禁漫天堂

聽 聽 Hi guys, Im Max, I hope you guys are doing great. Can you guys please help me clarify a few things about Vietnam E visa?

Hi there MaxG96. Welcome to the forum.

I plan to travel to Vietnam and the reason is to see my GF. If I apply at the embassy for a visa, I only get 28 day visa which is less than my planned duration. I want to stay there for 38 days, so the embassy said to apply for an E visa.

Absolutely. Apply for the eVisa at the gov't of VN official National Web Portal On Immigration, (Link).

Since the eVisa can be valid for up to 90 days, we always suggest to members that they take full advantage of this. Set your expected arrival date a few days before your actual flight/arrival date, allowing for any change of plans/early arrival. Your eVisa is valid for entry any time after its stated "valid from" date, up to the day prior to its "valid until" date. Set your "valid until" date to the full 90 days. You can leave Vietnam any time prior to the eVisa's end date, no problem.

I will stay at GF's home, her grandma's home and some other hotels, Mainly I will stay in HCMC. I don't have an exact place yet. On the E visa form, they ask the purpose of my visit and the place where I plan to stay.So what should I add as the purpose of my visit? and what address to add?

Set your purpose of visit to tourism.

You'll note when completing the eVisa application that it asks for the address of your "intended" residence while in Vietnam. Choose a hotel which interests you, making sure the address displayed on the hotel's website includes its street address, ward, district, and province. Something like the address shown in post #86, here (Link). In fact, you could even use that exact address if you choose.

There is no penalty for changing your mind about your "intended" temporary address in Vietnam, and it is the responsibility of the owner/manager of the address to advise immigration of your temporarily residing there.

When I ask some other people they say just add a random place, don't add GF home address, and they won't check the place I add.

The address you provide on your application will receive a cursory examination by immigration to verify that it is in fact a true address in Vietnam. If it is a verifiable address, that will be sufficient as far as your application is concerned.

What is of importance is that wherever you are staying that the owner of the home (your GF, her grandmother, etc) register your presence there with the police in their ward/district. Failing to declare your temporarily residing there will result in a substantial fine against the property owner (and certainly complicate matters for yourself). Have your GF register herself starting at (Link). This is very important. You will definitely not go unnoticed by "concerned neighbours" (a.k.a. VN "Karens") when staying at your GF's home.

I haven't travelled abroad before, so I am kinda worried what if they check me and ask at the airport where I would stay?

They won't.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this. Thank you very much.聽 聽 聽 -@MaxG96

Hope this answers your questions. Feel free to ask for clarification, help with completing the eVisa application, or any other question(s) which might arise.

It would be nice to hear from you once you've arrived, telling us of your impressions and experiences. For your first time abroad, you've definitely picked a most interesting destination!

聽 聽 聽 聽 Hi guys, Im Max, I hope you guys are doing great. Can you guys please help me clarify a few things about Vietnam E visa?

Hi there MaxG96. Welcome to the forum.
I plan to travel to Vietnam and the reason is to see my GF. If I apply at the embassy for a visa, I only get 28 day visa which is less than my planned duration. I want to stay there for 38 days, so the embassy said to apply for an E visa.

Absolutely. Apply for the eVisa at the gov't of VN official National Web Portal On Immigration, (Link).
Since the eVisa can be valid for up to 90 days, we always suggest to members that they take full advantage of this. Set your expected arrival date a few days before your actual flight/arrival date, allowing for any change of plans/early arrival. Your eVisa is valid for entry any time after its stated "valid from" date, up to the day prior to its "valid until" date. Set your "valid until" date to the full 90 days. You can leave Vietnam any time prior to the eVisa's end date, no problem.
I will stay at GF's home, her grandma's home and some other hotels, Mainly I will stay in HCMC. I don't have an exact place yet. On the E visa form, they ask the purpose of my visit and the place where I plan to stay.So what should I add as the purpose of my visit? and what address to add?

