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
#92
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: vietnam
Posts: 1
But I'm still a little confused about the "someone has to go landside to check you in" part. Does this mean that you have to give your visa vietnam to some person and they will go to check-in counter and get you a boarding pass? I Agree with you.
Last edited by esas; Nov 14, 2011 at 1:57 am
#93
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Sydney
Programs: QFF, Krisflyer, US Air DM, VelocityRewards, Hertz Gold, Hilton Gold, Accor Plat
Posts: 446
Visa is required if you pass through immigration (i.e. to go to Hotel overnight). There was lots of talk when I was there last Dec about VOA but I don't think they have yet implemented this.
#94
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: San Rafael, CA
Programs: Life SPG Plat, 7X NH DIA
Posts: 2,840
Any Comments?
So this trip I decided to get 1 month multi and went via the SF consulate and visa service company. Not the cheapest option. I know.
So looking at my previous visa on arrival and this consulate visa, my former version has a dollar amount stamped on the visa "sticker" and it has the machine readable passport info in the white stripe. The one I received today has neither of these things.
Do I need to go to that VOA window and pay more $USD to "validate" my visa? I've already paid a $100 consular fee. Or as I assume, can proceed directly to the immigration line.
Thanks.
Scho
So this trip I decided to get 1 month multi and went via the SF consulate and visa service company. Not the cheapest option. I know.
So looking at my previous visa on arrival and this consulate visa, my former version has a dollar amount stamped on the visa "sticker" and it has the machine readable passport info in the white stripe. The one I received today has neither of these things.
Do I need to go to that VOA window and pay more $USD to "validate" my visa? I've already paid a $100 consular fee. Or as I assume, can proceed directly to the immigration line.
Thanks.
Scho
#95
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Sydney
Programs: QFF, Krisflyer, US Air DM, VelocityRewards, Hertz Gold, Hilton Gold, Accor Plat
Posts: 446
Any Comments?
So this trip I decided to get 1 month multi and went via the SF consulate and visa service company. Not the cheapest option. I know.
So looking at my previous visa on arrival and this consulate visa, my former version has a dollar amount stamped on the visa "sticker" and it has the machine readable passport info in the white stripe. The one I received today has neither of these things.
Do I need to go to that VOA window and pay more $USD to "validate" my visa? I've already paid a $100 consular fee. Or as I assume, can proceed directly to the immigration line.
Thanks.
Scho
So this trip I decided to get 1 month multi and went via the SF consulate and visa service company. Not the cheapest option. I know.
So looking at my previous visa on arrival and this consulate visa, my former version has a dollar amount stamped on the visa "sticker" and it has the machine readable passport info in the white stripe. The one I received today has neither of these things.
Do I need to go to that VOA window and pay more $USD to "validate" my visa? I've already paid a $100 consular fee. Or as I assume, can proceed directly to the immigration line.
Thanks.
Scho
#96
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Sydney
Programs: QFF, Krisflyer, US Air DM, VelocityRewards, Hertz Gold, Hilton Gold, Accor Plat
Posts: 446
But I'm still a little confused about the "someone has to go landside to check you in" part. Does this mean that you have to give your visa vietnam to some person and they will go to check-in counter and get you a boarding pass? I Agree with you.
#97
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Dalat, Vietnam
Programs: Vietnam, Asiana, Singapore, EVA, Southwest
Posts: 934
I have quite a bit of experience with the VOA visa process in VN, I've been there several times. To put it simply, if your international ticket from the States shows a destination in Vietnam, then you will definitely need a proper visa or VOA letter (those persons transiting VN with a ticket showing a destination outside of VN, and do not want to leave the transit area do not need any documentation). No airline will allow you to board without proper documentation when the ticket shows a destination in VN.
How is this so different from any other country where visas are required?
The VOA Approval Letter that anyone can purchase online is still looked on with skepticism by many airline agents, however, that process does work and I would not do it any other way. I have never been denied boarding with my VOA letters.
I get the impression that some of you don't understand how VOA works in Vietnam - it is a little different. The Vietnam VOA must be prearranged by going online to any hotel or travel agent in VN and requesting this service. The process can be completed in a matter of hours, but 2 days is standard turnaround. The VOA Approval Letter is then emailed back to the traveler, and can then be printed out for travel. Once arrived at any VN international airport, the traveler goes to the Visa desk and the hard copy visa is inserted in the passport (they are then free to line up at the Immigration counters). Delays have occurred in SGN at the visa desk during peak periods, but none at other airports of entry.
How is this so different from any other country where visas are required?
The VOA Approval Letter that anyone can purchase online is still looked on with skepticism by many airline agents, however, that process does work and I would not do it any other way. I have never been denied boarding with my VOA letters.
I get the impression that some of you don't understand how VOA works in Vietnam - it is a little different. The Vietnam VOA must be prearranged by going online to any hotel or travel agent in VN and requesting this service. The process can be completed in a matter of hours, but 2 days is standard turnaround. The VOA Approval Letter is then emailed back to the traveler, and can then be printed out for travel. Once arrived at any VN international airport, the traveler goes to the Visa desk and the hard copy visa is inserted in the passport (they are then free to line up at the Immigration counters). Delays have occurred in SGN at the visa desk during peak periods, but none at other airports of entry.
