Vietnam visa exemption for 5 Western European countries

The Government has just issued the Resolution No.46/NQ-CP on Vietnam visa exemption for citizens of 5 Western European countries

The Government has just issued the Resolution No.46/NQ-CP on Vietnam visa exemption for citizens of 5 countries including the UK, France, Germany, Spain and Italy when entering Vietnam. Citizens of 5 countries above entering Vietnam with the duration not exceed 15 days since the date of entry, regardless of type of passport, immigration purposes, meeting the following regulations of Vietnam law will be exempted visa. Mr. Nguyen Quy Phuong, Director General of Travel Department said, on June 18th, the Prime Minister issued the formally Resolution on unilateral visa exemption for citizens of Germany, France, Britain, Italy and Spain. Accordingly, citizens of these countries entering Vietnam do not need to apply a visa Vietnam with the duration of 15 days, with effect from July 1st, 2015 to June 30th, 2016. Providing that, these citizens to Vietnam must acquire passports with the validity of at least 06 months since the date of entry. In addition, the next entry to Vietnam without visa must be at least 30 days before the date of the last exit.  To specify, the date of entry is on 4 August, and the date of exit is on 18 August. Then, the second entry is on 22 August. For the second entry, it is a must to have normal Vietnam visa, as the duration between the last exit and the second entry is not 30 days. Therefore, the visa exemption is optimal for tourists with a single entry with the last exit is 30 days before, and they will have a stay of less than 15 days. Other cases of single entry with stay of more than 15 days, and multiple entry must apply for visa to Vietnam. Particularly, for multple entry, the first entry can use the exemption, from the second time, it is a must to get new visa.

At the regular meeting in May 2015, the Government agreed with the solutions to overcome difficulties and develop Vietnam tourism of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, including visa exemption, electronic visa, facilitation of processes and procedures for granting visas. German, Britain and France are traditional markets with large volume of tourists and high spending. In the first 5 months of the year, the numbers of tourists in these markets to Vietnam are respectively 68,000, 90,000 and 99,000 arrivals. Mr.Tran Chi Cuong, Deputy Director of the Da Nang Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism said that Italy and Spain are the two new markets. The visa to Vietnam exemption will certainly attract more tourists from these markets. In Resolution No. 92 / NQ-CP on some measures to promote Vietnam tourism development in the new period issued late 2014, the government also asked the Ministry of Public Security in the coordination with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant agencies to review, study, propose for expanding the visa-free countries associated with ensuring national security and order, public safety. Currently, Vietnam visa exemption is applied to countries of Japan, South Korean, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Switzerland, Russia and Belarus. Vietnam also exempts visa for 9 ASEAN countries on the basis of reciprocity. Additionally, tourists coming to Phu Quoc Island will be exempted visa to Vietnam for 30 days. By dint of the regulation on free visa for Vietnam since 2014, the number of Japanese tourists coming to Vietnam increases by 2.43 times, that of South Korean is by 3.6 times, and that of Russia is by 7.45 times (from 2009). Many international travel companies said this is a positive policy for tourism. Though we cannot currently assess the specific impacts of the exemption from visa, tourists and foreign travel companies will be happy with this policy. "This is a good policy. In the immediate future, even in this summer, visa Vietnam exemption will have good impact on the Italian and Spanish tourists who travel a lot in the summer, while the other markets have to wait until the end of the year" Ms. Bui Viet Thuy Tien, Executive Director of Asian Trails Co. specializing in the European market, said. According to Mr. Tuan, the visa exemption is a favorable step but only a part in attracting international tourists to Vietnam. When having the advantage of visa, tourism must connect to aviation of those countries to take tourists to Vietnam and to promote Vietnam tourism in those countries. In addition, the current shortcomings as the quality of service, human resources, and the tourism environment need to be solved. 

Traveling Da Nang with just 100USD - Is it possible?

Da Nang is dubbed one of the 20 cleanest cities in the world, of course the cleanest city in Vietnam. Da Nang has changed significantly to become one of the most famous destinations in Vietnam and in the region. Therefore, in traveling seasons and festivals,Vietnam tour packages to Da Nang are always crowded with both domestic and international tourists. Some people claim that traveling Da Nang costs a lot of money, while others share that with just 100USD in hand they can explore almost the worthiest city to live in Vietnam. Let’s discover why with only 100USD, one can make wonderful holidays in Da Nang. 

