Visas To Enter Vietnam

@Aidan in HCMC What do you do with Immigration when they took your 60 USD and never gave you a visa nor retrurned the money?
-@MartinLe

You count that as loss and move on. Feel lucky.

How long you dudes used same profile picture for evisa application. In my boundless stupidity I submitted profile pic which I already used 3x , which is apready older than 6 months. Should I submit another evisa application?
-@narcrepellant2525

Hi narcrepellant2525.
Has your application been rejected? If so, did VN immigration state why?
If not yet rejected, I suggest you hang tight and wait.
If already rejected, could you visit the same shop in D1 (in post #67)?
-@Aidan in HCMC
I got visa in email for less than 2 days, everything went fine as ya guys predicted. Just to make you aware I was using same proile picture before around 9 months after submitted it for the first time. Got rejected 2x with some cryptic misc reason and after I made new picture 3rd time and submitted I was good to go.
-@narcrepellant2525

Shaved your noggin' ?
-@Aidan in HCMC

What's that? ;-)

@narcrepellant2525

Noggin (Your head) 

How long you dudes used same profile picture for evisa application. In my boundless stupidity I submitted profile pic which I already used 3x , which is apready older than 6 months. Should I submit another evisa application?
-@narcrepellant2525

Hi narcrepellant2525.
Has your application been rejected? If so, did VN immigration state why?
If not yet rejected, I suggest you hang tight and wait.
If already rejected, could you visit the same shop in D1 (in post #67)?
-@Aidan in HCMC
I am now on e visa #7 next one will be #8 & my agent uses the same photo she took & saved for the first application & never had a problem.
-@goodolboy

Oh well that's e visa # 8 in the bag & off to Moc Bai on the visa run bus Sat 24th all arranged by my well respected & friendly visa agent. E visa Vietnam, Evisa Cambodia, VIP bus, breakfast & snacks, interesting company & hey this time they are going to pick me up & drop me off at BIG C Pandora so no early bike run to D2. Best 110usd I have spent in ages............what a result!

@narcrepellant2525 Immigration does not answer emails nor telephones.

I went to collect an application for DT visa extension from 196 NTMK yesterday.

The officer on the first desk and chair 1 shouted (barked) me when I asked an application!

Government already printed and keeps there to provide for people who needed!

But she acted like it's NOT her duty to answer (nobody answers on phone or email for any queries) for this simple help!

Later the officer in Chair 2 gave me the application and tried to explain (even though I know the formalities) very clearly!

Later I found that many immigration officers are not happy nowadays because of new policy of government to receive TRC/Visa in person which they cannot ask bribery directly! They love agents!

Immigration does not answer emails nor telephones.

Now they don't want any foreigner to come and stay in Vietnam, I guess.

@narcrepellant2525 Immigration does not answer emails nor telephones.
-@MartinLe

That's not completely so.

It's definitely true that I have yet to hear of anyone who has successfully connected with immigration via the contact number & email address listed on the evisa site.

They would probably prefer that you go through an agent for assistance (see Charma's note).

However, I had great telephone responses in English on the dedicated assistance lines for both HCMC & Hà Nội Immigration offices when I was sorting out the details/requirements for my spousal TRC last year.

"Devil's Advocacy" for agents:

Aside from the fair suggestion that the controlling of corruption has upset some immigration officials, I'm pretty sure that the government and the immigration department have always valued agents dealing with the many questions and minutia that would otherwise be brought to the immigration department.

We've all seen how many questions that foreigners can come up with before they are willing to get a Visa.

I was posting on here in 2018 with a ton of questions and then started asking those same questions with the online visa agent from whom I was ready to purchase.

I have to think that if there were no agents, immigration would spend more time answering questions than they ever spend on actually processing visas.

The evisa will now be 90 days, multiple entry, effective August 15th, 2023.

Also, anyone from a county with Visa exemption will now be authorized a 45 day stay (Chili & Panama continue to enjoy 90 days exemptions).

Vietnamese news article (link)

More news outlets in Tiếng Việt via Google Search (link)

Good to hear things may be slowly coming back to normal - only a matter of time before they reinstate the six-month & one-year multiple-entry visas for Americans............I am looking forward to visiting Quinh Nhon and Danang again by year's end.     Peace.   

Waiting on news of the required out of country leave time between 90 day e Visas...

Waiting on news of the required out of country leave time between 90 day e Visas...
-@panda7

Why?

Ever since Law No. 51/2019/QH14 amending and supplementing a number of articles of Law No. 47/2014/QH13 on entry, exit, transit and residence of foreigners in Vietnam was passed in December, 2019 (effective on July 1, 2020) there hasn't been any mandatory out of country leave/wait time between visas or visa exemption authorized visits.

