Foreigners can be granted Vietnam visas at international border gates of Vietnam instead of diplomatic missions abroad. However, the granting of visas at international border gates for foreigners is only applicable in special cases. So, what are those specific cases and what are the procedures for granting Vietnam visa at international border gates?
Summary
Cases to be granted with Vietnam visa at international border gates
Visa applications are usually summited at Vietnamese diplomatic missions abroad. This will take time and the paperwork is complicated for foreigners. Yet, fortunately, foreigners can now be granted Vietnam visas at international border gates through reputable service companies, specializing in visa procedures in Vietnam.
According to Clause 1, Article 18 of the Law on entry, exit, transit, and residence of foreigners in Vietnam, foreigners shall be granted visas at international border gates in the following cases:
+ Departing from a country where there is no competent Vietnamese visa-granting authority;
+ Traveling through many countries before entering Vietnam;
+ Visiting Vietnam on tours organized by an international travel agency operated in Vietnam;
+ Foreign crewmembers on board vessels anchored in Vietnam’s seaport wishing to exit through other border checkpoints;
+ Visiting Vietnam to attending a relative’s funeral or visit a seriously ill family member;
+ Entering Vietnam to engage in emergency response, search/rescue activities, disaster or epidemic control or for other special purposes at the request of the competent authority in Vietnam.
Which international border gates grant Vietnam visas?
International border gates are often classified according to the types of traffic. In our country, the granting of Vietnam visas at international border gates is also classified according to road, airway, seaway and railway.
+ International road border gates: Mong Cai/Quang Ninh Province, Huu Nghi/Lang Son Province, Lao Cai/Lao Cai Province, Moc Bai/Tay Ninh Province, Tinh Bien/An Giang Province, etc.
+ International airway border gates: Noi Bai International Airport, Tan Son Nhat International Airport, Da Nang International Airport, Cat Bi International Airport, Can Tho International Airport, etc.
+ International seaway border gates: Hon Gai Port/Quang Ninh Province, Hai Phong Port/Hai Phong City, Da Nang Port/Da Nang City, Nha Trang Port/Khanh Hoa Province, Ho Chi Minh City Port/Ho Chi Minh City, etc.
+ International railway border gates: Dong Dang/Lang Son Province, Ha Khau/Lao Cai Province.
Procedures for granting Vietnam visa at international border gates
A foreigner can obtain a Vietnam visa at an international border gate only when completing all of the following procedures:
Step 1: Apply for an approval letter on arrival or approval letter from the Immigration Agency.
Foreigners need to prepare documents of application for approval letter on arrival, including: Foreigner’s passport information, Expected entry date and some other required papers and forms.
Service providers specializing in Vietnam visa procedures will directly assist you in applying for approval letter on arrival at the Vietnam Immigration Agency. After the Immigration Agency gives its approval, the service providers will send the approval letter to the foreigners by email.
Step 2: Paste Vietnam visa at international border gates.
To apply for a visa at an international border gate, foreigners need to prepare: approval letter on arrival (printed on A4 paper), 2 3x4 or 4x6 photos (taken no more than 6 months), Original passport (still valid for at least 6 months).
At international border gates, foreigners present the above documents, fill out the Vietnam visa application form according to the guidance of the staff and pay the fee for pasting visa application fee as prescribed.
Notes: Children under 14 years old are required to be declared in their parent’s or guardian’s visa application form in case they share a passport with their parent or guardian.
Nhi Gia specializing in services of granting Vietnam visa at international border gates
Are you having difficulties in carrying out the procedures for entering Vietnam for foreigners?
With more than 15 years of experience and a team of well-trained professionals, Nhi Gia will assist you in carrying out all complicated legal procedures with Immigration Agency. The fast working process and reasonable cost will help foreigners successfully enter through the international border gates.
In addition, Nhi Gia also provides a full package of legal services for foreigners to enter, stay and work in Vietnam such as visa extension, temporary residence card, work permit, criminal record, etc. Contact us via hotline 1900 6654 or click on https://www.facebook.com/nhigia to get information about the granting of Vietnam visa at international border gates!
