What do I need to go to Vietnam?
People often wonder what to pack in their luggage when traveling to an unknown country. Here are some suggestions that may be useful.
For sleeping
A night mask. As in many Asian countries, curtains are generally not opaque in Vietnam. If you are sensitive to light, come equipped.
Earplugs. Your hotel will not always have double glazing and, depending on its location, the traffic, which can be dense in the cities, could hinder you.
For entertaining
A good book. Finding food in French-language literature is not always easy on the road, even if you could find nuggets in specialty shops.
For treating
A pharmacy kit. Although there are many pharmaceutical products in Vietnam, it can sometimes be difficult to find the exact equivalent of your favorite drug. For more safety, take your treatments as well as some analgesics and antidiarrheals.
Travel insurance. Vietnam has excellent hospitals. You can even sometimes consult a French-speaking doctor, like at the Franco-Vietnamese Hospital in Saigon. However, fees can quickly climb. Find out about travel insurance for your needs for a quieter vacation.
An anti-pollution mask. Choose one with a special filter if you want to protect your airways in big cities.
For the rest
Clothing, souvenirs, jewelry, cosmetics, shoes, crafts, coffee, fabric, etc., you will find everything you need in Vietnam, whether in traditional markets or in modern shopping centers where you will find all your favorite brands … even suitcases to be able to carry all these marvels that you will have bought.
Do not forget to take care of your visa.
But, before you can indulge in shopping, and all the incredible activities offered by this fabulous country, you must first enter it. For that, you will need a visa, and you will need to do it a little in advance. Let us introduce 3 easy ways to make sure you get the most out of your trip to Vietnam.
Option 1: apply for visa on arrival of Vietnam.
Getting visa on arrival at the airport of Vietnam
Simple, economical, flexible and available for nationals of a large number of countries, it is certainly the most popular method among travelers from all over the world. The choice of the visa on arrival has the great advantage of allowing you to choose the duration of your trip (1 month, 3 months, 6 months or 12 months) as well as the type of visa (single entry or multiple entries). This is extremely useful for travelers who do not have an exact idea of the length of their stay and wish to remain free.
However, contrary to what his name might suggest, you can not just get to the airport to get the visa of your choice on your passport!
How to apply for visa on arrival Vietnam ?
Vietnam Visa Information
To obtain a visa upon arrival in Vietnam, you must apply for a letter of invitation before your departure. To do this, you will need to contact an agency, such as ours, fill out a simple online form and wait 2 to 3 business days before receiving your letter.
The invitation letter is an official document issued by the Vietnam Immigration Service, which contains your personal information and is certified by the government. You must present it before passing the passport checkpoints at the airport, accompanied by a photo and stamping fee.
How much does it cost to get visa on arrival Vietnam ?
International passport with Vietnamese visa
Visa fees (to be paid at the airport) depend on the type of visa requested. For example, a 3-month visa will cost you $ 25 for a single entry, and $ 50 for multiple entries.
To this is added the cost of the agency contracted to take care of the letter of invitation. These may vary to the extent that each company sets prices independently. Our agency offers very advantageous rates, from $ 8 depending on the options chosen!
Warning for “visa on arrival” applicants !
The visa on arrival is only available for travelers entering Vietnam from one of the country’s four international airports. Also check that your passport will be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry to Vietnam.
Option 2: apply for the E-visa of Vietnam.
A sample of an eVisa Vietnam
Since February 2017, nationals of 46 countries can obtain a Vietnam visa by applying for an E-visa online. This is a service directly offered by the Vietnam Immigration Service, issuing the visa following a 100% online procedure. This option has a great advantage: you can enter Vietnam through one of the country’s 28 border crossings (land, sea or airport), a boon for tourists traveling from neighboring countries not wishing to fly.
How to apply for e-visa of Vietnam ?
Visit one of the two official sites (immigration.gov.vn or evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn) to complete the online form. You will need to provide a scanned copy of your passport as well as a digital photo. As a general rule, you will receive your visa by email within 3 to 5 business days. We are at your disposal if you encounter difficulties during this procedure.
How much does it cost to get an e-visa of Vietnam?
$ 25 for a 1-month single entry visa.
Warning for e-visa holders !
The E-visa is only available for tourist visas of 30 days maximum with single entry. If you wish to stay longer, contact us to obtain a letter of invitation that will allow you to apply for a visa on arrival.
Option 3: apply for visa at the embassy of Vietnam.
Vietnamese-visa-sticker-in-a-passport
A good old method that works for sure, but has its share of disadvantages. Indeed, it requires that you live near an embassy, that you move – although some embassies offer a service by mail – that you make photocopies … in short, time!
Be aware that visas are often more expensive in embassies than other methods presented above.
If you do not mind, call the Vietnam embassy closest to your home before traveling to find out how to get a visa and how to get there.
You are ready for your trip. A last detail anyway: think of placing all the documents concerning your visa in your carry-on! Have a nice trip !
Vietnam visa on arrival direction at the airport of Vietnam