There's been zero government talk about the possibility of that happening.

Only unfounded rumors & speculations spread by foreigners on social media.

Even prior to covid, only those using their visa exemption status to stay in Vietnam were required to have a mandatory period of time outside the country before re-entering.

That's no longer required.

I'm guessing this idea has been pushed by those who've run into problems with the mandatory period of time required to be outside the Schengen zone in Europe.

...only a matter of time before they reinstate the six-month & one-year multiple-entry visas for Americans...
-@tunnelrat69

If you mean the sketchy business visas without work permits, I wouldn't hold my breath waiting.

If you mean longer tourist visas, even the old ones only allowed "approved periods to remain" of 90 days at a time, right?

If people still needed to do a visa run every 90 days, what was the advantage of a 1 year visa over 4 - 90 day visas, except perhaps a lower overall price?

I'm genuinely curious...

Hello everyone,

For latest news on visas, I suggest that you subscribe and participate to the following thread : Latest news on visas

All the best

Bhavna

Waiting on news of the required out of country leave time between 90 day e Visas...
-@panda7

Why?

Ever since Law No. 51/2019/QH14 amending and supplementing a number of articles of Law No. 47/2014/QH13 on entry, exit, transit and residence of foreigners in Vietnam was passed in December, 2019 (effective on July 1, 2020) there hasn't been any mandatory out of country leave/wait time between visas or visa exemption authorized visits.

There's been zero government talk about the possibility of that happening.

Only unfounded rumors & speculations spread by foreigners on social media.

Even prior to covid, only those using their visa exemption status to stay in Vietnam were required to have a mandatory period of time outside the country before re-entering.

That's no longer required.

I'm guessing this idea has been pushed by those who've run into problems with the mandatory period of time required to be outside the Schengen zone in Europe.
-@OceanBeach92107

so I can live here forever on 3 month tourist visas with a short run to Moc Bai every 3 months ? I don't think so...

Waiting on news of the required out of country leave time between 90 day e Visas...
-@panda7

Why?

Ever since Law No. 51/2019/QH14 amending and supplementing a number of articles of Law No. 47/2014/QH13 on entry, exit, transit and residence of foreigners in Vietnam was passed in December, 2019 (effective on July 1, 2020) there hasn't been any mandatory out of country leave/wait time between visas or visa exemption authorized visits.

There's been zero government talk about the possibility of that happening.

Only unfounded rumors & speculations spread by foreigners on social media.

Even prior to covid, only those using their visa exemption status to stay in Vietnam were required to have a mandatory period of time outside the country before re-entering.

That's no longer required.

I'm guessing this idea has been pushed by those who've run into problems with the mandatory period of time required to be outside the Schengen zone in Europe.
-@OceanBeach92107


so I can live here forever on 3 month tourist visas with a short run to Moc Bai every 3 months ? I don't think so...
-@panda7

you dont have a clue what you are talking about, as OB has said there is no out of country limit before re entry. As detailed again by OB prior to Covid & many years before many people (including myself) lived here for many happy years on tourist visa's

so I can live here forever...-@panda7

No, you cannot. Memento mori

Waiting on news of the required out of country leave time between 90 day e Visas...
-@panda7

Why?

Ever since Law No. 51/2019/QH14 amending and supplementing a number of articles of Law No. 47/2014/QH13 on entry, exit, transit and residence of foreigners in Vietnam was passed in December, 2019 (effective on July 1, 2020) there hasn't been any mandatory out of country leave/wait time between visas or visa exemption authorized visits.

There's been zero government talk about the possibility of that happening.

Only unfounded rumors & speculations spread by foreigners on social media.

Even prior to covid, only those using their visa exemption status to stay in Vietnam were required to have a mandatory period of time outside the country before re-entering.

That's no longer required.

I'm guessing this idea has been pushed by those who've run into problems with the mandatory period of time required to be outside the Schengen zone in Europe.
-@OceanBeach92107


so I can live here forever on 3 month tourist visas with a short run to Moc Bai every 3 months ? I don't think so...
-@panda7

I'm sure you honestly post with good intentions, but please forgive me for speaking the truth: your track record of "think"ing you know what the government will or won't do regarding visas has been abysmal.

I won't go back (again) and quote how many times you've told the forum what the government was going to do without any of your predictions coming true.

It's definitely true that nothing lasts "forever" under Vietnam Immigration law, but for the sake of the casual reader--because you are going out of your way to cast doubt on something that people such as goodoleboy (check his activity for recent posts) have been doing for quite some time now--it's worth answering your question in detail:

(Leaving out the subject of visa exemptions) Foreigners have been "retiring" here on tourist visas since long before covid caused them to have to leave the country.

