Visas To Enter Vietnam

@giosamsung2012Are you aware that you can get a VOA (visa on arrival) at the Moc Bai/Bavet crossing? -@Aidan in HCMC

Thank you for your reply. I am aware that VOA exists but never thought of using it because I need to spend more time at the border and I don't speak Cambodian.

Not sure what you mean about having to spend more time at the border. Reports are that the Cambodian border officers speak English.

There is possibly also other factor like "coffee money" compounded which can make things go wrong.

100K-200K VND is plenty of coffee money (~$6.00-$12.00 CDN) to get you through that.

I don't want to take any chance as the visa-run day would be my last day stay on Vietnam visa. I only get one shot at this. If anyone has a better approach please share.

Do your run 1 or 2 days before the final validity date.

Doesn't VOA application form ask for the "address in Cambodia during visit"? -@giosamsung2012

No, it does not.

I assume you've not yet received your new Vietnam eVisa allowing you to "...make a U-turn to Vietnam on the same day."

Members are now reporting blanket denials to applications submitted through the immigration web portal while they are still in Vietnam.

@giosamsung2012Are you aware that you can get a VOA (visa on arrival) at the Moc Bai/Bavet crossing? -@Aidan in HCMCThank you for your reply. I am aware that VOA exists but never thought of using it because I need to spend more time at the border and I don't speak Cambodian.Not sure what you mean about having to spend more time at the border. Reports are that the Cambodian border officers speak English.There is possibly also other factor like "coffee money" compounded which can make things go wrong.100K-200K VND is plenty of coffee money (~$6.00-$12.00 CDN) to get you through that.I don't want to take any chance as the visa-run day would be my last day stay on Vietnam visa. I only get one shot at this. If anyone has a better approach please share.Do your run 1 or 2 days before the final validity date.Doesn't VOA application form ask for the "address in Cambodia during visit"? -@giosamsung2012No, it does not.I assume you've not yet received your new Vietnam eVisa allowing you to "...make a U-turn to Vietnam on the same day."Members are now reporting blanket denials to applications submitted through the immigration web portal while they are still in Vietnam. -@Aidan in HCMC

Thank you for your information.

It simply means time saving, a visa already in my pocket as opposed to starting a process of applying for visa.

I got lost in a new place many times so it feels much better to know local language to obtain info about where to go and what to do,

About coffee money, don't get me wrong, it was not the amount, it was something I am not comfortable with doing.

As for denial of visa application while still in Vietnam, (i was looking for members reporting about this issue, could you please point me to where to look) Upon this new info I may need to revise my stay in Vietnam.

No I have not received the VietNam evisa for making the U-turn to Vietnam. You mentioned to do visa -run on the 1 or 2 final day, would you send the Vietnam evisa application in the early morning of the final day? In that case you would have to stay in Cambodia for another 3 days till you receive the VN evisa.

Would the process be different with the help of an agent? I am looking to make a U-turn right away without spending time in Cambodia, wonder if that possible.

@Aidan in HCMC Thank you for your information.It simply means time saving, a visa already in my pocket as opposed to starting a process of applying for visa.I got lost in a new place many times so it feels much better to know local language to obtain info about where to go and what to do,

It's actually a purchase, not an application per se. Shouldn't take more than a couple of minutes. The officers will speak English, and you won't venture far from the border gate unless you want to. Knowing how to speak Khmer won't be necessary.

About coffee money, don't get me wrong, it was not the amount, it was something I am not comfortable with doing.

It's not mandatory, and will not even be asked for. From discussions with expats who've done literally dozens upon dozens of border runs, simply folding a 100K note inside their passport will be considered by the officer as being a tip. It will certainly be appreciated, and will ensure prompt service. Add a big smile on top of that and you're good to go.

As for denial of visa application while still in Vietnam, (i was looking for members reporting about this issue, could you please point me to where to look) Upon this new info I may need to revise my stay in Vietnam.

Read about 8 or 10 short posts, starting here. (post #348)

No I have not received the VietNam evisa for making the U-turn to Vietnam. You mentioned to do visa -run on the 1 or 2 final day, would you send the Vietnam evisa application in the early morning of the final day?

In order to do a turn-around one day border run by yourself, you must be in possession of your new eVisa permitting reentry to VN. However, as stated by members in this very thread, without the assistance of a local and trusted Vietnam visa agent, submitting an application yourself from within Vietnam will likely result in the application being denied. The reason for the denial will be given as : "Application status: Amending - Denied Reason: Evisa is issued for foreigners who are currently abroad, wishing to enter into Viet Nam not foreigners who are currently temporary resident in Viet Nam"

Further, as stated on the official NATIONAL WEB PORTAL ON IMMIGRATION

- Conditions for being granted e-visa: Outside Vietnam foreigners.

In that case you would have to stay in Cambodia for another 3 days till you receive the VN evisa.

Three days, at a minimum. It would do you well to read a recent thread started by member Perseus, titled "Understanding e-Visa Runs".

