5 Mistakes to Avoid In Vietnam Application Process

The process of applying for an entry visa for Vietnam is slightly different and a bit more involved than some of the other SE Asian countries. If you aren't a citizen from one of the few countries with a short-term visa exemption, you will be denied entry or not even able to board a flight without a pre-arranged visa on arrival letter of approval or full Vietnam visa.

This Vietnam visa guide lists five important mistakes to avoid in the process of organizing the entry visa:

1) Organizing the approval letter beforehand
If planning to enter Vietnam by air and use the visa on arrival method, it is first necessary to pre-arrange the letter of approval via a third-party travel agent in Vietnam or tour operator before travelling. It is not possible to pick up the visa on arrival in the country without this letter, and also airlines will likely stop anyone attempting to travel without the appropriate documentation.

2) Visa on arrival by air
The Vietnam visa on arrival is only a practical option for travellers that plan to enter the country via one of the major international airports – Hanoi, Nha Trang, Ho Chi Minh City, or Danang. If planning to arrive in Vietnam via a land board or seaport, you will need to get a visa in advance from your local Vietnamese embassy or consulate.

3)  Arrival and exit date
The visa validity for the arrival and exit date is a little different on the cheap Vietnam visa and relates to a fixed date that is noted on your visa. The visa does not automatically start from the date of arrival in the country. For this reason, it is necessary to carefully plan your travel itinerary to ensure your visa matches your time in the country.

4) Incorrectly completed application form
When it comes to completing the application form to apply for a Vietnam visa it is essential to input the correct information. The information such as full name must match the details noted on the passport, so simply copy the information across from what is shown on your passport. Also, it is crucial to get the other details correct such as the arrival date and exit date.

Being 100% accurate with the form filling is essential in the process of applying for the Vietnam visa on arrival because the approval letter must have the correct information to avoid any potentially difficult situations at the destination airport.

Make sure to carefully check the approval letter received from your chosen travel agent or tour operator once you receive it. If any errors are noticed, you will need to apply to get the letter reissued by your agent before travelling to Vietnam.

5) Passport validity
A passport's validity must be at least 6 months beyond the exit date on the visa to Vietnam. It is the traveller’s responsibility to check their passport and ensure there is enough time left on it to be permitted to enter Vietnam.