Depending on the foreigner's nationality, they would usually find an agent they trusted to take care of their serial visa needs for however many months they had "permission to remain"/"Được phép tạm trú đến"  stamped in their passport and then make their required visa runs/flights and reenter on their new visa.

Ciambella had a description of the process:

"Wash, Rinse, Repeat..."

Has anyone ever been denied a new visa or denied reentry after they exited the country?

Sure they have.

There are many anecdotal reports of that happening; sometimes because the foreigner gets flagged as a suspicious person or blacklisted by immigration or even because a bullheaded foreigner refused to cough up some coffee money to a border guard.

So it's always wise to behave oneself while living in Vietnam on serial visas, avoiding breaking any laws and offending Vietnamese citizens (especially officials and their relatives) as much as possible and definitely not becoming involved in illegal activities such as teaching/earning money without a work permit or engaging in casual smuggling. 

It's definitely NOT highly advisable to attempt to "retire" here on serial tourist visas, but that wasn't your point.

To your point about there possibly being some codified restriction against exiting and immediately re-entering the country using tourist visas, there hasn't been any such restriction for as far back as I've been able to search the subject, and there's been zero indication from the government that they might be contemplating initiating such a policy.

Besides, goodolboy will be happy to introduce you to his agent...

Enjoy your trips to Mộc Bài!

Waiting on news of the required out of country leave time between 90 day e Visas...
-@panda7

Why?

Ever since Law No. 51/2019/QH14 amending and supplementing a number of articles of Law No. 47/2014/QH13 on entry, exit, transit and residence of foreigners in Vietnam was passed in December, 2019 (effective on July 1, 2020) there hasn't been any mandatory out of country leave/wait time between visas or visa exemption authorized visits.

There's been zero government talk about the possibility of that happening.

Only unfounded rumors & speculations spread by foreigners on social media.

Even prior to covid, only those using their visa exemption status to stay in Vietnam were required to have a mandatory period of time outside the country before re-entering.

That's no longer required.

I'm guessing this idea has been pushed by those who've run into problems with the mandatory period of time required to be outside the Schengen zone in Europe.
-@OceanBeach92107


so I can live here forever on 3 month tourist visas with a short run to Moc Bai every 3 months ? I don't think so...
-@panda7

I'm sure you honestly post with good intentions, but please forgive me for speaking the truth: your track record of "think"ing you know what the government will or won't do regarding visas has been abysmal.

I won't go back (again) and quote how many times you've told the forum what the government was going to do without any of your predictions coming true.

It's definitely true that nothing lasts "forever" under Vietnam Immigration law, but for the sake of the casual reader--because you are going out of your way to cast doubt on something that people such as goodoleboy (check his activity for recent posts) have been doing for quite some time now--it's worth answering your question in detail:

(Leaving out the subject of visa exemptions) Foreigners have been "retiring" here on tourist visas since long before covid caused them to have to leave the country.

Depending on the foreigner's nationality, they would usually find an agent they trusted to take care of their serial visa needs for however many months they had "permission to remain"/"Được phép tạm trú đến" stamped in their passport and then make their required visa runs/flights and reenter on their new visa.

Ciambella had a description of the process:

"Wash, Rinse, Repeat..."

Has anyone ever been denied a new visa or denied reentry after they exited the country?

Sure they have.

There are many anecdotal reports of that happening; sometimes because the foreigner gets flagged as a suspicious person or blacklisted by immigration or even because a bullheaded foreigner refused to cough up some coffee money to a border guard.

So it's always wise to behave oneself while living in Vietnam on serial visas, avoiding breaking any laws and offending Vietnamese citizens (especially officials and their relatives) as much as possible and definitely not becoming involved in illegal activities such as teaching/earning money without a work permit or engaging in casual smuggling.

It's definitely NOT highly advisable to attempt to "retire" here on serial tourist visas, but that wasn't your point.

To your point about there possibly being some codified restriction against exiting and immediately re-entering the country using tourist visas, there hasn't been any such restriction for as far back as I've been able to search the subject, and there's been zero indication from the government that they might be contemplating initiating such a policy.

Besides, goodolboy will be happy to introduce you to his agent...

Enjoy your trips to Mộc Bài!
-@OceanBeach92107

I posted this because I knew you would troll it, take the bait and then antagonise...