Would the process be different with the help of an agent? I am looking to make a U-turn right away without spending time in Cambodia, wonder if that possible. -@giosamsung2012

Yes, and yes. See your post, #357, here. I'd suggest you send the PM you alluded to soon to avoid any delays. It will also give you plenty of time to verify/confirm everything with the agent.

I can tell that you're a little stressed about this. Don't be. We'll help you through it, so feel free to ask any additional questions you might have. Many hundreds of expats do a border run every month. Do a run two or three times and it'll become almost routine.

Thanks Aidan, very informative.

Can you send me an agent contact info?

Does the agent also organize bus route to MocBai?

Thanks Aidan, very informative.Can you send me an agent contact info? Does the agent also organize bus route to MocBai? -@giosamsung2012

You're very welcome, and happy you found the info useful.

I'll send you a PM now with the name of a long-time member of the forum whose trusted agent has helped many with their visa issues.

Please keep the forum updated on your progress through this. It will be of great benefit to other members, as well as casual readers of the forum.

I meant to ask but forgot, if I remember correctly watching youtube or read somewhere saying the coffee money in US dollars was for the Cambodian border officer, however you mentioned the coffee money was like 100K dong which implied it was for Vietnamese border officer. If you don't mind confirming which side the tip was for and at the entry or exit check point or both.

And you also mentioned the Visa on arrival, how is it an advantage compared to applying cambodian evisa online ahead of time? is it the way most people do?

Thank you for your help

I meant to ask but forgot, if I remember correctly watching youtube or read somewhere saying the coffee money in US dollars was for the Cambodian border officer, however you mentioned the coffee money was like 100K dong which implied it was for Vietnamese border officer. If you don't mind confirming which side the tip was for and at the entry or exit check point or both.And you also mentioned the Visa on arrival, how is it an advantage compared to applying cambodian evisa online ahead of time? is it the way most people do?Thank you for your help -@giosamsung2012

I've received your contact request (presumably regarding agent information).

May I respectfully request that you make a decision about your plan before we have PM contact?

I don't provide private counseling on these matters, so I'd like to see that you've made up your mind before I answer your request.

Also, the agents I know only want referrals from me when someone knows what they want.

They don't really have the time or desire to rehash all of the questions you have been asking.

Coffee money is paid to the Vietnamese border guard, with a smile and a thank you.

Virtually everyone does Visa On Arrival when entering Cambodia.

The Cambodia visa on arrival application form doesn't ask for an address in Cambodia; it asks for a DESTINATION.

Write in "Bavet", which is the name of the town on that side of the border.

I don't know any visa agent who will help you with your new Vietnam visa for same day turnaround AND arrange for transportation as a package.

I always highly recommend booking a trustworthy private driver to take you to the border and back from HCMC.

If you feel paralyzed about making the trip across the border and back, you can get the driver to negotiate with one of the many Vietnamese "guides" hanging out at the border.

They can essentially hold your hand as you exit VN, enter and exit Cambodia and return to VN.

They will hand carry your passport through the fastest line and pay the coffee money you give them.

Because they are Vietnamese citizens they can freely cross the border & return with you; no visa required.

A NOTE TO THE CASUAL READER:

If you are considering "moving" to Vietnam and living here 3 months at a time and doing border runs to get a new visa, you are going to need to become comfortable with this process.

You'll also need to think carefully about where you want to live, because the process can be fairly easy or quite difficult depending on where you choose to live.

If you are a person who needs to wait until the last minute before making a decision whether to stay or go somewhere else, then you will have a much more difficult time compared to the person who can enter Vietnam and immediately make plans with an agent for their next 3-month visa.

That's the most foolproof way I know to accomplish living here on 90-day visas.

I meant to ask but forgot, if I remember correctly watching youtube or read somewhere saying the coffee money in US dollars was for the Cambodian border officer, however you mentioned the coffee money was like 100K dong which implied it was for Vietnamese border officer. If you don't mind confirming which side the tip was for and at the entry or exit check point or both.And you also mentioned the Visa on arrival, how is it an advantage compared to applying cambodian evisa online ahead of time? is it the way most people do?Thank you for your help -@giosamsung2012I've received your contact request (presumably regarding agent information).May I respectfully request that you make a decision about your plan before we have PM contact?I don't provide private counseling on these matters, so I'd like to see that you've made up your mind before I answer your request. Also, the agents I know only want referrals from me when someone knows what they want. They don't really have the time or desire to rehash all of the questions you have been asking.Coffee money is paid to the Vietnamese border guard, with a smile and a thank you. Virtually everyone does Visa On Arrival when entering Cambodia.The Cambodia visa on arrival application form doesn't ask for an address in Cambodia; it asks for a DESTINATION.Write in "Bavet", which is the name of the town on that side of the border. I don't know any visa agent who will help you with your new Vietnam visa for same day turnaround AND arrange for transportation as a package. I always highly recommend booking a trustworthy private driver to take you to the border and back from HCMC.If you feel paralyzed about making the trip across the border and back, you can get the driver to negotiate with one of the many Vietnamese "guides" hanging out at the border. They can essentially hold your hand as you exit VN, enter and exit Cambodia and return to VN.They will hand carry your passport through the fastest line and pay the coffee money you give them.Because they are Vietnamese citizens they can freely cross the border & return with you; no visa required.A NOTE TO THE CASUAL READER:If you are considering "moving" to Vietnam and living here 3 months at a time and doing border runs to get a new visa, you are going to need to become comfortable with this process. You'll also need to think carefully about where you want to live, because the process can be fairly easy or quite difficult depending on where you choose to live. If you are a person who needs to wait until the last minute before making a decision whether to stay or go somewhere else, then you will have a much more difficult time compared to the person who can enter Vietnam and immediately make plans with an agent for their next 3-month visa.That's the most foolproof way I know to accomplish living here on 90-day visas. -@OceanBeach92107

