready for download. I printed two copies just in case they took one at immigration going in (they didn't but better safe than sorry).
At Thai Airways checkin in HKG, the agent took my printed eVisa copy and put in the relevant info into my record. When I arrived HAN, I went immediately to the "FOREIGNER" passport line, and when called, I handed my passport and eVisa paper to the immigration official. She quickly entered the data onto her screen, didn't ask me anything, and stamped my passport. (FYI: Vietnam has no arrival card to fill out.) I then headed down to baggage claim, and the process picks up with a standard int'l arrival process.
I did notice a long line of Visa On Arrival people when I got into line at immigration. Not sure if they were passport holders who weren't allowed eVisas, though.
Bottom line: if you have the option of eVisa for Vietnam, I highly recommend that over Visa On Arrival or any other method.
Happy travels!
PS: Loving Hanoi. The food, the crazy traffic, the friendly people. Staying at the JW Marriott Hanoi which is about 30-40 mins from the old quarter, but opted for their amenities in the evening and the hustle and bustle of Hanoi in the daytime. Transport via Uber, which works very well.
At Thai Airways checkin in HKG, the agent took my printed eVisa copy and put in the relevant info into my record. When I arrived HAN, I went immediately to the "FOREIGNER" passport line, and when called, I handed my passport and eVisa paper to the immigration official. She quickly entered the data onto her screen, didn't ask me anything, and stamped my passport. (FYI: Vietnam has no arrival card to fill out.) I then headed down to baggage claim, and the process picks up with a standard int'l arrival process.
I did notice a long line of Visa On Arrival people when I got into line at immigration. Not sure if they were passport holders who weren't allowed eVisas, though.
Bottom line: if you have the option of eVisa for Vietnam, I highly recommend that over Visa On Arrival or any other method.
Happy travels!
PS: Loving Hanoi. The food, the crazy traffic, the friendly people. Staying at the JW Marriott Hanoi which is about 30-40 mins from the old quarter, but opted for their amenities in the evening and the hustle and bustle of Hanoi in the daytime. Transport via Uber, which works very well.
Dec 30, 2017, 5:11 pm
#1418
Join Date: Sep 2009
Programs: UA GS>1K>Nothing; DL DM 2MM; AS 75K>Nothing>MVP
Posts: 9,341
With VOA, you can get a 12 month multi-entry. Use the VOA letter once and throw it away. After that all you need is your passport. With eVisa, you need to carry an eVisa with you every time you enter.
Dec 30, 2017, 9:17 pm
#1419
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Virginia City Highlands
Programs: Nothing anymore after 20 years
Posts: 6,900
Dec 30, 2017, 10:09 pm
#1420
Join Date: Sep 2009
Programs: UA GS>1K>Nothing; DL DM 2MM; AS 75K>Nothing>MVP
Posts: 9,341
Jan 9, 2018, 7:18 am
#1421
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
I recently used an evisa to enter through SGN and it was a breeze. I have two transits upcoming (both on separate tix although all on QR) and will carry a visa of some form for travels.
The question, do I apply for another evisa ($25) or go the VOA route (<$25). Assuming there's no need to enter Vietnam (which if all goes smoothly there won't be) then the latter would be cheaper but the former would be easier if for whatever reason an entry is required.
Thoughts?
The question, do I apply for another evisa ($25) or go the VOA route (<$25). Assuming there's no need to enter Vietnam (which if all goes smoothly there won't be) then the latter would be cheaper but the former would be easier if for whatever reason an entry is required.
Thoughts?
Jan 9, 2018, 7:36 am
#1422
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 1999
Posts: 24,153
I recently used an evisa to enter through SGN and it was a breeze. I have two transits upcoming (both on separate tix although all on QR) and will carry a visa of some form for travels.
The question, do I apply for another evisa ($25) or go the VOA route (<$25). Assuming there's no need to enter Vietnam (which if all goes smoothly there won't be) then the latter would be cheaper but the former would be easier if for whatever reason an entry is required.
Thoughts?
The question, do I apply for another evisa ($25) or go the VOA route (<$25). Assuming there's no need to enter Vietnam (which if all goes smoothly there won't be) then the latter would be cheaper but the former would be easier if for whatever reason an entry is required.
Thoughts?
That said if the eVisa is like the VOA where it can be used for 30 days from a given date, then 2 @ VOA is apx 1/2 the cost of the EV so Id go with the eV as long as both dates you will be going thru is within the 30 day period, otherwise 2 eVs would be needed . I wouldnt go VOA simply since it seems you are only connecting and Id hate to end up wasting an hour at VOA waiting for the Visa, and if my Inbound was late I may misconnect. If you have say 4 hrs bet flights thats something else
2 VOAs can be had for $12 an eV is $25 so for $13 extra Id rather have the eV in hand, but as I said from getgo, Id probably not get either and roll the dice and gamble, of cause that is if Im not flying on any LCCs
Jan 9, 2018, 8:15 am
#1423
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
Personally Im the type to roll the dice and probably wouldnt get either.
