Frequently Asked Questions about Vietnam visa

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Frequently asked questions about Vietnam visa: you can find as many answers about Vietnam visa as you can, it is really beneficial for the applicants who haven't applied for Vietnam visa on arrival before

QUESTIONS

ANSWERS

1. How many types of visa in Vietnam and what are they?

There are 4 types of Vietnam visa: tourist visa, business visa, diplomatic and official Vietnam visa and transit visa. Tourist visa is the most popular one. Click here to see details and procedures for application of each visa type. In addition, base on the length of stay and number of entry, visa is divided into 1 month or 3 month, single or multiple entry visa [ Back to top ]

2. I enter Vietnam for doing business, do I have to apply for Vietnam business visa?

Actually you could apply for Vietnam tourist visa in this case, because Vietnam Government do not care about the visa type when people applying for a visa. If your business in Vietnam takes less than 1 month, you should apply for a tourist 1 month visa. However, for Vietnam visa on arrival, you do not need a sponsor when applying for both tourist visa or business visa, for Vietnam embassy visa, it's required a Vietnamese organization invitation letter and guarantee to get a business visa. Learn more about Vietnam business visa [ Back to top ]

3. What is the simplest way to get visa to Vietnam?

The easiest and simplest way to get visa to Vietnam is to apply online for visa on arrival. What you need to do is just to work with a Internet connected computer or mobile devices for a while to fill out the application form, make payment, and wait only 1 or 2 working days, or even some hours to receive the visa approval letter via email. By showing this letter + passport + photos and paying the stamping fee to the Immigration Counter upon arrival in Vietnam, you will get your visa stamped onto passport, and free to enter Vietnam. [ Back to top ]

4. What is Vietnam single and multiple entry visa?

A Vietnam single entry visa allows you to enter Vietnam once during its validity time but a multiple entry visa allows you to enter Vietnam more than once (as many times as you can) during its validity time. For example, if you enter Vietnam now, stay some days and leave for Cambodia, when re-entering Vietnam, you can still use your current Vietnam multiple entry visa (within its validity). The stamping fee are request to pay at the first entry only. [ Back to top ]

5. What is Vietnam visa exemption?

Those passport holders whose nationalities are in Vietnam visa exemption are allowed to enter Vietnam without a visa within certain period of time. Examples are Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Japan, South Korea, Russia, etc... [ Back to top ]

6. When do I need visa extension and how long in advance do I need it?

You will have your Vietnam visa extended in case your visa expires and you expect to stay in the country longer. For example, your visa is a 1 month entry visa, but you would like to stay in Vietnam for 45 days in total, you need to get your visa extended 1 month more. Mostly the visa could be extended once. It would be best for visa applicants to have visa extended about 10 days before its expiration. The easiest way is to ask an agent do it for you. Click here to learn more about Vietnam visa extension [ Back to top ]

7. When do I need visa renewal and how long in advance do I need it?

You will have your Vietnam visa renewed when you need to change it from single into multiple entry, or you need to extend it more than once. It would be best for visa applicants to have visa renewed about 10 days in advance. The easiest way is to ask an agent do it for you. Click here for procedures of visa renewal. [ Back to top ]

8. I am a Vietnamese overseas, do I need a visa to enter Vietnam?

According to Vietnam regulation, the overseas Vietnamese are offered Vietnam visa exemption, that is, they could enter Vietnam without a visa. However, they are required to submit a number of documents and proofs to prove that they are original Vietnamese (Click here for details) to the Vietnam Embassy/ Consulate to be granted visa exemption document. Thus, if one does not have much time, the quickest way to enter Vietnam is to apply for a visa to Vietnam via an agent. [ Back to top ]

9. Is that possible to apply for Vietnam visa at weekend, on Vietnamese holidays or overtime?

Yes, you can definitely get your visa approval letter done on this occasion at a higher processing fee. You had better check your Vietnam visa requirements to make sure that you must have a visa to enter Vietnam. An early application will help you to avoid many troubles and expenses. If it happens unfortunately, please contact us and we are assured that we can help. [ Back to top ]

