Visa to Vietnam - tips and advice

Most nationalities entering Vietnam (some ASEAN, Nordic excepted) require a visa.  A fairly convoluted visa on arrival process has recently been introduced, but this requires a prior application to Hanoi and is generally intended mostly for groups and citizens of countries without Vietnamese embassies.

Tourist visas are generally valid for 30 days and can sometimes be extended in country (it depends on the policy in operation at the time) or converted to business visas etc.  - at a price. Business visas are necessary if you intend to conduct any business at all, and are generally valid for three, six or twelve months. Work permits are required for foreign workers in Vietnam, although some ignore this regulation - at their own risk.

On arrival, visitors must complete duplicate arrival and departure forms. A yellow duplicate form for customs must also be completed - KEEP THE YELLOW COPY for departure or you will face a pretty hefty "fine".

Tips and Advice

-    Apply for a visa to Vietnam before your departure at least one or two weeks in order to avoid hidden fees.
-    You can either apply for a Vietnam visa at a Vietnamese embassy in your home or traveling country, the cost should be around 55-85USD.
-    You can extend your ongoing visa for a maximum of 3 times, and then you have to get a new one.
-    If  you are exempt from visa, try to plan your itinerary within this period if you do not want to pay high fee to get a visa once you are in Vietnam.

See also

Vietnam travel guide
Hanoi travel guide
Hoi an travel guide
Vietnam airlines information

Useful resources

List of visa exemption agreements between Vietnam and foreign countries
Vietnam visa requirements
Vietnam travel watch