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Do U.S. passport holders need a visa invitation letter for entering Vietnam?

Jun 13, 2017
9 years ago
Terary **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hey - I know this group is all about 'Thai Visa' advice- but can anybody give me their thoughts/experience about U.S. passport holder going into vietnam.. Do I need to pay some service over the internet some money to give me a approval letter - or do I just show up at their immigration and ...????
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TLDR : Answer Summary
U.S. passport holders are required to obtain a visa invitation letter prior to their arrival in Vietnam. This letter can be acquired online, and it’s advisable to shop around for prices as they can vary significantly. Some travelers mentioned paying around $25, while others found services for as low as $8. It's important to have a printed copy of the letter, along with a completed immigration form and passport photos, to present at immigration upon arrival.
Terary **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Awesome - thank you.
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Kevin *********
Also bring you a passport photo and a pen.
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Kari ********
You need a visa invitation letter prior to arrival. It can be obtained online but shop around. I had been getting the letter for $25 but my friend in VN got it for me for only $8. I'd been getting ripped off all this time and didn't know it.
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Francis ********
I did the same as Mike . I think you can go to the Vietnam embassy to do visa before but I have never done that.
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Mike ********
Yes, as a US passport holder I had to pay some service over the internet. You get a letter with your (and usually many other) names approving entry. You'll need an actual printout of that and the immigration form and photos to hand to the immigration desk upon arrival (then wait about 15-30 min for your visa).

I flew into Hanoi from Bangkok.
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Mike ********
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