Vietnam Reopening for Tourists, With Conditions

OceanBeach92107 wrote:

[i]Vietnam has resumed its unilateral visa exemption for 13 countries as it had been applied before the COVID-19 epidemic hit the country in early 2020, according to a resolution of the government.

And for you and me?

MikeTVN wrote:

OceanBeach92107 wrote:

[i]Vietnam has resumed its unilateral visa exemption for 13 countries as it had been applied before the COVID-19 epidemic hit the country in early 2020, according to a resolution of the government.

And for you and me?

I talked with my Visa agent in Hanoi and she expects something any day but they don't have it yet.

Basically the same story from another Visa agent I follow on Facebook.

OceanBeach92107 wrote:

MikeTVN wrote:

OceanBeach92107 wrote:

[i]Vietnam has resumed its unilateral visa exemption for 13 countries as it had been applied before the COVID-19 epidemic hit the country in early 2020, according to a resolution of the government.

And for you and me?

I talked with my Visa agent in Hanoi and she expects something any day but they don't have it yet.

Basically the same story from another Visa agent I follow on Facebook.

So you will get one from an agent and not the US embassy instead?

MikeTVN wrote:

OceanBeach92107 wrote:

MikeTVN wrote:

And for you and me?

I talked with my Visa agent in Hanoi and she expects something any day but they don't have it yet.

Basically the same story from another Visa agent I follow on Facebook.

So you will get one from an agent and not the US embassy instead?

If you mean the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in the United States, it's a possible option, but I'll probably give my business to one of my agent friends.

Meanwhile I see that the portal for applying online at the San Francisco consulate is back up and running, with 12-month options for US citizens:

vietnamconsulate-sf..org/en/2019/05/09/apply-online-receive-loose-leaf-visa-delivered-by-fedex

OceanBeach92107 wrote:

MikeTVN wrote:

OceanBeach92107 wrote:

I talked with my Visa agent in Hanoi and she expects something any day but they don't have it yet.

Basically the same story from another Visa agent I follow on Facebook.

So you will get one from an agent and not the US embassy instead?

If you mean the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in the United States, it's a possible option, but I'll probably give my business to one of my agent friends.

Meanwhile I see that the portal for applying online at the San Francisco consulate is back up and running, with 12-month options for US citizens:

vietnamconsulate-sf..org/en/2019/05/09/apply-online-receive-loose-leaf-visa-delivered-by-fedex

Thanks OB for the heads up about SF website being open. I just submitted and received email back from them saying they received.

I just received call from SF consulate saying my 1 year visa has been approved. Paid everything and now waiting for visa. 7-10 days waiting because of many applications and no expedited services. Thanks again OB.

pogiwayne wrote:

I just received call from SF consulate saying my 1 year visa has been approved. Paid everything and now waiting for visa. 7-10 days waiting because of many applications and no expedited services. Thanks again OB.

You're very welcome PW.

You are physically in Cambodia, correct?

How will you receive the visa or visa letter?

Tourist Visa or Business?

Meanwhile, as was mentioned before in this thread, it's never official until the Red Stamp gets applied, eh?

OceanBeach92107 wrote:

...Meanwhile I see that the portal for applying online at the San Francisco consulate is back up and running, with 12-month options for US citizens:

vietnamconsulate-sf..org/en/2019/05/09/apply-online-receive-loose-leaf-visa-delivered-by-fedex

That's really good to know.  I want the loose-leaf variety, and I want a one-year visa.  How much did it cost you, pogiwayne?

paulmsn wrote:

OceanBeach92107 wrote:

...Meanwhile I see that the portal for applying online at the San Francisco consulate is back up and running, with 12-month options for US citizens:

vietnamconsulate-sf..org/en/2019/05/09/apply-online-receive-loose-leaf-visa-delivered-by-fedex

That's really good to know.  I want the loose-leaf variety, and I want a one-year visa.  How much did it cost you, pogiwayne?

Total was $215

OceanBeach92107 wrote:

pogiwayne wrote:

I just received call from SF consulate saying my 1 year visa has been approved. Paid everything and now waiting for visa. 7-10 days waiting because of many applications and no expedited services. Thanks again OB.

You're very welcome PW.

You are physically in Cambodia, correct?

How will you receive the visa or visa letter?

Tourist Visa or Business?

Meanwhile, as was mentioned before in this thread, it's never official until the Red Stamp gets applied, eh?



