how long is an agent's letter of approval valid?

Most agents take about 5 working days, but some are quicker. An agent I used do them in only 2 days. Remember to check your spam folder, also Tet is happening soon... so that is basically 1 whole week of no working days.

Instead of an approval letter you can just get a visa from the Embassy of Vietnam in Bangkok. They only take a day or two to process. Although it is a bit more expensive then the cost of an approval letter + stamp fee, at least you have piece of mind of having an actual visa and less hassle at the airport.

As for arriving after the date specified. It's probably fine with a visa probably an approval letter too - however I do not know for certain so don't take my word for it. Why not just wait until after medical treatment?

.
   VOA is a fraction of the price from consulate or embassy

Waiting time on arrival can be as short as 15 mins - 1 hour max

You can arrive later than the date you apply for, but not before
and the 90 days start from the day you arrive vs with the Visa
already in your passport, the 90 days expiry date is fixed

   Most of us use the agency/VOA.   Much easier & cheaper...     

.

Bazza139 wrote:

.
   VOA is a fraction of the price from consulate or embassy

Waiting time on arrival can be as short as 15 mins - 1 hour max

You can arrive later than the date you apply for, but not before
and the 90 days start from the day you arrive vs with the Visa
already in your passport, the 90 days expiry date is fixed

   Most of us use the agency/VOA.   Much easier & cheaper...     

.

This was what I was asking - "the 90 days expiry date is fixed".

Q1 - Fixed from what date? From the date of the letter of approval or when I enter the country?
Q2 - How long does the letter of approval last?

From what you imply I can enter the country 89 days after the date of letter of approval (not that anyone would!!)
Is that right??

Ah, the ill in linguistic illusion...

   Ok, the DIFFERENCE between the VOA  (VERSUS) the Embassy
I was trying to explain is that while you can enter ANY DATE AFTER
the stated entry date, BUT...   The exit date for the Embassy Visa is
(clearly) written on the Embassy Visa...

..whilst the VOA will start counting the 89 days BEGINNING from
the day YOU ACTUALLY ENTER...

So the '90 days' is FIXED ONLY for the Embassy Visa (already in your
passport) while the VOA will give you the full 3 months FROM your
(unknown as yet) entry date.     Airport VOA Immigration staff will
adjust the entry/exit dates according to the day you arrive.
    caveat: ..they did for me, but this is Viet Nam....

Answers. Q1: You will submit the VOA application AND letter of
approval (which show the dates you asked for) BUT Immigration
staff AT THE AIRPORT will adjust the dates to give you 90 days
IF you arrive AFTER your nominated entry date.

  Again, this has been my experience.   ..and even I don't believe...

Q2:   I WOULD ASSUME for the full period granted on your letter
of approval, but (please?) read the fine print.   Which states:

"Length of stay is subject to permission by Immigration Authority"

..and you have that permission in writing, so what could go wrong..?

Whatever agency you choose will (usually) give you clarity as it is their
bread-and-butter and do it every day in multiples.   By email or phone.
    Tripadvisor will give you the best reviews for agencies.

In my 4+ years here, I have had no problems with the agency I use
as I guess their reputation depends on your happy transition.

    Tips:  (a)   Don't pay for 'speedy service'.   Have your docs ready to
hand in to counter staff, with passport open & ready, plus have the
cash; VND or USD in hand, ready to pay.  Exact amounts appreciated!!

    (b)  If the clowns in front of you in the Immigration counter queue
are still (trying to) get their docs (& photos) ready, just place yours on
the counter and the staff will grab them first.   Because you did it well
before travelling.    The staff are very patient, but don't like idiots...

      Best Wishes & Enjoy!   

.

Bazza139 wrote:

Ah, the ill in linguistic illusion...

   Ok, the DIFFERENCE between the VOA  (VERSUS) the Embassy
I was trying to explain is that while you can enter ANY DATE AFTER
the stated entry date, BUT...   The exit date for the Embassy Visa is
(clearly) written on the Embassy Visa...

..whilst the VOA will start counting the 89 days BEGINNING from
the day YOU ACTUALLY ENTER...

So the '90 days' is FIXED ONLY for the Embassy Visa (already in your
passport) while the VOA will give you the full 3 months FROM your
(unknown as yet) entry date.     Airport VOA Immigration staff will
adjust the entry/exit dates according to the day you arrive.
    caveat: ..they did for me, but this is Viet Nam....

Answers. Q1: You will submit the VOA application AND letter of
approval (which show the dates you asked for) BUT Immigration
staff AT THE AIRPORT will adjust the dates to give you 90 days
IF you arrive AFTER your nominated entry date.

