Traveling to Vietnam, remember to get a valid visa. Almost all foreigners entering Vietnam are required to obtain the document. With the rise of scam agents, be aware during the online application. Holding a fake visa can lead to severe consequences, such as immediate deportation.
Vietnam Visa Types: Traditional and Online Visa
According to Vietnamese law, you need a valid visa to enter Vietnam. It’s important to have the authorized document, otherwise you will be denied entry. The visa requirement applies to almost all foreigners, with only a few exceptions. Remember to pack your valid passport as well.
Apply for a visa online if traveling short-term for purposes of tourism and business. Since 2017, Vietnam has been operating an electronic visa program. It allows Vietnam e-Visa holders to stay up to 90 days in the country. They can get a single or multiple-entry visa based on their travel plans.
Strict visa requirements apply to those who wish to stay longer in Vietnam. In this case, they need to visit the nearest Vietnamese embassy and apply for a suitable visa in person. The procedure is easy but time-consuming. To take up employment in Vietnam, you need a valid Work Visa and work permit.
Your travel documents will be checked again once you exit Vietnam. Don’t lose them during your trip if you don’t want problems with the immigration officers.
Online Verification with the Vietnam Immigration Department
A reliable method to check the authenticity of your Vietnam visa is via the official website. Visit the Vietnam Immigration Department. There, you locate the section for the visa verification service.
There are two different ways to verify if your Vietnamese visa is real:
- Complete the questionnaire on the website. You need to provide your full name, date of birth, and application ID. This will allow you to check the status of your visa and make sure it’s valid.
- Contact the immigration officers directly. On the website, you will find contact details to reach the office. You can leave an e-mail message or call the helpline to solve your problems.
If the system cannot find any information on your visa, don’t stress. We advise contacting the travel agent who handled your visa application. Ask them for a possible explanation. If you have a fake document, report it to the officials of the Vietnamese Immigration Department.
Use the website of the Vietnamese Government to verify other information before visiting Vietnam. For example, check the latest updates on the entry policy. You can verify the requirements for vaccinations as well. This way, you can rest assured you’re ready for travel.
Vietnamese Visa Characteristics
Once you receive an approved visa for Vietnam, inspect its physical features. On the top left side of the document, you will see the official emblem of Vietnam. On the bottom, you should find a QR code which will be scanned upon arrival. The document is signed by the Vietnam Immigration Department. The approval notice has only one page.
If any of these features is missing, be cautious! Your Vietnamese visa may not be a real document.
Looking at your electronic visa for Vietnam, check for the following details:
- Personal details (full name, gender, date of birth, country of origin)
- Passport details (passport number, expiration date)
- Visa details (travel purpose, number of entries)
- Application ID number and code
- Selected port of entry
- Visa approval date
- Visa expiry date
Buy Through Authorized Agencies
Apply online for a Vietnamese e-Visa only with an authorized visa agent. This way, you can rest assured you have a real and valid document. This peace of mind allows you to focus on planning your trip, whether you’ll enter Vietnam via Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
Approved agencies cooperate with the Vietnamese Immigration Department. They adhere to official guidelines, reducing the risk of fraud. They also provide reliable information so that all your documents are in order. By choosing an accredited agency, you avoid common visa scams.
Read Reviews and Testimonials
Before choosing your visa agent, check their reviews on the internet. There are websites where customers can share their opinions about a particular vendor.
If the company you’re opting for has positive testimonials, it’s safe to say they’re a sensible choice. Be cautious of services with mixed opinions or a small amount of reviews.
Red Flags in the Visa Application Process
We have a few tips and tricks to help you avoid common visa scams.
- Unsecured Websites. Be wary of websites without HTTPS encryption or SSL certificates.
- No Contact Details. Reputable travel agents usually provide a phone number and an e-mail.
- Suspicious Prices. Extremely low fees for visa applications can be signs of a scam.
- Too Good To Be True. Watch out for websites promising a 100% visa approval rate.
- Poor Website Design: Unprofessional websites with grammatical errors are a red flag.
Remember that without a valid visa, you will be denied entry to Vietnam. There are many companies, just like ours, which aim to make the application a breeze. Watch out for fake visa agents who take advantage of travelers’ unawareness.