Anyone have any further info on this upcoming tourist visa change?

Cant wait to join the 1 hour long entry queue's at Tan Son Nhat every month instead of every 3 months come July. Bet all the airlines are rubbing their hands thinking about the increased profits, bums on seats resulting in increased air fairs too!

People used to having 3-month tourist visas will just spend less time overall in VN. As you said even just  the hours of waiting for a 1-month visa will get them to rethink their plans

I've spent a year in Cambodia 6-7 years ago. I wouldn't mind going back for a vacation but not more. The country has changed too much lately to me.

Mike Wagner wrote:

People used to having 3-month tourist visas will just spend less time overall in VN. As you said even just  the hours of waiting for a 1-month visa will get them to rethink their plans

But I think its not a 1 month visa they are planning, its still like 3 months for me as UK citizen but you gotta go out & come in every month just to get a stamp on your passport.....right??

Jeez if its a new visa every time its another 1 hour on top at the visa desk & another page gone every month on the passport!

Cambodia on a retirement visa for me, rent out our apartment & just make a visit to HCMC every now & then.

Nope.....there’s a way around that.
The 90 day visas would need to be Multiple entry....so, by the time you’ve been out/in twice there’d be f#ckall time left on it.

It would be cheaper just to get 30 day Evisa , and just walk thru Immigration .

I got put onto a 3mth DN business visa this week.Multi entry, renewable in the country for @ $150 up to 3 times...then leave & start again.   Given the situation I was in , that’s what they gave me.   Since it’s 90 days , NO documentation,work permits etc required......so far.😳

I was told after July that same visa will still be operating.   Let’s wait & see.   I like the multi entry bit....I leave again next month for another side trip, but could stay up to 12 mths

Stuff that Landing Visa counter every month

Ontheroad57 wrote:

Nope.....there’s a way around that.
The 90 day visas would need to be Multiple entry....so, by the time you’ve been out/in twice there’d be f#ckall time left on it.

It would be cheaper just to get 30 day Evisa , and just walk thru Immigration .

I got put onto a 3mth DN business visa this week.Multi entry, renewable in the country for @ $150 up to 3 times...then leave & start again.   Given the situation I was in , that’s what they gave me.   Since it’s 90 days , NO documentation,work permits etc required......so far.😳

I was told after July that same visa will still be operating.   Let’s wait & see.   I like the multi entry bit....I leave again next month for another side trip, but could stay up to 12 mths

Stuff that Landing Visa counter every month

Good info ontheroads & thanks, just shows how out of touch I am these days (just set in my ways over the years going out & in every 3 months tourist visa suppose), did not even know about the e visa. So with e visa no need to go to the visa on arrival desk & wait.....right?

So can you explain the deal "in basic mans terms" on the 3 months DN business visa & is it like available to everyone? call me mr stupid but cant understand why I did not go for that DN visa in the first place & like you, I do a fair bit of traveling so that would be the way to go.

Any guidance is much appreciated.

Mike Wagner wrote:

I agree that breaks are needed when you live in Viet Nam anyway. 30 days are too short to my taste though, I can do 2-3 months then enjoy a break elsewhere.

I go back to the US for two weeks every two months.  It used to seem too soon.  Now, even though I am leaving my wife behind for a couple of weeks i’m desperate and very much looking forward to getting out for a while.  I can’t see being here on a TRC and never leaving.

Hi Jack...😆
Actually I was one of the bad people blacklisted.     It was explained to me that since I was issued a 12mth DN via “dodgy” means , ie the visa agent didn’t bother registering the sponsoring company correctly or a work permit among other requirements.   

To right the wrong, I was advised to get the “correct” DN , ie 3mth term Multi entry , since No documentation is required.  (I’m still sceptical about that bit)😆.....and then after it expires I could go back to tourist visa.     It’s a long story , and some of it simply doesn’t add up, but that’s what I was offerred .  Take it or leave it.   My “fixer” organised everything .

