Tourist visa for Vietnam

Porkpie

Hi all. Some advice here would be really appreciated. I booked a holiday for end of September to visit Thailand Laos and Vietnam. I'm curious as to the payment procedure for the Vietnam visa. On their website (I can't seem to post a link) they advise that Irish citizens can apply by email for a "loose leaf visa" and receive it by post. This seems handy enough, that I can email through the documentation, but they are looking for "Proof of fee payment by bank transfer: screenshot of transaction or receipt". Does anyone have any experience of this? Could someone tell me what the fee is and how you actually make the payment? There is no payment information on their website. I called their office and can't get an answer; I emailed them and only got a standard email response on visa procedures in general.

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retalivity

Are you arriving in Vietnam by air? You can get a visa on arrival f this is the case, the loose leaf one is only required if crossing the border on foot/by car/bus/boat etc. Been 7-8 years since I was there, but I flew into Hanoi from Laos and got one on arrival, think i paid for it there and then.

There's some other visa info here, seems you dont need one if you're from the UK.... https://vietnam.travel/plan-your-trip/visa-requirements

Porkpie

Hi Retalivity,

According to the tour itinerary (I'm travelling on a tour with G Adventures) I'll be arriving in to Vietnam by air from Laos.

I know you can pick up a visa in Laos on arrival from Thailand but I thought you had to get a visa for Vietnam in advance.

According to the website you linked, you can get a visa for Vietnam on arrival "If you are planning a multiple-entry visit or a stay of more than 30 days". I'll only be there for a few days.

The e-visa option on that website looks like a good option, though I'm always wary of third party sites - I generally prefer to go through the official site if possible - even though the Vietnam official visa site is crap!

VISA - The ONLY OFFICIAL website for Vietnam Visa in the UK and Ireland (vietnamembassy.org.uk)

(I hope that link worked!)

retalivity

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119429212#Comment_119429212

I emailed that crowd before as well but dont think I ever followed through with it. I have no receipt or email of purchasing a visa, nor memory of sending money to london, so I think I just got one on arrival at hanoi airport!

That e-visa link looks legit, it links through a vietnamese govt website.

beachhead

Do not apply to the embassy in London for a visa.It will cost a lot of money.Apply online at evisa.xuantnhapcanh.gov.vn Visa costs 25 US per person.Apply now.It takes 3 to 10 days for the visa to come through.Be careful to click on that exact address.There is another site with "legit" tacked onto the end.Vietnam are issuing one month only visas,single entry.That means 30 days duration and you can enter and exit one time only.

There is another way called Visa on Arrival where you use an agency based in VN to apply for a visa for you.They issue you a VOA letter via email which you then present to the visa on arrival counter at the port of entry and pay the 25US(you pay the agency a fee ,also which can vary between 6 US and any amount they chance).I've seen some lately look for e50 extra-a rip off.If,you are using a border crossing it's probably better to stick with the "loose leaf visa".A loose leaf visa costs 79 Sterling about 6 years ago,prob 90+ now.Email the embassy,if necessary.They normally reply within 24 hours.

I paid by Sterling cheque to the embassy.A sterling draft might do you.

Porkpie

Retalivity, Beachhead, many thanks for your responses. Beachhead, the website evisa.xuantnhapcanh.gov.vn looks legit alright and this is the website that comes up when you click on the "e-Visa official Website" link on the vietnam.travel site. I think I'll apply through that site then, and avoid the "legit" one!

Thanks again for all the help, really appreciated.

beachhead

You have to download a photo of yourself and your passport page with your personal details.I've used it before and this week,also.Visa cost me 25.38 euro for the 30 day visa.If,you have any questions about visas there is a support option on that site or email consular@vietnamembassy.org.uk

Porkpie

Thanks again Beachhead, I'll get the ball rolling on that now.

beachhead

Forgot to mention.This week when I applied payment was not requested when I completed the application,previously it was.If that happens to you you can click on evisa search to find out if you application has been processed then pay.Make a note of the reference number at the end of your application.It begins with the letter E,the date and 3 letters IRL and your pp number with 2 other nos.Leave it til next Tue before looking.

Enjoy,I prefer VN to Thailand,never been to Laos but on my list.Lots of hands out in Thailand,not,as much by any means in VN and cheaper.Laos prob in between

Porkpie

Thanks again, super helpful!

beachhead

Entry to VN is same as Thailand go straight to the immigration queue.Make 2 copies of all your visas - whether on paper or in your passport.Photocopy your pp in case of loss.

Ha Long Bay

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119429876#Comment_119429876

Entry to VN and Thailand is very different travelling with an Irish passport.

Thailand will grant you a 30 day tourist visa on arrival nothing to be done before arriving.

Vietnam you have two ways to enter 1st was the old method of pre approval letter through an agency and then having to get your visa processed on arrival with additional fees.

The easiest way to enter Vietnam now is to use the e-visa option which can be obtained from the official site.

https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/web/guest/khai-thi-thuc-dien-tu/cap-thi-thuc-dien-tu

beachhead

My comment about entry to Thailand was simply about the queueing system when you get off the plane.You might find that Thailand now requires all foreigners on a tourist visa to apply for a visa in advance.As far as I am aware the visa free entry has been discontinued for now.

Ha Long Bay

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119435352#Comment_119435352

It hasn't. If you are not sure why post false information confusing people?

beachhead

I said as far as I am aware.That actually means go and look at the conditions of entry if you don't want to end up in **** when you land there. Very handy at links you are.You saved me the pissing time.

The Thai gov cancelled the free visa entry earlier this year due to covid outbreaks

Tipperary animal lover

Only two available visa to vietnam for now is the evisa, apply now online or through embassy in london( way over priced), visa on arrival is not available but you still have companies offering this, pay them and kiss your money goodbye, the airline your travelling with will usually look for the the vietnam visa before they let you fly( aer lingus won't but the connecting airline will), you'll really enjoy vietnam, we've been going there since 2010, missed the last two years and heading to india next year as the 30 day visa doesn't suit us, not interested in a visa run, it's a pity the vietnam government has put these barriers up as its one of the best countries to visit for long stays.

beachhead

The visa online counter is open at Tan Son Nhat airport,also Noi Ba airport.

pmurphy00

I’m applying for a e-visa for my parents has anyone recent experience of what the wait times will be?

Tipperary animal lover

Usually 3 to 4 days, just checked there and it doesn't seem to be any type of vietnam holidays coming up, so it should be straight forward, you know there's only one site you can apply for an evisa? The rest are middlemen, your parents will have the time of their lives there, great country!! What area are they going to as the weather conditions vary big time this time of year.

beachhead

Around VN holiday times it can be 7 working days.The London Vietnam Embassy carries a list of holidays for 2023 but easy enough to look up on the internet