  Again, this has been my experience.   ..and even I don't believe...

Q2:   I WOULD ASSUME for the full period granted on your letter
of approval, but (please?) read the fine print.   Which states:

"Length of stay is subject to permission by Immigration Authority"

..and you have that permission in writing, so what could go wrong..?

Whatever agency you choose will (usually) give you clarity as it is their
bread-and-butter and do it every day in multiples.   By email or phone.
    Tripadvisor will give you the best reviews for agencies.

In my 4+ years here, I have had no problems with the agency I use
as I guess their reputation depends on your happy transition.

    Tips:  (a)   Don't pay for 'speedy service'.   Have your docs ready to
hand in to counter staff, with passport open & ready, plus have the
cash; VND or USD in hand, ready to pay.  Exact amounts appreciated!!

    (b)  If the clowns in front of you in the Immigration counter queue
are still (trying to) get their docs (& photos) ready, just place yours on
the counter and the staff will grab them first.   Because you did it well
before travelling.    The staff are very patient, but don't like idiots...

      Best Wishes & Enjoy!   

.

Chuckle - Thanks! Couldn't be betterer.

robsamui wrote:

Bazza139 wrote:

Ah, the ill in linguistic illusion...

   Ok, the DIFFERENCE between the VOA  (VERSUS) the Embassy
I was trying to explain is that while you can enter ANY DATE AFTER
the stated entry date, BUT...   The exit date for the Embassy Visa is
(clearly) written on the Embassy Visa...

..whilst the VOA will start counting the 89 days BEGINNING from
the day YOU ACTUALLY ENTER...

So the '90 days' is FIXED ONLY for the Embassy Visa (already in your
passport) while the VOA will give you the full 3 months FROM your
(unknown as yet) entry date.     Airport VOA Immigration staff will
adjust the entry/exit dates according to the day you arrive.
    caveat: ..they did for me, but this is Viet Nam....

Answers. Q1: You will submit the VOA application AND letter of
approval (which show the dates you asked for) BUT Immigration
staff AT THE AIRPORT will adjust the dates to give you 90 days
IF you arrive AFTER your nominated entry date.

  Again, this has been my experience.   ..and even I don't believe...

Q2:   I WOULD ASSUME for the full period granted on your letter
of approval, but (please?) read the fine print.   Which states:

"Length of stay is subject to permission by Immigration Authority"

..and you have that permission in writing, so what could go wrong..?

Whatever agency you choose will (usually) give you clarity as it is their
bread-and-butter and do it every day in multiples.   By email or phone.
    Tripadvisor will give you the best reviews for agencies.

In my 4+ years here, I have had no problems with the agency I use
as I guess their reputation depends on your happy transition.

    Tips:  (a)   Don't pay for 'speedy service'.   Have your docs ready to
hand in to counter staff, with passport open & ready, plus have the
cash; VND or USD in hand, ready to pay.  Exact amounts appreciated!!

    (b)  If the clowns in front of you in the Immigration counter queue
are still (trying to) get their docs (& photos) ready, just place yours on
the counter and the staff will grab them first.   Because you did it well
before travelling.    The staff are very patient, but don't like idiots...

      Best Wishes & Enjoy!   

.

Chuckle - Thanks! Couldn't be betterer.

tHe GooDest explanation.

HenryJo wrote:

robsamui wrote:

Bazza139 wrote:

Ah, the ill in linguistic illusion...

   Ok, the DIFFERENCE between the VOA  (VERSUS) the Embassy
I was trying to explain is that while you can enter ANY DATE AFTER
the stated entry date, BUT...   The exit date for the Embassy Visa is
(clearly) written on the Embassy Visa...

..whilst the VOA will start counting the 89 days BEGINNING from
the day YOU ACTUALLY ENTER...

So the '90 days' is FIXED ONLY for the Embassy Visa (already in your
passport) while the VOA will give you the full 3 months FROM your
(unknown as yet) entry date.     Airport VOA Immigration staff will
adjust the entry/exit dates according to the day you arrive.
    caveat: ..they did for me, but this is Viet Nam....

Answers. Q1: You will submit the VOA application AND letter of
approval (which show the dates you asked for) BUT Immigration
staff AT THE AIRPORT will adjust the dates to give you 90 days
IF you arrive AFTER your nominated entry date.

  Again, this has been my experience.   ..and even I don't believe...

