Vietnam Visa on arrival Fee - 80% increase from Jan 2013 to $45

[ethernet]

Similar huge hikes on other types of visa for the new year, and the Embassies will probably gouge the market too.

Vietnam hikes visa fees for foreigners - Latest Business, economy, stocks, finance news from Vietnam on TuoiTreNews

Note: Russians, Koreans and Japanese & Scandinavia get 15 days no Visa.

It is said domestic flights are full and you need to book well ahead.
There has been a huge crackdown on black market currency exchange, shutting down gold shops.

The Economist has a very interesting story on Vietnam's tourism mob, discussing how some aspects of the promotion of Vietnam as a destination haven't been handled perhaps as well as they should be.

You can read the full story here

The quote that really stood out for me though was this one:

"Vietnam has a return rate of just 5% compared to Thailand’s whopping 50%."

Wow.

 

[auriga]

Having to apply for a visa is a reason for me to postpone a visit to Vietnam.

 

[atreides]

This is a sad development.

These things are sometimes counteractive, as for example a family of four would really think twice when they realise they need US$200 just to enter the country. Especially when there are other options next door.

 

[pippy]

Re: Vietnam visa on arrival 2013

Interesting thread, thanks.

We are touring South to North in a few months time and we prepaid for our Visas direct from the Embassy in Sydney prior to the price rise. I knew we could do it cheaper VOA but just didnt want the hassle, although its a personal choice.

I have read before about the low return rate, maybe after our visit I will have my own ideas on why this is the case. My theory is that places like Thailand have westernised their tourism to cater specially to the western market whereas Vietnam has not, ( as evidenced in the above article) I am hoping this is part of the charm of the place.

I will say that we have booked the entire trip, (apart from international flights), through a well researched travel agent in Hanoi, we tailored the whole thing to suit us, everything from a homestay in the Mekong to a 5 star beach resort, its not a group tour and the cost difference from using an agent here in Australia was staggering to say the least, I think this also impacts tourism, I can book a trip to Thailand, or Bali quite cheaply here using an OZ travel agent, but Vietnam was very expensive using an agent here and most people would not know about using a Vietnemese agent, or perhaps be confident enough to do so.

 

[Keith009]

Re: Vietnam visa on arrival 2013

Honestly, if you're arriving at SGN, I'd NOT go for the VOA. Massive queues upon arrival at the VOA counter (we got in at 2000ish). Getting a visa from the VN embassy in CBR is a very straightforward process - fill up the application form which you can download, send it off with your passport with a self-addressed envelope, and you'll get the passport back in 4 business days.* It costs a little more but the costs outweigh all the faffing around you have to do with the VOA.

* Assume usage of Platinum Express Post. Actual timings may differ.

 

[pippy]

Re: Vietnam visa on arrival 2013

Honestly, if you're arriving at SGN, I'd NOT go for the VOA. Massive queues upon arrival at the VOA counter (we got in at 2000ish). Getting a visa from the VN embassy in CBR is a very straightforward process - fill up the application form which you can download, send it off with your passport with a self-addressed envelope, and you'll get the passport back in 4 business days.* It costs a little more but the costs outweigh all the faffing around you have to do with the VOA.

* Assume usage of Platinum Express Post. Actual timings may differ.

Agreed, a very quick process using the embassy, posted on the Monday, returned on Thursday, also using Platinum express post. Dont forget the passport photos as well that need to be included

 

[munitalP]

Re: Vietnam visa on arrival 2013

Our VOA process on DEC 26th at HAN took longer than the flight from HKG/HAN - this is the second and last time for VOA in HAN and interesting to read that Keith009 says similar for SGN

Pure Communist efficiency... the moneys not a problem, its the 1960's processes they use that's the problem...!

 

[oz_mark]

Re: Vietnam visa on arrival 2013

Our VOA process on DEC 26th at HAN took longer than the flight from HKG/HAN - this is the second and last time for VOA in HAN and interesting to read that Keith009 says similar for SGN

Pure Communist efficiency... the moneys not a problem, its the 1960's processes they use that's the problem...!

Interestingly it was reasonably quick for me. (+1 didn't require any such thing.....)

Might be the plus side of rocking up in a 3K A320.

I can see how an A330 load of people might slow things down...

 

[Keith009]

Re: Vietnam visa on arrival 2013

The OH got a visa from the embassy and I didn't need one. We simply breezed through immigration.

 

[ethernet]

Re: Vietnam visa on arrival 2013

Facts:

Single Entry Vn Visa from Vn Embassy in Canberra is now $85 (Was $55) <1 Month
Multiple entry $135 4 29 days (so $20 difference becomes that plus another $30).

Cost Schedule : Visa policy of Vietnam - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Pre-approval outfits charge 9-$10, and IF you are arriving at a designated airport Visa on Arrival is attractive.

December Arrivals and 2012 Numbers

VIETNAM NATIONAL ADMINISTRATION OF TOURISM

Once concludes that with the exception of China and UK, tourism numbers for Visa paying countries is flat or declining and Visa fees are directly to blame. Real pity because Aussies, Germans and North Americans are big spenders, as opposed to the others that generally go in packages and spend all their money at particular (foreign owned) hotels. Mini and micro businesses suffer from their absence.
I think the word is tied venues, where the money just mostly returns to the host country.

I can't find days/nights by nationality, but the numbers in Jan and Feb will confirm if Vietnam's policy to discourage western tourism is working.

Vietnam Embassy was as UNcooperative as the travel web pages say, sounding offended by the request to know various visa prices .
I sensed the theme was just book your travel first, then we can tell you. At $85 a pop, plus inconvenience factor , I am sure
they are loosing customers to alternative destinations.

 

[fanpckt1]

Re: Vietnam visa on arrival 2013

Tips to have a Vietnam visa on arrival from United State or for the American with easy visa application and fast visa process, lower visa service fee

 

[ethernet]

Re: Vietnam visa on arrival 2013

Latest Stats: VIETNAM NATIONAL ADMINISTRATION OF TOURISM
Russian tourism saves Vietnam - the 7.3% year on year decline would be much bigger otherwise. Up 50% (no visa fees for them). Countries with visa fees down 7%, generally. I suspect Australia's decline reversal has been pumped up by the Student flights Under 26 Yo for $500 odd (1 July) , a $110 saving off 'regular prices' & not sure who the mystery carrier is.
Singapore snagged 3 lots of $430 odd return flights on Scoot, but by the time I added baggage and accom, Singapore was a net winner in getting my forex/tourist dollars.(Vn's loss). Germany and HK year on year decline should be a disgrace. Oh well, maybe someone understands price elasticity, but for some, sub-optimal performance . Stats should dive more, as .vn tries to alter citizen requirements/real estate - to there should be a fine panic before the deadline.