10. Can a visa agents help me in arranging a letter of approval or I can do it by myself?

You can apply for a visa at the Vietnam Embassy in your country by yourself, however, you need to ask a Vietnam visa agent for the help in arranging Vietnam visa on arrival. Vietnam visa agents have a great command of Vietnamese visa and they normally have a good relationship with Vietnam Immigration Department that make their work really efficient. Your visa can be arranged in short time, accuracy and safety then [ Back to top ]

11. Do children travelling with parents need Vietnamese visa?

Visa rules and fees for children should follow the same procedure as adults if they have their own passports. Children who are included in parents’ passports must apply for an approval letter to get visa on arrival at Vietnam airport as adults but they will not need to pay the stamp fee. The parents should sign the applications on behalf of children under 14 years old. [ Back to top ]

12. Can I receive my Vietnam visa in my country before I start my trip?

If you apply for Vietnam visa at Vietnam Embassy or Consulate in your country, you may wait 4 days to 1 week to get your Vietnam visa delivered. However, if you apply for a Vietnam visa on arrival, you will receive a visa approval letter via email before you depart for your trip and then you will get your visa stamped at the international airports in Vietnam. Normally, it takes you 1 to 2 working days since your payment to get visa approval letter or in just 2 to 8 processing hours in urgent application with on time guarantee policy. [ Back to top ]

13. Are there any changes in Vietnamese visa stamping fee at arrival airport recently?

Vietnam visa policy changes very often. Recently, the Vietnam Ministry of Finance and Vietnam Immigration Department has informed a new visa stamping fee rate since 1 January 2013. Accordingly, the stamping fee will be specific regulated as follows:
- 1 month single entry visa and 3 month single entry visa subject: 45 USD/ visa
- less than 1 month (29 days) multiple entry visa: 65 USD/ visa
- full 1 month (30 days) multiple entry visa and 3 month multiple entry visa: 95 USD [ Back to top ]

14. What is Vietnam visa on arrival or e-visa?

Visa on arrival or e-visa is a new visa facilitative measure that allows the local visa agency or trusted partner to print the visa electronically without making a trip to the Vietnam Embassy to collect the visa sticker
This is one of, if not, the quickest and cheapest way to get your visa for Vietnam. You just need to fill in our "Online application form", pay the service fee, get your "Visa approval letter" within 2 working days and pick up your visa at your destination airport (Hanoi airport, Danang airport or Ho Chi Minh city airport)
After complete the approval letter, we will forward you a copy by email or fax. Copies of the same document will be forwarded on your behalf to Vietnam Immigration checkpoints at International Airports. When you arrive in Viet Nam, the Immigration officers will have those documents ready and will be able to issue your entry visa quickly.

15. Is this visa on arrival legitimate?

Yes it is. Visa on arrival is an alternative way to get your visa to Vietnam. Also the IATA (International Air Traffic Association) has recognised visa on arrival. Check out the visa information sections on the following airline websites: Sky team, Oneworld and Star Alliance.
Other governments also recognize visa on arrival as a legitimate travel document, such as the U.S. Department of State and the British Embassy in Hanoi:
"In order to enter Vietnam, you will need a valid passport with at least six months validity remaining and a Vietnamese visa, a visa exemption document, or a written approval letter for a visa upon arrival. To obtain a written approval letter to enter, you must contact a travel agency prior to departure." [ Back to top ]

16. How to get Vietnam visa on arrival?

It is quite easy and simple to get Vietnam visa on arrival. Please kindly follow the guidance below:
- Fill out the secure online application form in just a couple of minutes
- Make payment (visa approval fee/ processing fee)
- Receive the visa approval letter via email after 1 or 2 working days and print it out
- On arrival in Vietnam (by air only), present the visa approval letter + passport + 2 photos to the Immigration Officers, pay the visa stamping fee, and then the visa will be stamped into your passport. Your visa has been done completely. [ Back to top ]

17. Can people use visa on arrival when entering Vietnam by land?

No, they can NOT. Visa on arrival can only be used for those travelling by air to one of the Vietnam International Airports: Noi Bai in Hanoi, Danang in Danang City, and Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City. [ Back to top ]