Q2:   I WOULD ASSUME for the full period granted on your letter
of approval, but (please?) read the fine print.   Which states:

"Length of stay is subject to permission by Immigration Authority"

..and you have that permission in writing, so what could go wrong..?

Whatever agency you choose will (usually) give you clarity as it is their
bread-and-butter and do it every day in multiples.   By email or phone.
    Tripadvisor will give you the best reviews for agencies.

In my 4+ years here, I have had no problems with the agency I use
as I guess their reputation depends on your happy transition.

    Tips:  (a)   Don't pay for 'speedy service'.   Have your docs ready to
hand in to counter staff, with passport open & ready, plus have the
cash; VND or USD in hand, ready to pay.  Exact amounts appreciated!!

    (b)  If the clowns in front of you in the Immigration counter queue
are still (trying to) get their docs (& photos) ready, just place yours on
the counter and the staff will grab them first.   Because you did it well
before travelling.    The staff are very patient, but don't like idiots...

      Best Wishes & Enjoy!   

.

Chuckle - Thanks! Couldn't be betterer.

tHe GooDest explanation.

However, it fails to answer the OP's original question.

Answer: VOA letters of approval have a 180 day period of validity FROM THE DATE OF ISSUANCE, irrespective of the approved starting date and length of the proposed visa.

It's a common conundrum:

1. Should I get my visa approval letter way in advance (let's say 5 months ahead of time) to be certain that it gets approved without any problems?

That's playing it VERY safe, however, if there is a change of travel plans (death in the family, natural disaster, etc) 30 days before the original planned departure date, there is only a 30 day window of opportunity to reschedule after the original departure date, before the VOA letter becomes invalid.

2. Should I wait until a couple of weeks before my flight to make sure the VOA letter has maximum validity if my travel plans change at the last minute?

Kind of makes sense, except now you run the risk of having a problem develop with the processing or approval of the VOA letter, and not having enough time to have the problem fixed before the date of your flight.

The best solution (probably) is for a person  to apply for the VOA letter between 3 months to six weeks before their scheduled flight, giving them the best mix of safety and flexibility.

OceanBeach92107 wrote:

HenryJo wrote:

robsamui wrote:

Chuckle - Thanks! Couldn't be betterer.

tHe GooDest explanation.

However, it fails to answer the OP's original question.

Answer: VOA letters of approval have a 180 day period of validity FROM THE DATE OF ISSUANCE, irrespective of the approved starting date and length of the proposed visa.

It's a common conundrum:

1. Should I get my visa approval letter way in advance (let's say 5 months ahead of time) to be certain that it gets approved without any problems?

That's playing it VERY safe, however, if there is a change of travel plans (death in the family, natural disaster, etc) 30 days before the original planned departure date, there is only a 30 day window of opportunity to reschedule after the original departure date, before the VOA letter becomes invalid.

2. Should I wait until a couple of weeks before my flight to make sure the VOA letter has maximum validity if my travel plans change at the last minute?

Kind of makes sense, except now you run the risk of having a problem develop with the processing or approval of the VOA letter, and not having enough time to have the problem fixed before the date of your flight.

The best solution (probably) is for a person  to apply for the VOA letter between 3 months to six weeks before their scheduled flight, giving them the best mix of safety and flexibility.

there is no word called 'goodest'.

To be fair, I should have put a wink at the end. Otherwise, the joke was bound to go over someones head sooner or later.

HenryJo wrote:

there is no word called 'goodest'

Yes, I agree, it's reallydiculous.

Bazza139 wrote:

....
Answers. Q1: You will submit the VOA application AND letter of
approval (which show the dates you asked for) BUT Immigration
staff AT THE AIRPORT will adjust the dates to give you 90 days
IF you arrive AFTER your nominated entry date.

  Again, this has been my experience.   ..and even I don't believe...

Are you sure about this?..

Visa approval letter has the wording 'the following person is granted single/multiple entry in to Vietnam from 07/09/2019 to 07/12/2019' so I entered on 07/09/2019. I've always entered on the start date on the letter so wasn't aware that the 90 days may be 'adjusted' at the airport.

Q2:   I WOULD ASSUME for the full period granted on your letter
of approval, but (please?) read the fine print.   Which states:

'Length of stay is subject to permission by Immigration Authority'

Sorry, but the answer to Q2 contradicts the answer to Q1.

Either it is the period granted on the letter or the period is granted at Airport (upon you entering Vietnam). It can't be both.*

Or is it one of those, 'this is vietnam', it could be one, the other (either), both (if you enter on the begin date).