[img align=C]https://gordythomas.files.wordpress.com/2022/03/fb_img_1647391004799.jpg[/url]

[img align=C]https://gordythomas.files.wordpress.com/2022/03/fb_img_1647390989263.jpg[/url]

DHL to me wherever I am at the time… 😂

Hey guys. The year visa still requires visa runs every 3 months? Nothing has really changed with how Vietnam grants the longer visas for US citizens? I doubt I will return this year but it is nice to see the great news about Vietnam opening and being able to get visas online.

mpmilestogo wrote:

Hey guys. The year visa still requires visa runs every 3 months? Nothing has really changed with how Vietnam grants the longer visas for US citizens? I doubt I will return this year but it is nice to see the great news about Vietnam opening and being able to get visas online.

You are correct, concerning the 1 Year TOURIST visa for USA citizens.

In addition to the every-3-month border run, an additional regulation added in June/July 2020 was requiring a monthly check in with immigration (approximate cost $10.00 USD.

Since all of the most recent reports (yesterday) say that all visa regulations will return to pre-covid requirements, it's unclear if that added regulation still stands.

pogiwayne wrote:

Total was $215

Thanks a lot.

The Ministry of Health has released the official guidelines for entry into Vietnam in 1265/byt-dp 2022:




Quoting my visa agent's interpretation:

Travelers entering Viet Nam by air, road, sea, or rail must only present either a negative PCR test result done within 72 hours prior to departure, or a negative rapid test done within 24 hours of departure. Results must be certified by the authorities of the country where the tests are conducted.

There is NO vaccine requirement for entry.

There is NO quarantine requirement upon arrival if test is negative.

Children under two years old are not required to take COVID-19 tests

Arrivals must make medical declaration before entering and use Viet Nam’s COVID-19 mobile application (PC-COVID) during their entire stay according to regulations.

Source: Please see the attached official letter from the Ministry of Health of Vietnam

Good news!
Here's a copy/paste from Google Dịch...


MINISTRY OF HEALTH SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM
Independence - Freedom - Happiness
Number: /BYT-DP
Regarding the prevention and control of COVID-19 epidemic
for people entering the country
Hanoi, March 2022

Dear:
- Ministries, ministerial-level agencies, agencies attached to the Government;
- People's Committees of provinces and centrally run cities.

Currently, the number of new infections of the SARS-CoV-2 virus per day in our country is still high, variable Omicron bodies have been reported in the community. However, the percentage of people who are vaccinated COVID-19 vaccine has reached a nationwide high (one of the countries with the highest vaccination rates).
COVID-19 vaccine strain is the highest in the world), the number of severe cases and deaths from COVID-19 is still is under control.

Continuing to implement the policy of "safe adaptation, flexibility, control effectively control the COVID-19 epidemic”, the Ministry of Health (Standing Body of the Steering Committee National COVID-19 epidemic prevention and control) guiding the implementation of measures to prevent, fight against COVID-19 for people entering Vietnam as follows:

1. Requirements on epidemic prevention and control for people on entry

1.1. Test:
a) For people entering by air: must have test results
negative for SARS-CoV-2 (except for children under 2 years old) within 72 . before leaving the country hours if using the RT-PCR/RT-LAMP method or within 24 hours if using
Using the rapid test method for antigens with SARS-CoV-2 virus and the competent authority of the country performing the certification test.

b) For people entering by other routes (road, waterway, railway):
There shall be the same test as for the requirement in point a). In case there are no results test negative for SARS-CoV-2 as specified at point a) above, must test for SARS-CoV-2 within the first 24 hours (by RT-PCR/RT-LAMP method or rapid antigen test for SARS-CoV-2 virus) since entry. If the test result is negative, you are allowed to leave the property and implement anti-epidemic measures according to regulations. If the test results. If you test positive, you must immediately report it to the local health authority for instructions on how to handle it timely.

c) Children under 2 years old are not required to be tested for SARS-CoV-2 and have not been vaccinated. Those who apply for COVID-19 prevention or have never been infected with SARS-CoV-2 are allowed to enter and participate activities outside the accommodation with parents, relatives.

1.2. Medical declaration and medical quarantine at the border gate
1265 2

- People entering the country must make a medical declaration before entering and using the application. Use medical declaration (PC-COVID) during your stay in Vietnam according to regulations.
- At the border gate if you have symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection (fever; cough; sore throat; runny nose). nose, stuffy nose; body aches, fatigue, chills; decreased or lost taste; decreased or lost sense of smell sense; pain, headache; diarrhea; shortness of breath; respiratory infections...) immediately notify the medical agency health services at the border gate to carry out health measures as prescribed.

1.3. Monitor health and apply preventive measures against COVID-19

- Within 10 days from the date of entry: self-monitor health, if any
symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection (fever; cough; sore throat; runny nose, stuffy nose; pain people, fatigue, chills; decreased or lost taste; decreased or lost sense of smell; pain, headache; diarrhea; shortness of breath; respiratory infections...) must immediately notify the nearest medical facility for timely guidance and management; Take preventive measures: often. Always wear a mask, disinfect your hands with an antiseptic solution.
- For those who have not tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 before, exit: during the process of moving from the entry border to the place of residence, limited stop, park along the road; Avoid close contact with people around.

