How to get Vietnam visa in San Diego,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 San Diego, 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. Since there is not any Vietnam Embassy or Consulate in San Diego, you have to send 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. On the other hand, you can registered online to be granted visa on arrival at airport. The detailed process for visa on arrival will be mentioned in the later part of the article. Now we are focusing on

Visa process at embassy and consulate of Vietnam 

* Requirements for application include:

- 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.

* Waiting time for the visa is from 3 to 5 business days. The fast track service helps speed up the processing and it takes additional cost. You are advised 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 legality of visa upon arrival, the US citizens still prefer 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.

The very important note about visa on arrival that it is only valid at international airports including Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, Da Nang, Cat Bi, Cam Ranh. If you are traveling to Vietnam by land or sea, the visa stamp must be obtained before you reach the border.

The first and only requirement to get visa at airport is an approval issued by Vietnamese immigration department. There are plenty of agencies capable of arranging visa approval but you should select the reputable companies to receive the best support. If you are interested in applying a tourist visa with Vietnam Visa Easy, please enter here to fill out the application form online and make the payment. The discount price is applied to group of 3 persons. (The procedure for business visa is relatively different. Please visit Vietnam business visa page for detailed instructions).

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 if you are looking for an emergency visa.

Once approved, the image file of the scanned approval letter will be sent to you via email with an entry-exit form. Visa validity is shown above your name on the letter. You are allowed to visit Vietnam anytime while the visa is valid. After receiving the letter, you should take time checking for error, which will help you avoid any problem at last minute. 

Upon arrival, you should head to the Visa On Arrival window and submit the passport, visa approval, 01 passport photo, completed 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, it’s time to use stamping assistance service.