Thanks for laying it all out, your post had answered many of my questions, just a couple things to be confirmed:

1. the Vietnam evisa will get approved before the border run to MocBai so there will be no time spent on the Cambodia side (same day turnaround)
2. Let's say my current visa is expired on Jan 31st, 2025, what would be the date to do the border run that you/agent suggests? If for example the border run date is Jan 30th, then the time window requested for the next Vietnam visa would be Jan 30th, 2025 to Apr 29th,2025. (correct me if I am wrong). Noted there are 2 days overlapped between the current visa and the next visa.
3. Coffee money for Vietnamese border guard, is it on exiting from Vietnam or on re-entering Vietnam? (I assume there is no need to bring US dollars for border run)

I will decide on the plan before getting the agent contact info from you.

Much appreciated

Edit: may need US dollars to pay for Cambodian visa, also can pay with Vietnamese dong. (info from Aidan)

...just a couple things to be confirmed:the Vietnam evisa will get approved before the border run to MocBai so there will be no time spent on the Cambodia side (same day turnaround)

That is always the plan when you book well in advance of your current visa expiration date.

The date for your new re-entry visa will be the same as your current visa expiration date.

You must exit Vietnam no later than 23:59 (PM) on your visa expiration date.

Let's say my current visa is expired on Jan 31st, 2025, what would be the date to do the border run that you/agent suggests?

That same date, January 31st.

In order to do a "same day" visa run, the new visa would need to have that same date (January 31st) as the start date.

If for example the border run date is Jan 30th, then the time window requested for the next Vietnam visa would be Jan 30th, 2025 to Apr 29th,2025. (correct me if I am wrong). Noted there are 2 days overlapped between the current visa and the next visa.

To quote my good friend and seasoned veteran of countless visa border runs, @GoodOlBoy:

OFFS!!! 😉😉

I've read and re-read all of your posts on this subject and it's clear that you want to continue with the hypothetical questions that might or might not be possible.

I'm tempted to not refer you to my agent friend because I honestly believe that even with all the feedback you've received here in the forum, you are simply going to start afresh and all of the same questions over again, just to be sure... 😵‍💫

Please stop trying to come up with alternative scenarios.

Do your border run on the expiration date of your current visa and reenter on the same day.

The agent will get you the maximum 90 days without you needing to do separate calculations.

Otherwise, you should leave the country whenever you want and apply for your new visa once you are in the other country and wait there for anywhere between 3 and 5 days to receive your approval.

Coffee money for Vietnamese border guard, is it on exiting from Vietnam or on re-entering Vietnam?

That depends.

Do you want to use the express lane when re-entering Vietnam or do you want to stand in line behind the tour bus operators having multiple passports processed?

If you don't want to wait, choose the VIP line and have the coffee money protruding from your passport, so the officer can quickly see you are paying for the privilege to move to the express lane.

(I assume there is no need to bring US dollars for border run) @giosamsung2012

Dollars are always preferred but you can use new VNĐ bills to enter Cambodia as well as for coffee money

I really do wish you luck because I think you're going to need it unless you come to a firm decision as to when you want to leave the country and re-enter.

O.B.

@giosamsung2012

I just wanted to add to member OceanBeach92107 's post.

Let's say my current visa is expired on Jan 31st, 2025, what would be the date to do the border run that you/agent suggests?

I would suggest that you do your border run at least 1 day prior to your current eVisa expiration date, holding a new eVisa for that date. Yes, you will lose a day off of your "90 day" stay. The reason I suggest this is because in the event that something/anything (bus/taxi trouble, accident, illness, whatever...) goes awry and you find yourself in an over-stay situation, even by 1 day, you will have no option but to depart Vietnam via air after paying your overstay fine at an int'l air crossing. This has been reported by multiple members. Land crossings are manned by military personnel, and are mandated to refuse exit to people who have overstayed. Immigration personnel man the int'l air crossings and process the fines and passport exit stamps for overstayers. If me, I'd apply for the new eVisa requesting an entry date one day prior to the current's expiration (or earlier). There is no penalty for exiting Vietnam prior to the expiration of your current eVisa. An overlap of eVisa validity/expiration dates provides some flexibility.

It is very important to remember that the border gates between Moc Bai and Bavet are open only from 8:00AM to 8:00PM. (365 days)

If for example the border run date is Jan 30th, then the time window requested for the next Vietnam visa would be Jan 30th, 2025 to Apr 29th,2025. (correct me if I am wrong). Noted there are 2 days overlapped between the current visa and the next visa.