Set your purpose of visit to tourism.
You'll note when completing the eVisa application that it asks for the address of your "intended" residence while in Vietnam. Choose a hotel which interests you, making sure the address displayed on the hotel's website includes its street address, ward, district, and province. Something like the address shown in post #86, here (Link). In fact, you could even use that exact address if you choose.
There is no penalty for changing your mind about your "intended" temporary address in Vietnam, and it is the responsibility of the owner/manager of the address to advise immigration of your temporarily residing there.
When I ask some other people they say just add a random place, don't add GF home address, and they won't check the place I add.

The address you provide on your application will receive a cursory examination by immigration to verify that it is in fact a true address in Vietnam. If it is a verifiable address, that will be sufficient as far as your application is concerned.
What is of importance is that wherever you are staying that the owner of the home (your GF, her grandmother, etc) register your presence there with the police in their ward/district. Failing to declare your temporarily residing there will result in a substantial fine against the property owner (and certainly complicate matters for yourself). Have your GF register herself starting at (Link). This is very important. You will definitely not go unnoticed by "concerned neighbours" (a.k.a. VN "Karens") when staying at your GF's home.
I haven't travelled abroad before, so I am kinda worried what if they check me and ask at the airport where I would stay?

They won't.
I would love to hear your thoughts on this. Thank you very much.聽 聽 聽 -@MaxG96

Hope this answers your questions. Feel free to ask for clarification, help with completing the eVisa application, or any other question(s) which might arise.
It would be nice to hear from you once you've arrived, telling us of your impressions and experiences. For your first time abroad, you've definitely picked a most interesting destination!
聽 聽

聽 聽 -@Aidan in HCMC

I vote for this answer 馃槑馃憤

@Aidan in HCMC

Hi Aidan, I hope you are doing well. Thank you so much for taking the time to write me a long reply. My girlfriend and I both read your comment and applied for the Evisa, but we got something like this.

Denied Reason: you are required to complete all the blanks in the application form

We didn't fill

CONTACT INFORMATION - Contact address (because I added Permanent residential address)

Agency/Organization/Individual - Name of hosting organisation and other details

Phone number in Vietnam - because I don't have one and didn't want to add GF's number

Intended expenses (in USD) - I didn't add this because I have no idea how much it would cost. Can we add an approximation?

The address I added is - Golden Sun Hotel Apartments, 72 Phan Khiem Ich Street, Tan Phong Ward, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City

I added tourism as the purpose. Could you please help me to overcome this problem? Thank you very much for the previous answer.

聽 聽 @Aidan in HCMCHi Aidan, I hope you are doing well. Thank you so much for taking the time to write me a long reply.

You're very welcome, Max.

My girlfriend and I both read your comment and applied for the Evisa, but we got something like this.Denied Reason: you are required to complete all the blanks in the application form

Is that exactly how the denial was worded? I ask because not all of the blanks on the application need to be completed. Only those section marked with an asterisk (a, "*" ) are obligatory fields.

Review your application returned to you for amendment to ensure all the mandatory fields have been completed.

We didn't fillCONTACT INFORMATION - Contact address (because I added Permanent residential address)

Not mandatory.

Agency/Organization/Individual - Name of hosting organisation and other details

Leave all fields under the "Agency/Organization/Individual that the applicant plans to contact when enter into Viet Nam" completely blank,as this section does not apply to you and is for people who will be sponsored to enter Vietnam (employer, charity org., diplomatic mission,etc)

Phone number in Vietnam - because I don't have one and didn't want to add GF's number

Not mandatory, though we do recommend you add the Golden Sun Hotel Apartments tel # (0583 888 777)

Intended expenses (in USD) - I didn't add this because I have no idea how much it would cost. Can we add an approximation?

Not mandatory, though yes, you most certainly can add an approximation. There was an applicant who reported that when entering an amount in that field, that you not include a comma in the dollar amount as the comma will not be recognized as a number (e.g. enter $3000, not $3,000)

The address I added is - Golden Sun Hotel Apartments, 72 Phan Khiem Ich Street, Tan Phong Ward, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City

That's certainly a valid, complete address. Very good.

I added tourism as the purpose.

Good stuff.

Could you please help me to overcome this problem?

First thing I suggest you do is review your completed application, looking for any mandatory field(s) (marked with an"*" ) which you may have missed.

