Vietnam Visa Service

Promotion for Vietnam’s New Year Festival (2010)

Caroline — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 17:00:42 +0000

Dear our Dearest Clients!

Warmest Greetings from www.Vietnam-Visa.com!

A meaningful Lunar New Year is coming so soon. May we take this opportunity to wish you all a wonderful Lunar New Year in 2010, overflowing with peace and prosperity! Furthermore, we are very pleased to bring you the latest discounts, money-saving codes and exclusive offers from February 8th to February 28th, 2010 as follows:

MROTN - save 10% on any order at www.Vietnam-Visa.com!

YFWMBBH - save $3 on any order at www.Vietnam-Visa.com!

To receive your discount, just apply this easily by logging into Your Account at https://secure.vietnam-visa.com/apply.html, and then kindly insert this mentioned code into the promo code blank at the last step of Payment (or Check-out step) for your final service fee to be discounted!

We’d like to thank you so much for your trust in our service and interest in our country! Not only do you save money on your visa, but you also help us to keep bringing you great service and a wonderful time in Vietnam!

Let’s start your trip here!

Many thanks and Best Regards!

VNB Travel

Hanoi to host National Tourism Year 2010

adaddissure — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 09:50:19 +0000

A ceremony was held in Hanoi on October 10 to celebrate the 999th anniversary of the capital and announce the National Tourism Year 2010.

In his opening speech, Hanoi Mayor Nguyen The Thao noted that 999 years ago King Ly Thai To issued the Edict on the Transfer of the Capital, moving the capital from Hoa Lu (in Ninh Binh province) to Thang Long citadel (now Hanoi). Despite many upheavals of history, Hanoi became the assembly point of scholars, diverse cultures and ethnic groups from across the country. It is now the country’s political, administrative, economic, cultural, educational, scientific and technological centre.

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Sinh Hung handed over the symbolic flag of the National Tourism Year 2010 to Mr Thao.

Nearly 1,000 artists, actors and actresses entertained local audiences with special art performances that feature the distinctive cultural identity of Thang Long-Hanoi and promote the city’s friendly and attractive image to visitors.
The Tourism Year 2010 is closely linked to celebrations of the capital’s 1,000th anniversary. It will include nine major programmes and almost 30 activities, including tourism and cultural festivals and sports games. This is a good chance for Hanoi to show off the image of the City for Peace to local and foreign visitors.

Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat and Da Nang International Airports

adaddissure — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 08:33:23 +0000

Noi Bai International Airport
Noi Bai International Airport (IATA: HAN, ICAO: VVNB) (Vietnamese: Sân bay Quốc tế Nội Bài), the biggest airport in northern Vietnam, serves the capital city Hanoi. The airport is 28 miles (45 km) from the city’s downtown. Travel time by taxi takes between 30 to 45 minutes.

Transportation

Hanoi city bus services 07 and 17 connect Noi Bai Airport with Hanoi’s city-center. The bus stop is just on the right side of the terminal exit. Traveling by bus costs 5,000 VND (0.3 USD) per person and takes about one hour. However, passengers with oversized luggages are known to be denied boarding. Buses operate from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Airport taxi costs a fixed 250,000 VND (15 USD) for a sedan and toll charges are included in the price. A sign by the taxi stand outside the terminal will show the latest official prices. A taxi to the city-center takes about 40 minutes. Avoid using private drivers with non official taxis: there has been (some scarce) complaints of travelers being brought to desert places and robbed, when using rogue anonymous taxis. Drivers of official taxis always display their license with their photo and name on the taximeter.
There is also the Airport Minibus, which is 30,000 VND (2.0 USD) but only leaves after it is completely filled.
Minibuses and taxis park right in front of the airport exit gate. There are three companies operating several kinds of taxis and minibuses, and they are almost the same in price and service.