Traveling expenses 

Da Nang International Airport

For those who depart from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, there are three main ways to approach Da Nang City: by road, by rail, and by air. If traveling by road, it is suggested to pick some reliable brands of bus such as Hong Long, Mai Linh, and Thuan Thao with the ticket about 19USD - 23USD. The time traveling from Hanoi/Saigon to Da Nang is about 18-20 hours. Traveling by train is one of popular means of transportation in almost Vietnam tours as its cheap price and safety. Depending on types of train, and classes, fares from Hanoi to Da Nang can fluctuate from 14USD to 30USD. It takes about 14- 20 hours to get to Da Nang from Hanoi. The fares will be higher from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang, as the distance between two cities is bigger than that between Hanoi and Da Nang. The fastest way to reach the city of bridges is by plane. The airfares to Da Nang are different by airlines, ranging from 28USD to over 100USD. The fight duration is about 1 hour and 30 minutes. In addition, there are several direct internatinal flights to Da Nang International Airport from Guangzhou, Seoul-Incheon, Kuala Lumpur, Shanghai-Pudong, Siem Reap, Singapore, Taipei and Tokyo-Narita. However, the international airfare is higher than that of domestic one. To save traveling expenses, it is highly recommended to travel by train. If book normal seat on train from Hanoi/Saigon to Da Nang, it costs only 14USD, and the travel time is about 18 hours. To get around Da Nang City, it is suggested to travel by motorcycle, bus, or taxi. Getting arond by motorcycle is convenient and easy to pop in famous attractions in Da Nang. There are services of motorcycle renting at the hotels or renting stores with rates from 3USD to 7USD/vehicle/day. If by bus, from Da Nang City, there are buses running to Hue (it takes 3 hours), and Hoi An (1 hour). And, by taxi, let’s catch reliable taxi brands such as Song Han, Tien Sa, Mai Linh, and Vinasun Gree. To save more traveling expense, it is suggested by travel by motorbike. To approach Hue and Hoi An, it is possible to travel by motorbike. For short distances around the city, it is suggested to travel by bus. Therefore, to travel inner the city, it costs about 14USD/pax. To sum up, the total traveling expense (get to and get around Da Nang) is about 41USD.

Accommodating expense 

Da Nang hotel

Da Nang is also famous for a wide range of hotels from budget to luxury ones. Whether inner the city or near the beach, tourists can easily to find a cheap but in-good-condition hotel to accommodate during their Vientam holidays in Da Nang. The hotel rate in Da Nang fluctuates from 10USD to even nearly 1000USD. However, with an affordable rate, it is highly recommended to stay at 1-2 star hotels, rating from 10USD to 16USD/night. A 2-day stay may cost about 23USD - 32USD. If traveling in a group of two, the cost may reduce a half. 

Eating expense 

Banh Trang Cuon Thit Heo

Da Nang travel is not a spendy choice. Thus, travelers will not have to spend too much money on eating. Coming to Da Nang, travelers can choose hotels fitting their budget. If traveling by train, it will take 1 day and a half, which means you have 3 meals during this time. You can have some snack instead of a big meal. It will save your money. Each snack may cost 1.5USD. It will cost about 45-50USD for eating when traveling by train. Da Nang is well-known for delicious dishes but not expensive. The price of Da Nang delicacies is affordable. 10USD/day is acceptable amount to let a stomach full. The eating cost for 2 days is about 15-20USD. In total, the eating cost is about 20-25USD. 

Visiting expense 

Hoi An town

It is said that Da Nang can be discovered in only 01 day. In fact, it is not. If having more time (3-5 days), almost interesting places in Da Nang City can be explored, and many delicacies can be tasted. There are many attractions in Da Nang, or destinations nearby to drop by such as Hoi An and Hue. The fee for visiting Hoi An Ancient Town is about 4USD/person, fare for entering Da Nang Asian Park is about 2.3USD. It costs about 14USD to visit Son Tra Peninsula, and 2.3USD to Mable Mountain (Ngu Hanh Son Mountain)... If having more time and budget, you can pop in Ba Na Hills. The entrance ticket is about 25USD. If travelers want to visit Cu Lao Cham Island, it is recommended to travel in group. The fee is about 18-22USD/ person. Thus, the minimum expense is about 15USD. With about 50USD, you can visit all famous Da Nang attractions and nearby destinations in Vietnam tour packages. In short, the total expense is about 100USD. With only 100USD, you totally can coming to Da Nang - one of the most beautiful tourist cities in Vietnam.

