The Latest News on Vietnam Visas

The Vietnam Government has positively embraced tourism in recent years. It understands the importance of the revenue earned from tourists as a contributor to the national economy. When the 10 millionth visitor in the calendar year arrived, there was a ceremony to celebrate the fact. Tourism is growing year after year and the authorities are keen that they put no, or limited bureaucracy, in the way. When it comes to a Vietnam visa, the regulations have changed from time to time.

As an example, in 2015, a programme was introduced to waive a visa to Vietnam for five West European countries, the UK, Germany, Italy, France and Spain, for a stay of up to 15 days. That programme was initially introduced for a year, was extended a further year and has subsequently now been extended until the middle of 2018.

The point is that Vietnam has different regulations for different nationalities, and for different lengths of stay. Last year, a multiple entry visa valid for a year was introduced for USA citizens. You can find out the situation for yourself personally although a visa provider will know the detail.

One thing that has certainly helped the growth of tourism in Vietnam is the quality of the service offered by professional tour companies. Those like Vivu Travel in Hanoi offer a range of tours, some for up to three weeks, and make all the arrangements to ensure clients enjoy their time in the country. Reputation and professionalism are important factors for travel companies. In the case of Vivu Travel, it has moved a step further than simply offering different Vietnam travel packages by providing a visa service to its clients.

Clients can get a Vietnam tourist visa by approaching an Embassy or Consulate in their home country but it is much easier to use a service provider that can obtain a ‘’Vietnam Approval Letter’’ in a much shorter time. It should be never more than three working days from date of application. There is an application form to complete and the relevant passport must be clean and with a minimum of six months validity. Each client receives an email or fax of the letter which is sent to Immigration at the intended airport of entry at the same time. This Vietnam visa on arrival procedure is only available for tourists flying into Vietnam.

In most cases, these arrangements can be made well in advance of the holiday but if the booking is very much last minute, an urgent Vietnam visa can be approved under this system in just one day. Electronic mail guarantees that client and Immigration will both have the necessary documentation so that the passport can be stamped on arrival for entry into the country.

With visa regulations changing from time to time, using a visa provider ensures that everyone can be certain that they are complying with the regulations in place at that time, or due to be in place by the day of the Vietnam trip.

Read more:
Vietnam visa fees
What is visa on arrival