18. What is visa approval letter (or visa pre-approved letter in other word)?

Visa approval letter is an official legitimate document granted to the passport holders by the Vietnam Immigration Department, proving that they have been approved by the Immigration to get visa at the arrival airport. Upon arrival in Vietnam, the passport holders need to show this document + passport + photos and pay the stamping fee to the Immigration Officers to get their visa stamped into their passport. See sample of visa approval letter [ Back to top ]

19. What is the processing time for visa approval letter?

It takes 2 working days for the Immigration to process the visa approval letter under normal processing time (or 1 working day under urgent processing time; 2 hours or 4 hours for emergency processing). The working days of the Immigration are from Monday through Friday, and working time from 9.00 AM - 5.00 PM each working day. Click here for details of processing time and fee. [ Back to top ]

20. How do I receive my visa approval letter?

Your visa approval letter will be sent to you via email. You need to print it out and bring it to arrival airport in Vietnam to get the visa stamped. If you require to receive the letter by fax, please send us your fax number via email vietnamvisabooking@gmail.com so that we will send you right away. [ Back to top ]

21. What is normal processing and urgent processing visa?

There are two types of visa processing depending on the time of the arrangement: normal processing and urgent processing. Normal processing visa is the visa processed in normal Vietnam working time which is completed and delivered within 2 working days. Urgent processing visa is the visa processed in a short time (1 working day, 4 hours or 2 hours), or the visa must be arranged beyond working time, at weekend or Vietnamese public holidays. Learn more about urgent Vietnam visa. [ Back to top ]

22. What is emergency service for Vietnam visa?

Emergency visa service is an alternative processing for those who need to obtain a visa approval letter beyond Vietnam working time, at the weekend or on Vietnamese public holidays. In such a rush case, you need to contact us directly via email, phone, and sometimes you might receive refusal since rush service couldn't be done late at night in Vietnam or time is too short to arrange the visa. Please notice that we need at least 1 hour to process the visa and the request must be sent before 9:00 PM Vietnam time [ Back to top ]

23. How does the visa approval letter look like?

Please find the visa approval letter sample here. [ Back to top ]

24. Where will I get Vietnam visa stamped upon arrival?

You can receive your visa stamp with this approval letter at one of the 3 International airports in Vietnam: Noi Bai International Airport (in Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat International Airport (in Ho Chi Minh City) and Danang Airport (in Danang). [ Back to top ]

25. Do you require a scan of my passport?

Normally, a scan of your passport is not required for online visa application. However, if the Immigration needs the passport scan to verify your information, you are required to send them. In this case, we will notify you by email about this, and you just need to send us your passport scan via email so that we will help send it to the Immigration. [ Back to top ]

26. Do I need a photo?

For online visa application, photos are not required. Yet, upon arrival in Vietnam international airports, you NEED to submit 2 photos of yours together with the passport and visa approval letter to the Immigration Officers (and pay the stamping fee of course) to get your visa stamped. And, the photos must have standard passport size, which means 4x6cm, must be clear and updated (within 6 months to date). [ Back to top ]

27. Are there any exceptions with this type of visa?

Yes, visa on arrival is not applicable to overland entry. Three international airports in Vietnam that you can get your visa stamp with this approval letter are: Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City) and Danang Airport (Da Nang). [ Back to top ]

28. Who needs visa to enter Vietnam?

Almost foreigners are required valid visa to enter Vietnam, except those countries listed in the Vietnam visa exemption list. Yet, to know exactly whether you need a Vietnam visa or not, before submit your visa application, kindly check visa requirement first. [ Back to top ]

29. Do you need my exact date of arrival?

No, we do not. But it would be better if you could provide as accurate as possible for your sake, because your duration of stay in Vietnam (noted in your visa) will be counted from the arrival date you provide. You can arrive and exit on any date within this duration. So, if you are not quite sure about your date of arrival, just choose some day earlier than your planned arrival date. [ Back to top ]

30. What are the procedures at Vietnam airport?

On arrival at international airport in Vietnam, you need to prepare a printed copy of your visa approval letter (black and white or colored hard copy), your passport, two 4x6cm photos of yours and US45$ for stamping fee per person for 1 month and 3 month single entry visa (or US65$ for less than 30 days multiple entry visa, US95$ for 3 month multiple entry visa) to show to the Immigration Officer to get your visa stamped into your passport. Besides, you are required to fill out the Entry and exit form for customs clearance. The procedures will take you about 15 - 20 minutes in total. [ Back to top ]

