Vietnam: Visa On Arrival for new travelers

[siennaslammer 8]

Just an FYI. Visa On Arrival - for new travelers

I don't know about the increase in VISA fees.
I can't find it anywhere on the web of this recent increase.??

before I did the on-line "invitation letter"
i did call the Washington D.C. VN embassy for 1 month, 1 entry; i got different answers
1st call = $300
2nd call = $250
so i looked for alternatives since i knew it only cost $45 for a 1 month, 1 entry VISA.

VISA stamp cost at TSN Airport - HCMC at VISA office (as of December 2013)

1 month single - $45
3 months single - $45
1 month multiple - $65
3 months multiple - $95

My experience last year - multiple trips

before you fly:
1) USD money $45 - $95 for actual Vietnam VISA stamp, cost depending on how long you will be staying & number of entries
2) a pen
3) a couple 2"x2" passport photo
4) print out your "invitation to visit letter"
5) your passport

how to get your "invitation to visit letter"
various on-line services - the company is usually in US, need to check, some have Paypal = so safer alternative.

Service Fees:
a) cost = varies from $8 USD to $50, usually takes 2-3 days, cost more for RUSH or longer stay. different website companies = different service fees. example: you pay anywhere from a low $8 per person (fee schedule is listed in table) for 1 month – 1 entry
b) service: what you get for the fees = cost for an agent in Vietnam to go and apply and get you an invitation letter, only a letter to come to Vietnam with your name, passport number and date of visit (info from on-line form that you fill out). They will email you this letter in 2-4 days (varies) but not too long. The letter may have a few to many other people on there since the local agent in Vietnam goes and request this letter once daily. You can pay extra for a letter written just you and your group. This letter allows you to travel/fly to Vietnam. kinda like a pre-VISA letter. I used this service twice, 1st = 1-month single visit, 2nd 3-month multiple visit.

Process:
a) you fill out the on-line form
b) confirm the info
c) pay by credit card - the company is usually in US, need to check
d) they will confirm with an email
e) in 1-3 days, you will get an email with an attachment = your letter = approve for to get the VISA when you arrive at airport (TSN, hanoi or da nang) – your name will be listed among other people (they submit as a group in vietnam) or if you wish to do it as individual or small group = you can = just pay extra fee = private; but it is not big deal with the big list
- i usually print out 2 copies (1 with my passport and ticket, the other in my bag just in case) and bring with me to airport

=> see a copy example of what I received in my email -names & info have been blacked out for privacy - i can't seem to attach or paste it

f) at airport check-in and at all gate(s): you will NEED to show the airline representative this letter

- no letter = no travel, unless you already have a bonafide VN VISA to travel in which case ignore the rest :-)
g) arrive at airport in Vietnam
h) at TSN airport HCMC, follow the path to "immigration" then at the big hall, on the left side of the “VISA immigration checkpoint” is the VISA ON ARRIVAL window
i) Fill out form at the table against the wall
j) Get in line with the completed form + your VISA ON ARRIVAL LETTER + photo 2”x2” + your passport
k) give them above
l) they check it for a 10 - 15 minutes, longer if crowded
m) they call your name = pay $45 (1 month – 1 entry)
get VISA stamp sticker placed in your passport
n) go to VISA immigration checkpoint with your passport
o) ask a few questions while they scan your passport – get stamped
p) go to pick up luggage downstairs at carosel (don’t get help = $) unless you really need it, the luggage carts are free for you to use
q) go to custom with all your stuff – x-ray your luggage - have had no problems
r) done

no problems, no hidden moneys inside or under passport, no extra fees.

TAXI Cab = another story

"VISA Exemption":
here is the link to the ministry of foreign affairs on this matter.

http://mienthithucvk.mofa.gov.vn/Default.aspx?alias=mienthithucvk.mofa.gov.vn/en

as others have mentioned this. you can apply for this "VISA Exemption, a little booklet with your info & picture, last 5 years". It cost $40 for my cousin and $50 dollars for my sister, maybe $70 now ???, i will have to get this done and see on cost$. This is to make it easier for those who wish to travel to VN qualified under this path. I did not know about this last year. My cousins, sister and brother just got this. So, I will be getting this soon.

[ricewanted 3]

appreciated your detail post. waiting for the update.

[luckytxn 2,264]

Great info. Much thanks.

Just an FYI. Visa On Arrival - for new travelers

I don't know about the increase in VISA fees.
I can't find it anywhere on the web of this recent increase.??

before I did the on-line "invitation letter"
i did call the Washington D.C. VN embassy for 1 month, 1 entry; i got different answers
1st call = $300
2nd call = $250
so i looked for alternatives since i knew it only cost $45 for a 1 month, 1 entry VISA.

