Passports and Visas to Vietnam




Things you'll need for a Visa to Vietnam

Just got some Passport photos taken so I can send them in for the Vietnam Visa.  The full visa requirements can be found here, which is the Vietnam embassy web site.  The overall process is easy and seems to be less strict than I remember from 2003 and 2004 when I went last. 

Basically:
1.Fill out the form
2.Send in form with 1 photo and passport
3.Include payment in form of money order, cashier's check, or certified check *I had to call the number on the page listed above to get the Fee amount as of today it is $70 per person*
4.Remember to also include a return envelope *I recommend a Fedex envelope with prepaid shipping and tracking.  You can get them at http://www.fedex.com/ and look for "Print Return Label" under "Return Services:Label" here*
5. Wait usually 2weeks and you get it back in the mail.

I use this method because at the end of it I get a sticker in my passport to keep.  The loose leaf version I have never done but my friends have and they get theirs taken away upon exiting the country. 

I got the photos from FedEx Kinkos and it cost $14 including tax for 2 photos of your pretty self.  I made high quality copies of the photos they took so I can use them in the future instead of paying $14 for 2 measly photos.  You can actually make the photos at home.  My buddy made some as directed by some web site and used them for some of his visa submissions successfully.  I guess google "Make your own passport photo" and you should be all good.

There are other options for acquiring your Vietnam Visa such as Visa on Arrival which is cheaper.  I have never tried to use a Visa on Arrival service and because I just cant afford to risk any delays on this trip I have opted for the tried and true method of an Embassy Issued Visa.  Next time when I travel with more room on my schedule I will try the Visa On arrival since is less than half the cost.  Here is the site http://www.myvietnamvisa.com/, and here is a link to the comparison chart of the Embassy vs. the On Arrival.

Oh and always remember to take a photo copy of your passport when you travel.  Especially in places like Vietnam.  The hotels request to keep your passport at the frontdesk.  On my last trip they one of the hotels in Danang actually had trouble finding my friends passport.  Dude imagine if they couldnt find it!!!  That would have sucked.  The difference in passport replacement with a photo copy as compared to without is like 3 days compared to without like 2 weeks.

One step closer to South East Asia!!! YAY!!!! Hopefully I dont get denied entry to the country on the count of all the debaucherous activities previously undertaken in said region... Just Kidding.

Costs for Visa's for 2 people:
Embassy Fee x2                            =$140
Money Order Fee                         =$10
Photos at FedEx\Kinkos x2           =$28
FedEx Shipping with signature     =$45

Visa total cost                              =$223