That said if the eVisa is like the VOA where it can be used for 30 days from a given date, then 2 @ VOA is apx 1/2 the cost of the EV so Id go with the eV as long as both dates you will be going thru is within the 30 day period, otherwise 2 eVs would be needed . I wouldnt go VOA simply since it seems you are only connecting and Id hate to end up wasting an hour at VOA waiting for the Visa, and if my Inbound was late I may misconnect. If you have say 4 hrs bet flights thats something else
2 VOAs can be had for $12 an eV is $25 so for $13 extra Id rather have the eV in hand, but as I said from getgo, Id probably not get either and roll the dice and gamble, of cause that is if Im not flying on any LCCs
That said if the eVisa is like the VOA where it can be used for 30 days from a given date, then 2 @ VOA is apx 1/2 the cost of the EV so Id go with the eV as long as both dates you will be going thru is within the 30 day period, otherwise 2 eVs would be needed . I wouldnt go VOA simply since it seems you are only connecting and Id hate to end up wasting an hour at VOA waiting for the Visa, and if my Inbound was late I may misconnect. If you have say 4 hrs bet flights thats something else
2 VOAs can be had for $12 an eV is $25 so for $13 extra Id rather have the eV in hand, but as I said from getgo, Id probably not get either and roll the dice and gamble, of cause that is if Im not flying on any LCCs
The trips are SGN-US-SGN (of which I'm currently at the destination) to a similar ticket #2 and then #3 on QR's continuation SGN-PNH. My biggest concern, if not carrying something, is being denied boarding outright because I wouldn't hold a visa for the destination. Both dates are within a week of each other so 1 entry form should cover everything. Also you're right about the potential wait to process the VOA upon arrival, if I'm pressed for time that could kill options. One thing I didn't mention is lack of space in my passport; I'm down to about 5 full blank pages so I'd prefer to avoid taking that space if possible (I won't even get 7 years out of this 100+ page passport).
I'm leaning toward the eV for full disclosure.
Jan 9, 2018, 4:31 pm
#1424
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Truth or Consequences, NM
Programs: HH Diamond, Marriott Titanium, Hertz President's Circle, UA Silver, Mobile Passport Unobtanium
Posts: 6,195
Self-edit, duplicate post.
Last edited by Diplomatico; Jan 9, 2018 at 4:36 pm
Jan 9, 2018, 4:35 pm
#1425
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Truth or Consequences, NM
Programs: HH Diamond, Marriott Titanium, Hertz President's Circle, UA Silver, Mobile Passport Unobtanium
Posts: 6,195
Personally Im the type to roll the dice and probably wouldnt get either.
That said if the eVisa is like the VOA where it can be used for 30 days from a given date, then 2 @ VOA is apx 1/2 the cost of the EV so Id go with the eV as long as both dates you will be going thru is within the 30 day period, otherwise 2 eVs would be needed . I wouldnt go VOA simply since it seems you are only connecting and Id hate to end up wasting an hour at VOA waiting for the Visa, and if my Inbound was late I may misconnect. If you have say 4 hrs bet flights thats something else
2 VOAs can be had for $12 an eV is $25 so for $13 extra Id rather have the eV in hand, but as I said from getgo, Id probably not get either and roll the dice and gamble, of cause that is if Im not flying on any LCCs
That said if the eVisa is like the VOA where it can be used for 30 days from a given date, then 2 @ VOA is apx 1/2 the cost of the EV so Id go with the eV as long as both dates you will be going thru is within the 30 day period, otherwise 2 eVs would be needed . I wouldnt go VOA simply since it seems you are only connecting and Id hate to end up wasting an hour at VOA waiting for the Visa, and if my Inbound was late I may misconnect. If you have say 4 hrs bet flights thats something else
2 VOAs can be had for $12 an eV is $25 so for $13 extra Id rather have the eV in hand, but as I said from getgo, Id probably not get either and roll the dice and gamble, of cause that is if Im not flying on any LCCs
Thanks for the quick response.
The trips are SGN-US-SGN (of which I'm currently at the destination) to a similar ticket #2 and then #3 on QR's continuation SGN-PNH. My biggest concern, if not carrying something, is being denied boarding outright because I wouldn't hold a visa for the destination. Both dates are within a week of each other so 1 entry form should cover everything. Also you're right about the potential wait to process the VOA upon arrival, if I'm pressed for time that could kill options. One thing I didn't mention is lack of space in my passport; I'm down to about 5 full blank pages so I'd prefer to avoid taking that space if possible (I won't even get 7 years out of this 100+ page passport).
I'm leaning toward the eV for full disclosure.
The trips are SGN-US-SGN (of which I'm currently at the destination) to a similar ticket #2 and then #3 on QR's continuation SGN-PNH. My biggest concern, if not carrying something, is being denied boarding outright because I wouldn't hold a visa for the destination. Both dates are within a week of each other so 1 entry form should cover everything. Also you're right about the potential wait to process the VOA upon arrival, if I'm pressed for time that could kill options. One thing I didn't mention is lack of space in my passport; I'm down to about 5 full blank pages so I'd prefer to avoid taking that space if possible (I won't even get 7 years out of this 100+ page passport).
I'm leaning toward the eV for full disclosure.