* -  i.e. what if I had entered on the 10/09/2019. Does that mean I get 90 days from 10/09/2019 or would my visa stamp have a 'backdated' date for start date?

Bazza139 wrote:

....
Answers. Q1: You will submit the VOA application AND letter of
approval (which show the dates you asked for) BUT Immigration
staff AT THE AIRPORT will adjust the dates to give you 90 days
IF you arrive AFTER your nominated entry date.

  Again, this has been my experience.   ..and even I don't believe...

HenryJo wrote:

Are you sure about this?..

Bazza is correct.

OceanBeach92107 wrote:

Bazza139 wrote:

....
Answers. Q1: You will submit the VOA application AND letter of
approval (which show the dates you asked for) BUT Immigration
staff AT THE AIRPORT will adjust the dates to give you 90 days
IF you arrive AFTER your nominated entry date.

  Again, this has been my experience.   ..and even I don't believe...

HenryJo wrote:

Are you sure about this?..

Bazza is correct.

About what?

90 days starting from date of entry?

Bazza139 wrote:

Q2:   I WOULD ASSUME for the full period granted on your letter
of approval, but (please?) read the fine print.   Which states:

'Length of stay is subject to permission by Immigration Authority'

HenryJo wrote:

Sorry, but the answer to Q2 contradicts the answer to Q1.

No.

It does not.

HenryJo wrote:

OceanBeach92107 wrote:

Bazza139 wrote:

....
Answers. Q1: You will submit the VOA application AND letter of
approval (which show the dates you asked for) BUT Immigration
staff AT THE AIRPORT will adjust the dates to give you 90 days
IF you arrive AFTER your nominated entry date.

  Again, this has been my experience.   ..and even I don't believe...

HenryJo wrote:

Are you sure about this?..

Bazza is correct.

About what?

90 days starting from date of entry?

Yes.

Immigration will adjust the dates

OceanBeach92107 wrote:

Bazza139 wrote:

....
Answers. Q1: You will submit the VOA application AND letter of
approval (which show the dates you asked for) BUT Immigration
staff AT THE AIRPORT will adjust the dates to give you 90 days
IF you arrive AFTER your nominated entry date.

  Again, this has been my experience.   ..and even I don't believe...

HenryJo wrote:

Are you sure about this?..

Bazza is correct.

Usually, so it's worth taking careful note of his posts

Actually, if you arrive the day after the begin date on the letter, and immigration adjusts the date, then it's not strictly the 'full period granted on your letter'. It's full period + 1 day (as you arrived 1 day after the begin date).

Unless, he means the full period granted by you calculating the number of days between the start date and finish date. Of course, 'the period granted' is not specifically mentioned on the letter (only the dates).

HenryJo wrote:

Bazza139 wrote:

....
Answers. Q1: You will submit the VOA application AND letter of
approval (which show the dates you asked for) BUT Immigration
staff AT THE AIRPORT will adjust the dates to give you 90 days
IF you arrive AFTER your nominated entry date.

  Again, this has been my experience.   ..and even I don't believe...

Are you sure about this?..

Visa approval letter has the wording 'the following person is granted single/multiple entry in to Vietnam from 07/09/2019 to 07/12/2019' so I entered on 07/09/2019. I've always entered on the start date on the letter so wasn't aware that the 90 days may be 'adjusted' at the airport.

Q2:   I WOULD ASSUME for the full period granted on your letter
of approval, but (please?) read the fine print.   Which states:

'Length of stay is subject to permission by Immigration Authority'

Sorry, but the answer to Q2 contradicts the answer to Q1.

Either it is the period granted on the letter or the period is granted at Airport (upon you entering Vietnam). It can't be both.*

Or is it one of those, 'this is vietnam', it could be one, the other (either), both (if you enter on the begin date).

* -  i.e. what if I had entered on the 10/09/2019. Does that mean I get 90 days from 10/09/2019 or would my visa stamp have a 'backdated' date for start date?

Apples and Oranges.

In addition to the earliest possible entry date and number of entries (single or multiple)
the approval letter approves the AMOUNT OF TIME ALLOWED: 30 days, 90 days, etc.

The immigration agents at the aiport then approve the ACTUAL DATES OF VALIDITY of your visa upon issuing it at the airport.

It is at that time that they will base the dates of validity of the visa on your actual date of arrival. 

However, for any reason (they have absolute authority) they can refuse to honor the approval letter, or they can adjust the amount of time, for example, changing a 90 day visa approval to a 30 day visa approval.

Does that happen much?

No.

But Bazza was letting you know that, as with most countries, immigration has the final say when actually putting the visa in your passport.