31. How long in advance should I apply for a visa?

Though it takes only one or two working days for the visa to be approved, it would be best to apply for your visa about 1 or 2 weeks before your entry date in order to avoid any unexpected incident like payment problems or typos. [ Back to top ]

32. What are required documents I have to show to get visa stamped?

To get your visa stamped upon arrival airport in Vietnam, you are required to show the following documents to the Immigration Officers to get your visa stamped:
- A printed copy of your visa approval letter
- Your passport
- 2 passport sized photos of yours (4x6cm) [ Back to top ]

33. What are the entire fees do I have to pay to get my visa?

You will have to pay 2 types of fees in total:
- The visa approval fee (paid online after filling out the secure online application form)
- The stamping fee (paid directly to the Immigration Officer at the arrival airport in Vietnam)
In total, it costs from US60$ (1 month single entry) upward per person to get a visa to Vietnam. [ Back to top ]

34. How much does it cost for the visa approval (or what is the visa approval fee)?

The visa approval fee differs based on the length of stay, type of entry and processing time. We provide here the detailed visa approval fee for visa on arrival for your reference. Please kindly contact us if you may have any queries. [ Back to top ]

35. What is stamping fee and how much does it cost?

Stamping fee is the fee you pay directly to the Immigration Officers upon arrival in Vietnam international airport for getting your visa stamped into your passport. The stamping fee for single entry visa (1-3 months) is US45$, or US65$ for less than 1 month (29 days) multiple entry visa; US95$ for 3 months multiple entry visa which must be paid in cash in Vietnam dong (VND) or US dollars (USD). [ Back to top ]

36. Could I pay the stamping fee together with the visa approval fee to you?

No, you could not. The visa approval fee is paid to us, the visa agent, but the stamping fee must be paid directly to the Immigration Officer upon arrival by you. [ Back to top ]

37. What credit/debit cards do you accept?

We accept both credit/debit cards, PayPal for payment of visa approval fee. The credit/debit cards include Visa, Master Cards, American Express or Discover. For details of payment guidelines, please kindly click here. [ Back to top ]

38. My credit card number is correct, but it was not accepted by your system. Why?

It might be due to any problems below:
- There might be some computer errors or irregular card information
- You have reached credit limit/your account is not enough money to pay
- You have entered incorrect card expiration date or your card has expired.
- You have entered incorrect Visa verified password or Master Secure code
- Your credit card is NOT enabled to conduct the transaction online
In any of those cases, please contact the issue bank. You can also click here to choose another payment gate or contact us for more details. [ Back to top ]

39. How safe are my credit card details?

For secure online payment, we use Secure Socket Layers (SSL) from Comodo Inc to keep your credit card details safe. In no cases will your debit/credit card details be transmitted unencrypted over the internet. For more details, please read through our privacy policy. [ Back to top ]

40. Is the rate applied to everyone?

Yes, it is. Anyone who uses our service will be applied the same rate. The applicants who held the passport of some specific countries as Indian, Sri Lanka, South Africa, South Korea, Israel, Mauritius... will be subjected a higher processing fee. [ Back to top ]

41. Could I pay for the visa approval fee at the airport upon arrival?

No, you could not. The visa approval fee must be paid online after your application has been submitted. You might pay the fee later, but it must be enough for us to arrange your visa (at least 2 working days for normal processing). [ Back to top ]

42. Can I travel without the visa approval letter and get the visa when I arrive in Vietnam?

No, you cannot. You have to print your visa approval letter before hand, and bring it together with passport and photos to arrival airport in Vietnam and present it to both Airlines Officers to board the plane and Immigration Officer to get your official visa stamped. Otherwise, you might encounter trouble at the arrival airport. If you were in that case, call us immediately at +84. 912 685 141 so that we may help you to solve the problem at our best. [ Back to top ]