VISA stamp cost at TSN Airport - HCMC at VISA office (as of December 2013)

1 month single - $45
3 months single - $45
1 month multiple - $65
3 months multiple - $95

My experience last year - multiple trips

before you fly:
1) USD money $45 - $95 for actual Vietnam VISA stamp, cost depending on how long you will be staying & number of entries
2) a pen
3) a couple 2"x2" passport photo
4) print out your "invitation to visit letter"
5) your passport

how to get your "invitation to visit letter"
various on-line services - the company is usually in US, need to check, some have Paypal = so safer alternative.

Service Fees:
a) cost = varies from $8 USD to $50, usually takes 2-3 days, cost more for RUSH or longer stay. different website companies = different service fees. example: you pay anywhere from a low $8 per person (fee schedule is listed in table) for 1 month – 1 entry
b) service: what you get for the fees = cost for an agent in Vietnam to go and apply and get you an invitation letter, only a letter to come to Vietnam with your name, passport number and date of visit (info from on-line form that you fill out). They will email you this letter in 2-4 days (varies) but not too long. The letter may have a few to many other people on there since the local agent in Vietnam goes and request this letter once daily. You can pay extra for a letter written just you and your group. This letter allows you to travel/fly to Vietnam. kinda like a pre-VISA letter. I used this service twice, 1st = 1-month single visit, 2nd 3-month multiple visit.

Process:
a) you fill out the on-line form
b) confirm the info
c) pay by credit card - the company is usually in US, need to check
d) they will confirm with an email
e) in 1-3 days, you will get an email with an attachment = your letter = approve for to get the VISA when you arrive at airport (TSN, hanoi or da nang) – your name will be listed among other people (they submit as a group in vietnam) or if you wish to do it as individual or small group = you can = just pay extra fee = private; but it is not big deal with the big list
- i usually print out 2 copies (1 with my passport and ticket, the other in my bag just in case) and bring with me to airport

=> see a copy example of what I received in my email -names & info have been blacked out for privacy - i can't seem to attach or paste it

f) at airport check-in and at all gate(s): you will NEED to show the airline representative this letter

- no letter = no travel, unless you already have a bonafide VN VISA to travel in which case ignore the rest :-)
g) arrive at airport in Vietnam
h) at TSN airport HCMC, follow the path to "immigration" then at the big hall, on the left side of the “VISA immigration checkpoint” is the VISA ON ARRIVAL window
i) Fill out form at the table against the wall
j) Get in line with the completed form + your VISA ON ARRIVAL LETTER + photo 2”x2” + your passport
k) give them above
l) they check it for a 10 - 15 minutes, longer if crowded
m) they call your name = pay $45 (1 month – 1 entry)
get VISA stamp sticker placed in your passport
n) go to VISA immigration checkpoint with your passport
o) ask a few questions while they scan your passport – get stamped
p) go to pick up luggage downstairs at carosel (don’t get help = $) unless you really need it, the luggage carts are free for you to use
q) go to custom with all your stuff – x-ray your luggage - have had no problems
r) done

no problems, no hidden moneys inside or under passport, no extra fees.

TAXI Cab = another story

"VISA Exemption":
here is the link to the ministry of foreign affairs on this matter.

http://mienthithucvk.mofa.gov.vn/Default.aspx?alias=mienthithucvk.mofa.gov.vn/en

as others have mentioned this. you can apply for this "VISA Exemption, a little booklet with your info & picture, last 5 years". It cost $40 for my cousin and $50 dollars for my sister, maybe $70 now ???, i will have to get this done and see on cost$. This is to make it easier for those who wish to travel to VN qualified under this path. I did not know about this last year. My cousins, sister and brother just got this. So, I will be getting this soon.

[Daniel_Minh 0]

I went to Viet Nam two weeks ago and did Visa on arrival for single entry, one month. The approval letter I purchased through hotels-in-vietnam online for $15. Upon arrival I paid $45 and provided a completed form with a passport pic. It was a simple process and the 4th time I have gotten a visa this way.

Sometimes the line can be long at the airport visa desk. It really just depends on the number of flights arriving around the same time.

[Jimbo09 19]

I've done this before and must say I won't be getting a Visa on arrival again. Although the price is cheaper, spending almost 1.5 hrs waiting in line at 11PM is not the best way to spend my time in Vietnam.

I rather pay the $100 at the local vietnamese travel agency and not deal with the hassle at all. Time is money afterall.