However,, 3 mth DNs are still selling online I believe. 

Those Evisa ,,,don’t need the big stamp anymore.  No stamping fee either, it’s all paid online & cheaper.   Just walk straight to the passport control entry points.

SteinNebraska wrote:

Mike Wagner wrote:

I agree that breaks are needed when you live in Viet Nam anyway. 30 days are too short to my taste though, I can do 2-3 months then enjoy a break elsewhere.

I go back to the US for two weeks every two months.  It used to seem too soon.  Now, even though I am leaving my wife behind for a couple of weeks i’m desperate and very much looking forward to getting out for a while.  I can’t see being here on a TRC and never leaving.

I agree but every 1 month is too much, just the thought of standing in them immigration queue's for hours every month is driving me to drink!!

unionjack wrote:

I agree but every 1 month is too much, just the thought of standing in them immigration queue's for hours every month is driving me to drink!!

If it didn’t take me 27 hours each way I would definitely go back every month.  After 30 days, three times a day of the base choice of rice or noodles I get extremely bored with the food.  I do try to mix in some western food but it’s just not the same.

unionjack wrote:

SteinNebraska wrote:

Mike Wagner wrote:

I agree that breaks are needed when you live in Viet Nam anyway. 30 days are too short to my taste though, I can do 2-3 months then enjoy a break elsewhere.

I go back to the US for two weeks every two months.  It used to seem too soon.  Now, even though I am leaving my wife behind for a couple of weeks i’m desperate and very much looking forward to getting out for a while.  I can’t see being here on a TRC and never leaving.

I agree but every 1 month is too much, just the thought of standing in them immigration queue's for hours every month is driving me to drink!!

Ha ha ha......driving you to drink huh.....
Can’t do that here anymore either.     

It all adds up......Vietnam sell Sabaco brewing to the Thais........then ban alcohol 🤓

SteinNebraska wrote:

unionjack wrote:

I agree but every 1 month is too much, just the thought of standing in them immigration queue's for hours every month is driving me to drink!!

If it didn’t take me 27 hours each way I would definitely go back every month.  After 30 days, three times a day of the base choice of rice or noodles I get extremely bored with the food.  I do try to mix in some western food but it’s just not the same.

Learn to cook then  its all on YOUTUBE.

Ontheroad57 wrote:

unionjack wrote:

SteinNebraska wrote:

I go back to the US for two weeks every two months.  It used to seem too soon.  Now, even though I am leaving my wife behind for a couple of weeks i’m desperate and very much looking forward to getting out for a while.  I can’t see being here on a TRC and never leaving.

I agree but every 1 month is too much, just the thought of standing in them immigration queue's for hours every month is driving me to drink!!

Ha ha ha......driving you to drink huh.....
Can’t do that here anymore either.     



It all adds up......Vietnam sell Sabaco brewing to the Thais........then ban alcohol 🤓

right on, them Vietnamese are not as stupid as the make out then & now Vietjet will be coining it in from all us old xpats doing runners to BKK etc every month.

SteinNebraska wrote:

unionjack wrote:

I agree but every 1 month is too much, just the thought of standing in them immigration queue's for hours every month is driving me to drink!!

If it didn’t take me 27 hours each way I would definitely go back every month.  After 30 days, three times a day of the base choice of rice or noodles I get extremely bored with the food.  I do try to mix in some western food but it’s just not the same.

I can relate to that.   I’m already salivating about the Kebab I usually get back in Australia every visit , straight off the plane.  Mixed lamb & chicken, garlic hummus, extra cheese .  The thing is about a foot long and 4 inches thick.     Same in Bali,,,,,go to Johnny Rockets ,,,buffalo wings, burgers .... not bad at all.

I generally only eat vegetable here ,,the meat here is shit ,,unless you buy it yourself & cook it.

unionjack wrote:

Ontheroad57 wrote:

unionjack wrote:

I agree but every 1 month is too much, just the thought of standing in them immigration queue's for hours every month is driving me to drink!!

