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
Nov 12, 2018, 11:00 am
#1486
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Singapore
Posts: 175
Is there any confirmation or source that such a restriction on e-visas exists? I would like to enter Vietnam on a Saturday leave the next day and then return the following Saturday for 5 days using two e-visas (US citizen). I have gotten a few e-visas before which have taken the standard 2-3 days so I thought I should be fine getting the second e-visa on time. In the (unlikely) event that the seconde-visa takes longer than expected could I get a VOA for the second trip quickly as a backup?
Nov 12, 2018, 11:14 am
#1487
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 50
I know you can do this in some countries, but I haven't seen anyone post about doing this successfully for Vietnam...although I did search and find people asking about it. It does sound like the VOA line has gotten a lot shorter due to the E-Visa so if you need multiple entries within a 30 days period, you may just want to apply for that VOA to be safe.
If you do decide to try using 2 eVisas...let us know if it works...
If you do decide to try using 2 eVisas...let us know if it works...
Nov 12, 2018, 12:34 pm
#1488
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: EWR, SLC, SGN
Posts: 1,113
Is there any confirmation or source that such a restriction on e-visas exists? I would like to enter Vietnam on a Saturday leave the next day and then return the following Saturday for 5 days using two e-visas (US citizen). I have gotten a few e-visas before which have taken the standard 2-3 days so I thought I should be fine getting the second e-visa on time. In the (unlikely) event that the seconde-visa takes longer than expected could I get a VOA for the second trip quickly as a backup?
Nov 21, 2018, 11:58 pm
#1489
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,677
If you are eligible, I can highly recommend the APEC business travel card.
Nov 25, 2018, 2:51 pm
#1490
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 50
Quick update: E-Visa worked totally fine with Asiana at JFK.
If you check-in online, make sure you go to the counter at the gate because they won't let you board without a printed boarding card. At this time, they'll check your passport and visa.
For some reason, when we got to Vietnam, customs said my husband was all set by that I needed to "have my Visa checked again" and they sent me to the VOA counter. Luckily there was no line and the guy there looked at my Visa for a few seconds, shrugged and stamped it. Then I went back to the original agent who had told me not to wait in line again and she waved me through.
If you check-in online, make sure you go to the counter at the gate because they won't let you board without a printed boarding card. At this time, they'll check your passport and visa.
For some reason, when we got to Vietnam, customs said my husband was all set by that I needed to "have my Visa checked again" and they sent me to the VOA counter. Luckily there was no line and the guy there looked at my Visa for a few seconds, shrugged and stamped it. Then I went back to the original agent who had told me not to wait in line again and she waved me through.
Dec 10, 2018, 5:29 am
#1491
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 144
We will be arriving at SGN in February with E-Visas. Is it still worth it to pay the $30-$40 for a Fast Track service on arrival, or is that a waste with an E-Visa in hand? I’m leaning towards paying for it because we’ll be exhausted from traveling almost 24hrs from the U.S. and just want to be extra cautious in avoiding any issues or delays, but also don’t want to pay for an unnecessary service.
Dec 10, 2018, 6:38 am
#1492
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 50
We will be arriving at SGN in February with E-Visas. Is it still worth it to pay the $30-$40 for a Fast Track service on arrival, or is that a waste with an E-Visa in hand? I’m leaning towards paying for it because we’ll be exhausted from traveling almost 24hrs from the U.S. and just want to be extra cautious in avoiding any issues or delays, but also don’t want to pay for an unnecessary service.
Dec 10, 2018, 6:42 am
#1493
Join Date: Nov 2004
Programs: UA 1K (Million Miler). AA Gold (lifetime 1 Million). TK Elite Gold
Posts: 894
We will be arriving at SGN in February with E-Visas. Is it still worth it to pay the $30-$40 for a Fast Track service on arrival, or is that a waste with an E-Visa in hand? I’m leaning towards paying for it because we’ll be exhausted from traveling almost 24hrs from the U.S. and just want to be extra cautious in avoiding any issues or delays, but also don’t want to pay for an unnecessary service.
