What are the requirements and procedures for applying for an HCMC visa from within Vietnam?

Nov 7, 2024
a month ago
HCMC Vietnam question.

( apologies in advance if the answers to my questions are obvious. I don't see a consolidated answer on here , so was hoping for a response from someone with firsit hand experience )

I live in Thailand but work all over Asia so quite hard to tie down exact dates, but of course will make it work.

I read that people are are applying online for the HCMC and waiting 2 weeks for an appointment.

1. Is the 2 weeks a minimum ? Set in stone ?

2. Can you select a range of dates for your appointment?

3. Can I only apply once inside Vietnamto lock in the appointment. I'm aware that proof of arrival are required. I'm just not sure that is needed at the start.

I will be providing the following. My Thai address will be our family villa in wife's name.

1. Passport copies

2. Passport photos x 2

3. Latest wage slip. More available upon request.

4. 6 months bank statement. Latest balance of bank balance. More available upon request.

5. Letter from company, confirming my salary, length of employment and remote work ability.

6. Singapore Tax return. Showing taxes paid in full.

7. Proof of address in Thailand on bank statement.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The post inquires about the requirements and procedures for securing a visa appointment in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Vietnam, while residing in Thailand. Key questions include the minimum waiting time for appointments, the flexibility in selecting appointment dates, and whether an application can only be submitted from within Vietnam. It also details the documents the user intends to provide. In the comments, it is noted that Vietnam has an e-visa system where an appointment isn't necessary, suggesting applying online immediately upon arrival and selecting HCMC, along with proof of arrival.
Charles **********
Vietnam is e visa online, no need for an appointment. Just apply online as soon as you arrive and select HCMC , evidence of arrival stamp
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Charles *********
ok. Got it thanks. I knew it was online , just not sure if needed an appointment too.
Charles **********
Anonymous participant Apperently you need an e visa though to enter Vietnam. Which takes about 4 days to apply for

Apperently you can’t just fly and turn up at the airport
Paul *******
@Charles *********
You can get an emergency visa on arrival if flying in to Vietnam. Can be issued with the aid of a travel agency and with less than 24 hours before you arrive, but not recommended. This visa is a traditional sticker, same as the ones that Vietnamese embassies and consulates used to issue.

Otherwise, for non-visa exempt nationalities (several European nationals are visa-exempt) you have to get an e-visa. Like Thailand, which is phasing out traditional visa stickers, Vietnam no longer issues ordinary tourist and business visas in person at consulates and embassies anymore. Only certain types of work and spousal visas might still be issued through embassies and consulates in person.

It takes 3 working days to be issued with a Vietnamese e-visa.

To apply in Ho Chi Minh, you'll want an entry stamp that says "Tan Son Nhat Airport", "Moc Bai" (border with Bavet, Cambodia), "Xa Xia" (border with Prek Chak, Cambodia), or several others all with Cambodia, "Ngoc Hoi" (southernmost border with Laos) as well as any entry points from Danang and south of there. Anything north of there is associated with the Hanoi embassy.

Another way of proving you're in Vietnam is with a hotel booking. In that case, the province/city you're in will determine whether Saigon or Hanoi handles your application.
Andi ***********
@Charles *********
Evisa epends on your passport..eg UK passport holders get 45 days on arrival, visa exemption.
Charles **********
@Andi **********
really? I thought you still needed to apply online?
Andi ***********
@Charles *********
yeah, I was there a few months ago, just arrive and got 45 days stamped, if you want to stay 90 days need a visa. U have a UK passport?
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andi **********
yes i do Andi.
Andi ***********
Anonymous participant so you do not need a visa for 45 days. I also contacted the Vietnam embassy in London, they confirmed no visa is needed for 45 days and you can leave and enter as much as you like visa exempt in Vietnam.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andi **********
noted with Thanks.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Charles *********
ok. I shall look into that one thanks. The 2 week appointment was going to be a pain. This part i can handle easy enough.
Claire ********
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