If the intended turnaround border run date is Jan 30th, then yes, the "Valid from" date of your new eVisa must be Jan 30th.

A Vietnam "90 day" eVisa with a "Valid from" date of Jan 30th will have an "Until" date of Apr 28th, not the 29th. Immigration counts Jan 30th as day 1. Jan 31st would be day 2.

A handy date calculator can be found here.

You must select "Include end date in calculation (1 day is added)". This is how immigration counts a visitor's length of stay.

Hope this helps.

edit: our quote function bites!

...just a couple things to be confirmed:the Vietnam evisa will get approved before the border run to MocBai so there will be no time spent on the Cambodia side (same day turnaround)That is always the plan when you book well in advance of your current visa expiration date.The date for your new re-entry visa will be the same as your current visa expiration date.You must exit Vietnam no later than 23:59 (PM) on your visa expiration date.Let's say my current visa is expired on Jan 31st, 2025, what would be the date to do the border run that you/agent suggests? That same date, January 31st.In order to do a "same day" visa run, the new visa would need to have that same date (January 31st) as the start date.If for example the border run date is Jan 30th, then the time window requested for the next Vietnam visa would be Jan 30th, 2025 to Apr 29th,2025. (correct me if I am wrong). Noted there are 2 days overlapped between the current visa and the next visa.To quote my good friend and seasoned veteran of countless visa border runs, @GoodOlBoy:OFFS!!! 😉😉I've read and re-read all of your posts on this subject and it's clear that you want to continue with the hypothetical questions that might or might not be possible.I'm tempted to not refer you to my agent friend because I honestly believe that even with all the feedback you've received here in the forum, you are simply going to start afresh and all of the same questions over again, just to be sure... 😵‍💫Please stop trying to come up with alternative scenarios.Do your border run on the expiration date of your current visa and reenter on the same day.The agent will get you the maximum 90 days without you needing to do separate calculations.Otherwise, you should leave the country whenever you want and apply for your new visa once you are in the other country and wait there for anywhere between 3 and 5 days to receive your approval.Coffee money for Vietnamese border guard, is it on exiting from Vietnam or on re-entering Vietnam? That depends.Do you want to use the express lane when re-entering Vietnam or do you want to stand in line behind the tour bus operators having multiple passports processed?If you don't want to wait, choose the VIP line and have the coffee money protruding from your passport, so the officer can quickly see you are paying for the privilege to move to the express lane.(I assume there is no need to bring US dollars for border run) @giosamsung2012Dollars are always preferred but you can use new VNĐ bills to enter Cambodia as well as for coffee money I really do wish you luck because I think you're going to need it unless you come to a firm decision as to when you want to leave the country and re-enter. O.B. -@OceanBeach92107

Wow, those are the exact answers that I have been looking for, thank you for that. I wish I knew them early on to not have asked those hypothetical questions.

I have not set foot on Vietnam yet until Nov therefore border run would be in Feb2025, so I still have plenty of time to plan and decide.I am fine without the said agent I am here to seek answers to questions and might have offended someone in the process, my sincere apology. Peace

@giosamsung2012I just wanted to add to member OceanBeach92107 's post............................................................................ If me, I'd apply for the new eVisa requesting an entry date one day prior to the current's expiration (or earlier). There is no penalty for exiting Vietnam prior to the expiration of your current eVisa. An overlap of eVisa validity/expiration dates provides some flexibility...........................................................................................................................! -@Aidan in HCMC

@Aidan As always you provide a wealth of information

This was the "hypothetical" question I raised in the forum about 1 year ago and recently few months ago but did not get a satisfactory answer.

Now I am at it again, please tune out if this repeated discussion annoys you.

I completely agree with you more days overlap would give you more flexibility in planning the border run, however it might risk having the visa application being denied. It seems that 1 day overlap is forgivable. Of course don't take words from me who has not done any border run before, please chime in if anyone has tried 2,3 or 5 days overlap. I think the agent would be able to know/do this but what do I know.

I have not set foot on Vietnam yet until Nov therefore border run would be in Feb2025, so I still have plenty of time to plan and decide.

Your profile is showing you as currently living in Vietnam. You should change that as member responses to your questions will be based on believing you are in country.

...I completely agree with you more days overlap would give you more flexibility in planning the border run, however it might risk having the visa application being denied. It seems that 1 day overlap is forgivable. Of course don't take words from me who has not done any border run before, please chime in if anyone has tried 2,3 or 5 days overlap. I think the agent would be able to know/do this but what do I know. -@giosamsung2012

Once you have cleared customs and are in Vietnam, you can apply for a new eVisa with overlapping dates of any duration. There is no penalty or restriction on foreigners leaving VN prior to their eVisa's expiration to, for example, spend a few days in a neighbouring country and then return to VN (which would require a new eVisa if the current one is a single-entry). You can overlap for a month or two if you wish. The requirement to submit the application from outside VN stands, so using the services of an agent to secure the new eVisa is necessary if you wish to start the application in country.

