How far in advance can I get a visa for Vietnam?

Question

We are going to Vienam in January 2008 and wonder how far in advance can we get a visa, how long does it take and can I go to DC and get it all done in one day?

Answer 1

Here you go!

  HOW TO APPLY FOR A VISA TO VIETNAM?

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.

2. Diplomatic and Official Visas:

• Diplomatic and official visas will be granted GRATIS unless otherwise agreed upon between Vietnam and the applicant’s country.

• In addition to the documents specified in (1), the applicant must submit a note verbal or an official letter from the relevant agencies of the US Government, Embassies or Consulates accredited to the United States, and international organizations.

3. Business Visas:

• In addition to the documents specified in (1), the applicant must provide a visa pre-approval(1) obtained through his/her sponsor(2) in Vietnam. The Embassy will issue visas only upon approval issued by the Immigration Department, Ministry of Public Security in Vietnam.

• If the applicant does not have a host/sponsor in Vietnam, s/he may contact the Embassy for assistance.

4. 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

If you are just going to be in Vietnam for a few weeks or so the tourist Visa is Ok.  If you are going to be in S.E. Asia for a while, it might be wise to ask for a multiple entry visa.  It costs just a little more but gives you much more flexibility.  Any other info that I can give you?  Drop me and Email.