Ho Chi Minh City Visa on Arrival: Is it still available?

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam and a popular tourist destination. If you are planning to visit Ho Chi Minh City, you will need to obtain a visa. One of the easiest ways to do this is to get a visa on arrival (VOA).

Ho Chi Minh City visa on arrival

A visa on arrival (VOA) is an official document that allows a foreign citizen to enter and stay in Vietnam for a specified period of time. VOAs are issued at designated international airports in Vietnam upon arrival. Citizens of many countries are eligible for VOAs, including most European and North American countries.

Requirements for Ho Chi Minh City visa on arrival:

• A valid passport with at least six months remaining validity.
• A visa approval letter obtained from a travel agency or online visa service.
• Two passport-sized photos.
• The visa stamping fee (USD 25 for a single entry visa, USD 50 for a multiple entry visa).

How to apply for a Ho Chi Minh City visa on arrival:

1. Complete an online visa application form.
2. Pay the visa processing fee.
3. Receive your visa approval letter by email.
4. Print your visa approval letter and bring it with you to Vietnam.
5. Upon arrival in Vietnam, proceed to the “Landing Visa – Cấp thị thực tại chỗ” counter at the immigration hall.
6. Submit your visa approval letter, passport, photos, and visa stamping fee to the immigration officer.
7. Receive your visa stamped in your passport.

Processing time for Ho Chi Minh City visa on arrival:

Visa approval letters are typically processed within 24 hours. However, it is recommended to apply for your VOA at least two weeks before your travel date to avoid any delays.

Validity of Ho Chi Minh City visa on arrival:

The validity of a single entry VOA is 30 days from the date of issue. The validity of a multiple entry VOA is 90 days from the date of issue.

Extension of Ho Chi Minh City visa on arrival:

VOAs can be extended for an additional 30 days at the Vietnam Immigration Department in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.

How Does it Work?

The process of obtaining a VOA is quite simple. Before your trip, you can apply for a VOA online through a number of different websites. Once approved, you will receive a visa approval letter via email. You will then need to print out this letter and bring it with you to the airport. Upon arrival in Vietnam, you will present this letter along with your passport, two passport-sized photos, and the stamping fee to the immigration officer. Your visa will then be stamped into your passport and you can proceed with your trip.

Alternatively, you can also apply for a VOA at the airport upon arrival in Vietnam. However, this is not recommended, as the process can be long and there may be long queues. It is also important to note that not all airports in Vietnam offer VOA services, so it is best to check beforehand.

Visa for Ho Chi Minh City

As mentioned earlier, a VOA is a convenient option for those traveling to Ho Chi Minh City. However, there are other types of visas available for those planning to stay in the city for an extended period of time.

Transit Visa for Ho Chi Minh City

A transit visa is required for those who are passing through Vietnam on their way to another country. This type of visa is valid for a maximum of 5 days and can only be obtained at the airport upon arrival. It is important to note that you must have a confirmed ticket for your onward journey in order to be eligible for a transit visa.

Vietnam Immigration Department Ho Chi Minh City

The Vietnam Immigration Department in Ho Chi Minh City is responsible for issuing visas and handling immigration matters for foreigners. They have a website where you can check the eligibility requirements for a VOA and apply online. The website also provides information on other types of visas and their application processes.

Visa Run Ho Chi Minh City

A visa run is a common practice among travelers who want to extend their stay in a country beyond the validity of their current visa. It involves exiting and re-entering the country to reset the visa clock.

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), also known as Saigon, is a popular destination for visa runs in Vietnam. There are several options for doing a visa run from HCMC, including:

• Moc Bai border gate: This is the most popular option for travelers from HCMC, as it is the closest border crossing to the city. The Moc Bai border gate is located about 70 kilometers from HCMC and can be reached by bus, taxi, or motorbike.
• Phnom Penh, Cambodia: This is another popular option for travelers from HCMC, as it is a major city with a vibrant tourist scene. Phnom Penh is located about 320 kilometers from HCMC and can be reached by bus or taxi.
• Bangkok, Thailand: This is a more expensive option, but it is also a popular choice for travelers who want to combine their visa run with a vacation. Bangkok is located about 1,400 kilometers from HCMC and can be reached by plane or bus.

The process of doing a visa run from HCMC is relatively straightforward. Simply exit Vietnam at one of the border crossings mentioned above, and then re-enter Vietnam the same day or the next day. You will be granted a new visa upon re-entry, which will be valid for the same length of time as your original visa.

Here are some things to keep in mind when doing a visa run from HCMC:

• Make sure you have a valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity.
• You will need to pay a visa fee upon re-entry to Vietnam. The fee will vary depending on your nationality.
• It is a good idea to have a copy of your flight itinerary or bus ticket with you in case you are asked by immigration officials.
• Be sure to allow enough time to get to the border crossing and back. You may also want to factor in time for delays at the border.

A visa run is a convenient and easy way to extend your stay in Vietnam. With a little planning, you can have your visa renewed in no time.

Here are some additional tips for doing a visa run from HCMC:

• Book your transportation in advance, especially if you are traveling during peak season.
• Consider hiring a visa agent to help you with the process.
• Be patient and polite when dealing with immigration officials.
• Enjoy your time in Vietnam!

Ho Chi Minh Visas for Indians: A Guide for Smooth Travels

Ho Chi Minh City, the vibrant heart of southern Vietnam, beckons travelers with its delectable street food, bustling markets, and rich history. If you’re an Indian passport holder planning a trip to this captivating metropolis, you’ll need to navigate the visa process. But fret not, for it’s a smooth journey with the right information.

e-Visa Convenience:

Gone are the days of lengthy embassy queues! Indians can now avail of the convenient e-Visa option for stays up to one year with multiple entries. This online application process is quick, efficient, and accessible 24/7. Just remember, your passport needs at least six months’ validity and two blank pages for the digital stamp of approval.

Types of Visas:

Beyond tourism, e-Visas cater to various purposes. Business ventures are covered under the e-Business Visa, while medical tourism or assisting patients has its dedicated e-Medical and e-Medical Attendant Visas. Even attending conferences becomes hassle-free with the e-Conference Visa.

Fees and Processing Times:

The cost for an e-Visa depends on the duration and type. It typically ranges from US$35 for a single-entry, one-month visa to US$135 for a one-year multiple-entry option. Processing times are generally within 3 working days, making it a swift and budget-friendly affair.

Landing Arrangements:

Once your e-Visa is approved, you can print it out and present it at Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat International Airport. Immigration officials will verify it and stamp your passport, granting you entry into Vietnam’s dynamic southern hub.

Additional Pointers:

Remember to double-check all your information before submitting your application. Any discrepancies might lead to delays or even rejection. Also, note that the e-Visa facility is not available at land or sea borders, so plan your arrival accordingly.

With this helpful guide and a dash of wanderlust, your Ho Chi Minh visa journey awaits. So pack your bags, embrace the exotic aromas, and get ready to explore the captivating essence of this Vietnamese gem!

Conclusion

Obtaining a visa for Ho Chi Minh City may seem like a daunting task, but with the option of a VOA, it has become much easier and more convenient. Just remember to check your eligibility, apply in advance, and have all the necessary documents ready upon arrival. With this ultimate guide, you can now confidently plan your trip to Ho Chi Minh City without worrying about the visa process. Happy travels!

Vietnam Embassy Singapore