Some tips at Tan Son Nhat International Airport

Traveling Saigon by air is very quick and convenient. However, many passengers who first travel by air don't know how to get on the correct flight, to arrive at correct gate and to check baggage in. Vietnam Airlines would like to share some experiences when doing procedures at Tan Son Nhat International Airport so that passengers can be confident with their journey.

Experience on baggage checked at Tan Son Nhat Airport

Tan Son Nhat Airport

This is the experience of procedures at the airport, passengers should take note. According to regulations of Vietnam Airways, passengers allow bringing 7kg hand baggage. Due to the security reasons, passenger doesn’t allow bringing knives, scissors, firearms, lighters... in the carry-on baggage. The maximum weight of checked baggage allowance is permitted depending on the ticket class and initial registration. Any baggage exceed the maximum weight must be separated and packed such that each piece weighs less than maximum weight. To avoid lost baggage, passengers should mark their belongings with most visible sign.

When doing procedures at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, passengers' baggage will be divided into 2 categories including hand baggage and checked baggage. Hand baggage is items that passengers should bring on the plane with them. These baggage is often limited in size, weight depending to the regulations of airlines.

Checked baggage is usually heavy and bulky items which are checked when do check-in procedure, carried on luggage compartment, passengers just get them on arrival airport. Depending on ticket class, operating airlines, the regulations of baggage are different. If the baggage of passengers is overweight, they have to pay extra charge. The carriers are prescribed list of items not allowed to bring, you must comply with this regulation.


Experience on check-in at Tan Son Nhat Airport

Tan Son Nhat Airport

Passengers will find check-in counters of airlines at the departure zone. If it's time for check-in, the counters will have service staff. VN Airlines advises that if passengers have not selected seats, they should come early to line up and select seat as they want. Before going to check-in counters at Tan Son Nhat Airport, passengers can have to go through security checkpoint.

Passengers have to present tickets, ID or passport/ visa at the check-in counter. If passengers have checked baggage, they should put it on a scale. Airline staff can check hand baggage of passengers at the same time. After completing the check-in procedures, passengers will receive tickets, documents and boarding pass and baggage tag. Boarding Pass includes information of lounge where passengers have to present before boarding the plane, time opening lounge and the number of seats of passengers.


Experience in boarding

Experience in boarding

After completing the check-in procedures of Air Vietnam, it is time for boarding the plane, the airline staff will appear in the lounge. Passengers with high ticket class board in advance, followed by those with disabilities, those who travel with children, the rest have to queue or staff will call under the seat number. The seats on the plane can recline, the front seats can have footrests to bring the comfort for passengers during the flight.

However, when the plane takes off or land, passengers have to sit up straight, don't use footrests and electronic devices. Above the seats have signposts indicating when they must wear a seatbelt, smoking is allowed or not. When taking off/ landing or going into shock region (notified signal light), passengers must fasten seatbelt.

Source:  http://www.vietnamairlines.travel/news/some-tips-tan-son-nhat-international-airport

Is Vietnam the Most Diverse Country For Backpackers?

From the steep rice terraces of Sapa to the limestone karsts of Halong Bay and the rolling sand dunes of Mui Ne to the buzz of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam has some of the most diverse landscapes in South East Asia. You can be trekking in the mountains one day and sunbathing on a sandy beach the next, then whizzing around on a motorbike through the hectic streets of a buzzing city the following day!

Maybe it’s Vietnam’s spectacular variety that makes it one of the most popular countries in South East Asia for backpackers to travel. If you’re planning to a trip to this country, you’re in for a treat! Here are five reasons why Vietnam has something to suit every backpacker…

1.Mountain Trekking:

Fansipan Peak

Head north from Hanoi via overnight train for some incredible trekking experiences where you’ll walk amidst misty mountains and rice terraces from one hill tribe village to the next. The hill town resort of Sapa is a good starting point, as well as the more remote Mai Chau Valley and Ba Be National Park. Also worth visiting are the beautiful central highlands, known as the ‘Alps of Vietnam’ where you can base yourself in the quirky town of Dalat and explore on foot or bicycle from there. Rafting, rock climbing, canyoning and kayaking are also available!