Dec 12, 2018, 1:45 pm
#1494
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 254
Sorry, I'm just now seeing this. All worked out fine. No line at VoA, but a bit of a wait at Immigration. If I were to do this again, 3 hours would be the absolute minimum connection time I scheduled. I wasn't rushing, but it took a little longer than expected between VoA, immigration, check in and security. It was not all Skyteam, so I had to collect bags.
Dec 15, 2018, 11:13 am
#1495
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: TPE<->SFO
Posts: 98
I've used the e-visa many times... never paid extra to go through security, it's generally been pretty quick for me.
Dec 16, 2018, 4:30 pm
#1496
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: DFW
Posts: 1,145
Question about transit through SGN. I am arriving on Hong Kong Airlines into SGN around 1am. I would like to take a flight to SIN at 7am most likely on JetStar...I will not have any checked bags. I will end up going from SIN to DAD a few days later and then flying out of SGN back to the US. My question is what kind of visa would I need? Should I get the multi-entry visa? I don't think I will need that as the way I see it I will arrive in SGN and not leave the transit area for the 5 hours I'm waiting to board my flight to SIN. I think I only need the one entry evisa as my actual entry into Vietnam will be when I come back from SIN to DAD (probably through SGN). Just want to make sure I'm not missing anything or if there will be complications. Even if Hong Kong Airlines asks to see my visa, I will have the electronic one and they won't even need to see my onward ticket. Thoughts? Thank you.
Dec 16, 2018, 7:29 pm
#1497
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: EWR, SLC, SGN
Posts: 1,113
MrGolfer - if things go as you plan, then yes the one evisa should be enough and it would work as you suggest. If things do not go as you plan, the likely culprit would be Jetstar being a lcc and not having transit help, so you have to go through immigration to check in for that flight. In that case you would then apply for a rush VOA when you arrive in SIN and use it when you come back to DAD a few days later.
For info on the transit, the QR error fare from last year had many people doing transits, so you might search out that thread and read if anyone was on Jetstar. I'd wager you can do it, but I'd be prepared for things to go belly up just in case, as they sometimes do here.
For info on the transit, the QR error fare from last year had many people doing transits, so you might search out that thread and read if anyone was on Jetstar. I'd wager you can do it, but I'd be prepared for things to go belly up just in case, as they sometimes do here.
Dec 22, 2018, 10:25 am
#1498
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Singapore
Posts: 175
I know you can do this in some countries, but I haven't seen anyone post about doing this successfully for Vietnam...although I did search and find people asking about it. It does sound like the VOA line has gotten a lot shorter due to the E-Visa so if you need multiple entries within a 30 days period, you may just want to apply for that VOA to be safe.
If you do decide to try using 2 eVisas...let us know if it works...
If you do decide to try using 2 eVisas...let us know if it works...
I was able to get 2 E-Visas approved. I entered Vietnam last Saturday on one E-Visa leaving last Sunday night then immediately applying for a second E-Visa which was approved by Wednesday. I entered Vietnam again yesterday (Saturday) with the second E-Visa without any problems.
Dec 22, 2018, 10:41 am
#1499
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 50
I was able to get 2 E-Visas approved. I entered Vietnam last Saturday on one E-Visa leaving last Sunday night then immediately applying for a second E-Visa which was approved by Wednesday. I entered Vietnam again yesterday (Saturday) with the second E-Visa without any problems.
Dec 31, 2018, 9:28 am
#1500
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Japan
Posts: 5,577
Trying to educate myself on the visa options, but need some help.
Planning on flying to Phu Quoc from BKK and staying at the IC.
Do I (1.) apply for an e-visa ( U.S. citizen ), do I ( 2. ) work with a visa on arrival agent or do I ( 3. ) trust the IC representative who
assured me that when flying into the island from BKK and under the condition that I stay on the island for the duration of the stay
and return back to BKK non stop, no visum is required?
Happy New Year ( I am already writing this in 2019 JT )
Planning on flying to Phu Quoc from BKK and staying at the IC.
Do I (1.) apply for an e-visa ( U.S. citizen ), do I ( 2. ) work with a visa on arrival agent or do I ( 3. ) trust the IC representative who
assured me that when flying into the island from BKK and under the condition that I stay on the island for the duration of the stay
and return back to BKK non stop, no visum is required?
Happy New Year ( I am already writing this in 2019 JT )