This is not the first time I have traveled to Vietnam. The first time was in 2017 for business. Then, I got back in 2019 for Christmas holiday. From then on, I still have special love with this country. You know, there is plenty of keep you occupied in Vietnam. They are simply landscape, cuisine and people. After that I was back for the third time. Each Vietnam trip has unforgettable memories and reveals many secrets. Of course, there are also many troubles appearing with me. I am truly a guy having bad luck. I mean here Vietnam visa problem which teaches me a precious lesson. And I want to share with you now.
I will begin my story from the question: What is a Vietnam visa on arrival (VOA)?
Maybe you had some general information about the Vietnam visa if you have intention in travelling to this land. You can apply for an E-visa, Vietnam visa at Vietnam embassy/ consulate, Vietnam visa run at border checkpoint or Vietnam visa on arrival. I considered and decided to apply for a Vietnam visa on arrival (Vietnam VOA) – the most popular Vietnam visa. You can refer Pros and Cons of The Ways for Applying for a Vietnam Visa here .
Simply, VOA is issued at a Vietnam international airport as soon as you upon arrival. Your Vietnam visa will be solved by Immigration Department through a company offering visa assistance service. The process for applying Vietnam VOA including three steps:
- Fill your information in online visa application of a visa assistance service company. (I apply here: https://www.vietnamvisa.org.vn/apply-visa/)
- Normally, it takes 2 working days and that company will get your visa approval letter from Immigration Department. They then will send it for you via email. You will make an online payment for their support.
- You will print the visa approval letter out. When you land at Vietnam international airport, you will present it at Immigration counter. Don’t forget to prepare money to pay for the stamping fee.
It’s very simple and easy. But with me, it was hard because I unluckily chose the website from a shell corporation for the first time to Vietnam. I also summarize all cases can appear below:
Book Visa On Arrival Assistance Service
Case 1: You will not receive your visa approval letter even if you ransacked both your junk or spam email. You also can not contact that company. Obviously, it is a scam.
Case 2: I was a victim of this type of fraud. I still receive the visa approval letter from them. But when I present it at Noi Bai airport, there is not my information on the database system of the Vietnam Immigration Department. I think you understand my feelings at that time. Of course, I could not contact that company.
Vietnam Visa Extension Service
Case 1: You can be ripped off. The fee for this service is so high compared to the average price.
Case 2: That company confirms in solving your request. But after many days, they announce that they cannot issue your request. And it’s time your visa expired.
With my case, at that time I had to apply for a Vietnam urgent visa at Vietnamvisa.org.vn (this address is recommended by my friend sitting next to me on the plane). Luckily, they enthusiastically supported in getting my Vietnam visa. I am sure that I will use their service for the next trip to Vietnam. After all, simply, the best way is to choose a well-known company.