[siennaslammer 8]

I just called the Vietnam Consulate in Houston, Texas regarding the Visa Exemption.

I was born in Vietnam, thus qualify. you can read on other status for the qualifications.

my loose translation: please go to the Vietnam Embassy website for all the details

"Eligible for granted visa exemption certificates : Vietnamese residing abroad without Vietnamese passports, foreigners with a Vietnam citizen who is a spouse and/or son/daughter also includes to be adopted individuals. Visa exemption certificate is valid for maximum of 5 years or the minimal duration of 6 months based on the foreigner's country of origin passport"

the form +

+ current US passport
+ passport photos
+ born in Vietnam: copy of birth certificate (still have thank God, I made a PDF of the original years ago) or other acceptable documents - this one depends on what you have in hand for identification if you are applying by "Vietnamese link"

- foreigners or foreign-born Vietnamese: complete the "relationship form" + one of the following documents to prove the relationship is spouse, child or citizen of Vietnam who settled in outside in foreign countries)

+ Marriage registration certificate , or
+ Birth certificate , or
+ Certification relations father , mother , son , or

+ And other documents in accordance with the law of Vietnam or
+ Adoption Decision

the cost is $80 for the "Certificate of Visa Exemption" - good for 5 years.

I am going tomorrow to get it done.

[luckytxn 2,264]

Can you come back after and let us know what happens? Great info so far and to have info on actual consulate visit would be nice.

I just called the Vietnam Consulate in Houston, Texas regarding the Visa Exemption.

I was born in Vietnam, thus qualify. you can read on other status for the qualifications.

my loose translation: please go to the Vietnam Embassy website for all the details

"Eligible for granted visa exemption certificates : Vietnamese residing abroad without Vietnamese passports, foreigners with a Vietnam citizen who is a spouse and/or son/daughter also includes to be adopted individuals. Visa exemption certificate is valid for maximum of 5 years or the minimal duration of 6 months based on the foreigner's country of origin passport"

the form +

+ current US passport
+ passport photos
+ born in Vietnam: copy of birth certificate (still have thank God, I made a PDF of the original years ago) or other acceptable documents - this one depends on what you have in hand for identification if you are applying by "Vietnamese link"

- foreigners or foreign-born Vietnamese: complete the "relationship form" + one of the following documents to prove the relationship is spouse, child or citizen of Vietnam who settled in outside in foreign countries)

+ Marriage registration certificate , or
+ Birth certificate , or
+ Certification relations father , mother , son , or

+ And other documents in accordance with the law of Vietnam or
+ Adoption Decision

the cost is $80 for the "Certificate of Visa Exemption" - good for 5 years.

I am going tomorrow to get it done.

[siennaslammer 8]

Can you come back after and let us know what happens? Great info so far and to have info on actual consulate visit would be nice.

hi.

didn't have time on Friday. and have not gone yet

the person at the consulate did tell me to go on-line and pre-register

http://mienthithucvk.mofa.gov.vn/Registration/Onlineregistration/tabid/132/Default.aspx

it's pretty simple.

the directions are all there

so i did that and then print out

so hopefully, will have some time today or tomorrow to get this done

will follow up

[luckytxn 2,264]

Great Info. Thanks.

hi.

didn't have time on Friday. and have not gone yet

the person at the consulate did tell me to go on-line and pre-register

http://mienthithucvk.mofa.gov.vn/Registration/Onlineregistration/tabid/132/Default.aspx

it's pretty simple.

the directions are all there

so i did that and then print out

so hopefully, will have some time today or tomorrow to get this done

will follow up

[siennaslammer 8]

OK.

went and submitted the printout of on-line confirmation page + application + 2 passport photos + copy of birth certificate + money & US passport.

come back in 7 days (04/08) to pickup the Visa Exemption + get US passport back

[luckytxn 2,264]

This was at the Houston consulate?

OK.

went and submitted the printout of on-line confirmation page + application + 2 passport photos + copy of birth certificate + money & US passport.

come back in 7 days (04/08) to pickup the Visa Exemption + get US passport back

[siennaslammer 8]

This was at the Houston consulate?

Yes. located on the corner of westheimer and sage. attached to the region bank.

park and go to 10th floor to get elevator to connect to 11th floor = consulate office.

note lunch time = closed 12noon - 2pm

[siennaslammer 8]

Hi - Just to follow up.

I went back and picked up my US passport and the "visa exemption" certificate sticker was added to one of my passport page.

good until April 2, 2019.

so, no more Visa on Arrival letter or waiting at Visa on Arrival window :-)