Vietnam visa letter

Tasmaniac on 14/05/2018 - 16:35
Last edited 14/05/2018 - 19:14 by 1 other user

Hi guys I'm off to Vietnam and Ive just applied through the Vietnam visa team for a VOA approval letter. I paid about $20 U.S a sent off my details for processing. Unfortunately the email confirmation they've sent back seems a bit strange and I just wanted to check to make sure that the email isn't from some company running a scam. As you can see the email contains a bunch of other names and I'm not sure it's actually from the Vietnamese govt. Anyway any help would be appreciated, I don't want to be kicked out of Vietnam or anything when I arrive.
Thanks and regards tas.

Mod: Removed image link as it contains personal details.

Travel

Comments

  • GG57 on 14/05/2018 - 16:40
    +2

    Looks ok to me, based on previous experience.
    My understanding is that the company you applied through notifies Vietnam Immigration of the applications, dates of arrival, etc. There are other names on the letters as they appear to 'batch' the applications into one letter to Immigration.
    It works (well, it did for us). We arrived but had a lengthy wait whilst our applications (and many others) were found, the visa inserted in passports, etc. It seemed a bit chaotic but just go with the process.
    Those that had a visa already just progressed through immigration.

  • retiredfeline on 14/05/2018 - 16:47
    +2

    Yes that's pretty standard, they process the applications in batches, unless you asked for a non-batched application.

    But apparently the Vietnam govt offers e-visas for Australians now.

  • dasher86 on 14/05/2018 - 16:50
    +3

    e-visa is so much easier now and also cheaper.

    FYI $20 you got ripped off for a VOA letter with other people's names.

  • cv05 on 14/05/2018 - 17:17
    +3

    As mentioned, it's standard to receive other peoples details on the one letter, you can pay a bit more for non-batched if you are concerned.

    Next time try these guys http://www.vietnamvisapro.net/ only $6.

    For my next trip, I couldn't use the E-Visa service as there was no option for a 3 month visa, so went the VOA route again.

  • blonky on 14/05/2018 - 17:33
    +1

    It is fine, but you did pay too much.
    It's also a bit of pain with the VOA to queue up after landing and then pay another fee in USD; just do the e-visa next time

    • cv05 on 14/05/2018 - 19:37

      Yep, it's recommended if possible to select a seat as far up the front as the plane as possible. Then after landing sprint walk briskly straight to the VOA counter.

  • Randxyz123 on 14/05/2018 - 19:05
    +2

    Err Please remove the image, block out your personal details including the other people's details.

    Otherwise I'm sure it'll be fine

  • garffi on 14/05/2018 - 19:16
    +1

    I got my visa the old fashioned way (sent application to embassy), but… from what I've heard heaps of tourists do it your way so you should be fine. When you apply for a letter online, they do it in batches (cheaper) that's why there are other names on your letter as well. However, some websites offer private letters where you pay extra for a letter with only your details on it (privacy for those who don't want strangers knowing their info). I'm sure you will be ok. Have fun in Vietnam!

  • ninjawarrior on 14/05/2018 - 19:49
    +2

    Because there's a bunch of providers pretending to be official/government and e-visa has been mentioned a few times - here is the site which I also used for my trip later this week:

    https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/en_US/home

    Everything submitted online, credit card payment, visa issued in 3 working days.

    • SydStrand on 14/05/2018 - 20:30

      Yep. I was a victim of one of these scams. Had a rude surprise at BKK airport when they told me it was fradulent. Got on airport WiFi and found a company that did emergency visas with <4hr turnover for around US$90, but missed the flight. Thankfully replacement flight was cheap since I wasn't flying direct from AU.

  • Tasmaniac on 14/05/2018 - 20:56

    Thanks everyone for the help, It's a relief to hear that they send these emails out in batches. I probably should of also bought the e-visa and saved myself some money. Anyway thanks again, tas.

  • anzacpaul on 15/05/2018 - 09:19

    If you're going to HCMC, be sure to try the cyclo stout at Pasteur Street Brewery. Seriously one of the best beers i've ever had.

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