If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, one of the first things you need to do is apply for a visa. US citizens must apply for a Vietnam visa before entry, and in this article, we’ll give you all the details you need on how to get one through the Vietnam Embassy in San Francisco.
Vietnam Visa
Before we get into the details of applying for a Vietnam visa, let’s quickly go over some basic information you need to know about visas for Vietnam.
A Vietnam visa is a travel document that allows foreign nationals to enter Vietnam for various purposes, such as tourism, business, study, or work. Depending on your nationality and the length of your stay, you may need to apply for a visa through the Vietnam Embassy or Consulate in your home country or obtain a visa on arrival (VOA) at the airport.
Do US Citizens Need a Vietnam Visa?
Yes, US citizens must apply for a Vietnam visa if they wish to enter the country, regardless of the purpose of their trip. However, not all nationalities require a visa for Vietnam. See the table below for a list of countries exempted from Vietnam visas and the terms of their residence:
| Area | Countries | Term of Residence |
|---|---|---|
| Asia | Singapore | less than 30 days |
| Thailand | less than 30 days | |
| Malaysia | less than 30 days | |
| Indonesia | less than 30 days | |
| Laos | less than 30 days | |
| Philippines | less than 21 days | |
| Japan | less than 15 days | |
| South Korea | less than 15 days | |
| Cambodia | less than 30 days | |
| Brunei | less than 14 days | |
| Myanmar | less than 14 days | |
| Europe | Sweden | less than 15 days |
| Finland | less than 15 days | |
| Denmark | less than 15 days | |
| Germany | less than 15 days | |
| France | less than 15 days | |
| United Kingdom | less than 15 days | |
| Italy | less than 15 days | |
| Spain | less than 15 days | |
| Norway | less than 15 days |
Best Time to Apply for a Vietnam Visa
The best time to apply for a Vietnam visa is as soon as possible. We don’t recommend waiting until the last minute to submit your application unless you’re willing to pay extra for expedited service. Keep in mind that your visa is valid from the intended date of travel stated in your application, not the date you apply. You are free to enter and exit Vietnam multiple times while your visa is valid.
Please note that short-term visas are no longer available for US citizens since August 31st, 2016.
How to Get a Vietnam Visa in San Francisco 2023?
If you’re in the San Francisco area and need to apply for a Vietnam visa, there are two ways to do so: through the Vietnam Consulate or obtain a VOA at the airport.
1. Apply for a Visa at the Vietnam Embassy Consulate
To apply for a Vietnam visa at the consulate in San Francisco, follow these steps:
- Download and complete the visa application form from the Vietnam Embassy website.
- Prepare all required documents, including your passport (which must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay), a passport-sized photo, and the visa fee in cash or money order payable to “Consulate General of Vietnam.”
- Submit your application and all documents in person or by mail to the Vietnam Consulate office in San Francisco.
- Wait for your visa to be processed. The processing time can take up to five business days, so apply well in advance of your travel date.
2. Obtain a Visa on Arrival
To obtain a VOA, follow these steps:
- Apply for an approval letter online through a reputable travel agency or visa service. The fee varies depending on the type of visa you need and the duration of your stay.
- After receiving your approval letter via email, print it out and bring it with you to board your flight to Vietnam.
- Upon arrival at one of the four designated international airports in Vietnam (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, or Nha Trang), present your approval letter, passport, and two passport-sized photos and pay the stamping fee in cash.
- Your visa will then be stamped in your passport, and you’re free to enter Vietnam.
Conclusion
Applying for a Vietnam visa doesn’t have to be complicated. As long as you have all the required documents and apply well in advance, you should have no problems. Remember to check the list of countries exempted from Vietnam visas to see if you’re eligible for a visa exemption.
If you’re applying through the Vietnam Embassy in San Francisco, make sure to follow all instructions carefully and submit your application well ahead of time. If you’re planning to obtain a VOA, be sure to use a reputable agency to avoid scams or issues upon arrival in Vietnam.
We hope this article has provided you with all the information you need to apply for a Vietnam visa through the Vietnam Embassy in San Francisco. Have a safe and enjoyable trip to Vietnam!
The website www.visaonlinevietnam.com is an online information and service site specializing in Vietnamese visas. With the purpose of supporting and simplifying the visa application process, this website provides detailed information about visa types such as tourist visa, business visa, work visa and visit visa.
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