Ha ha ha......driving you to drink huh.....
Can’t do that here anymore either.     



It all adds up......Vietnam sell Sabaco brewing to the Thais........then ban alcohol 🤓

right on, them Vietnamese are not as stupid as the make out then & now Vietjet will be coining it in from all us old xpats doing runners to BKK etc every month.

Nope....Airasia, much better, cheaper and ON TIME.

Ontheroad57 wrote:

SteinNebraska wrote:

unionjack wrote:

I agree but every 1 month is too much, just the thought of standing in them immigration queue's for hours every month is driving me to drink!!

If it didn’t take me 27 hours each way I would definitely go back every month.  After 30 days, three times a day of the base choice of rice or noodles I get extremely bored with the food.  I do try to mix in some western food but it’s just not the same.

I can relate to that.   I’m already salivating about the Kebab I usually get back in Australia every visit , straight off the plane.  Mixed lamb & chicken, garlic hummus, extra cheese .  The thing is about a foot long and 4 inches thick.     Same in Bali,,,,,go to Johnny Rockets ,,,buffalo wings, burgers .... not bad at all.

I generally only eat vegetable here ,,the meat here is shit ,,unless you buy it yourself & cook it.

You ever had a fish supper at Union Jacks or a burger at Hungry Pig?

Buy a Crock Pot & cook the sh*t out of the meat & its pretty much edible.
Mind you, an Ozy & a Yank will know all about good meat right enough, BEST STEAKS EVER!!

SteinNebraska wrote:

I can’t see being here on a TRC and never leaving.

You can also leave Vietnam several times with the TRC. 

AkaMaverick wrote:

SteinNebraska wrote:

I can’t see being here on a TRC and never leaving.

You can also leave Vietnam several times with the TRC. 

But TRC not easy if retired & not working.....right?

unionjack wrote:

Cambodia on a retirement visa for me, rent out our apartment & just make a visit to HCMC every now & then.

Sounds interesting.
I'll do more research on it.

AkaMaverick wrote:

SteinNebraska wrote:

I can’t see being here on a TRC and never leaving.

You can also leave Vietnam several times with the TRC. 

There is no limit to the amount of times you can exit on a TRC.

unionjack wrote:

AkaMaverick wrote:

SteinNebraska wrote:

I can’t see being here on a TRC and never leaving.

You can also leave Vietnam several times with the TRC. 

But TRC not easy if retired & not working.....right?

If you are married to a Vietnamese woman in Vietnam, a TRC is very easy.

AkaMaverick wrote:

unionjack wrote:

AkaMaverick wrote:

You can also leave Vietnam several times with the TRC. 

But TRC not easy if retired & not working.....right?

If you are married to a Vietnamese woman in Vietnam, a TRC is very easy.

Live with, committed to, but not married mate.

SteinNebraska wrote:

...choice of rice or noodles I get extremely bored with the food.

Yes, the food here is becoming more and more of a problem for me too.
Even my Vietnamese wife is bored with the food here.
Every night before we go to sleep the same scene, "what do you want to eat tomorrow" - "oh no, I don't know. I'm bored with all the food here."

That's why we go to Thailand a few times a year.
I also like to eat at the Hawker Centers in Singapore.

I miss curry dishes that are available in every restaurant in Thailand. Here you rarely find curry dishes, and if you found it, then mostly with giblets, which is not everyone's cup of tea ( I like it).

unionjack wrote:

SteinNebraska wrote:

unionjack wrote:

I agree but every 1 month is too much, just the thought of standing in them immigration queue's for hours every month is driving me to drink!!

If it didn’t take me 27 hours each way I would definitely go back every month.  After 30 days, three times a day of the base choice of rice or noodles I get extremely bored with the food.  I do try to mix in some western food but it’s just not the same.

Learn to cook then  its all on YOUTUBE.