THEN, there is the immigration inspection Officer at the actual point of entry, when you pass by the guy in the booth and present your passport with the new visa inside.

He has the authority to deny you entry, even though you just received your new visa 5 minutes before that at the immigration counter 50 meters away.

Bazza was just warning the OP (and especially those who need to clarify so many possible scenarios) that there is NO 100% absolute guarantee of everything going smoothly, no matter how well you prepare.

HenryJo wrote:

Actually, if you arrive the day after the begin date on the letter, and immigration adjusts the date, then it's not strictly the 'full period granted on your letter'. It's full period + 1 day (as you arrived 1 day after the begin date).

Unless, he means the full period granted by you calculating the number of days between the start date and finish date. Of course, 'the period granted' is not specifically mentioned on the letter (only the dates).

It's NOT a "begin" date.

It's an "earliest possible start date"

OceanBeach92107 wrote:

Bazza139 wrote:

Q2:   I WOULD ASSUME for the full period granted on your letter
of approval, but (please?) read the fine print.   Which states:

'Length of stay is subject to permission by Immigration Authority'

HenryJo wrote:

Sorry, but the answer to Q2 contradicts the answer to Q1.

No.

It does not.

There is no real detail here. It does not, because you've entered Vietnam after the 'from' date and you know from expereince, or you've read other reports on this forum about this exact scenario, some superior knowledge as ordained by god, or because Bazza is your colleague.

Not clear.

HenryJo wrote:

OceanBeach92107 wrote:

Bazza139 wrote:

Q2:   I WOULD ASSUME for the full period granted on your letter
of approval, but (please?) read the fine print.   Which states:

'Length of stay is subject to permission by Immigration Authority'

HenryJo wrote:

Sorry, but the answer to Q2 contradicts the answer to Q1.

No.

It does not.

There is no real detail here. It does not, because you've entered Vietnam after the 'from' date and you know from expereince, or you've read other reports on this forum about this exact scenario, some superior knowledge as ordained by god, or because Bazza is your colleague.

Not clear.

Keep coming back...

OceanBeach92107 wrote:

However, for any reason (they have absolute authority) .....

No such thing as absolute authority these days. Not even the queen of England has this. 

HenryJo wrote:

OceanBeach92107 wrote:

However, for any reason (they have absolute authority) .....

No such thing as absolute authority these days. Not even the queen of England has this. 

I recommend you tell them that when they pull you out of the line and tell you they are denying you entry.

OceanBeach92107 wrote:

HenryJo wrote:

OceanBeach92107 wrote:

However, for any reason (they have absolute authority) .....

No such thing as absolute authority these days. Not even the queen of England has this. 

I recommend you tell them that when they pull you out of the line and tell you they are denying you entry.

I will. can always take my tourist dollars elsewhere.

HenryJo wrote:

OceanBeach92107 wrote:

HenryJo wrote:

No such thing as absolute authority these days. Not even the queen of England has this. 

I recommend you tell them that when they pull you out of the line and tell you they are denying you entry.

I will. can always take my tourist dollars elsewhere.

Promises, promises...

OceanBeach92107 wrote:

HenryJo wrote:

OceanBeach92107 wrote:

Bazza is correct.

About what?

90 days starting from date of entry?

Yes.

Immigration will adjust the dates

I've found two sources that state clearly that your visa begins from the 'from' date stated on the approval letter, even if you enter 2 days later. One source is actually the Vietnamese embassy in Romania.

This is not my opinion. It's not based on conjecture or because Bazza's posts are USUALLY worth taking note of. No offence Bazza. Here are my sources.

1) https://www.myvietnamvisa.com/5-common- … rival.html

#4 - Arrival date: Many people think that the visa validity will start from the date they enter Vietnam, not from the date stated on the visa letter. This is not correct. The visa validity will commence from the date you provide in advance, not from the date you enter the country. So, just make sure that you make a clear plan of when to enter before ordering a visa to Vietnam. For example: the letter says you are allowed to enter and remain in the country for 1 month from September 25th 2018 - this means you must leave the country on or before October 25th 2018 no matter what day you enter the country.

2) [link under review]

8. Is it possible to arrive before or after the arrival date I applied for my approval letter?
No, you can’t arrive earlier than the start date mentioned on your letter.
It’s no problem to arrive day(s) later then the requested date.
Please keep in mind that you visa will start on the requested date anyway!
If there a chance that your flight will be moved forward?
Then make sure that the date on the invitation letter starts 2 days earlier.
Keep in mind that your end date is 2 days earlier as well. Arriving later than the start date is possible.