43. What if I change my flight and arrive at another airport in Vietnam?

If you arrive at any of the three international airports: Tan Son Nhat (in Ho Chi Minh City); Noi Bai (in Hanoi) and Da Nang (in Da Nang), don’t worry because it is said that in the letter of approval: "The applicants is permitted to pick up visa upon arrival at Vietnamese International Airports". [ Back to top ]

44. Could I arrive earlier than the granted arrival date in my visa?

No, you could not. You just can arrive on any day LATER than the arrival date noted in your visa approval letter and your official visa as well. [ Back to top ]

45. Could I leave later than the granted exit date in my visa?

No, you could not. You just can leave on any day EARLIER than the exit date noted in your visa approval letter and your official visa as well. [ Back to top ]

46. What is Vietnam Embassy visa?

Vietnam Embassy visa (or visa code) is a pre-approved letter issued by Vietnam Immigration Department which allow the applicants pick up a visa at the Vietnam Embassy/Consulate in the country nominated by the applicants. You will need to show this document to the Embassy/Consulate, pay the stamping fee and get your Vietnam visa stamped into your passport. You can select the Vietnam Embassy by giving a note in application form in the step 1. [ Back to top ]

47. What is the difference between Vietnam Embassy visa and Vietnam visa on arrival?

- Vietnam visa on arrival is the visa applied for those who travel Vietnam by air only, and will get their visa stamped onto their passport at the immigration counter when arriving at the Vietnam International Airport. By submitting the approval letter together with your passport (6 months validity), two valid photos 04x06cm and stamping fee, the visa will be stamped onto your passport.
- Vietnam visa code or embassy visa is the visa which you can get at Vietnam Embassy or Consulate in the country where you are staying or living. No matter where you are or which passport you hold, you can reach for the nearest Vietnam Embassy or Consulate to apply for a visa. The time and the price of processing a visa vary from the Embassy or Consulate. Normally, it will take you 3-7 working days. All information about getting Vietnam visa at Vietnam Embassy or Consulate you can find at the website of the nearest Embassy or Consulate. Vietnam embassy visa is applied for those who travel by land, by air, by train and by sea. [ Back to top ]

48. What if I want to ask something else?

Please don’t hesitate to contact us immediately when the trouble occurs in anytime by phone (+84. 912 685 141), by email (vietnamvisabooking@gmail.com) or live chat at YM (vietnamvisabooking). Thus, remember to keep our hotline, phone, and email with you when travelling to Vietnam. [ Back to top ]

49. What should I do if I entered the wrong passport number?

If you enter the wrong passport number, please email to us at vietnamvisabooking@gmail.com or call us right away at +84. 912 685 141 for us to correct it before sending your information to the Vietnam Immigration Office. If you forgot to inform us about this issue until your information has been sent to the Immigration Office, you need to make another application for a new visa with correct passport number.[ Back to top ]

50. What if I forgot to bring my photos?

In case you didn’t have time to take photos at home, or just forgot to bring your photos to Vietnam, don’t worry because you can get them taken right at the arrival airport in Vietnam at only less than US2$. [ Back to top ]

51. What if my passport has expired?

In case your passport has expired, you have to get it renewed before making visa application. The reason is that according to Vietnam regulation, the passport must be at least 6 month valid from your entry date or else you will not be allowed to enter Vietnam. [ Back to top ]

52. What if I encounter any other trouble at the arrival airport?

Please don’t worry because we will always be available to help you at best, provided that you contact us immediately when the trouble occurs. If you do not call us, or call us too late, it’d be difficult for us to help. [ Back to top ]

53. What to do in case lost visa and passport in Vietnam

Passport, as commonly known is among the most important thing to keep along with wherever you go. Like other countries, Vietnam authorities may consider a serious problem once finding out you without passport. Thus, foreigners are advised to immediately contact the Local Police Department to report the incident. Then contact with your country’s Embassy in Vietnam to renew your passport. In case there is no your country’s Embassy in Vietnam then come directly to Vietnam Immigration Department at 40A Hang Bai, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi for solution.
As soon as having your passport issued, please collect following documents (original) and contact us to process the exit visa:
1. Your new passport
2. The report on the lost of exit and entry visa (certified by Local Police Department)
3. The diplomatic note of the your's Embassy or Consulate
4. Your air ticket [ Back to top ]

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