Do I need to pre-purchase an entry visa for Vietnam for my holiday visit Nov 2007, and if so how do I get it.?

Question

Do I need to pre-purchase an entry visa for Vietnam for my holiday visit Nov 2007, and if so how do I get it.?

Answer 1

1. A VISA to Vietnam can be applied for by mail or in person at the Embassy of Vietnam as early as six months prior to the date of travel. The applicant must submit:

• Original PASSPORT.

• One completed and signed visa application form (PDF Form) with 01 passport-size photo glued or stapled.

• VISA fee in the form of MONEY ORDER, or CASHIER’S CHECK, or CERTIFIED CHECK payable to “THE EMBASSY OF VIETNAM.” Applicants applying together may submit the fee in one money order.

• A prepaid return envelope, if the applicant requests the visa be returned by mail. Please use US Express Mail (UPS and DHL are not accepted for the return envelope).  Applicants applying together may provide one envelope for visas to be returned to the same address.

Processing Time:

• 5 - 7 business days are required to process visa applications.

• Expedited processing requires 2 - 3 business days after the Embassy has received the application (additional fee required).

• Please keep the tracking numbers of the envelopes to and from the Embassy. When the above deadlines have passed, use the tracking number to check with the mailing service first. Please do not make telephone inquires on the status of your application (make sure that you keep your passport number for this request) until after the 3rd business day for an expedited case and the 7th working day for a regular case.

• The Embassy will be closed on Vietnamese and US holidays 2007. Please take account of the observed holidays in planning for your visa application and travel.

For further information, please contact the Visa Section of the Embassy:

Opening hours: 9:30 – 12:30 Monday through Friday

The Embassy is closed on Saturday, Sunday, and US and Vietnamese holidays.

Phone: [phone] and (202) 861- 0737

Fax: [phone] and (202) 861- 0917

EMBASSY OF VIETNAM

1233 20th Street, NW, Suite 400

Washington, D.C. 20036

Website: http://www.vietnamembassy.us

Answer 2

I think DanE has answered the question.  Cheers

Answer 3

You don't need to "pre-purchase" your visa, or rather obtain your visa in advance if that is what you actually mean. You could obtain a visa upon arrival in Vietnam, but I strongly advise that you obtain your visa before you depart.

If you are going on holiday instead of going on a vacation, then you are probably Australian and not American. That in mind, the answer from the Vietnam embassy in the U.S. will not apply to you. Australians have it a little easier to obtain a Vietnam visa than Americans do. I would let a travel agent handle this for you if you haven't obtained a Vietnam visa before.

Have fun on your holiday!