You can make up your own mind. Unless, you see some other credible, recent, fool-proof evidence that immigration at airport 'adjusts' the dates, I would stick to the above information.

HenryJo wrote:

OceanBeach92107 wrote:

HenryJo wrote:

About what?

90 days starting from date of entry?

Yes.

Immigration will adjust the dates

I've found two sources that state clearly that your visa begins from the 'from' date stated on the approval letter, even if you enter 2 days later. One source is actually the Vietnamese embassy in Romania.

This is not my opinion. It's not based on conjecture or because Bazza's posts are USUALLY worth taking note of. No offence Bazza. Here are my sources.

1) https://www.myvietnamvisa.com/5-common- … rival.html

#4 - Arrival date: Many people think that the visa validity will start from the date they enter Vietnam, not from the date stated on the visa letter. This is not correct. The visa validity will commence from the date you provide in advance, not from the date you enter the country. So, just make sure that you make a clear plan of when to enter before ordering a visa to Vietnam. For example: the letter says you are allowed to enter and remain in the country for 1 month from September 25th 2018 - this means you must leave the country on or before October 25th 2018 no matter what day you enter the country.

2) https://vietnamembassy-romania.org/frequently-asked-questions-about-the-vietnamese-visa-procedures/

8. Is it possible to arrive before or after the arrival date I applied for my approval letter?
No, you can’t arrive earlier than the start date mentioned on your letter.
It’s no problem to arrive day(s) later then the requested date.
Please keep in mind that you visa will start on the requested date anyway!
If there a chance that your flight will be moved forward?
Then make sure that the date on the invitation letter starts 2 days earlier.
Keep in mind that your end date is 2 days earlier as well. Arriving later than the start date is possible.

You can make up your own mind. Unless, you see some other credible, recent, fool-proof evidence that immigration at airport 'adjusts' the dates, I would stick to the above information.

We are telling you what actually happens in practice.

Personally, I have twice entered after the earliest start date and twice immigration has adjusted my visa dates to give me a full year (DN) visa.

Bazza is not claiming divine insight.

He's saying that's been his experience as well.

Are you not intelligent enough to understand that official government sources aren't going to allow for any exceptions, even though in reality, immigration has made this same exception for everyone I know who has arrived after their earliest approved date?

Do you come here to have us quote regulations, or do you come here to find out what really happens?

OceanBeach92107 wrote:

Yes.

Immigration will adjust the dates

henryjo wrote:

I've found two sources that state clearly that your visa begins from the 'from' date stated on the approval letter, even if you enter 2 days later. One source is actually the Vietnamese embassy in Romania.

This is not my opinion. It's not based on conjecture or because Bazza's posts are USUALLY worth taking note of. No offence Bazza. Here are my sources.

1) https://www.myvietnamvisa.com/5-common- … rival.html

#4 - Arrival date: Many people think that the visa validity will start from the date they enter Vietnam, not from the date stated on the visa letter. This is not correct. The visa validity will commence from the date you provide in advance, not from the date you enter the country. So, just make sure that you make a clear plan of when to enter before ordering a visa to Vietnam. For example: the letter says you are allowed to enter and remain in the country for 1 month from September 25th 2018 - this means you must leave the country on or before October 25th 2018 no matter what day you enter the country.

2) https://vietnamembassy-romania.org/frequently-asked-questions-about-the-vietnamese-visa-procedures/

8. Is it possible to arrive before or after the arrival date I applied for my approval letter?
No, you can’t arrive earlier than the start date mentioned on your letter.
It’s no problem to arrive day(s) later then the requested date.
Please keep in mind that you visa will start on the requested date anyway!
If there a chance that your flight will be moved forward?
Then make sure that the date on the invitation letter starts 2 days earlier.
Keep in mind that your end date is 2 days earlier as well. Arriving later than the start date is possible.

You can make up your own mind. Unless, you see some other credible, recent, fool-proof evidence that immigration at airport 'adjusts' the dates, I would stick to the above information.

We are telling you what actually happens in practice.

Personally, I have twice entered after the earliest start date and twice immigration has adjusted my visa dates to give me a full year (DN) visa.

Bazza is not claiming divine insight.

He's saying that's been his experience as well.

Are you not intelligent enough to understand that official government sources aren't going to allow for any exceptions, even though in reality, immigration has made this same exception for everyone I know who has arrived after their earliest approved date?

Do you come here to have us quote regulations, or do you come here to find out what really happens?

