1 year multiple entry Vietnam Visa for U.S. citizens
What’s the news?
From August 26th 2016 onwards, one month, three month, and six month Vietnam Visa are no longer available for U.S. citizens. US passport holders will only be able to obtain 1 year – multiple entry Vietnam Visa.
The 1 year – multiple entry Vietnam Visa On Arrival (VOA) for U.S. citizens costs a total of US$185: US$50 Visa letter fee and US$135 stamping fee. Additionally, the maximum period of 1 single stay is 90 days, meaning you can stay up to 3 months before leaving the country for a couple of days and returning for another 3 months period. This is simply because maximum period for single stay for tourists in Vietnam is 90 days.
What does this mean for me?
For expatriates, this means that much less paper work and time wasted dealing with Vietnamese over clogged and stagnant system. You only need to apply for visa once a year, then have yourself a few day vacation in our neighboring countries once every 3 months.
For tourists, this might be a turn off as the stamping fee has skyrocketed from US$25 for 30 day single entry visa to a fixed US$135 regardless of your staying duration. However, this is possibly done to match the whooping U.S. Visa fee of minimum US$160 for all Vietnam passport holders. I am optimistic though, that once the whole Trump-election-comedy is over, Vietnam Visa prospect for U.S. citizens will change for the better.
Can I still apply for 1, 3 and 6 month Visa via Vietnam Embassy in the U.S.?
Contrary to rumors on a few travel forums, you can no longer apply for any of the above visa whether through Vietnam Embassy, Consulate, or Department of Immigration (VOA). This is one issue that has been rather confusing until recently. Only 1-year multiple entry Vietnam visa is available for U.S. citizens through all channels.
What are my options?
The total cost for 1 year multiple entry Vietnam visa from Vietnam Embassy and Consulate is around US$220 upward, not including mailing services.
Alternatively, you can obtain a 1 year multiple entry VOA here at only US$185 (US$50 visa letter fee and US$135 stamping fee – the latter of which you will pay only when you arrive in Vietnam). And with much less paperwork, minus all the mailing and delivery hassle.
For any further questions, do not hesitate to contact us at support@vietnamvisaonentry.com or use our live support service.