Tan Son Nhat International Airport

Tan Son Nhat International Airport (IATA: SGN, ICAO: VVTS) (Vietnamese: Sân bay Quốc tế Tân Sơn Nhất), is Vietnam’s largest international airport in terms of area (800 ha/1,977 acres compared with 650 ha/1,606 acres of Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport and Danang’s Da Nang International Airport). It has a handling capacity of 15-17 million passengers per year, compared with the capacity of Hanoi - Noi Bai airport of 8 million passengers and Da Nang’s 2 million passengers). It is also the largest airport of Vietnam in terms of passengers handled (with an estimated number of over 11 million passengers per year in 2007, more than a half of that of Vietnam’s all airports), serves Ho Chi Minh City as well as Dong Nam Bo in southern Vietnam. Its IATA code SGN was derived from the city’s former name of Saigon.

Arrivals

Arriving passengers disembark through jetways, although some flights may be parked away from the terminal and require a short walk to immigration that is located on the upper level. Immigration desks are available for both ASEAN and non-ASEAN residents, who generally must be in possession of a visa prior to arrival, or make advance plans to pick one up in the arrivals area prior to clearing Customs. There are toilet facilities and duty-free shops available in the baggage hall.
A currency exchange desk is located immediately past the Customs desk. There are no facilities for non-passengers to enter the arrivals area and they are limited to meeting passengers outside the terminal. It is here that passengers can pick up taxis, motorcycles or a bus into the city.
The air-conditioned airport bus, service number 152, is the cheapest way into Ho Chi Minh City. It is especially useful for tourists since it passes most of the major hotels along De Tham Street and Dong Khoi Street.
Departures
Only passengers are allowed inside the terminal.
Passengers enter the domestic terminal on the lower level where check-in formalities are completed; in the new international terminal departures are on the upper level. Trolleys are not permitted past the security checkpoints, but smaller trolleys are normally available once the checkpoint has been cleared.
International passengers complete passport control formalities and then pass into the departures lounge. The new terminal contains several shops and restaurants, mostly charging Western prices for items, as well as the total of 5 business-class lounges, one of them is operated by Vietnam Airlines and one of them is operated by Star Alliance. Flights are normally called and passengers need to present themselves at the gate for baggage screening and boarding, normally through jetways.

Da Nang International Airport
Da Nang International Airport (IATA: DAD, ICAO: VVDN) (Vietnamese: Sân bay Quốc tế Đà Nẵng) is located in Da Nang of central Vietnam.

Located very near the city center, Danang international airport is one of the three largest in Vietnam after Tan Son Nhat and Noi Bai airports and has a total area of 842 hectares of which the civil aviation section is allocated 150 hectares. Built in 1940, the Danang airport currently has 2 modern and well-equipped runways with 3,048 meters long and 45 meters wide of each, capable of handling big crafts such as B747, B767 and A320 landing safely in any weather condition.
According to the ICAO evaluation, the Danang airport could be an alternative transit point on the Europe-Asia Pacific international route as it is located in the Central Asia near the sea with ideal flying level.
Currently, there are more than 30 airlines of 20 countries operating in the Danang air space.
From Danang, there are not only domestic flights to Hanoi, Hochiminh city, Hai Phong, Hue, Quy Nhon, Nha Trang, Pleiku, ect. but also international ones to Bangkok (Thailand), Hong Kong (China), Vientiane (Laos), Phnompenh (Cambodia), Taipei (Taiwan)…

Development orientation

Currently, only 32 of the 820 hectares of Danang Airport are used by the civil aviation. Because it is a mixed civil-military airport, it is essential to fix the boundaries for using and managing land.
In the future, it is expected to expand the used land area to 150 hectares. By 2004, a new international terminal and service areas for passengers and cargo, will be built and be well-equipped with modern technical and material facilities so that 2.5 million people and 400,000 tons of cargo per year can be handled and flight operation can be guaranteed at any time.
It is also necessary for Danang airport to open more direct international flights and short domestic flights to serve tourism.

How do foreigners apply for a Vietnam permanent residence card?

adaddissure — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 10:06:47 +0000

The Article 13 of Ordinance 24/2000/PL-UBTVQH10 dated April 28, 2000, on immigration and residence of foreigners in Vietnam is as follows:

1) Foreigners who are residing in Vietnam in the following conditions will be considered for permanent residence:

a) Being unjustifiably oppressed while fighting for people’s freedom and independence, socialism, democracy and peace or for a science cause.

b) Having contributions in building and protecting the fatherland of Vietnam

c) Being the wife, husband, child, father or mother of a Vietnamese citizen residing permanently in Vietnam.