Yet it should give you comfort to understand what Bazza said:

Immigration will treat you the way it has treated him and me and others.

Or it won't.

OceanBeach92107 wrote:

HenryJo wrote:

OceanBeach92107 wrote:

Yes.

Immigration will adjust the dates

I've found two sources that state clearly that your visa begins from the 'from' date stated on the approval letter, even if you enter 2 days later. One source is actually the Vietnamese embassy in Romania.

This is not my opinion. It's not based on conjecture or because Bazza's posts are USUALLY worth taking note of. No offence Bazza. Here are my sources.

1) https://www.myvietnamvisa.com/5-common- … rival.html

#4 - Arrival date: Many people think that the visa validity will start from the date they enter Vietnam, not from the date stated on the visa letter. This is not correct. The visa validity will commence from the date you provide in advance, not from the date you enter the country. So, just make sure that you make a clear plan of when to enter before ordering a visa to Vietnam. For example: the letter says you are allowed to enter and remain in the country for 1 month from September 25th 2018 - this means you must leave the country on or before October 25th 2018 no matter what day you enter the country.

2) https://vietnamembassy-romania.org/frequently-asked-questions-about-the-vietnamese-visa-procedures/

8. Is it possible to arrive before or after the arrival date I applied for my approval letter?
No, you can’t arrive earlier than the start date mentioned on your letter.
It’s no problem to arrive day(s) later then the requested date.
Please keep in mind that you visa will start on the requested date anyway!
If there a chance that your flight will be moved forward?
Then make sure that the date on the invitation letter starts 2 days earlier.
Keep in mind that your end date is 2 days earlier as well. Arriving later than the start date is possible.

You can make up your own mind. Unless, you see some other credible, recent, fool-proof evidence that immigration at airport 'adjusts' the dates, I would stick to the above information.

We are telling you what actually happens in practice.

Personally, I have twice entered after the earliest start date and twice immigration has adjusted my visa dates to give me a full year (DN) visa.

Bazza is not claiming divine insight.

He's saying that's been his experience as well.

Are you not intelligent enough to understand that official government sources aren't going to allow for any exceptions, even though in reality, immigration has made this same exception for everyone I know who has arrived after their earliest approved date?

Do you come here to have us quote regulations, or do you come here to find out what really happens?

Your visa (full year - DN) may be different.

My experience with many trustworthy visa approval letter agents for tourist visa (3 month)  over the years has been that they've mentioned that the visa starts on the date it says on the approval letter.

Bazza didn't seem too sure that Immigration adjusts the dates. Only that it has been his experience. We don't know if this happened once, twice, three times or what.

What the trustworthy visa approval letter agents told me matched what it says on the websites I've provided you. Believe me those trustworthy visa agents have given me plenty of tips on how things work in practice over the years.

Unless you can provide links to posts on this site (or other site) that confirms immigration (at airport) adjusts the dates, I'm afraid I cannot accept your assertions.

HenryJo wrote:

OceanBeach92107 wrote:

HenryJo wrote:

OceanBeach92107 wrote:

Yes.

Immigration will adjust the dates

I've found two sources that state clearly that your visa begins from the 'from' date stated on the approval letter, even if you enter 2 days later. One source is actually the Vietnamese embassy in Romania.

This is not my opinion. It's not based on conjecture or because Bazza's posts are USUALLY worth taking note of. No offence Bazza. Here are my sources.

1) https://www.myvietnamvisa.com/5-common- … rival.html

#4 - Arrival date: Many people think that the visa validity will start from the date they enter Vietnam, not from the date stated on the visa letter. This is not correct. The visa validity will commence from the date you provide in advance, not from the date you enter the country. So, just make sure that you make a clear plan of when to enter before ordering a visa to Vietnam. For example: the letter says you are allowed to enter and remain in the country for 1 month from September 25th 2018 - this means you must leave the country on or before October 25th 2018 no matter what day you enter the country.

2) https://vietnamembassy-romania.org/frequently-asked-questions-about-the-vietnamese-visa-procedures/


You can make up your own mind. Unless, you see some other credible, recent, fool-proof evidence that immigration at airport 'adjusts' the dates, I would stick to the above information.

We are telling you what actually happens in practice.

Personally, I have twice entered after the earliest start date and twice immigration has adjusted my visa dates to give me a full year (DN) visa.

Bazza is not claiming divine insight.

He's saying that's been his experience as well.

Are you not intelligent enough to understand that official government sources aren't going to allow for any exceptions, even though in reality, immigration has made this same exception for everyone I know who has arrived after their earliest approved date?

