How to Get a Travel Visa for Vietnam

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By Nella Bella
eHow Contributing Writer

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Vietnam — a traveler's paradise.

Recently open to Americans, Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful countries. It is a mostly agrarian country, which contributes to its astounding beauty. Tourist facilities are basic at best in some rural areas, but better in the big cities. A lack of tourist infrastructure is a reason many travelers find Vietnam so appealing. Americans are required to have a valid passport and visa before entering Vietnam.

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Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Passport
Visa application form
Two passport size photos

Step 1

Plan ahead. You must have a visa before entering Vietnam. There is no such thing as a “visa on arrival.” In the United States, a visa may be obtained at the Consulate General’s office in San Francisco, 1700 California St., Suite 475, and the phone is (415) 922-1577. The embassy in Washington D.C. is 1233 20th Street, NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20036. The phone is (202) 861-2293. Visa forms may be obtained by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to one of the offices. If you are overseas, check the websites in the Resources section for other embassies and consulates.
Step 2

Tourist visas are good for 30 days. They may be extended while in Vietnam, but remember, many “official” procedures in Vietnam requires miles of red tape and eons of time.
Step 3

A visa costs about $85 if obtained in the United States. Visa fees can vary country by country, embassy by embassy.
Step 4

Multiple entry visas are available, too. These are perfect for travelers making side trips to Thailand, Cambodia and Laos.
Step 5

Firm up your plans. Do not complete your visa application until you know your intended ports of arrival and departure. Changing your itinerary could mean miles of red tape and eons of time.

Tips & Warnings

Follow the rules. If you have a tourist/travel visa, then don’t go to Vietnam to conduct business or missionary work. Deportation will follow.
If your passport is lost or stolen in Vietnam, contact the United States embassy and get a replacement passport. With your new passport, get a replacement visa from the Vietnamese government.