I caution you against trying what is known as "visa stacking". Since you've not yet arrived in VN and will be submitting your application from outside the country, it is possible for you to now apply for and receive an eVisa valid from Nov to Feb. Once received, you could then apply for another eVisa running from Feb to May. Don't do this! Though no longer viewable on the official immigration website, their faq page stated clearly that upon issuance of a new eVisa the first eVisa, which if it has not been activated by clearing customs/immigration at a border crossing, would be rendered invalid. The faq page stated, "The previous e-Visa application will be cancelled once the new e-Visa is issued". This would result in your holding two eVisas, only one of which would still be valid.

...I have not set foot on Vietnam yet until Nov therefore border run would be in Feb2025, so I still have plenty of time to plan and decide...-@giosamsung2012

Have you already applied for and received your eVisa to visit in Nov?

If not, I suggest you start that now.

I'd also suggest that you not purchase your airline ticket before receiving the approved eVisa.

You should change that as member responses to your questions will be based on believing you are in country....I completely agree with you more days overlap would give you more flexibility in planning the border run, however it might risk having the visa application being denied. It seems that 1 day overlap is forgivable. Of course don't take words from me who has not done any border run before, please chime in if anyone has tried 2,3 or 5 days overlap. I think the agent would be able to know/do this but what do I know. -@giosamsung2012Once you have cleared customs and are in Vietnam, you can apply for a new eVisa with overlapping dates of any duration. There is no penalty or restriction on foreigners leaving VN prior to their eVisa's expiration to, for example, spend a few days in a neighbouring country and then return to VN (which would require a new eVisa if the current one is a single-entry). You can overlap for a month or two if you wish. The requirement to submit the application from outside VN stands, so using the services of an agent to secure the new eVisa is necessary if you wish to start the application in country.I caution you against trying what is known as "visa stacking". Since you've not yet arrived in VN and will be submitting your application from outside the country, it is possible for you to now apply for and receive an eVisa valid from Nov to Feb. Once received, you could then apply for another eVisa running from Feb to May. Don't do this! Though no longer viewable on the official immigration website, their faq page stated clearly that upon issuance of a new eVisa the first eVisa, which if it has not been activated by clearing customs/immigration at a border crossing, would be rendered invalid. The faq page stated, "The previous e-Visa application will be cancelled once the new e-Visa is issued". This would result in your holding two eVisas, only one of which would still be valid. -@Aidan in HCMC

Thanks a million for your insight and advice.

I did not know my profile put me in Vietnam, that is probably why O.B. took a hard line on me as only asking hypothetical questions but no decision made, it makes sense now.

I already secured a VN evisa and a plane ticket 4 months ago for the trip to VN in Nov.

My guess about overlapping duration was completely wrong, knowing now that it is allowed makes planning a tad easier..

Also nice to know that the new visa invalidates the previous one.

I am all set for now, thanks again for your enormous help in this forum

Cheers

Hopefully the e-Visa website upgrade scheduled for November 11th will be a great improvement:

https://vietnamnews.vn/society/1666583/viet-nam-s-new-e-visa-portal-to-be-launched-with-upgrades-improvements.html

Hopefully the e-Visa website upgrade scheduled for November 11th will be a great improvement:
https://vietnamnews.vn/society/1666583/viet-nam-s-new-e-visa-portal-to-be-launched-with-upgrades-improvements.html - @OceanBeach92107

This should be interesting. Thanks for posting that.

Repost:

Countries Whose Citizens Are Exempt From Visa Requirements to Enter VN

Aug15th, 2023

enlarge, here

I have a couple of questions about longer stays under a tourist category. I'm thinking of heading to Da Nang to use as a semi-permanent tourist-cum-retirement base. I'm still in the process of researching. Having spent time in Hanoi and Saigon I think these are not for me except maybe for brief visits. I like the size, geography and connectivity - international flights- of Da Nang.

As a Brit and Italian passport holder, I see from the map above I have a visa exemption up to 45 days. If I took this option and wanted to extend for another 45 days, a 'visa-run' would be necessary, as I understand it. Upon re-entering, another 45days is automatically granted I presume? So I could visit friends in Bangkok, for a couple of days then head back, for instance.

And there now seems to be an alternative 90 day single and multiple entry visa option too. If I opted for one of these, and at the end of 90 days I wanted to continue my stay, under another 90 day visa, I understand I'd have to apply from outside Vietnam, and wait for its processing time etc.

Or, would it also be possible after a 90 day evisa to just enter the second time under the 45 day visa exemption scheme, as in the map .

And if one enters under the 45 day scheme, it isn't possible to leave the country and re-enter within that time (multiple entry)?

Finally, upon entering immigration with any of the above, do the officials ask ever to see an onward flight ticket.? I can't be sure from entering at Hanoi in the past, but I think not, but that was only for 15 days or so,

Thanks for any help.

...As a Brit and Italian passport holder, I see from the map above I have a visa exemption up to 45 days. If I took this option and wanted to extend for another 45 days, a 'visa-run' would be necessary, as I understand it. Upon re-entering, another 45days is automatically granted I presume? So I could visit friends in Bangkok, for a couple of days then head back, for instance.

