Do I need a visa on arrival in Vietnam?

Vietnam visa on arrival needed?

Okay, so you’re wondering about getting a Vietnam visa, huh? Let me tell ya what I know.

Basically, yeah, you DO need a visa to go to Vietnam. No getting around that, unfortunately. But! There are options!

The eVisa thing is pretty handy. I got mine online a few years back. It was for tourism, I think it cost me around $25 maybe? (I think that was the price, honestly it was a while ago in Feb 2022). Super easy. I think I needed a photo and some passport info, that’s all, to visit Phu Quoc.

The eVisa, they say, is good for up to 90 days and you can enter and exit multiple times.

Entry rules, tho, those are like, who knows? Seriously. They change quick! Best to check official sources right before you go. You don’t wanna be stuck at the airport, ya know? I almost was in Ho Chi Minh City once on 15 March, scary!

What is the difference between a Vietnam eVisa and visa on arrival?

Hanoi airport, sweltering July 2023. Chaos. Visa on arrival line snaked forever. My e-visa? Showed the PDF on my phone. Zoomed through. Sweet.

Sweating bullets in that line? Nope, not me. E-visa is way faster. Paid online beforehand. Printed the PDF. Done.

Visa on arrival is a hassle. Get an approval letter online. Still have to queue at the airport. Pay again for the actual visa stamp. Waste of time. Seriously.

• E-visa: PDF on your phone or printed. No passport stamp.
• Visa on arrival: Online approval letter. Get visa stamped at the airport. Extra fee.

My flight was delayed. Almost missed my connecting flight to Da Nang. Glad I had that e-visa. Would’ve been stuck. Definitely worth it. Paid $25 online for peace of mind. Best $25 ever spent. Learned my lesson after that trip to Bangkok last year. Never again with visa on arrival. Never ever. Just get the e-visa. Trust me. Especially if you’re flying into Hanoi. Absolute madhouse.

How do I get a visa for Vietnam on arrival?

Hanoi, sweltering July 2023. Landing. Visa line snaked forever. Panic rising. My pre-approval letter clutched tight. Got it through vietnamvisa.govt.vn. Expensive. But worth it after that flight. So many forms. Passport photo. Ugh. Almost forgot it. Fee in US dollars- crisp bills only. They glared at my slightly ripped $25. Accepted it, thank god. Stamp. Done. Out. Air conditioning! Bliss.

• Pre-approval letter is essential. Don’t just show up.
• Use a reputable agency. So many scams online.
• Double-check the website. The .govt.vn is important. For the official site. Peace of mind.
• Passport photos. Take extras. Just in case.
• US dollars cash. New bills. No tears or marks. Exact amount if possible. Saves hassle. They’re picky.

My hotel was the Apricot Hotel. Splurged. Rooftop pool. Needed it after that visa ordeal. Seriously. Never again arriving without that pre-approval. Learned my lesson.

How do I go to Vietnam from Thailand?

Forget the bus, man, flying’s the way to go! Bangkok to Vietnam? Piece of cake! It’s easier than finding a decent Pad Thai in touristy areas.

Airlines? You’re spoiled for choice. Like choosing between a million shades of beige. Seriously, there are tons.

• Vietjet Air: Cheap as chips, but maybe a bit like flying in a sardine can. My uncle flew with them last year; he needed a chiropractor afterward.
• Thai Vietjet Air: Similar to above, but with slightly more polite flight attendants. Probably.
• Air Asia: Pretty standard, reliable like a well-worn pair of flip-flops.
• Thai Airways: A touch fancier, feels more like being ferried by a majestic elephant.
• Others: A whole zoo of choices. Seriously, check your preferred flight comparison site.

Pro tip: Book in advance, especially during peak season. Otherwise you’ll be paying more than my rent. And my rent’s ridiculous. I live in a closet under the stairs.

Flights are daily, so you’ve got flexibility like a drunken octopus. Choose your weapon (airline), and off you go.

Seriously, it’s a doddle. Less hassle than convincing my cat to take a bath.

#Travelvietnam #Vietnamvisa #Visaarrival