Why wouldn't someone retire here on serial tourist visas ? The alternative is investing large amounts of money which is not advisable as the sovereign risk is huge. Believe it or not most Asian countries have retirement visas. Your argument so far against this for Vietnam is some rubbish about national security which is a dead argument as people seeking this type of visa actually want to come here to retire not work and operate illegally etc.

Your argument so far against this for Vietnam is some rubbish about national security which is a dead argument as people seeking this type of visa actually want to come here to retire not work and operate illegally etc.
-@panda7

Someone needs to immediately alert the government that their concerns are totally unfounded!

"Rubbish" is the name of the heap where your argument belongs.
-@OceanBeach92107

so do yours apparently as its now perfectly fine to renew a 90 day tourist visa indefinitely...if national security was an issue why would they allow this ? 470 votes to 5.

[link moderated]

90 day visa approved

90 day visa approved
-@JohnnyChristo

JohnnyChristo, two questions:

The date you applied for the 90 day visa? and

The entry and exit dates?

Thanks.

90 day visa approved
-@JohnnyChristo
JohnnyChristo, two questions:
The date you applied for the 90 day visa? and
The entry and exit dates?
Thanks.
-@honem

I believe JohnnyChristo  was referring to the gov't assembly's voting to approve the 90 day DL visa (tourist), set to commence Aug 15th/23.

I just checked the eVisa application page and it is not (yet) accepting applications for a stay exceeding 30 days.

@Aidan in HCMC

Thanks for the clarification Aidan.

Can I ask members to update this thread when they've been successful in obtaining a 90 visa.

I have friends unhappily ensconsed in Mexico who wish to return to Nha Trang as soon as possible.

Thanks.

@Aidan in HCMC
Thanks for the clarification Aidan.
Can I ask members to update this thread when they've been successful in obtaining a 90 visa.
I have friends unhappily ensconsed in Mexico who wish to return to Nha Trang as soon as possible.
Thanks.
-@honem

If your friends want immediate and reliable confirmation of an update to the national system, probably best to:

1. Once DAILY, attempt the same process Aidan described above.

That will be their best way to confirm that it's possible to submit an application.

or

2. Follow a trustworthy visa agent service on Face.book or another platform.

They will almost certainly be the first to post the official red-stamped document detailing the specific regulations and instructions that will be implemented as a result of the new legislation.

There are a few of us who always attempt to immediately share news in this thread without the need for a special request.

We do not share public agent recommendations here in the forum (unless that's another policy that has been changed without notice) so if you need a recommendation, send a private message to a trustworthy forum member.

Good luck to you and your friends.

I would not be surprised in the least to learn that applications for 90 day DL (tourist) eVisas will not be accepted for consideration before Aug 15th. If this turns out to be the case, add to that the 3 day processing time, giving an earliest entry date of Aug 18th (optimistically).

From VN Express Int'l

The legislative body passed the needed amendments to the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam with 470 out of 475 members voting in favor. The amendments take effect on August 15.(Link)

My view is that at this point in time travelers should not assume an entry date of Aug 15th with a 90 day DL eVisa to be a sure thing. This should not affect travelers from visa-exempt countries(Link) who previously had 15 day exemption privilege, and who will as of Aug 15th be able to enjoy their new 45 day visa exemption stay.

In OceanBeach92107's post, herethe link to the Vietnamese news site states in its last line,

"Luật có hiệu lực thi hành từ ngày 15.8" . Google translate gives the wrong tense, translating as " The law took effect on Aug 15." I'm told that it should translate as "...takes effect on...".

It is now (after 10 days of the legislation passing) still not possible to submit an eVisa application with an arrival date on or after Aug 15th for a period exceeding 30 days.

Probably more like "...comes into effect/is enforceable from August 15".  Google translate strikes out again.

Of course such pedanticism doesn't tell us when the website will be updated, or if serial eVisas will be allowed. 

I seem to recall folks could not apply for the 30 day eVisas prior to March 15 2022, when the law took effect (in addition to many other hiccups).

Thus some skepticism over an efficient rollout seems reasonable; we know nothing can be assumed until visa is in hand.

...Of course such pedanticism doesn't tell us when the website will be updated, or if serial eVisas will be allowed....
-@hewhocannotbenamed66

If by serial you mean consecutive, then I'd assume immigration authorities would maintain the status quo (a fellow Canadian here is now on his 15th consecutive eVisa).

See Law No. 51 details, specifically item #3

“...the interval between the entry date and the previous exit date..."

from Ministry of Public Security for VN, Sep. 2020 (Link)

If by serial you mean stacking, that's something I'd be interested in hearing about. Stacking eVisas would entail holding a series of approved eVisas. Ideally they'd be dated so as to facilitate same-day border runs.

Any members have experience with this?