Correct.

And there now seems to be an alternative 90 day single and multiple entry visa option too. If I opted for one of these, and at the end of 90 days I wanted to continue my stay, under another 90 day visa, I understand I'd have to apply from outside Vietnam, and wait for its processing time etc.

Correct, again. There are visa agents available which are able to "expedite" an eVisa application, shortening the time spent out of country.

Or, would it also be possible after a 90 day evisa to just enter the second time under the 45 day visa exemption scheme, as in the map .

And again, correct.

And if one enters under the 45 day scheme, it isn't possible to leave the country and re-enter within that time (multiple entry)?

If I understand your question correctly, with the 45 day visa exempt privilege each time a visitor reenters their 45 days are reset/restarted. There is no obligation for the visa exempt visitor to stay until the end of their current 45 day term. If the visitor leaves after, as an example, 22 days they can immediately reenter and their 45 day "clock" is reset and starts again.

Finally, upon entering immigration with any of the above, do the officials ask ever to see an onward flight ticket.? I can't be sure from entering at Hanoi in the past, but I think not, but that was only for 15 days or so,

No proof of onward travel is required, whether entering under a visa exemption or with an eVisa.

Thanks for any help. - @It2VN

Your quite welcome.

Thanks much, Aiden, for the clarifications.

Thanks again Aidan in HCMC... we are going to visit Vietnam this year, first with a 90 days visa on our Australian passport (staying at Nha Trang for the duration) then fly to Thailand and stay at Pattaya for 2 months (60 days visa free but probably with an ETA on the cards), and come back to Vietnam on the French passport for a 45 days stay at Vung Tau with a visa exemption...

hopefully rules will not change between now and May 4th, date of our flights to HCMC and Nha Trang !

many thanks again Aidan you are truly a great help to all wandering souls wishing to come to Vietnam

@Aidan in HCMC

Hello .

Re. the evisa photo requirement stated above. On the evisa.gov.vn site it states the photo needs to be 4cm x 6cm. Can this be taken on a smartphone and adjusted for dimensions and size ? (it also states 'formal clothes': I'm assuming it means no vest/singlet or some such, but not necessarily a collar and tie...?) I have the same photo I used for my new passport around 2 months ago but this is a different dimension - can I scan this and scale it up? Thank you for any input.

@Aidan in HCMC Hello . Re. the evisa photo requirement stated above. On the evisa.gov.vn site it states the photo needs to be 4cm x 6cm. Can this be taken on a smartphone and adjusted for dimensions and size ? (it also states 'formal clothes': I'm assuming it means no vest/singlet or some such, but not necessarily a collar and tie...?) I have the same photo I used for my new passport around 2 months ago but this is a different dimension - can I scan this and scale it up? Thank you for any input. - @It2VN

Yeah, that's funny and has been there through a few of the applications amendments.

Ignore that 4X6cm note. Just make sure to follow the other instructions regarding the pic (i.e. "...jpg, jpeg format, size <2MB, straight face (with neutral expression), no hat, no glasses, formal clothes, white background"). And no, "formal clothes" does not mean black-tie for men, or evening wear for ladies😉. A modest shirt (collar or t-shirt) will suffice. So long as the pic is smaller than 2MB you'll be fine. Try to submit a pic which is similar to that which appears on your passport, as this will increase the % match.

Thanks Aiden.

I see that in my recent passport photo, it's mainly neck up image anyway , the top of my sweater just being visible.

I did the application for a 3 month multiple entry visa last Friday, 18 April. I paid without a problem. My submitted photo match was 95 percent (I'd hope so since I used the same photo for my new passport two months ago!) , got the visa authorised email this Tuesday. Thanks for the the advice, Aiden. I booked a well-reviewed hotel a few block from the beach for my first few nights. Then will get into looking for monthly apartments, airbnb etc.

A personal update on USING A VISA AGENT IN VIETNAM:

I always applaud those who are able to successfully use the online visa system without need for assistance.

However, there are myriad reasons why someone might choose to turn to a Visa agent for assistance.

I personally like to do so for "insurance" and to stimulate the local economy.

I have found that a good and trustworthy visa agent can be quite valuable when there is any sort of difficulty encountered in the Visa application process, or if immigration has any questions about a visa.

Especially during COVID, I most likely would have had to leave the country 6 months earlier had it not been for the intervention of my long-time Visa agent.

I was motivated to post about this today because my niece (who lives and ESL teaches in Thailand) and her husband and 7-year-old son are getting ready to take a vacation touring Vietnam, including visiting me here in Đà Nẵng.

She began texting me with a couple of usual Visa application questions and I offered to take the whole matter off of her hands and have the best agent I know in Đà Nẵng do their applications for them.

In about 20 minutes their applications were complete and I had paid for everything as a gift.

I'm just saying, I know everybody wants to save as much money as possible, but by handling things this way today I took a burden off of the shoulders of a busy mom, stimulated the local economy by bringing business to a qualified local friend and also gave myself peace of mind, knowing that my niece would definitely have her family's visas in order.

As an aside, I'm seeing people post daily on social media that they simply don't have the extra money to use a Visa agent.

