How to Get Your Travel Visa for Vietnam (And Not Get Scammed)
Getting a visa for Vietnam seems simple enough – it’s just paperwork, right? Well, not exactly. For some unlucky travellers, the visa process can quickly turn into a nightmare of scams, hidden fees, and bureaucratic confusion. I’m here to guide you through the process of getting a legitimate travel visa to Vietnam, and share a few cautionary tales from fellow travellers who’ve learned the hard way.
The Basics: Understanding the Visa Process for Australians
Before we dive into the dangers lurking in the world of visas, let’s cover the essentials. Australians travelling to Vietnam typically need to apply for a tourist visa, unless they’re staying for less than 15 days (in which case, lucky you – you get a visa exemption). There are two main ways to get a tourist visa:
E-Visa: The simplest and most cost-effective option. You apply online, and the visa is sent to your email. This is a one-time entry visa valid for 30 days. The process is fast, but as you’ll see in a moment, not everyone plays by the rules when it comes to the e-visa system.
Visa on Arrival (VOA): This involves applying through a travel agency or Vietnamese visa service. Once approved, you get an approval letter, which you then present at the airport upon arrival to receive your visa. While this process is also straightforward, it can come with some risks, especially if you’re not careful about who you’re dealing with.
Vietnam Embassy or Consulate: If you’re looking for the old-school way, you can apply directly through the Vietnamese embassy in Australia. This gives you the peace of mind of knowing you’re dealing with the official process, though it can take a bit longer.
For most tourists, the e-visa is the easiest choice. But as with any streamlined process, there are always some dodgy characters trying to cash in on the confusion.
The Scams You Need to Watch Out For
“I just wanted to visit the coffee plantations in Da Lat,” said my friend Sarah, an Australian traveller who was in Vietnam last year. “I applied for an e-visa through a website that looked totally legit. It wasn’t until I got to the airport that I realised I’d been charged triple the actual price – and the visa they sent me was fake!”
Unfortunately, Sarah’s story isn’t unique. When applying for your Vietnamese visa online, there are numerous unofficial websites that look almost identical to the official government page. These sites promise fast and easy visa approvals, but they charge hidden fees and sometimes issue fake visas. Here’s what you need to watch out for:
Unreliable E-Visa Websites
It’s simple, straightforward, and (should be) secure. However, there are plenty of scam websites that mimic this URL. They prey on travellers who aren’t paying close attention to small details.
Red flags to watch for:
The website URL has a different domain extension (e.g., .com, .org, .net).
The website offers a ‘guaranteed’ approval, but no clear terms and conditions.
They charge additional ‘service fees’ that don’t match the listed price on the official government site.
“I thought I was booking through the Vietnamese government site, but it turned out to be a third-party with a fancy logo,” said Tom, another Aussie traveller. “They charged me 3 times the normal price and the visa was completely bogus. The border guards in Vietnam weren’t impressed, to say the least.”
Visa on Arrival (VOA) Agencies
While the VOA process is completely legitimate, some dodgy agencies will try to swindle you by charging exorbitant fees or not providing the visa approval letter you need to board your flight. They’ll often contact you at the last minute asking for more money or claim that there’s an urgent ‘processing fee’ for your approval letter.
“I thought I was getting a great deal through a ‘visa service’ in Melbourne,” explained Emma, a fellow traveller. “They sent me an email with my approval letter, but when I got to Vietnam, they said the letter was fake. I ended up paying a bribe to get through immigration. Lesson learned.”
Fake Approval Letters
A common scam related to VOA applications involves fake approval letters. You might think you’re all set because you’ve received an email with the approval letter from a legitimate-looking agency. But when you arrive in Vietnam, you’re told that the letter isn’t valid, and suddenly you’re forced to pay a ‘fine’ or bribe at the airport.
“I was waiting in the VOA line at Hanoi Airport and I noticed some other tourists looking panicked,” said Jack, another Aussie who got scammed. “I was just about to step up when the staff started pulling people aside and demanding extra money. They told us the approval letters were fake and charged us a ‘processing fee’ of $100 USD to let us through. I felt like I was in a movie.”
How to Avoid Scams: Tips for Safe and Secure Visa Applications
Now that you’re aware of the scams, let’s talk about how to avoid them and ensure you get your visa the right way:
Use the Official E-Visa Website
The safest way to apply for your e-visa is through the official Vietnamese government website: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn (see notice below for latest news as shown on this official site). Double-check the URL before entering any personal information. Make sure it’s spelled correctly and ends with “gov.vn.” Also, be aware that the e-visa fee for Australians is currently USD $25, and this is the only legitimate cost.
VIETNAM IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT
NOTICE
From 08:00 on 11/11/2024 (GMT+7), the Vietnam Electronic Visa Portal will operate on two new domains: https://thithucdientu.gov.vn and https://evisa.gov.vn. Please visit these new addresses to submit your application and check the results.
Thank you./.
Avoid Third-Party Agencies (If You Can)
While the VOA process can be helpful in some cases, avoid using third-party visa agencies unless they’re highly recommended or have excellent reviews. If you do decide to go through an agency, check online reviews and verify their legitimacy. The official Vietnamese government website has a list of licensed agencies if you need help.
Pay Only What You’re Told
If you’re applying for an e-visa or VOA, don’t fall for any “extra fees” or last-minute charges. The official government price is usually the only legitimate fee. If an agency asks for more money, walk away.
Trust Your Gut
If a website or agency feels sketchy, it probably is. Look for clear contact details, customer service, and transparent pricing. If anything seems off, don’t hesitate to do a little more research before pulling out your credit card.
Book Flights After Your Visa Is Approved
Whilst not essential, and often not how I do it, many would recommend that you make sure your visa is sorted before you hit the "book" button for your flights. Not having a valid visa can lead to unexpected issues at the airport, and that’s a headache you don’t need before your trip.
In Conclusion: Get Your Visa Right and Enjoy Vietnam
Getting a visa for Vietnam doesn’t need to be stressful or expensive – it just requires a little bit of common sense and careful research. The official e-visa system is the most straightforward option for Australians, and if you use the government website, you should have no problems.
But if you take a shortcut or trust an unverified agency, you could end up in a stressful situation at the airport – or worse, miss out on your trip altogether.
As Sarah, Tom, Emma, and Jack can all attest, the cost of a scam can be more than just money. It can be time, peace of mind, and a good chunk of your holiday. So take a few extra minutes to ensure you’re applying through the right channels, and then get ready to explore Vietnam’s rich culture, mouth-watering food, and stunning landscapes.
And remember, when in doubt, always trust the Australian way: check, double-check, and then check again. Happy travels!