2.Beach Bumming:

Phu Quoc Beach

Tropical white sandy beaches don’t instantly come to mind when you think of Vietnam – with beach hungry backpackers tending to head first to neighbouring Thailand. Don’t fall into the same trap! Vietnam’s long coastline is filled with incredible beaches and islands that will satisfy any beach bum. From the picturesque coves shadowed by impossible limestone cliffs at Cat Ba National Park to the long stretches of sand at Hoi An and Nha Trang – Vietnam is a great place to enjoy sun, sea, sand and cocktails! There’s also the interesting island of Phu Quoc just a few hours south of Ho Chi Minh City with fishing villages and beaches galore!

3.City Buzz:

Hanoi Old Quarter

There’s nowhere quite like Vietnam’s capital Hanoi in the north of the country for its intoxicating atmosphere. From the moment you arrive you will be energized by its pulsating vibe and over a thousand years of culture and history. Winding streets, buzzing street life, the smell of spicy street food, eclectic architecture and a million motorbikes make this city an assault on all of the senses. In the south, Ho Chi Minh city has a more cosmopolitan feel – eat crab and drink cheap beer from the street vendors in one area of the city and treat yourself in swanky restaurants, trendy bars and lively clubs in the next!

4.Culture, Museums, Art and Food:

Hoi An Ancient Town

Vietnam has an incredibly rich culture that cannot fail to entice visitors. Wander through the streets of UNESCO World Heritage City, Hoi An, appreciating influences from over five centuries of world trading with the Chinese, Dutch, French and Indians. In the nearby city of Hue, don’t miss the ancient Imperial Hue Citadel, an important part of Vietnamese history as well as the ‘Tombs of the Former Emperors’. Vietnam is also home to world famous museums such as the ‘American War Museum’ in Ho Chi Minh City, as well as Hoa Lo Prison in Hanoi. Plus, you can even visit the tomb of the worshipped leader, Ho Chi Minh himself in Hanoi. After all that culture, make sure you relax with a bia hoi (beer) and try local delicacies such as pho bo (beef noodle soup), banh mi (vietnamese style sandwich) and goi cuon (spring rolls).

5.Off the Beaten Track:

Phong Nha - Ke Bang

This incredible country offers plenty of opportunity for off the beaten track adventures. One region, which is only just being discovered by backpackers, is Phong Nha National Park – with amazing scenery, a local way of life and loads of adventure sports such as kayaking, rafting, mountain biking, hiking and caving. Raging rivers, spectacular waterfalls, swimming lagoons, rugged mountains and of course the world’s biggest cave (Hang Son Doong) make this region one of the most exciting adventure capitals in South East Asia.

What do you need to know before you go to Vietnam?

AloTrip promotion

To enter the country you will need a visa, which needs to be arranged in advance. Do you want to travel to Vietnam and get a totally FREE Visa on Arrival (VOA)? We just discovered this promotion from Vietnam Airlines, which grants you a free Visa when you book any flight. Book flights from 49 USD, this great offer is available until 30th December 2015. (Offer is worth 20 USD / per passenger and a whole lot of time and hassle saved!)

*VOA is actually an 'approval letter' - which means you can get a Vietnam Visa stamped upon arrival at an international airport (Da Nang, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh) which will save you time in pre-arranging a visa at a Vietnamese Embassy. This great feature is offered by AloTrip.

8 reasons why traveling Sapa as ideal choice in summer

Sapa is one of northwest destinations in Vietnam where tourism is booming. Not just being weaving by spectacular rice terraces, Sapa Town is an amazing destination when local hill-tribe people fill the town with colour.

When Northern provinces in Vietnam are suffering from the harshest time of summer, Sapa in Northwest Vietnam possesses a cool and comfortable weather with the average temperature of under 20 degrees. Besides, the diversity of tourism products and majestic natural landscapes of attractions in Sapa make the town has been always one of top destinations in Vietnam holidays.

1. Diverse landscapes

Sapa

Located in the remote area of Northwest Vietnam, near Hoang Lien Son Mountain Range, Sapa is well-known for being the land of spectacular rice terraces and romantic love markets. The mixture of the customs and habits of more than 30 ethnic groups creates the attractive colorful cultural carpet of Sapa. In addition, the beauty of Sapa is portrayed by the majestic view of northwest mountainous area with towering mountains and hills. The town is also famous for Fansipan peak - the Roof of Indochina.

