How to get Vietnam visa in Austin,United States

An individual traveling with US passport is required a visa to enter Vietnam temporarily for tourism or business purpose. Fortunately, the visa process is rather straightforward and quick so you don’t need much energy and time to obtain the visa. If you have no idea on how to get Vietnam visa in Austin, USA, reading this post to find out the process now.

How to apply?

First of all, I would like to start with the visa procedure at embassy/consulate. As there is no Vietnam Embassy/Consulate in Boston, you have to submit the application by post or over the internet to Embassy of Vietnam in Washington or Consulate General of Vietnam in other cities such as Houston, San Francisco, New York. Another option, you can apply online through travel site to qualify for visa on arrival at airport. But we will discuss about online visa process later.  Here is checklist of documents needed in application submitted at embassy/consulate:

-  Application form (available on website of the embassy/consulate):  You can complete the form online or download its PDF form and fill out.  If you have had the visa approval, put its number into the form.

-  Original passport valid for at least 06 months. If you request a loose-leaf visa or apply by email, then the passport copy is required instead of the origin.

-  01 passport-sized photo taken against white background. 01 additional photo is needed for application of loose-leaf visa.

-  Prepaid self-addressed envelope is needed if you want to have the passport returned by post (FedEx is recommended).

-  Visa fee: must be money order, or cashier’s check, or company check.  Cash is accepted for in-person application. The fee is dependent on visa type you apply for. The fee structure of each embassy/ consulate is different. Please take note that you cannot receive the refund if application is refused or you want to cancel application.

Processing time ranges from 3 to 5 business days. The fast track service enables you to receive the visa decision within 24-48 business hours the additional is required of course. The embassy requests applicants not to make telephone inquiries on status of application before 3^rd day of processing.

Visa on arrival

Although the embassy/consulate has never acknowledged visa upon arrival, the US citizens still select this option as it’s easier, quicker and cheaper. If there is a chance to save money, time and energy, the experienced travelers will always take it with quick consideration.

So, visa on arrival, does it mean the visa can be issued when you arrive at airport? Yes.  But be aware of that you need obtain visa approval in advance to be granted visa stamp upon arrival. One more thing, the letter works well at any of Vietnam’s international airports (Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh) but it’s powerless at land borders. 

The process of visa on arrival for US citizens is super easy. You can make application at the comfort of your home by completing visa application form online and proceed with credit/debit payment step. The processing fee ranges from USD 16 to USD 45 depending on the type of visa. The discount is given if you apply for a group of 3 people and more.

The standard processing time is 1-2 business days. The letter is ready to use within 1-4 hours at extra cost. Read more at Rush Visa Service.  

Once approved, the image file of the scanned approval letter will be sent to you via email with an entry-exit form. You are required to print the letter, fill out the form and carry both of them to the airport. Please take note that you are allowed to enter Vietnam from the date of entry submitted in the application form.

Upon arrival, you should head to the Visa On Arrival window and submit the passport, visa approval, 01 passport photo, entry-exit form and pay stamping fee. Then take a seat and wait for your name to be called. Depending on the queue, the stamping process may take around 10-20 minutes. If you desire an urgent visa stamp, then stamping assistance service is recommended.