Travel Tips about getting a visa for Vietnam

June 2019 : For traveling to Vietnam most people need a visa, although some countries are exempted from a visa. Like people from most asian countries, Thailand included, will get a 30 days visa free entry to Vietnam. There are a few ways to get a visa for Vietnam :

• Go to an embassy of Vietnam and apply for an visa, but that might be a bit time consuming. For the embassy in Bangkok see : Vietnam Embassy in Thailand (warning : there are many websites that pretend to be an embassy website)
• Get an Visa On Arrival on-line. But be aware that you are actually not getting a visa but you are getting a Letter of Approval to get an Visa On Arrival (VOA). So on-line you apply & pay for the Letter of Approval. Then at the border you will get & pay for a Visa on Arrival. 
• Be aware that the websites offering the Visa On Arrival for Vietnam are private business (travel companies) and that not all are real or offering correct & good service.
• Be aware that the Visa On Arrival are only valid for 5 International Airports. Not for land crossings!
• For a full & good explanation of this process have a look at My Vietnam Visa. 

Update July 2019 : Since recently there is a new option to get a real E-VISA online. So no more time to waste at the airport and it is cheaper as you do not have to pay for getting the approval letter. For more information see E-Visa Vietnam. And the best thing is that E-Visa holders can enter and exit Vietnam through any checkpoint in 33 international checkpoints. Be aware that I have not done this myself so no guarantee!

If you want to travel in Vietnam and need information or help about your transport, itinerary, tours or accommodation then send me a email at The Little Elephant Traveling in Vietnam.

Disclaimer : All information is created in good faith and is an expression of fair comment.