Used VOA last month. 5.30 arrival on TK, lines weren't too bad. I had my paperwork in order. The line seemed slower to me because a lot of people had no photos, no money and knew little of what was expected.

They did take Euros from people behind me, but a lady with Aussie dollars was having a horrible time. There is an ATM beside the area, but it wasn't working for her and she had to get an escort out to the waiting area finally to get money from someone picking her up. The ATM did work for some others, and I had my USD with me so didn't try it.

The process is a bit chaotic, but typical of VN and many countries in my opinion. And way easier than mailing my passport somewhere.

as is this:

It's a pity, it started off shambolic, but kinda OK. But I too have noticed the increasing use of these guys. Even so, it's rare that I've had to wait more than 20mins. I almost always arrive late morning.

I've used the VOA twice without issue. Last time I didn't have photos and got hit with what I guess is a $5 convenience charge for them to snap me with a digicam.

Considering the pain in the ... of actually getting a visa for Vietnam(using a $ervice, sending mails to the embassy, or visiting yourself twice), I'll take even an inefficient in-airport process.

5khours - besides their service fee, what is the other fees when you actually land and get your visa?

Has anyone else used this service? Looks so convenient and easy....:p

The stamping fee is $45 for single entry or $90 for multiple entry.

I have not used them, cannot comment on their services.

I thought you had to indicate the name of your Hotel with the Visa on Arrival service but I just had to insert Passport details

Added fast track - hope thats works OK

I'm with you. I paid AUD$80 to obtain a visa from the Vietnamese Embassy in Australia. I don't get folks who pay for premium flights then baulk at a few extra bucks.

I passed the Visa on Arrival counter and it seemed to be a shambles. No lines, no order. Folks just wondering from one counter to the other.

I was glad I had my Visa so I didn't have to wait. I didn't want my luggage arriving and being unattended for a long time.

Most I've ever waited is 15 minutes. Vietnamvisacorp.com also has an expedited on arrival service, which basically just consists of them cutting in line on your behalf...... but it can save a little time.

It's not ONLY the money! Unless you have a consulate round the corner, the faff involved is off-putting.

Has anyone tried this after marriage?

My wife currently has this visa waiver since 2008.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/pract...c-vn-safe.html

Am I now eligible to get this?
If my wife changes her surname to mine, is she still eligible?
What was the consensus on passport renewal, start over, or just pay the renewal price?

Am I now eligible to get this?
Yes. Foreign born spouses and children are eligible for the program. Bring proof like marriage or birth certificate along with your spouse proof of eligibility, such as Vietnamese passport, US Green Card or Certificate of Naturalization.

If my wife changes her surname to mine, is she still eligible?
Her married name has no effect on her eligibility. Bring her maiden and married name documents as proof.

What was the consensus on passport renewal, start over, or just pay the renewal price?
There's only one price for new and renewal. At renewal, just bring your old passport that has the visa waiver stamp as proof of eligibility. It's actually much easier the 2nd time as you have already established eligibility.

Wrong.
5 years or passport validity less six months.
(sample in a Canadian passport-the pass was issued 2 Dec 2011, valid until 24 May 2016, passport expires 24 Nov 2016, issued 24 Nov 2011.)

My wife has this pass. it is max 5 years, (before renewal) since she got it in a new 10 year passport.

Vietnam w/o visa
 

I'm a US citizen (no VN ties) planning a cruise that goes from HKG to SIN, stopping in HAN. In the (unlikely) event that we were to miss boarding in HKG, the next opportunity to board would be HAN. The cruise ship will be providing the VN visas on-board for the ports we visit.

So my question is what to do if I find myself delayed in HKG and arranging a OW flight HKG-HAN w/o a VN visa.

The simple answer is that if you pitch up at the airport without visa/approval letter then you would be denied boarding and they almost certainly WILL check.

Best idea is to arrange for a visa on arrival. This has to be done in advance, via an agency. They give you an approval letter and with this you can board at HKG. You then get the visa label at HAN. There are two fees - one you pay to the agency for the letter and one on arrival at HAN ("stamping fee"). Obviously in this case if you didn't need to fly to HAN then you would only have lost the first fee - which isn't very much.

I've used these people many times, without hassle. http://www.hotels-in-vietnam.com/vie...tnam-visa.html. Others have used other agencies, also without incident. You could get a visa via your local embassy - but this would work out more expensive, particularly as you probably won't need it.

The approval letter is so cheap to get (and easy via internet) that if you think there is any chance of your being in this situation then you might as well get one anyway.