Visa tips on relocating to Vietnam from Australia

The big NEC computer in Ha Noi most likely knows all about you. They have been rebuilding the VNese diaspora knowledge for years.

Have you approached the nearest VNese consulate in Australia, they can actually do everything up to and including re-issuing passports. I understand Oz allows dual citizenship?

And that includes the children.

I suggest you come over here on your 3-month visa, apply for re-instatement of citizenship and then renew visas until citizenship issued.

If your parents are still alive you might inquire as to their residential address in VN before they, etc. as it makes it easier for the VN authorities to join the dots.

Your children will gain citizenship through you and your wife.

I helped a woman regain her citizenship - her father was an Ede minority soldier who fought for the French and her mother is French.

She regained her VN citizenship, as did her sister, and her children whose father is Algerian also were awarded VN citizenship. All of the documentation was handled through the VN embassy in the Middle East country they currently reside in.

The only hassles I have heard of is where 'boat' people, in making their escape, killed someone who tried to prevent their escape. This woman, a Canadian, has been allowed to return but was denied citizenship.

They let Nguyen Cao Ky visit, so you should have no problems.

But bring every scrap of documentation, even if only copies, and information.

Good luck.

P.S. Also can anyone recommend a good International School that won't cost me an arm and a leg? Non-existent, they want two legs and arms.

Thank you all for your advice. Greatly appreciated.

Hey bullspride, I'm on the same boat. Keep us updated on your progress.
I have emailed the VNese consulate but haven't talk to them yet.
Jaitch, the lady you helped, was it done while she was in vn? If so, how long did it take?

Bullspride,

If you have your birth certificate and are still in Australia, then hit the Vietnamese embassy there.  They can get all that you want done there for you.  But, if you must come to Vietnam prior to getting your Vietnamese citizenship back, then don't come on that 3-month tourist visa.  But, get the 5-year Visa Exemption Certificate for everybody.  It will cost a little more than the tourist visa, but in the long run, you will save a lot of time and money.  Finally, you can get your Vietnamese citizenship done here as well.

I came on a VEC 4 years ago and got my Vietnamese citizenship back here, a year after.

Thanks Wild 1.

It's good to know that the VN embassy can organise it all.

My wife made some general enquires with them previously and found them unhelpful and really rude.

Family and friends have been advising AGAINST getting my VN citizenship. I'm guessing for political reasons???? That's all a bit beyond me ........

Can anyone advise why it would not be a good idea? My understanding is I will have dual citizenship.... best of both worlds??

Thanks

Bullspride,

The bad side of Vietnamese citizenship is you will be subjected to Vietnamese laws.  Now, before, these were pretty poorly written and sloppily executed.  They were why we fled.  But today, granted that they are far from a great set, but they are fine to live by.  There are still a lot of people who refuse to accept this fact.  But, I like my chances here.

In dealing with the Vietnamese embassy, you must understand that they are hardline Vietnamese, not Australian-Vietnamese.  They dance to very different tunes.  If you find them problematic, get a sharp Australian-Vietnamese immigration attorney to deal with them for you.  Remember, he or she must be Vietnamese and understands the culture.  Otherwise, you will be better served here, in Vietnam.

As for the VECs, you can get a Vietnamese travel agent in your area to take care of them for you.  Use your plane tickets as chips.  But again, he or she must be Vietnamese.  Otherwise, cost will be crazily high and wait periods will be long.

Best,
Howie