Getting Visas to Vietnam

Just like any other countries, travelers who are entering Vietnam needed a valid passport and a visa. A visa can be obtained through a travel agency or an embassy in a country. Nowadays, a traveler can obtain a visa upon arrival at the airport with particular necessities. You can enter Vietnam via tourist visa, business visa, diplomatic and official visa. Only those who are citizens of some ASEAN countries can enter the country without obtaining an Entry Visa (valid for visit not more than 30 days). These countries are Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Laos. Citizens of Japan, South Korea, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland can also enter Vietnam without a visa but their stay shall not exceed 15 days.

Upon applying a business visa, you must have an approval of a sponsor residing in Vietnam. It is much easier to have a business visa if you are already in the country. Stay of 3-month or 6-month and a multiple entry is also possible. Fees change widely depending on the embassy or consulate. Visitors with government and diplomatic business are issued with Diplomatic and Official Visas. These visas are free of charge.

If you want to go to Vietnam in a faster and cheaper way than the States, I suggest that you go through the embassy of the neighboring country like Bangkok, Thailand. It is the most popular way to get a Vietnam visas for many travelers. It takes five days to process a visa in San Francisco consulate for $65 while in Bangkok embassy you’ll be charged 1000 Baht (US$50 in its equivalent and no other currency is accepted)and you’ll get it on the same day.