Last edited by Daawgon; Nov 24, 2011 at 1:24 am
#98
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Sydney
Programs: QFF, Krisflyer, US Air DM, VelocityRewards, Hertz Gold, Hilton Gold, Accor Plat
Posts: 446
I have quite a bit of experience with the VOA visa process in VN, I've been there several times. To put it simply, if your international ticket from the States shows a destination in Vietnam, then you will definitely need a proper visa or VOA letter (those persons transiting VN with a ticket showing a destination outside of VN, and do not want to leave the transit area do not need any documentation). No airline will allow you to board without proper documentation when the ticket shows a destination in VN.
How is this so different from any other country where visas are required?
The VOA Approval Letter that anyone can purchase online is still looked on with skepticism by many airline agents, however, that process does work and I would not do it any other way. I have never been denied boarding with my VOA letters.
I get the impression that some of you don't understand how VOA works in Vietnam - it is a little different. The Vietnam VOA must be prearranged by going online to any hotel or travel agent in VN and requesting this service. The process can be completed in a matter of hours, but 2 days is standard turnaround. The VOA Approval Letter is then emailed back to the traveler, and can then be printed out for travel. Once arrived at any VN international airport, the traveler goes to the Visa desk and the hard copy visa is inserted in the passport (they are then free to line up at the Immigration counters). Delays have occurred in SGN at the visa desk during peak periods, but none at other airports of entry.
How is this so different from any other country where visas are required?
The VOA Approval Letter that anyone can purchase online is still looked on with skepticism by many airline agents, however, that process does work and I would not do it any other way. I have never been denied boarding with my VOA letters.
I get the impression that some of you don't understand how VOA works in Vietnam - it is a little different. The Vietnam VOA must be prearranged by going online to any hotel or travel agent in VN and requesting this service. The process can be completed in a matter of hours, but 2 days is standard turnaround. The VOA Approval Letter is then emailed back to the traveler, and can then be printed out for travel. Once arrived at any VN international airport, the traveler goes to the Visa desk and the hard copy visa is inserted in the passport (they are then free to line up at the Immigration counters). Delays have occurred in SGN at the visa desk during peak periods, but none at other airports of entry.
I emailed the Vietnamese consulate about this last year and while I didn't end up needing to they confirmed you don't need VOA or Visa if you are in transit.
#99
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Manhattan Beach, California
Programs: BMI Diamond Club Gold forever
Posts: 6,367
In SGN now and my wife used one of the VoA services for us for the first time. Been here countless times before when we lived in Singapore, so here is my feedback on the VoA approach.
It kinda sux. If you can't or don't want to part with your passport to send it off to the consulate, then ok, I can see why you'd do this. But otherwise, what a poor way to get into the country. There were at least 25 others on our flight using this method and since you have to queue once for a form and then wait for processing and then requeue, it was at least 35 minutes delay. I would expect better on the ground service for what we paid. I will never again use this service for a routine trip. Heck, we were flying in SIN-SGN and given the shortness of that flight, this added nearly30% onto our total trip time and made us late for dinner...
It kinda sux. If you can't or don't want to part with your passport to send it off to the consulate, then ok, I can see why you'd do this. But otherwise, what a poor way to get into the country. There were at least 25 others on our flight using this method and since you have to queue once for a form and then wait for processing and then requeue, it was at least 35 minutes delay. I would expect better on the ground service for what we paid. I will never again use this service for a routine trip. Heck, we were flying in SIN-SGN and given the shortness of that flight, this added nearly30% onto our total trip time and made us late for dinner...
#100
Community Director Emerita
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Anywhere warm
Posts: 33,747
Can a VOA (visa on arrival) be used for a land crossing or is it only good when entering by air?
#101
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: San Rafael, CA
Programs: Life SPG Plat, 7X NH DIA
Posts: 2,840
My experience with TDS (Travel Document Service) and the visa they attained at the SF consulate on my behalf was excellent. I was checking into my hotel less than an hour after I de-planed.
I dropped off my passport and they called me when my visa was ready. Yes there is a price to pay for convenience. it was worth it to me.
-Scho
I dropped off my passport and they called me when my visa was ready. Yes there is a price to pay for convenience. it was worth it to me.
-Scho
#102
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: CLE
Programs: UA Gold, HH Diamond, Marriott Gold
Posts: 3,661
If you google visa on arrival and vietnam, you'll find a site that has a list of stations where voa is accepted. I don't remember off hand whether any are land crossings or not.
#103
Community Director Emerita
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Anywhere warm
Posts: 33,747
My question has been answered. Sequence of events:
Which leaves me wondering why they suggested the bus.
- Sent in information for visa on arrival
- Travel agency asks what else they can provide
- I ask about air from a non Vietnamese city to a Vietnamese one
- Agency responds with airfare but suggests bus
- I ask if VOA can be used for bus entry
- Response: no, only for air
Which leaves me wondering why they suggested the bus.
#104
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,048
My experience with TDS (Travel Document Service) and the visa they attained at the SF consulate on my behalf was excellent. I was checking into my hotel less than an hour after I de-planed.
I dropped off my passport and they called me when my visa was ready. Yes there is a price to pay for convenience. it was worth it to me.
-Scho
I dropped off my passport and they called me when my visa was ready. Yes there is a price to pay for convenience. it was worth it to me.
-Scho