Thank you very much for the previous answer.聽 聽 聽-@MaxG96

My pleasure, Max.

Some common omissions people make on the application, all of which are mandatory, are;

Religion*

Grant Evisa valid from*, and To*dates. It's important that these dates align with your stated

Intended length of stay in Viet Nam (number of days) * and Intended date of entry*

(the "Grant Evisa valid from" date and the "Intended date of entry" should be the same, though as previously mentioned you are permitted to enter after this date, and to exit before the expiry date)

Intended temporary residential address in Viet Nam * This will be the hotel.

Max, you didn't mention when your intended arrival date will be. If it is soon, it might be in your interest to use the services of a trusted Vietnam travel agent who has helped many other members here. Should you choose to use the services of an agent, let us know and we'll put you in touch with a long-time expat.com member who will give you the agent's details.

Okay, I hope that helps. Review your application, and resubmit it with any amendments you've made. There does not appear to be a limit on the number of times an application can be amended/resubmitted.

Feel free to ask any further questions you may have. Lots of friendly folk here ready to help.

@Aidan in HCMC

Hi Aidan, thank you for your response.

The Error is exactly like this -

Application status: Amended application

Denied Reason: you are required to complete all the blanks in the application form

I checked several times and my girlfriend also checked several times, all starred fields are filled.

Yes, I left empty the sponsor section.

I will add $600 to the trip expenses.

Now I added that phone number as well, thanks.

Grant Evisa valid from - 20/07/2024聽 To 10/09/2024

Intended length of stay in Viet Nam (number of days) - 53 days

Intended date of entry - 20/07/2024

I added religion too. However, I saw other people also getting the same error.

I would love to know your thoughts, Id like to give this a try again and see how it goes. Thanks, Adrian. You are a gem.

聽 聽 @Aidan in HCMC
Hi Aidan, thank you for your response.
The Error is exactly like this -
Application status: Amended application
Denied Reason: you are required to complete all the blanks in the application form

Interesting. I've helped quite a few members with their application, and had never seen a denial worded this way. Nevertheless, it is still incorrect, but oh well. Perhaps a translation error or simply an oversight in immigration not stating "...complete all mandatory the blanks..."

I checked several times and my girlfriend also checked several times, all starred fields are filled.

Okay, good.

Yes, I left empty the sponsor section.

Perfect

I will add $600 to the trip expenses.

That's a little low, considering all the hotel costs for 53 days. You should probably increase it to $1600 (again, it isn't a mandatory field)

Now I added that phone number as well, thanks.

Good, in the unlikely event that something unfortunate happens.

Grant Evisa valid from - 20/07/2024聽 To 10/09/2024
Intended length of stay in Viet Nam (number of days) - 53 days
Intended date of entry - 20/07/2024

Excellent. And your ! Well done!

I added religion too. However, I saw other people also getting the same error.

If your original application did not include the mandatory religion field being completed, that would definitely result in the application being denied. Good you've included it now.

Incidentally, there have been absolutely zero reports of any members reporting denial based on their stated religion. Discrimination based on religious belief just doesn't seem to even be a "thing" in Vietnam (thankfully!).

I would love to know your thoughts, Id like to give this a try again and see how it goes. Thanks, Adrian. You are a gem.聽 聽

聽 聽 -@MaxG96

Thank you, Max. Kind words.

Go ahead and resubmit your application and we'll see how it goes. Fingers crossed for you. You've still got almost two weeks, so still plenty of time to engage the services of an agent if the need presents itself.

Okay, good luck, and do keep us updated. As it is now Friday evening, submitting your amended application now should result in your receiving a reply around end of business hours Wednesday 12/06/2024.

two off-topic posts have been removed from this thread, now under...

聽 聽Visa Agents & Immigration Troubles

@Aidan in HCMC

Hi Aidan, I applied for a visa again and received it. Thank you very much for your kind advice it helped me to get my visa.

I have a few other questions for you if you don't mind me asking.

I have been trying to find a way to stay longer in VN since 2021. But still I haven't found a way. I am from Sri Lanka and its a bit difficult to visit there more often with the flight prices and etc. I just wanna spend more time with my GF. what are the ways that I can achieve my goal?

