Which city, Saigon or Hong Kong, makes it easier to obtain a SETV?

Nov 28, 2019
5 years ago
Robert ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Saigon vs. Hong Kong. Which one is easier to get a SETV?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion compares the process of obtaining a Single Entry Tourist Visa (SETV) in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) versus Hong Kong. Contributors share personal experiences, noting that Saigon might be easier in certain situations, though entry history and past visa usage significantly influence visa approval chances. Some express past difficulties in Hong Kong due to scrutiny and suspicion, while others recommend considering alternatives like Hanoi or Bali for obtaining visas.
Tod *********
@Rob***
that's a decision you need to make.

You are correct as an american you get two 30 day visa exempt entries in a calendar year by land. So if you wanna use the two you're alloted by land before the year ends, go for it.  

Whether you do or don't has NOTHING at all with your ability to get a visa from a thai consulate OR get back in to the country successfully by air after you get the visa. ;) That's all I was trying to say
Tod *********
And I would say you have an entry history that could cause you a problem, BUT what no one can say is IF it will or won't.

Give the thai consulate in HCMC a shot and see.. Like I said, meet the requirements and hope for the best...
Robert ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
should I just use up my last border run of the year instead? Or would you suggest trying to get the visa first?
Robert ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
No Visas in passport.

In Thailand since April. Visa exempts + extensions and 1 border run + extension.

Passport is US.
Robert ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Visa Exempts + Extensions: Thrice; original entry. Flew to China then extended. Flew to Indonesia then extended.
Gabe ********
That's only 4 months at best. You must have bounced out at least once more.
Will ********
HK isn't easy. I have tried and failed before. They were very suspicious of why I was spending so much time in the country. I hear Saigon is tough too.

There are much easier places nearby - such as Hanoi, Yangon, Bali.
Tod *********
good advice (y)
Tod *********
Of course the real question is:

What is your previous year's entry history to Thailand, how many tourist visas do you have in your current passport, and how many extensions on those visas do you have in your passport?
Gabe ********
Extensions now count against you? So getting 9 months out of a 6 month METV every year is unsustainable?
Tod *********
HCMC it's fine if you meet the requirements.
McGregor *********
Saigon my friend went hong kong got refused he from the uk..
McGregor *********
Robert Lagas to many visas plus said for residents only...
Robert *******
Refused because he left his passport in the hotel room? It is not always an evil Consulate which lead to deny of a visa.
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