That's right. But if my wife cooks Vietnamese, it'll be soon boring too. Besides, she can't manage to cook without sugar.
And most of what I cook, she doesn't like. 

Sometimes I make for myself just tomatoes with sacallions and olive oil (as a substitute for tomato morzzarella with chives or basil).

If you exit with a spousal TRC of type "TT", will they issue you with a 30 day certificate based on a TT visa, or will you be able to return and stay for the full duration remaining on your spousal TRC?

In other news that could be of note to spouses, this looks interesting:

"2021 labor law changes:

  Work permit exemptions. The following categories will be exempt from work permits: owners or capital-contributing members of limited liability companies that meet minimum contribution amounts designated by the government; chairs or members of the board of directors of a joint stock company that meet government capital contribution requirements; spouses of Vietnamese citizens.
    Labor contracts. Labor contracts for foreign nationals must not exceed the validity period of the work permit. Employers may enter into multiple definite-term labor contracts with foreign employees provided that the work permit is granted.
    Work permit duration. Work permits will be issued for a maximum two years and may only be extended once for a maximum period of two years."

Source: https://www.balglobal.com/bal-news/new- … t-in-2020/

Mike Wagner wrote:

Yeah, I'll do something like that too if there's no workaround. South Korea also has 90-day exemptions, Singapore too but that is another budget etc. Besides, discounts should be rather aggressive this year if people decide to stay away from this part of the world.
(Just don't forget to get a pretty serious/heavy travel insurance "just in case".)

If you have the money, Singapore is the place to make a permanent home.  But if Singapore is not in the budget, then Malaysia (they have a retirement visa) is a great alternative and just down the road from Singapore.  We have seriously looked at Malaysia and Singapore, but it will depend on what things are like in about 10 to 15 years.

mtgmike wrote:

Work permit duration. Work permits will be issued for a maximum two years and may only be extended once for a maximum period of two years.

So if a two year work permit may only be extended once, does this mean that an ESL teacher will be limited to four years working in Vietnam, or does it simply mean that at the end of four years the teacher will have to submit all the paperwork again for a new permit?

AkaMaverick wrote:

That's right. But if my wife cooks Vietnamese, it'll be soon boring too. Besides, she can't manage to cook without sugar.
And most of what I cook, she doesn't like. 

Well, you need to teach her that the food can still be cooked and taste good without sugar and without MSG.  My wife had a hard time at first, but she finally realized that there was no advantage to adding these toxic chemicals to the food.  Of course, it easy for me because she can't buy MSG unless we go to an asian market, which we rarely visit.  For sugar, we buy organic sugar, but she uses it mostly for her coffee.  I can imagine if we were in VN, I would have lost that battle.  Good luck mate.  But remember, sugar is the No1 ingredient to a sure illness and cancer loves sugar.

SteinNebraska wrote:

If it didn’t take me 27 hours each way I would definitely go back every month.  After 30 days, three times a day of the base choice of rice or noodles I get extremely bored with the food.  I do try to mix in some western food but it’s just not the same.

have your company pay for business class or first class, the selection is much better along with the numerous alcoholic beverages.  I loved my trips to VN.  I drank more alcohol on those trips than one can imagine and really enjoyed the hot saki.  I am guessing it might also depend on which airline you fly.  One of my favorites was Lufthansa where they provide first class passengers a made to order Chef cooked 5 start dinner at Dulles before the flight.  Then at boarding, they have a private entrance where you exit the lounge directly onto the airplane, no waiting at the gate.

THIGV wrote:

mtgmike wrote:

Work permit duration. Work permits will be issued for a maximum two years and may only be extended once for a maximum period of two years.

So if a two year work permit may only be extended once, does this mean that an ESL teacher will be limited to four years working in Vietnam, or does it simply mean that at the end of four years the teacher will have to submit all the paperwork again for a new permit?

I read it as a need to reapply for a work permit after 4 years, not a ban on foreigners teaching in Vietnam for more than 4 years during their lifetime, but that's just my speculation.