I know marrying her will solve the problem, but due to some reasons, we cant do it yet. it might take another 5 to 6 years. So until then, I need a solid way to stay closer to her. any advice from you is welcome.

Thank you very much for your help : )

聽 聽 @Aidan in HCMCHi Aidan, I applied for a visa again and received it. Thank you very much for your kind advice it helped me to get my visa.I have a few other questions for you if you don't mind me asking.I have been trying to find a way to stay longer in VN since 2021. But still I haven't found a way. I am from Sri Lanka and its a bit difficult to visit there more often with the flight prices and etc. I just wanna spend more time with my GF. what are the ways that I can achieve my goal?I know marrying her will solve the problem, but due to some reasons, we cant do it yet. it might take another 5 to 6 years. So until then, I need a solid way to stay closer to her. any advice from you is welcome.Thank you very much for your help : )聽 聽 聽 聽-@MaxG96

You're very welcome Max, and a big Thank You for reporting back to the forum of your success!

Currently, the easiest way for you to extend your time spent in Vietnam is to perform what is colloquially know as a "Border Run".

Since you will be in the Saigon region, the quickest and most economical run for you would be to the Moc Bai, Vietnam - Bavet, Cambodia land border crossing. If you apply for and are issued a new eVisa while you are in VN on your current eVisa, your border run will simply be to...

1) present yourself and exit at the Moc Bai, VN checkpoint,

2) enter Cambodia at the adjacent Bavet, CAM checkpoint, wherein you can immediately then

3) exit Bavet, CAM and finally

4) walk back to the Moc Bai checkpoint, present your new eVisa and reenter Vietnam. Reports are (if my memory serves me correctly) that the total time elapsed is somewhere around 8 - 10 hours.

There have been recent reports from members of having their eVisa application denied due to their already being in VN at the time of their submitting the application. In these cases, members have exited VN and resubmitted/amended their application from abroad, waiting for VN immigration to process/approve the application. Many have viewed this as a nice ~6 - 9 day mini-holiday in a neighbouring country. The steps involved will be the same as above, with the addition of your little getaway inserted between steps #2 and 3.

Note to readers of this post. There is lag reported between the time of one's exit from VN via a land border crossing, and VN immigration becoming aware of your having exited. This is due to the fact that all VN land border crossings are manned by military personnel, with the reporting systems of the military and immigration not being directly shared (conversely, int'l airport crossings are manned by VN immigration officers). Consequently, do not expect immigration's reported application turnaround time of 3 days to apply.

There are agents available (used and trusted by long-time members of the forum) who can assist you in a "border run" procedure, everything from bus transportation to/from the border, express eVisa application/approval to shorten your time away (if need be), and could even (figuratively) hold your hand through the whole process.

I hope that answers your question, and again Max, thanks so much for reporting back.

...I know marrying her will solve the problem, but due to some reasons, we cant do it yet. it might take another 5 to 6 years....

You are essentially negating the one way you could stay closer to your "girlfriend"; by marrying her.

The government has ZERO interest in making it easier for boyfriends and girlfriends to stay together.

IF you had a legal job here WITH A WORK PERMIT, you would certainly know about how to stay here longer on a work visa or a Temporary Resident Card.

As Aidan said, your best option is to get used to exiting and re-entering the country every 3 months.

Good luck!

You are essentially negating the one way you could stay closer to your "girlfriend"; by marrying her.聽 聽 -@OceanBeach92107

LOL!

I can see it now...

Instagram posts

MaxG96: "Girlfriend and I are no longer dating."

Girlfriend: "Max! That's not a very nice way to tell people we got married"

Just saw this post and have nothing to add.聽

I was going to comment on the time delay for land border exits to be registered,

but Aidan had that covered as well.

Glad to see this worked out for young Max.

@Aidan in HCMC

Hi, thanks for this comprehensive guide. I am not sure whether I need a visa to enter Cambodia. I will check about that.

Who are the people you suggest to get help with a visa run? Can they get the VN visa done even if I am in the country?