2. This Official Dispatch replaces Official Letter No. 10688/BYT-MT dated December 16, 2021 of the Ministry of Health on the prevention and control of the COVID-19 epidemic for immigrants; Official Letter 10943/BYT- MT dated December 24, 2021 of the Ministry of Health on medical guidance on COVID-19 epidemic prevention and control for people who are allowed to enter Vietnam to work for a short time (under 14 days); Decision 2553/QD-BYT dated June 18, 2020 of the Ministry of Health promulgating “Temporary guidance” Medical quarantine to prevent COVID-19 infection for vehicles and people
control means of transport of goods at road, railway and road border gates
by sea and by air”; Official Dispatch No. 429/BYT-MT dated January 26, 2022 on prevention, anti-epidemic for flight crew on international flights.
Ministry of Health (Standing body of the National Steering Committee for epidemic prevention and control) COVID-19) request the People's Committee of the province, ministries and branches to direct the units under the management authority to organize implementation to ensure the reduction of the risk of infection for companions and the community.
Sincerely thank you./.
Recipients:
- As recipients;
- Prime Minister (for reporting);
- The Deputy Prime Ministers (for reporting);
- Minister (for reporting);
- The Deputy Ministers;
- The members of the National Steering Committee;
- Units under and under the Ministry of Health;
- Departments of Health, Centers for Natural Control and Prevention/Pharmacy Center of provinces and cities;
- Save: VT, DP.
KT. MINISTER
DEPUTY
Nguyen Truong Son

Took a spin down Bui Vien Saturday lunch time. 
Tourist Spotting - scanned the whole strip end to end...   

Nope!    Not a single dang one!

Two old white coots, obvious locals. The rest Vietnamese workers.
No walkers, w/new travel clothes, white sneakers, backpacks.
Wouldn't you think there'd be a couple early birds?   

gobot wrote:

Took a spin down Bui Vien Saturday lunch time. 
Tourist Spotting - scanned the whole strip end to end...   

Nope!    Not a single dang one!

Two old white coots, obvious locals. The rest Vietnamese workers.
No walkers, w/new travel clothes, white sneakers, backpacks.
Wouldn't you think there'd be a couple early birds?   

They all went to Danang and Phu Quoc for their first stop...

Hi all.
Does anyone know where I can get cheap Covid-19 insurance in Australia? I have read that it can cost as little as $10 but I can't find anything under $400 for a 3 month trip.
Thanx

I just talked to the Vietnamese Consulate in San Francisco, USA regarding CoVid 19 Insurance. He said, “ get it at the airport on arrival in VN”. He said it costs $45 usd. I asked what if I purchase it here in USA , he said the authorities would have a tough time translating the policy. I figured that!
Has anyone entered VN and been asked to procide proof of CoVid insurance?
So far, I have had counsellors at the Vietnamese consulate adivise me that:
No insurance necessary.
Buy it on arrival
Anyone have feedback with their experience, on arrival in VN on this topic?
I did see one person in a comment somewhere in this forum stated they were never asked for CoVid insurance.

schleger wrote:

I just talked to the Vietnamese Consulate in San Francisco, USA regarding CoVid 19 Insurance. He said, “ get it at the airport on arrival in VN”. He said it costs $45 usd. I asked what if I purchase it here in USA , he said the authorities would have a tough time translating the policy. I figured that!
Has anyone entered VN and been asked to procide proof of CoVid insurance?
So far, I have had counsellors at the Vietnamese consulate adivise me that:
No insurance necessary.
Buy it on arrival
Anyone have feedback with their experience, on arrival in VN on this topic?
I did see one person in a comment somewhere in this forum stated they were never asked for CoVid insurance.

To confirm what SF told you regarding the fact that insurance is not necessary, their website states the following:  "Upon entry, all people must comply with medical requirements under the guidance of the Ministry of Health, ensuring 5K regulations (Face Mask, Disinfection, Keep Distance, Avoid Gathering, Health Declaration); no confirmation of the local authority or other authorities is required to be allowed to enter Vietnam."  [emphasis mine]  Unlike the other consular sites I have looked at, San Francisco does seem to stay up to date.  LINK

The site also has a page with instructions for how you can certify your COVID shot record.   It might not be a bad idea to do so as a backup even if it is not required.  LINK for COVID shot record.

I never cease to be amazed by how helpful the people on the phone at the SF Consulate always are.  I forgot to enclose the money order for my wife's Vietnamese passport renewal.   They actually called me and took a credit card number over the phone.   I know it is said that you should never give out card numbers to people if they called you, but I felt fairly certain in this case as his voice was familiar and he was willing to give me his name.  It all worked out due to their excellent customer service.

