Vietnam Tourist Visa Mastery: How to avoid Scams

Vietnam, with its rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and mouthwatering cuisine, remains a sought-after destination for travelers from around the globe. Our favorite destinations in Vietnam for short trips are: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Ninh Binh and for month-long stay: Da Nang).

Before planning your trip to Vietnam, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the visa application procedure and remain vigilant against common scams involving immigration officials. (We unfortunately fell victim to one such scam and learned our lesson the hard way).

In this guide, we’ll share our firsthand experience and valuable tips to facilitate a seamless visa application process and a memorable visit to the country. Are you ready to dig in?

Last update: February 2024

Type of Tourists Visa in Vietnam

Visa Exemption

The Visa Exemption is a widely utilized option for tourists visiting Vietname, primarily because it requires only a passport valid for over 6 months upon entry and a roundtrip ticket or one way ticket to another country, and best of all, it’s FREE! However, despite its convenience, this visa only permits a stay of up to 45 days. It’s imperative to verify if your nationality qualifies for this benefit before planning your trip.

As of August 2023, here are the 13 countries that are allowed to stay for 45 days in Vietnam upon entering the country:

1. Japan	6. Norway	11. Italy
2. South Korea	7. Finland	12. Germany
3. Russia	8. Sweden	13. Spain
4. Denmark	9. France
5. United Kingdom	10. Belarus

Tourist Visa (TR)

Unless you are eligible for the Visa Exemple, The Tourist Visa (TR) is a great option for most people that would like to stay in Vietnam for up to 90 days. This is what we’ve done in 2019 (to visit Da Nang) and in 2023 (to visit Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City).

You can apply for a single entry or a multiple entry visa. The Tourist Visa typically allows a stay of 30 days but you can request one for 90 days. It can’t be extended.

Single Entry Visa (SEV)

Single Entry Visa allows you to enter Vietnam once and can’t be extended at the moment.

• Validity: Valid for entering Vietnam within 3 months from the date of issue.
• Duration: Once you enter Vietnam, you can stay for either 30 or 90 days.
• Extension: Not possible.
• Price: $25 USD for 30 or 90 days.

Multiple Entry Visa (MEV)

Multiple Entry Visa allows you to enter Vietnam as many time as you’d like over a 6 month period for up to 30 days each time and can’t be extended at the moment.

• Validity: Valid for entering Vietnam within 3 months from the date of issue.
• Duration: Once you enter Vietnam, you can stay for up to 90 days.
• Extension: Not possible.
• Price: $50

Visa on Arrival (VoA)

It is not possible to show up at the airport and ask for a Tourist visa. You must apply for your visa before arrival or you might be refuse the right to enter Vietnam and might have to leave the country.

How to Apply

Visa Exemption

There is no application required for this visa if you qualify.

Keep in mind that you must provide the address of your hotel / airbnb once you enter the country. You might also be required to provide the following information:

• Proof of a return ticket exiting Vietnam within the validity of your visa.

Visa fee

FREE!

Tourist Visa (Single & Multiple Entry)

You need to apply for these visa online using the official e-Visa page.

Important: It’s essential to apply for your visa at least a week before your scheduled trip. While e-visa applications are typically reviewed within 3 business days, it’s advisable to allow for some extra time in case follow-up actions are necessary.

Information Required

• Passport with an expiry date of no less than 6 months
• Portrait photograph (digital version)
• Permanent residential address
• Trip Expenses (how much you plan on spending)
• Trip Insurance (how would you insure yourself on this trip)

Visa fee

25 USD
Note: Fee is subject to change, so make sure to always double check on the official e-Visa page.

Tips for Visa Application

Here are our tips to ensure a smooth visa application process and approval

• Plan Ahead: Start the visa application process at least 2 weeks in advance to avoid last-minute hassles.
• Check Requirements: Review the specific requirements for your chosen visa type and ensure you have all necessary documents.
• Be Honest: Provide accurate information during the application process to prevent any complications later on.
• Stay Updated: Always double check the latest information on your local Thai Embassy website as these policy do change from time to time.

How to Extend your Visa

Unfortunately you can not extend your Tourist Visa in Vietnam while in the country. You can however apply for a multiple entry visa if you would like to extend your stay.

Common Scams

It’s unfortunately quite common to encounter scams when obtaining your Visa in Vietnam as a Tourist. Many of these scams involve issues with your application process and corrupt immigration officials. Therefore, it’s crucial to double or even triple-check your application to avoid falling victim to these schemes. Here are some common scenarios resulting in an invalid application:

1. Missing Middle Name
2. Incorrectly placing your First name instead of your Last name (or vice versa)
3. Last-minute changes to your visa dates

If a dishonest immigration official at your port of entry identifies these issues, they may demand that you obtain an updated visa. Regrettably, there’s often no feasible way to acquire a new visa while already in the country, particularly if you’ve arrived by air and are at the airport.

In 2019, when Mrs. NN applied for her Vietnamese visa, she forgot to include her Middle name. Previously, this omission hadn’t posed an issue. However, during our visit to Da Nang, the immigration officer informed us that while he had seen other visas approved without a Middle name on her passport, it was not correct and needed correction. Given the timing coinciding with Chinese New Year and/or his awareness of Mrs. NN holding an American passport, he offered to expedite the visa process for her, for an additional fee of $150 USD! Yes, this amounted to 6 times the cost of her visa at the time! Mrs. NN chose not to negotiate with the immigration officer, so we withdrew cash from the airport ATM, paid the fee, obtained the updated visa, and moved forward with our travels.

More recently, another friend of hers fell victim to a similar scam. She needed to adjust the dates on her visa but couldn’t get the change processed in time before entering the country. Upon landing (also at Da Nang International Airport), she was also offered a similar service, for $150 USD.

Scam are definitely still going on!

Our Bottom Line

Navigating Vietnam’s visa requirements doesn’t have to be daunting. By understanding the different types of tourist visas available and following the application guidelines diligently, you can set off on your Vietnamese adventure with confidence and easily stay up to 3 months in this wonderful country.

While indulging in the delightful Vietnamese cuisine, exploring its rich history, or visiting its numerous sites, let your visa be the least of your worries as you immerse yourself in the wonders of Vietnam.

For more information and updates on Vietnam’s visa policies, visit the official website of Vietnam’s Immigration services or consult with authorized visa agencies in your country. We suggest the following pages that should hopefully stay updated with the latest information:

• Vietnam’s Immigration Website
• e-Visa Application page

Of course, feel free to leave us a comment in the comments section below if you have any questions for us as we will be happy to answer any we can based on our own experience.