The other problem is, these days my Gf is looking for a room for us. We don't like to stay at a hotel and looking for a normal rental room. But she says it's difficult to find a room where the owner accepts foreigners in District 7.

Do you guys have any idea where we should look for this type of room?

Thanks, Aidan for taking the time to write me an explained answer. That is so nice of you

@OceanBeach92107

Hi Yeah, I know that marrying is one of the ways to stay longer in VN.

But due to some reasons, we are not able to do it for the next few years.

I have been trying to get a job in VN since 2021 and was not able to get one. If you could share where I should look for that kind of job opportunity that would be awesome.

And yeah, as Aidan mentioned the best option available is doing visa runs.

Thanks for the comment, I appreciate it.

@def1412

Yeah Aidan really helped me through this jounrey.

Thanks for the comment : )

聽 聽 @Aidan in HCMCHi, thanks for this comprehensive guide. I am not sure whether I need a visa to enter Cambodia. I will check about that.

According . Unfortunately, it appears that Sri Lankan citizens do not qualify for either an eVisa, or a Visa on arrival (VOA). You'll have to apply to a Cambodia Embassy. That said, there is conflicting information found in , particularly .

You can check with the members on the expat.com Cambodia forum for further up to date information.

Who are the people you suggest to get help with a visa run?

We don't promote agencies on the open forum. Two or three weeks prior to your new eVisa's expiry, contact us here again and we can then send you the information.

Can they get the VN visa done even if I am in the country?

Possibly, but the norm lately seems to be that the agency will accept your application, and hold it until you have exited the country. Once you've confirmed with them that you have exited, you'll send them a photo of your passport's VN exit stamp which will be their cue to proceed and to submit your application to VN immigration on your behalf.

The other problem is, these days my Gf is looking for a room for us. We don't like to stay at a hotel and looking for a normal rental room. But she says it's difficult to find a room where the owner accepts foreigners in District 7.Do you guys have any idea where we should look for this type of room?

Do you mean an apartment? If so, it's not that foreigners aren't welcome in D7. In fact, I lived there for over 2 years, and parts of D7 are in fact very popular with foreigners. If it's an apartment your looking for, the trouble will be that the landlord will most probably require you to sign a lease agreement, and pay 3 months rent prior to occupancy (i.e. first month's rent, and two months security deposit).

Thanks, Aidan for taking the time to write me an explained answer. That is so nice of you -@MaxG96

You're very welcome Max. Hope this helps.

@Aidan in HCMC

Hi Aidan, thanks for replying and attaching some links for me.

I asked a Sri Lankan who is in Cambodia and he told me that I can apply for an E visa and come through Moc Bai entry. But I will also ask it on the forum you mentioned to clarify. Thanks for linking that Aidan.

Sure Aidan, I will contact you on the forum if I decide to extend, Thanks for that : )

Yeah, after checking many rooms we found one who is willing to accept a foreigner, It was a bit of trouble though.

Aidan, apart from these, I have a question for you. English is not my first language so I will try to explain as much as I can.

Now, I have an E visa from 20/07 to 10/09. And My flight dates are 26/07 (SL to VN), 02/09 (VN to SL).

So at the VN airport, will the immigration officer stamp for this duration (to allow my stay) or they only give 30 days max? even though I have a visa for 38 days?

Like will I have to extend after 30 days? Is there anything like that?

The other thing is,

Length of stay is subject to permission by Immigration Authority - this section is empty on the E visa PDF, what does this mean?

Can you please explain this to me when you have some spare time? Thank you very much for answering my previous questions and I really appreciate your help Aidan

聽 聽 @Aidan in HCMCHi Aidan, thanks for replying and attaching some links for me.

You're welcome as always, Max.

I asked a Sri Lankan who is in Cambodia and he told me that I can apply for an E visa and come through Moc Bai entry. But I will also ask it on the forum you mentioned to clarify. Thanks for linking that Aidan.

Well, I checked again for you and you're in luck! Moc Bai, Vietnam has a border crossing to Bavet, Cambodia. And yes, eVisas to enter Cambodia are accepted at Bavet. See or border crossings to Cambodia.