2. Traveling with 5-star express

Train to Sapa

To enjoy a wonderful Vietnam tour packages to Sapa - the fairy land, it will be an unforgettable moments when feeling free with Victoria Express train time from Hanoi Capital to valleys and mountains. Victoria Express has the frequency of six times per week from Hanoi Railway Station to Lao Cai Railway Station. Each train duration is about 8.5 hours. With the capacity of 52 passengers, Victoria Express has two luxury sleeping cabins handcrafted with wood panels, which brings an absolute silence and a clear vision. Each compartment includes 6 cabins equipped with modern devices such as air-conditioning, wooden floor, private reading lamp, luggage compartment, and large window for sightseeing.

3. Four seasons in a day

European Garden

Sapa is about 1,650 meters high above the sea level. The attraction is one of the coolest places in Vietnam. Weather in Sapa Town has all four seasons in a day: spring in the morning, summer at noon with mild sunny and balmy climate, autumn in the afternoon with clouds and cool air, and winter at night.

4. Various tourism products

Sapa

Passengers traveling Sapa can chose many favorite types of traveling: traveling for pleasure or traveling for adventure. Sapa is really an ideal destination that each tourist can seek his own joy by conquering the Fansipan peak, wondering along small streets, contemplating local life, visiting ethnic minority groups of Cat Cat Village or Ta Phin Village, exploring the lifestyle of indigenous people, or just simply sitting around the fire and enjoy your book.

5. Conquering Fansipan Mountain - Indochina's Roof

Fansipan

Belonging to Hoang Lien Son Mountain Range, with the height of 3,143 meters - the tallest peak in Vietnam and Indochina, Fansipan Peak is being a place where many professional and amateur climbers want to conquer. Let's come here to experience, to contemplate, to explore the nature and yourself with the footage through bamboo forest, cardamom, chilling sound of gibbons, and steep slopes. Conquering Fansipan Mount will definitely one of your most unforgettable memories in Vietnam travel.

6. Exploring villages in Sapa

Ta Phin Dzao women

In Sapa tours, popping in Muong Hoa Valley, one of the most beautiful villages in the Northwest Vietnam where there are spectacular rice terraces, which are some time voted by reputable world press in Top most spectacular terraces in Vietnam. In this route, tourists also have a chance to visit villages of black H' Mong ethnic group and Giay ethnic group. Otherwise, tourists can pay a visit to Ta Phin Village to explore the daily life of Red Dao ethnic people and Black H' Mong ethnic people. Tourists may not understand what they say, but will partly see their traditional customs and record unique photos or videos.

7. Colorful weekend markets

Flower Hmong ladies

Sapa in summer or all year round is not just well-known for poetic natural landscapes, but also unique upland fairs bearing cultural features of locals. This is also one of factors making the brand of Sapa travel. Some famous upland fairs in Sapa are Bac Ha Market, Coc Ly Market, Muong Hum Market, and Can Cau Market... Markets in Sapa are portrayed by temporary stand stalls at a large ground, along with lines of locals and tourists crowding the space, and various local items, which attracts many tourists to Sapa.

8. Upland architectures

Sapa Resort and Spa

Being constructed in 1998, Victoria Sapa Resort & Spa is the only luxury 4-star hotel in Sapa. Victoria Sapa Resort & Spa is constructed in style of traditional wooden houses in mountainous area. With the highlight on the ceiling, meticulous patterns, stone mosaic motifs throughout fussy special architecture which combines classic French style and the bold native details, Victoria Sapa Resort & Spa proudly appears between the mountains and perfect harmony with space green around.

Vietnam Airlines among best airlines in South Korea

The award "2014 Incheon Airport Best Airline of the Year Award" of Incheon International Airport Corporation (IIAC) awarded to international airlines operating at Incheon International Airport.  This award aims to honor the airlines which have many contributions in operating the flights and air services at this airport. IIAC selected 11 among more than 90 airlines to award "Best Service".

Vietnam Airlines

According to the criteria of IIAC, firstly, the airlines has to operate stably for at least 2 consecutive years at Incheon Airport and serve more than 500.000 passengers per year.  After selecting airlines based on the criterion above, IIAC assessed the growth of airlines in different fields as the on-time flight rate, aviation safety culture, quick and efficient service; timely baggage service and contributions to the models of kiosk, web, city check-in, etc.  

Asiana Airlines is the only airline in the group serving more than 5 thousand passengers each year and received the gold award. Vietnam Airways and Singapore Airlines received the silver award for the airlines which have the best service and serve more than 500,000 passengers each year at Incheon Airport.