2) Foreigners can apply for permanent residence at the Department of Immigration Control of the Ministry of Public Security.

Please contact the Department of Immigration Control at 161 Nguyen Du Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Tel: 84.8.38297107.

Vietnam Visa - Visa for Vietnam

adaddissure — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 03:52:03 +0000

Visitors going to Vietnam must show a valid Vietnam visa before being allowed into the country. A visa may be requested from a Vietnamese embassy near you, or may be sourced through a reliable travel agency.
Compared to other Southeast Asian countries, Vietnam is a tougher nut to crack where visas are concerned. The rules and costs vary widely depending on the issuing embassy or consulate.

The Bangkok embassy, for example, can take your payment and process your visa on the very same day charging 1000 Baht (US$50 in its dollar equivalent; no other currency is accepted). The San Francisco consulate takes five days and $65 to do the same thing.

The information presented here may change without prior notice, so double-check with the nearest Vietnamese embassy before applying for your visa.

Most visitors to Vietnam will need a visa to enter the country, with a few exceptions. (”List of visa exemption agreements between Vietnam and foreign countries”, Vietnam Ministry of Foreign Affairs.) Citizens from ASEAN countries are permitted to enter without applying for a visa, and other countries have made similar arrangements for their citizens.

* Citizens of the following countries may stay, visa-free, for no more than 30 days: Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore
* Citizens of the Philippines may stay, visa-free, for no more than 21 days.
* Citizens of the following countries may stay, visa-free, for no more than 15 days: Denmark, Finland, Japan, Norway, South Korea, Sweden

If you are not a citizen of any of these countries, you must apply for a visa at a nearby Vietnamese embassy.

In the United States, you may apply at the Vietnamese embassy in Washington, DC if you’re on the East Coast, or at the Vietnamese consulate in San Francisco if you’re on the West Coast.

Vietnam Tourist Visas

Tourist visas are available for a maximum 30-day stay, with the option to extend your visa for another 30 days upon your arrival in Vietnam.

To get a Vietnam tourist visa from your nearest Vietnam embassy or consulate, download the visa form from the local embassy’s website and fill it up.

At the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in the U.S, you’ll be required to present:

* Your original passport - valid for six months more after the planned trip, and with vacant pages for the full-page visa stamp
* One completed visa application form
* One 2″x2″ passport-sized photo attached firmly to the space provided on the application form
* A money order or Cashier’s check payable to the processing mission. The Embassy asks that you call them to ask for the current fees, although the rates are common knowledge among travelers.

Vietnam Visa Tips

Want to get a Vietnam visa faster and cheaper than you can get it in the States? Get it from an embassy at a neighboring Southeast Asian country. If you’re entering Vietnam from elsewhere in Southeast Asia, that country’s Vietnam embassy may be able to process your visa quicker and more cheaply than you ever could in the U.S. The Vietnamese embassy in Bangkok, Thailand is a popular source of Vietnam visas for many travelers.

Don’t start the application process until your travel plans are are sure to push through. The official forms require you to state your ports of arrival and departure, and it’s far too much trouble to change this at the last minute.

Allow plenty of time for the embassy to process your visa. Don’t file for your visa at the last minute.

Vietnam embassies and consulates are closed on Vietnamese holidays too, so take that into account before visiting.

Visitors to Vietnam must finish an entry/exit form and a customs declaration in duplicate. The yellow copy will be given back to you, and you must keep this safe with your passport. You will be required to present this when you leave.

Overseas Vietnamese are exempt from Vietnam Visas, if certain conditions are met.

A knowledgeable Vietnam travel agency may be able to secure a Vietnam visa for you at an additional cost, with minimum headache.

Source: Go Asian

Vietnam tourism promotion campaign launched in Japan

adaddissure — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 10:15:23 +0000

The Vietnam National Tourism Administration, Vietnam Airlines and Vietnam’s Central City of Danang on September 12th kicked off a Vietnam tourism promotion campaign in Japan, with the title: “Vietnam Show 2009.”