From the site's faq page.

V. Entry & exit with an e-Visa,

ss 5. What if I want to enter Vietnam before my e-Visa validity period?

You must completea new e-Visa application. The previous e-Visa application will be cancelled once the new e-Visa is issued

(Link to VN Immigration faq page)

Though the page specifically states that the previous eVisa will be cancelled upon issuance of the new, I've heard of expats successfully using eVisas from their "stack".

Thoughts? First-hand experience?

A concise and thorough thread on the steps required to attain TT-TRC (marriage visa and temporary residence card).

Thank you to all members for contributions, esp. those of OceanBeach92107.

Topic, "Clear TT-TRC instructions?", here (Link)

Yes, someone mentioned above about "efficient rollout" of new 3 mnth evisa system. It is now more detailed (and clumsier?) than the old one. May take time to get up and walking

Im doing 1 hour shifts on it now - 1 hour online applying, 1 hour break. I learn Vietnamese swear words in betweens

It may be time to find an agent

Ps. Departing Vietnam via different exit / entry port wasn't a problem

As usual, one of the most detailed and informative links about the new 90 day Visa on a website that is routinely used by consulates and embassy of Vietnam in the USA:

I am sure you are right. The fault lies with me and not the site

Anyways, after 20 odd efforts at sending and waiting in vain for a confirmation email to continue, i gave up. That took out a big slice of my day

I thought it might just be teething problems (ie  Day 1 of rolling out the 90 day visas under a different format) but I am sure its just me and so, its time see if an agent can help this old fool

Thanks for the input

I am sure you are right. The fault lies with me and not the site
Anyways, after 20 odd efforts at sending and waiting in vain for a confirmation email to continue, i gave up. That took out a big slice of my day

You shouldn't be so quick to blame yourself. Take a look at a couple of the comments at the bottom of this article. And again, here. (Links, VN Express)

I thought it might just be teething problems (ie Day 1 of rolling out the 90 day visas under a different format) but I am sure its just me and so, its time see if an agent can help this old fool
Thanks for the input
-@John123470

Yet, agents are reporting quick approval times. It's almost as though individual applicants are being steered toward agencies.

I can't for the life of me imagine why.   

@Aidan in HCMC

Well, all is not lost.  I am fluent in Vietnamese swear words now.  I wasn't before

Every cloud

This just in from the major visa agency in Đà Nẵng:

A family of three (whom they assisted getting new 90 day visas) just arrived and were given 90 day "permission to remain" stamps in their passports.

I am actually freezing from China the english website " in English ttps://immigration.gov.vn)  "is in fact a google translation blocked...

Someone has the link for billing ?  where do I fill my registered number (I already filled the form in Vietnam  but I was waiting for pay that I have had left Vietnam...) ?

Here is the official evisa application link:

https://dichvucong.bocongan.gov.vn/bocongan/bothutuc/tthc?matt=26277# (adding the hashtag should load the English language version)

1. If English doesn't appear, simple toggle in the menu from "Tiếng Việt" to "English"

2. Ignore the search boxes

3. Choose the "submit application" button.

4. Agree to the pop-up

5. SUBMIT EMAIL ADDRESS to get One Time Password by email. Nothing else is possible on the application until the OTP verification code received in email is entered.

Don't attempt to upload photo or passport first.

6. Only after email OTP is verified, complete the remainder of the application.

7. Everyone who finds this to be difficult should contact a trustworthy visa agent for assistance.

8. Most visa agents are charging $40 USD to apply for a $25 USD 90 day single entry visa.

9. Multiple entry 90 day visa is $50 USD (additional visa agent fee if assistance is needed).

I just want to add that I can't imagine the government having made this a more difficult process.

It seems very clear to me that given all the information requested (especially #10 that specifically requests your location outside of Vietnam) the government is doing its best to discourage people from living here long-term on serial visas.

I previously recommended that people just put the nation of their passport in #10, but after finally having a chance to carefully read the entire application, I'd like to withdraw that recommendation.

Using the nation of your passport will most likely work initially.

However, considering it in conjunction with all of the other questions and the warnings about activities in Vietnam, it seems clear to me that the government is making sure that you clearly state what you intend to do, in case they ever want to challenge the information you provide.

I'm thinking that if I still needed to apply for 90 day visas, I would seriously consider doing my Visa run and then applying for my next Visa online outside of Vietnam.

That might mean the need to spend three to seven days outside of Vietnam every 90 days (less if I use an agent for express services) but that looks like the only safe solution to me.

My opinion.

There was a problem with the sun ? so bad connection from China... when the Vietnamese immigration is opening the mailbox is closing and so on...