Visas and border crossings forum

Hi Karyn,

The best place to go for this info is to the horse's mouth at the Vietnamese embassy in Bangkok. You'll see on their site there are the opening hours, and you can even download an application form -- wouldn;t it be great if you could download the visa!

It is my understanding that the visa starts to run out from the day it is issued -- so it is a good idea to get it as close to your intended arrival date as possible.

Re same day service, best to check with the embassy -- just give them a call.

I've always found them to be on time -- when they say it will be ready, it always has been.

Hope that helps!

Rene,

Are you sure about that -- or perhaps have the regulations changed?

My last visa to Vietnam was February this year (category C1) -- visa issued on 09/02/06 in Phnom Penh, I entered via Hanoi (Noi Bai) on the 15/02/06 and was allowed to remain in Vietnam until 11/03/06 -- 30 days from when the visa was issued -- not 30 days from the day I entered.

The biggest hassle are the immigration guys, particularly the ones who can't read too well.

In theory the entry and exit dates are the window and must not exceed 90 days for a 30 day visa.

The 30 day period is **supposed** to start sticking on the day you enter.

Note that the glorious high-security visa is not what counts - it's the stamp and the writing in your passport that counts so **verify** the writing with the immigration guy before you leave his desk.

Ground crossings are notorious for scams, now that VN consuls require your passport to be in their possession when issuing visas it has stopped one scam.

If there are problems you can easily get your visa modified or endorsed for multiple entry or extended stay for around USD$25 through any travel agent in HCMC, Da Nang or Ha Noi. Do not go to the Internal Police yourself - they don't want to see you as they have a hard time collecting 'tips'.

I'm flying into Hanoi to start my trip. Can I get my visa at the airport in Hanoi? Is that recommended?

Posted from within Vietnam.

FYI: I obtained my Vietnamese Visa while in Phnom Penh on a 7 week trip via SE Asia. My husband obtained his via the London Embassy (we are Irish and there isnt a Vietnamese Embassy in Ireland - we have to work via London and as I was travelling so much in advance I didnt have a week in which I could do without my passport in order to get the visa via London).

We arrived 2 days ago at HCMC and he was given a 30 day Visa; I was given just 15 days - they stated it was because mine was issued in Cambodia!! (which means I have to try and get it extended in Hoi An as it runs out 4 days before I leave Vietnam).

As of August last year, the cost was £43 including return by special delivery. £38 if you are picking the visa up yourself. The visa takes 5 days to process and you have to pay by postal order or bankers draft, not cheque...

Hope this helps.

Regards
Mark.

Thanks mate, just sent it. Hope I get it back with 2 weeks!

Unfortunately, I think you are in deep pickle, sorry...

I know immigration aren't concerned if you enter after the date indicated, they just shorten the length of stay appropriately.

However, as far as I'm aware they are very strict over entering before your visa is valid. I don't know for sure, but if they check your visa when you go for your flight, they may not allow you to board the plane with an invalid visa as they know immigration will refuse entry and the airline can get fined for such things.

You may be able to get an express visa in 1-2 days... but otherwise, I don't know what to suggest except going on standby for a later flight.

The Vietnam Immigration Department are quite strict - i once got woken in the early hours of the morning at a guesthouse in lao bao (border with laos) by the vietnamese immigration police doing random spot checks on everyones visa length and validity... they sort of kicked my brother awake and he was about to really loose it until he looked up and noticed the uniform!

Cheers,
Mark.

Hi TravelFish'ers

I'm off to SEAsia for a 6 week holiday, landing in Ho Chi Mihn on 26-Feb'08, then leaving Vietnam (Hanoi to Lubang Prabang) on 18-Mar, then re-entering Vietnam (Siem Reap to Ho Chi Mihn) on 6-Apr to fly back to Australia.

Questions - 1. Will this be classed as a multi-entry Visa; 2. Will I need a 3 month tourist Visa; 3. Do I apply for this Visa before leaving Australia; 4. Any other advice with regards this Visa requirement will be apprecited.

Many thanks for your responses...
OzScott

Hey there
Does anyone have a good/safe suggestion on a travel agency in HCMC that can deliver a pre multiple entry visa to Vietnam with minimum charge? I have asked some and they give me different prices...
Thanks for your help