Do you come here to have us quote regulations, or do you come here to find out what really happens?

Your visa (full year - DN) may be different.

My experience with many trustworthy visa approval letter agents for tourist visa (3 month)  over the years has been that they've mentioned that the visa starts on the date it says on the approval letter.

Bazza didn't seem too sure that Immigration adjusts the dates. Only that it has been his experience. We don't know if this happened once, twice, three times or what.

What the trustworthy visa approval letter agents told me matched what it says on the websites I've provided you. Believe me those trustworthy visa agents have given me plenty of tips on how things work in practice over the years.

Unless you can provide links to posts on this site (or other site) that confirms immigration (at airport) adjusts the dates, I'm afraid I cannot accept your assertions.

Good.

You don't accept our assertions.

Go ahead and buy the $500+ DN business visa

OceanBeach92107 wrote:

HenryJo wrote:

OceanBeach92107 wrote:

We are telling you what actually happens in practice.

Personally, I have twice entered after the earliest start date and twice immigration has adjusted my visa dates to give me a full year (DN) visa.

Bazza is not claiming divine insight.

He's saying that's been his experience as well.

Are you not intelligent enough to understand that official government sources aren't going to allow for any exceptions, even though in reality, immigration has made this same exception for everyone I know who has arrived after their earliest approved date?

Do you come here to have us quote regulations, or do you come here to find out what really happens?

Your visa (full year - DN) may be different.

My experience with many trustworthy visa approval letter agents for tourist visa (3 month)  over the years has been that they've mentioned that the visa starts on the date it says on the approval letter.

Bazza didn't seem too sure that Immigration adjusts the dates. Only that it has been his experience. We don't know if this happened once, twice, three times or what.

What the trustworthy visa approval letter agents told me matched what it says on the websites I've provided you. Believe me those trustworthy visa agents have given me plenty of tips on how things work in practice over the years.

Unless you can provide links to posts on this site (or other site) that confirms immigration (at airport) adjusts the dates, I'm afraid I cannot accept your assertions.

Good.

You don't accept our assertions.

Go ahead and buy the $500+ DN business visa

No. No. You need to submit proof (links to posts which confirms your assertions)

Go ahead and buy the $500+ DN business visa

That visa is no longer available  (not through agents anyway) for non U.S. passport holders. Geez. We've been through this on the other thread.

Do try and keep up.

OceanBeach92107 wrote:

HenryJo wrote:

OceanBeach92107 wrote:

I recommend you tell them that when they pull you out of the line and tell you they are denying you entry.

I will. can always take my tourist dollars elsewhere.

Promises, promises...

A thai immigration officer at Don Muang Airport once did. Keen to scramble up the career ladder, I bet. Worth noting that Don muang tends to have the newish immigration officers. Suvarnabhumi  on the other hand had (have?) the more experienced officers. Perhaps due to more flights arriving from U.S/Europe.

Anyway, this happened in 2015. After that, I've not been to Thailand since. Actually, it was a blessing in disguise because that's how come I discovered Vietnam (as well as Loas and Malaysia). I've since been in and out of Vietnam a lot.

Thailand's loss (of my tourist dollars spent there), Vietnam's gain!

HenryJo wrote:

... I've always entered on the start date on the letter so wasn't aware that the 90 days may be 'adjusted' at the airport.

Actually, 'always' bar one time. My very first vietnamese tourist visa (3 month single entry - type DL). See, it's not hard to own up to an error or an oversight is it? Fear of losing face is such a basic human character flaw. In my defense this happened 4 years ago, so recollection of dates weren't at it's optimal. However, browsing through previous approval letters and old passport stamps revealed:

Visa letter: 

.... the following person is granted single entry in to Vietnam from  .....from 08/10/2015 to 08/01/2016

Passport Entries:

Departed Lao and entered vietnam on: 10/10/2015

Visa granted at Noi Bai Airport (Hanoi) says:

Valid From: 10/10/2015    Until: 08/01/2016

This is my experience. Unless bazza or anyone on this forum can post details to the contrary, I'm not convinced that immigration at airport 'adjusts' the 'Until' date. Not for tourist visa anyway.

OceanBeach92107 wrote:

Personally, I have twice entered after the earliest start date and twice immigration has adjusted my visa dates to give me a full year (DN) visa.

As for the 1 year U.S. passport holder business visa, do you mind sharing pic of the relevant section of the letter (with from ...to.. date) and passport stamp showing expiry date that shows that the date was 'adjusted' by immigration at airport? I'll do the same, if you want.