Sure Aidan, I will contact you on the forum if I decide to extend, Thanks for that : )

It would be a good idea to double check with the expat.com members on the Cambodia forum for confirmation of the eVisa for there..

Yeah, after checking many rooms we found one who is willing to accept a foreigner, It was a bit of trouble though.

Aidan, apart from these, I have a question for you. English is not my first language so I will try to explain as much as I can.

Max, I'm not sure how your accent is, but your written word in English is impeccable. Perfect.

Now, I have an E visa from 20/07 to 10/09. And My flight dates are 26/07 (SL to VN), 02/09 (VN to SL).So at the VN airport, will the immigration officer stamp for this duration (to allow my stay) or they only give 30 days max? even though I have a visa for 38 days?

The entrance stamp you receive upon arrival will show a "good until" date of 10/09. Max, before you leave the immigration/customs counter where your passport is stamped, make sure you check the stamp to see that it states 10/09. The officers are, after all, only human, and so they are entitled to make mistakes. It's a very simple matter to have any error corrected while you are standing there, but quite another matter(!) to try and correct any error(s) later.

Like will I have to extend after 30 days? Is there anything like that?

No. Your are good to stay until the "valid until" date showing on your eVisa.

I can't recall whether we'd discussed this, but you could have applied for the full 90 eVisa limit at no additional cost. With these eVisas you can enter and exit on any dates within the eVisa's window dates. In other words, with an eVisa valid for 90 days, you are free to leave any time before the expiry of the eVisa without penalty.

The other thing is,Length of stay is subject to permission by Immigration Authority - this section is empty on the E visa PDF, what does this mean?

It means that immigration's permission given to you to be in Vietnam can be revoked (and your possibly being deported) if they decide to do so. It's essentially a notice to all visitors to obey the law(s) of Vietnam while here.

Can you please explain this to me when you have some spare time? Thank you very much for answering my previous questions and I really appreciate your help Aidan -@MaxG96

Again, you're quite welcome Max. Don't forget to keep the forum updated after you arrive here. You may have questions related to foreigners in Vietnam which your girlfriend may not be able to answer, so feel free to ask here.

@Aidan in HCMC

Hi Aidan, Thanks again for the long reply and I appreciate you sharing valuable insights with us.

Yeah maybe after all I will be able to do a visa run : )

Yes, I will check my passport when it is stamped at the airport.

Yeah, many people misunderstand that Evisa is valid for 3 months, then when you arrive in the country, you get stamped only for 30 days. not for the time you applied. That's why I had to make sure that. Now I'm clear about that Aidan.

Btw, I want to stay here for longer and maybe find a job. I have been contacting people on LinkedIn since 2021, and they are not able to help me. If I wanna find a job here, what are the options I have other than teaching English?

Are there any people who can help me with this?

Thanks Aidan for answering my questions I really appreciate that

@Aidan in HCMC

Hi Aidan, I came to Vietnam 2 weeks ago and everything went smoothly. After 3 years, I met my GF for the first time and we are really happy now. Thank you very much for the help and I really appreciate you taking time for answering my questions.

Have a nice day and I am willing to chat with you guys soon in another post.

@Aidan in HCMC Very clear and helpful advice Aiden

I just got to see this site and I've picked some points here to facilitate my visa application. I shall return and share the outcome

@Aidan in HCMC

Hi Aidan, I hope you are well. I posted this here but I haven't heard from anyone yet. Last time your detailed answers tremendously help me, so if you can give me some ideas on this, that would be awesome.

I have a problem with my new Evisa which I applied through evisa.gov.vn (new website). This comment says I need to amend the details in my form.

Application status: Amendment required

Reason: Please provide correct name, address, phone number of the tourist company in Vietnam where you book your tour

Last time I applied through the old Evisa portal, I didn't fill in these lines and this time I didn't fill them in either. I am going to Vietnam to see my GF and I have no idea what details to add here or what I should do to get this fixed.

The other thing is there is no field to add these details as well.

If any of you know how to fix this, I would be more than happy to know. Thank you very much. Your help is much appreciated.

Hi Max. See my reply to you, here.

Please address further posts there. I'm trying to keep all these similar application issues in the same thread.