This was the part that caught my eye:  "Work permit exemptions...; spouses of Vietnamese citizens."

mtgmike wrote:

I read it as a need to reapply for a work permit after 4 years, not a ban on foreigners teaching in Vietnam for more than 4 years during their lifetime, but that's just my speculation.

This was the part that caught my eye:  "Work permit exemptions...; spouses of Vietnamese citizens."

I guess time will tell.  How the bureaucrats interpret the law is what counts most in Vietnam, or really any country for that matter.  The thing about Vietnam is that every city may have a different interpretation.

I missed the bit about spouses of Vietnamese citizens being eligible for work permit exemptions.  This could be very significant for many readers of this forum.

After reading  much on this topic. I decided to get it from the horses mouth so to speak.
I phoned the Vietnam embassy in Canada and was ASSURED that leaving the country every 30 days wS not required.
I could come on a tourist visa of any sort and stay for the duration.

Canman62 wrote:

After reading  much on this topic. I decided to get it from the horses mouth so to speak.
I phoned the Vietnam embassy in Canada and was ASSURED that leaving the country every 30 days wS not required.
I could come on a tourist visa of any sort and stay for the duration.

Shrewd move ......I’ve never trusted jockeys.

colinoscapee wrote:

There is no limit to the amount of times you can exit on a TRC.

I do understand that but it is sometimes touted as being better than a VEC because the holder doesn’t need to leave.  That is the part I was referring to.  No way I would want to stay that long without taking a break.

Here is a recent (from today) video where an American guy in Da Nang further discusses the new "30 day" rule that applies to tourist visas starting from 1 July 2020:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3T9tjpRQ8D4

SteinNebraska wrote:

colinoscapee wrote:

There is no limit to the amount of times you can exit on a TRC.

I do understand that but it is sometimes touted as being better than a VEC because the holder doesn’t need to leave.  That is the part I was referring to.  No way I would want to stay that long without taking a break.

If a person exits regulary, then the VEC is the way to go. I dont exit very often, so the TRC suits, also saves losing another page in my already quite full passport.

So, if I am one 3months tourist visas, I will need to leave every month and get a new stamp? Or even a sticker?

Dan911 wrote:

So, if I am one 3months tourist visas, I will need to leave every month and get a new stamp? Or even a sticker?

Yes, according to the new regulations, you will be "stamped in" for 30 days - your visa does not expire, so you will have to leave Vietnam and re-enter at a later time.

I have heard there might be "in country extensions" available, but there are no details (yet) regarding this.

zeubie wrote:

Dan911 wrote:

So, if I am one 3months tourist visas, I will need to leave every month and get a new stamp? Or even a sticker?

Yes, according to the new regulations, you will be "stamped in" for 30 days - your visa does not expire, so you will have to leave Vietnam and re-enter at a later time.

I have heard there might be "in country extensions" available, but there are no details (yet) regarding this.

Ah, so I wont need a new sticker. I will just have to go through the check.

I hope they will make it easier to extend it right here..leaving every month is too much for me. Make it 2 and I am happy. Jesus, even for a tourist who wants to travel the country properly is 30 days not enough.

Dan911 wrote:

zeubie wrote:

Dan911 wrote:

So, if I am one 3months tourist visas, I will need to leave every month and get a new stamp? Or even a sticker?

Yes, according to the new regulations, you will be "stamped in" for 30 days - your visa does not expire, so you will have to leave Vietnam and re-enter at a later time.

I have heard there might be "in country extensions" available, but there are no details (yet) regarding this.

Ah, so I wont need a new sticker. I will just have to go through the check.

I hope they will make it easier to extend it right here..leaving every month is too much for me. Make it 2 and I am happy. Jesus, even for a tourist who wants to travel the country properly is 30 days not enough.

If they do allow in- country extensions it will be costly, as it is now. Nearly double the price without leaving.