Those are real red flags for me because I figure those are also going to be the people who have no insurance when they get ill or injured here, or who complain that there isn't any decent housing available for ₫4,000,000 VNĐ a month.

In my mind, there is no greater pre-travel consideration than an absolutely secure and proper visa being obtained.

if paying for some extra help is actually going to break your personal bank, I highly recommend rethinking your plan to visit Vietnam.

@OceanBeach92107

Hello Sir... Can you provide me your agent info just in case I need him/her in the future.  Thank you!

Hello again.

As my 3 month visa expiry is just over 3 weeks away, a thought occurred to me re. possible renewals.

The last date i can be here is 19 September (passport stamp). I'm booked to fly out on 18th and return 22nd.

Ideally i would like another 3 month visa from 22nd. If i apply online on 20th Sept (I assume this is the earliest date possible and not 19th?) and it is not processed in time, I can just enter under the 45 day waiver  scheme, maybe on the other passport I have, and not the 3months visa application passport.  If such a delay happens, will the 3m visa application and issuance  still be valid (on the other passport)? Thank for any ideas.

Hello again.
As my 3 month visa expiry is just over 3 weeks away, a thought occurred to me re. possible renewals.
The last date i can be here is 19 September (passport stamp). I'm booked to fly out on 18th and return 22nd.
Ideally i would like another 3 month visa from 22nd. If i apply online on 20th Sept (I assume this is the earliest date possible and not 19th?) and it is not processed in time, I can just enter under the 45 day waiver scheme, maybe on the other passport I have, and not the 3months visa application passport. If such a delay happens, will the 3m visa application and issuance still be valid (on the other passport)? Thank for any ideas. - @It2VN

NO!

Absolutely NOT!

Unfortunately there are too many other people attempting the same tricky thinking, and it's getting a lot of them in trouble with immigration causing them to have to pay big fines for being here illegally.

Here's why:

Any Visa that you get issued only becomes valid when you enter the country with it and you have Immigration stamp your passport with the entry stamp.

You can go ahead and enter the country on your 45-day Visa free exemption for your particular country, however until you exit the country again and reenter on the other Visa it's absolutely worthless to you.

also, when you stay here in the country beyond your 45 days and then you attempt to exit and reenter on the remainder of the other Visa, you are going to be stopped for violating the limit of your Visa exemption, and if you present your Visa documentation in defense, they will tell you it is totally invalid because you didn't have it validated when you entered the country.

Believe me, I 100% know about this situation because not only have there been a number of people recently fined for this very reason, but we had a rather irate and unbalanced member about a year ago who got very angry and said that it was the fault of immigration when it was absolutely, 100% her fault.

now in theory you could leave the country before the end of your 45-day exemption and then reenter on the other Visa.

but assuming that you would only have about 45 days or 50 days left on the effectiveness of that 90 day Visa, you'd just be wasting your money to get the visa, since you could reenter again on your 45-day Visa exemption.

Thanks for the valuable input, OB.

So, to clarify: i should use one passport. I can apply for 3m visa using it but if I don't receive 3m visa in time for my return flight, it's ok to enter on same passport under 45day visa waiver system.  Is this correct in your opinion?

TIA

edit: I notice going back through records, that I submitted my first evisa application on Friday 18 April. The Payment was taken on Tuesday 22 April, and the Visa arrived on 23 April.

Wondering if this Government dept works on weekends? If so, it seems unlikely that my new visa run dates will be very productive (submit Saturday 20 Sept, due return Monday 22 Sept.)

Thanks for the valuable input, OB.So, to clarify: i should use one passport. I can apply for 3m visa using it but if I don't receive 3m visa in time for my return flight, it's ok to enter on same passport under 45day visa waiver system. Is this correct in your opinion? TIA - @It2VN

I should have directly responded to this hypothesis of yours...

I'm booked to fly out on 18th and return 22nd. Ideally i would like another 3 month visa from 22nd. If i apply online on 20th Sept (I assume this is the earliest date possible and not 19th?) and it is not processed in time, I can just enter under the 45 day waiver scheme,

...but I definitely wanted to make it clear that if your Visa is approved after you have returned to Vietnam, it's worthless to you unless you leave the country again and reenter with that Visa.

edit: I notice going back through records, that I submitted my first evisa application on Friday 18 April. The Payment was taken on Tuesday 22 April, and the Visa arrived on 23 April.

Wondering if this Government dept works on weekends? If so, it seems unlikely that my new visa run dates will be very productive (submit Saturday 20 Sept, due return Monday 22 Sept.)

1. Immigration DOESN'T work on Saturdays, Sundays or official government holidays.

2. if you had read previous posts in this thread it would have become clear to you that the minimum amount of time to get approval from immigration for your visa application is almost always 3 business days, and has been known to take up to a full week, depending upon whether or not there is a holiday and whether or not you apply at the beginning of the week or the end of the week.

IF...IF immigration successfully logs your exit stamp into the national database when you exit Vietnam at the airport through the immigration checkpoint, then you will be able to apply for your next e-visa virtually immediately.