Hm, I tried to fill out the online form for a loose-leaf visa at the SF Consulate ([link under review] but after I clicked on the "Submit" button, I just got rotating curved arrows next to the button that never stopped.  I tried filling and submitting the form two times, but it just won't complete.  Is there another page, maybe at another consulate, that I could try?

Never mind, I found a working online form on the New York Consulate web site.

paulmsn:   Glad you found a source for your visa.   I had a similar problem with the SF website last week when I wanted to download the form for a new VEC.  (On a Mac it is the dreaded "beachball"  while your logon name tells me that you may be a Microsoft user.  )  I resolved my problem by switching from Firefox, which I generally use, to Chrome.   This has happened to me on other sites and I am considering moving everything to Chrome.   I am still looking for a convenient way to migrate my bookmarks.

Can I ask how long from the time you completed the application till you received a call from them?  I completed my application on 3/2022 and I did receive an email immediately confirming they received my application.

Today 3/28/22 I called the consulate and when I finally got someone on the phone - he told me I had not heard from anyone because they were not currently issuing visas.   I asked several times if he was certain - and he said yes.  I should have asked his position - hoping he was misinformed?

Harry Pearl wrote:

Can I ask how long from the time you completed the application till you received a call from them?  I completed my application on 3/2022 and I did receive an email immediately confirming they received my application.

Today 3/28/22 I called the consulate and when I finally got someone on the phone - he told me I had not heard from anyone because they were not currently issuing visas.   I asked several times if he was certain - and he said yes.  I should have asked his position - hoping he was misinformed?

The person you spoke with is correct. They have suspended issuing visas until they receive further directions from Hanoi.
I have already paid and am waiting for them to issue. Maybe April.

Got it.  Thank you

schleger wrote:

Has anyone entered VN and been asked to procide proof of CoVid insurance?
So far, I have had counsellors at the Vietnamese consulate adivise me that:
No insurance necessary.
Buy it on arrival
Anyone have feedback with their experience, on arrival in VN on this topic?
I did see one person in a comment somewhere in this forum stated they were never asked for CoVid insurance.

I entered mid-February and wasn't asked for anything regarding insurance.  I was never checked for covid at any point during or after my arrival for a negative test.  Just the paperwork that I had to get on the plane in US.

SteinNebraska:  You may have already told us this, but as someone who is uniquely positioned to have obtained either a legitimate investor visa or a marriage based VEC/TRC, could you tell us which you have chosen and why?   Also if you intend to change your choice in the future.

Regards

SteinNebraska:  You may have already told us this, but as someone who is uniquely positioned to have obtained either a legitimate investor visa or a marriage based VEC/TRC, could you tell us which you have chosen and ... - @THIGV

I applied for a one-year visa at the New York consulate web site and received an automated confirmation by email on 27 March.  Today I called the Consulate to ask why there was no response and was told that I can only receive a one-month ... - @paulmsn

@pogiwayne Looking to make the move to Vietnam with my bf this year and wanted to ask about this whole visa business.  Does this mean they are only issuing the one and three month visas for the moment, but not the 1 year ones? thanks.

@pogiwayne Looking to make the move to Vietnam with my bf this year and wanted to ask about this whole visa business.  Does this mean they are only issuing the one and three month visas for the moment, but not the 1 year ones? thanks.

- @808island

@pogiwayne Looking to make the move to Vietnam with my bf this year and wanted to ask about this whole visa business.  Does this mean they are only issuing the one and three month visas for the moment, but not the 1 year ones? thanks.

- @808island

@pogiwayne Looking to make the move to Vietnam with my bf this year and wanted to ask about this whole visa business.  Does this mean they are only issuing the one and three month visas for the moment, but not the 1 year ones? thanks.

- @808island

No.

Currently only 1 month e-Visa is available.

Subscribe to this thread for updates

- @OceanBeach92107

SteinNebraska:  You may have already told us this, but as someone who is uniquely positioned to have obtained either a legitimate investor visa or a marriage based VEC/TRC, could you tell us which you have chosen and why?   Also if you intend to change your choice in the future.

Regards

- @THIGV

Plus, if I stay out of the US 330 days per year my income in Vietnam is exempted from US taxes for the first $124,000 per year.  That is not so important for the taxes on that money as I'll still pay 25% on Vietnam income in Vietnam.

That is earned income, right?  Not retirement/investment income?

Does somebody knows if Thai citizen can enter Vietnam (by plane) using visa exempt 30 days as it was before Covid period or they need to apply for e-visa.

That would be for tourism visit of course less than 30 days.

Thanks

- @Jphasia