Most visitors still need to apply for a Vietnamese visa in order to to enter the country. In general, Vietnamese visa is inexpensive in comparison to any other countries. The visa fees are ranging from US$65 - 85 if an application is sent directly to the Embassy or or US$25-55 if your visa has been pre-approved.

A fairly convenient visa on arrival process has recently been introduced, but this requires a pre-arranged application to Hanoi Immigration Department and is generally helpful to those who wish to avoid complicated "red tape" procedures.

For visa on arrival service, we recommend MyVietnamVisa.com who is featured on The New York Times, LonelyPlanet and TripAdvisor.

VISA ON ARRIVAL

It is possible to get a 30 day visa on arrival but it is worth going to an Embassy before you leave and arranging a 3 month or 6 month. The Vietnamese change the visa laws on a continuous basis and you may find that when you expect to get a 6 month you will only be able to get a 3 month. If preferred, OTN can assist with your visa. If you would like us to organize your visa, please email us at least three weeks before departure.

VISA RUN

ALL teachers have to do this when working in Asia. It comes with the job. A work permit is not necessary as 98% of teachers in Asia work on a tourist visa. Once your visa is close to its end, you will be required to leave the country for one day and return with a new visa. Don't panic,  you can get to Laos by bus from Hanoi for as little as $15 each way.

Most teachers use this visa run a as an excuse for a holiday.  

VISA TIPS

1. For visa on arrival, there should be no problem for arriving the country 1 day earlier with date provided and leave 1 day later after the visa expires. However, you can only do it at the airline's permission.
2. Small typo mistake on the visa or approval letter is accepted, however, it is strongly recommended that you check your details carefully to make sure that they are correct to avoid problem at Vietnam airport.

VISA EXEMPTION UPDATES

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has given the nod to a new regulation allowing overseas Vietnamese and their families to enter Vietnam without visas as of September 1, and the visa exemption decision meets overseas Vietnamese aspirations.

5-day visa free: Many travelers emailed us about the The 5-day visa-free stay scheme which was announced in 2002 and it seems to have been wishful thinking, however, we have never heard it used.

Visa tips:

1. Visa regulations are often changing, so check carefully before you are due to travel. Usually, it is possible to extend visas within Vietnam but not during the Party Congresses.

2. Visa extensions are often done with less than 1 week on your ongoing visa, and after 3 extensions, you must get a new visa. The fee is ranging from 18-35USD.

3. In case, you are exempted from visa to Vietnam, and want to stay longer than your allowed time, the fee is quite expensive (50-70USD), so keep in mind this when you plan your travel itinerary.

4. Please apply for a visa to Vietnam one or two weeks in advance to avoid unwanted troubles or urgent fee.

Need help on Vietnam Passport and Visa?

If this page did not answer your questions on visa to Vietnam, or you need more information on visa, don't hesitate to drop us an email at Dhover@overseasteachingnetwork.com. We will get back to you shortly. Thank you!

Vietnam Embassies And Consulates Abroad

Many people worry about safety issues when traveling to Hanoi.  This is due primarily to the fact that there are rumors that Vietnam is an unfriendly place for many travelers.  These rumors stem from the fact that the area saw years and years of domination by other countries and erected a barrier around themselves and foreigners as a result of this.    However, it is no longer the case that Hanoi is unfriendly.  In fact, much of the money in the area comes from tourists and the locals recognize and appreciate that.

The one main area where there is generally some concern for safety is in using public transportation in Hanoi.  The bus system there can be confusing, which means that visitors are often not alert to their surroundings when navigating the bus, because they are trying to figure out what is going on with their schedules and routes.  This fact, combined with the fact that buses and terminals are often crowded, makes these areas a hotbed for petty theft crimes.  In particular, pick pocketing is a risk in these areas.  Visitors should take standard safety precautions to make sure not to become victims of this type of crime.   .

If you are a foreigner and want to find a good hospital in Hanoi, it only can be Hanoi French Hospital. HFH (http://www.hfh.com.vn) is the first international hospital in Hanoi. It serves foreigners. The hospital stands as a 68-bed multi disciplinary care facility offering essential medical and surgical services. It aims at serving Vietnamese as well as foreigners, residents or travelers, in and around Hanoi, reaching for the all the northern Vietnam. 

For further information about Hanoi French Hospital, please contact: 84-4-35771100 or email: contact@hfh.com.vn

The Family  Medical Practice opened 1994 in Hanoi, now with clinics in Hanoi, HCMC and Da Nang. Open 24 hours a day, with ambulance, medical center, in-house pharmacy, stand-by-planes and helicopters. All kinds of specialists such as tropical medicine, dermatologist, pediatrician, gynecologist and physiotherapist. Clinics are multi-lingual and foreign-owned. Inpatient and outpatient care. The prices are reasonable. http://www.vietnammedicalpractice.com, 298 I Kim Ma Road, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi. 24h hotline: (04) 3843 0748.

 There is also an SOS clinic in Hanoi that is open until 7:00 p.m. On staff, are physicians that speak English, French,  and Vietnamese.

Be aware that cholera is always a danger in Vietnam.  Always wash your hands and be aware that some street vendors do not have access to clean water and soap.

Beware of pickpockets mostly in the touristy areas like nearby the Ma May street Tube house, the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater and around the Hoan Kiem Lake. These guys work in teams and usually there is one who will try to hound you into buying postcards/pictures/anything  while another one opens your bag up to fish for valuables. Be especially suspicious of the young fellows holding only a few things to sell. Try not to carry your backpack on your back or put valuables in your pockets when walking in this area.