Following airlines serving from 50,000 to 300,000 passengers per year were received the award including Eva Air, Delta Airlines, Qatar Airways, Garuda Indonesia, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Air Macau, Air India, Shanghai Airlines.

The award "the best airline" at Incheon Airport has proved that aviation experts high appreciated the quality service of VN Airlines at the top world-class airport. Vietnam Airlines was also ranked in the list of airlines with “best service" including two 5-star airlines of Asiana Airlines and Singapore Airlines.  

After 2 consecutive years (2013 - 2014) operating at Incheon Airport, Vietnam Airlines has expanded the scale of operation with the frequency of 35 flights/week, 560,000 passengers from 3 major cities of Vietnam: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang to Incheon. Vietnam Airlines flight schedule is more and more stable, the delayed and canceled flight rate dramatically falls compared to the previous period; along with the improvement in the service at the airport as increasing the number of counters, sign system, staff...recognized by aviation experts and Korean costumers.

Incheon International Airport is the largest airport of South Korea and one of the 10 most crowded airports in the world.  The world's large airlines operate at this airport as KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Lufthansa, Air France, Etihad Airways, American Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific... Incheon is one of the few airports is evaluated as a 5-star airport in many consecutive years by SkyTrax and ranked in top 10 best airports in the world.  In addition, Incheon Airport voted as the best airport in the world in 10 consecutive years by Airport Council International.

Source: vietnam Airlines 

New provisions for Korean and Japanese to get Vietnam visa

Under Act of Entry and Exit No. 47/2014/QH13 with effect from January 1, 2015, new regulations on transit and residence of foreigners in Vietnam are defined. The procedure of issuing Vietnam visa for foreigners as South Korean and Japanese passport holders is renewed from January 1, 2015. According to regulation of Law on Entry, Exit, transit, and residence of foreigners in Vietnam (no. 47/2014/QH13) taking into effect on January 1, 2015, citizens receiving unilateral Vietnam visa exemption in general, and citizens of South Korea and Japan in particular can choose one of the following visa to Vietnam application forms as below:

In case, Japanese and Korean citizens entering Vietnam with 15-day Vietnam visa exemption according to the regulations on unilateral visa exemption to Japanese and South Korean, they do not need to apply for visa Vietnam in advance. They do need a valid passport, round-trip transportation tickets and do not belong to subjects who are prohibited to enter Vietnam. If Japanese or South Korean citizens can enter Vietnam, Immigration Agency at the border gate will seal the stay. Notably, according to new regulation, if foreigners entering Vietnam with Vietnam visa exemption, they will not be allowed to change visa type. When the period of exemption ends (no more than 15 days), foreigners have to exit Vietnam. If they want to enter Vietnam with visa exemption for the second time, it must be at least 30 days after the first time of exit Vietnam.

Japan passport

If South Korean or Japanese citizens apply Vietnam visa on arrival at international airports or border gates of Vietnam, they can get visa on arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, Tan Son Nhat Interantional Airport, and Phu Quoc International Airport. In case, South Korean and Japanese do not want to enter Vietnam with visa exemption (no more than 15 days) and want to apply visa for Vietnam with longer stay (1 month or 3 months), they can do procedure of applying visa at international border gates of Vietnam. To conduct the procedure of applying visa at international border gate, agencies, organizations or businesses in Vietnam must do procedure of applying Vietnam visa for foreigners at Immigration Department before the entry of foreigners. At international border gate, foreigners present passport, approval letter, fill out the application form, and pay fee as prescribed. South Korean and Japanese can apply for visa to Vietnam at Vietnam Embassy or Consulate in these countries.

In case, South Korean and Japanese do not want to enter Vietnam with visa exemption (no more than 15 days) and want to apply visa for Vietnam with longer stay (1 month or 3 months), they can do procedure of applying visa at Vietnam representative diplomatic offices in these countries. To conduct the procedure of applying visa at international border gate, agencies, organizations or businesses in Vietnam must do procedure of applying Vietnam visa for foreigners at Immigration Department before the entry of foreigners. The approval letter of Vietnam Immigration Department must be sent to Vietnam representative diplomatic offices in foreign countries. At Vietnam representative diplomatic offices, foreigners present passport, approval letter, fill out the application form, and pay fee as prescribed. Notably, according to new regulation, all visa types are not allowed to change purposes, so foreigners need to pay attention to this to easily apply for Vietnam visa when visa is invalid.

Source: Vietnam Visa