DTV approved in Hanoi.
Applied on Monday and I was emailed yesterday saying it’s approved. Collected today. Here’s my experience in some detail:
For context, I’m a UK citizen working in freelance digital marketing. I booked the appointment online through the embassy website a week before (plenty availability).
I provided:
- Airbnb confirmation showing I was in Hanoi.
- Flight confirmation showing when I arrived in Hanoi (likely unnecessary as passport stamp will show this)
- Last 6 months of bank statements showing more than the 500k requirement. Submitted month descending showing the latest on top.
- A letter from a client saying I do freelance work for them.
- Contractor agreement from that one client.
- Invoices for the last 4 months from that client.
TLDR:
- write a contents page and make it easy for someone to read and understand your supporting documents.
- Have a read of the generic application form online first before arriving at the embassy so you know what to write.
- Search “Hanoi” in this group and read the posts from other people.
- Have patience and stay cool.
I had around 65 pages of supporting documents. I got this all printed at a copy shop in da nang for 30k. I saw others in this group write a contents page so I did the same. Each supporting documents type had a number with a circle on each front page and then referenced on the contents page in a very short summary. Makes it’s much easier to digest each document. All documents stapled together for each document type.
On Monday I showed up 20 mins before the appointment time. No one checked if I had an appointment. Went in and filled out the generic visa application form. Tick other and write DTV as there’s no option on the form. For reference it’s the same form that’s available on the HCMC embassy website. I joined the line for the counter. Two people serving but not many people in the line (at 11am). Other people in the line were asked for further evidence such as tax forms/latest bank statement before the application can be submitted but not sure if they were applying for DTV.
The staff checked over my application. Only feedback was a few missing fields on the generic visa application. The lady helped me with what to write. She reviewed all my documents and didn’t ask for anything more. Took the 340USD (crisp bills which I got from Quang Huy Gemstone shop). She then gives you a paper to keep with reference number on it. My time at the counter was much quicker than others and I think it’s down to the contents page making it easier for them to check. Highly recommend doing one. Was told it will take 3 working days to process but it took 2.
I returned to the embassy today with the reference paper. Staff told me to wait at the window outside and the same lady returned my passport with the visa sticker inside. Overall a pleasant experience with no problems.
Before I applying I did search “Hanoi” in this group and read most posts. It was really helpful and thanks to all who contributed 🙏.
Comment with any questions.
TLDR : Answer Summary
A UK citizen shares their successful experience of obtaining a DTV visa in Hanoi. They detail the documents required, including Airbnb and flight confirmations, bank statements, client letters, and invoices. The application process involved booking an appointment online, preparing a well-organized contents page for supporting documents, and filling out the visa application form at the embassy. The total processing time was two working days, and the applicant emphasizes the importance of preparing documents systematically to facilitate a smoother experience.
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