So it's reasonable to think that you will probably have your new Visa within three to five WORKING DAYS...EXCEPT...in your scenario, while it's actually possible that you'll be able to apply online on your departure date, Thursday, September 18th, (perhaps even in Đà Nẵng Airport as you are waiting for your flight, after getting your exit stamp when processing out of Vietnam through the immigration checkpoint--using a VPN to change your online location) because of the weekend, the earliest you could reasonably expect your e-visa approval notification would be late on Tuesday, September 23rd or in the morning on Wednesday, September 24th. (The date of submission -- 18th -- isn't generally considered a processing day, unless you submit your application before the opening of immigration early in the morning, before 7 AM.)

Two solutions that avoid a limited 45 day stay:

1. Change your return flight day to Friday, September 26th, making it ALMOST certain that you'll get your visa approval before your flight. No guarantees 🙏

2. Get your return flight visa PRE-APPROVED by a trustworthy agent. You'll submit your payment for an URGENT visa application prior to going to the airport to exit Vietnam.

As soon as you have processed out of Vietnam and obtained your exit stamp in your passport, you will alert your visa agent. They can usually have an approval within 2 to 4 hours. Some people use that system to fly out of Vietnam and fly back on the same day.

So yes, if your return visa isn't approved before you are scheduled to return to VN, you can enter on a passport that allows a 45-day visa exemption.

But any visa issued when you are in Vietnam will be inactive until you exit Vietnam, but the valid dates will remain the same.

So if your 90 day visa is issued 4 days after you enter Vietnam, and you exit Vietnam after 45 days on a visa exemption, your inactive approved 90-day e-visa will only have about 49 days validity left (and there's absolutely no way to alter/change that)

Thank you again for taking the time to respond.

Considering all, at this point I think I might as well just do the free 45 day waiver, at least once. then see how my plans for another 3-monther pan out.

Visa Free (Exemption) Entry to Phu Quoc, Vietnam(Link to thread)

See update, post #30

Hello Again.

Just done a short break visa run in Kuala Lumpur. Got 45 days again re-entry.

Seeking just a clarification on doing an online 3 month visa application next time.

I'm thinking of going to Seoul just before Christmas for 5 nights,  departing  before my current 45 days is up -on Sunday 14 December on  a late flight from and back to DA Nang, arrives early am in Seoul on Monday. Return on Saturday 20 Dec.

As OB mentioned above, I could do the evisa application in departures lounge having gone through immigration, using a VPN. I understand this submitted application would be on the list of evisas to be processed on Monday  15. Then there would be another four working days for its processing and issuance.

Is the above a fair summary of the time needed for processing, although I realise no times are guaranteed.

@It2VN

Sounds good. But reports have shown that Monday the 15th will be counted as "day zero", Tuesday the 16th then being day one, with a hoped-for eVisa issuance being late Thursday (18th) or early Friday(19th).

My only suggestion is that you purchase a return flight ticket which can be cancelled/rescheduled.

Use of a VPN, in my opinion, will not be necessary. Immigration officers reviewing your application will see that you have "exited" VN, as your passport will have been scanned (and stamped) at the customs exit gate.

@It2VN
Sounds good. But reports have shown that Monday the 15th will be counted as "day zero", Tuesday the 16th then being day one, with a hoped-for eVisa issuance being late Thursday (18th) or early Friday(19th).
My only suggestion is that you purchase a return flight ticket which can be cancelled/rescheduled.
Use of a VPN, in my opinion, will not be necessary. Immigration officers reviewing your application will see that you have "exited" VN, as your passport will have been scanned (and stamped) at the customs exit gate. - @Aidan in HCMC

Thanks Aidan for the quick reply. WHen you say Monday the 15th is day zero, I assume you mean every Monday is considered so?

I might correctly conclude that if the visa hasn't been issued by Friday evening (of that week we're talking about), it's issuance is suspended till the Monday following at the earliest?

@It2VN Sounds good. But reports have shown that Monday the 15th will be counted as "day zero", Tuesday the 16th then being day one, with a hoped-for eVisa issuance being late Thursday (18th) or early Friday(19th).My only suggestion is that you purchase a return flight ticket which can be cancelled/rescheduled.Use of a VPN, in my opinion, will not be necessary. Immigration officers reviewing your application will see that you have "exited" VN, as your passport will have been scanned (and stamped) at the customs exit gate. - @Aidan in HCMC

Thanks Aidan for the quick reply. WHen you say Monday the 15th is day zero, I assume you mean every Monday is considered so?

You're quite welcome.

What I meant by "day zero" is that the day an application is submitted is not considered "day one" in Immigration's stated 3-day turnaround for approval. If one was to submit an eVisa application on a Tuesday evening, Immigration will not open the application for review until Wednesday morning. In that case Wednesday would be considered "day zero", Thursday would be "day one", with a hoped-for approval date then being late Monday/early Tuesday. The published three day turnaround for approval is three days after Immigration's receipt of an application.

I might correctly conclude that if the visa hasn't been issued by Friday evening (of that week we're talking about), it's issuance is suspended till the Monday following at the earliest? - @It2VN

Yes, that's correct.