Director of Vietnam Airlines’ representative office in Japan said that “Vietnam Show 2009” is one of Vietnam’s largest-ever tourism promotion program in Japan.

The campaign aims to help people of the Cherry Blossom land understand more about the S-shaped country, attracting more and more Japanese tourists to Vietnam.

On September 13^th, the show was introduced in Osaka and Nagoya City and will be presented in Tokyo Capital on September 18^th.

As scheduled, seminars about tourism have been organized in these cities, with the participations of travel agents from both Vietnam and Japan.

Besides, the organizing board presented guide books updating Vietnam’s landscapes for visitors.

Together with “Vietnam Show 2009”, the festival entitled: “Hello Vietnam” will be also held in Tokyo on September 19^th and 20^th.

The event is expected to attract 100,000 attendants.

September 15, 2009.

Source: www.dangcongsan.vn

How to prepare for a trip to Vietnam

adaddissure — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 02:57:25 +0000

When mentioning about Vietnam , people usually think of its famous battles in the past. Throughout a long period of time fighting against invaders, Vietnam, at last, proclaimed its independence in 1945 and united all regions in 1975 to found the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. For more than 20 years of renovation, Vietnam has been changing a lot in terms of all aspects. A number of visitors have come to visit Vietnam with curiosity to see what it is like after the horrible wars and surprised at the rapid development of this small country. In this article, I am going to give you some steps to prepare for a trip to Vietnam. In other word, after thinking of traveling to Vietnam, please follow these following steps.

1. Step 1: Think of the TIME TO GO

Autumn from August to November will be good time for travelers as the weather is rather cool and sunny together with sudden torrential downpours in the North. You will find it romantic when walking along streets. From then, Hanoi will be chilly in the Winter which will lasts from December to March (due to globalization, the cold seems to come later). Temperature in the South is much warmer with much sunshine. There is also no winter there.
The Lunar New Year (Tet) happens in February may not be suitable time for travelers unless they stay with a Vietnamese family. This is the most busy time when businesses close and people return to their homes to celebrate the Tet with family.

2. Step 2: Decide to go on tour or not on tour

Using experienced travel agencies can help you avoid costly mistakes. For the most part there is no extra cost for using a travel agency since they are paid by the airlines, hotels and sightseeing firms they work with.
Needless to say, business travelers will be wasting their money on escorted tours. However, some travel agencies offer package deals that are convenient to book and save a bit of money. Normally, these include accommodations, round-trip transportation between the airport and the hotel, and an introductory sightseeing excursion.
Vietnam is finally finding its way into many Orient ‘‘grand tour’’ itineraries, and a few tour operators are offering extensive Vietnam tours. If you are traveling for pleasure, have two weeks or more, and want to venture beyond Saigon or Hanoi, it may be worth looking into organized tours. For most first-time vacationers, however, it is best to use a knowledgeable travel agency to book the basics and nothing more.
Local guides are available through Vietnam tourism, a state-operated tour operator . Virtually all hotels can arrange for these guides, who charge about US$25 for the day, not including transportation or meals. Most guides are trained at the government tour guide school and are well worth the modest fees they charge.

3. Step 3: Ordering passports and visas

This is the one of the most important things that you should be well-prepared. Valid visas and passports are required to enter Vietnam. You can go to Vietnamese embassies located in your country to ask for visas – it may take quite much of your time. Another way, you can order Visa online via some reliable websites like Vietnam-visa.com. It is faster and cheaper than the first way.

4. Step 4: How much for your trip

Vietnam’s official currency is Dong. 1$=17,429 Dong. To buy things in markets and some places, you should exchange dollars into Dong for convenience.
Vietnam’s unofficial currency is the United States Dollar. At major shopping areas, hotels and restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, you can use Dollars and Dong interchangeably and in practically any combination. For foreigners there is no black market for currency.
You can exchange foreign currency and travelers checks at banks throughout Vietnam, though some banks charge a commission of as much as four percent. Most merchants and hotels will not accept travelers checks at all. Cash can be exchanged at hotels and some shops, particularly jewelry stores. You will get a better exchange rate with a clean $100 bill than a worn $5 bill. If bills are damaged or worn they may not be acceptable for exchange.
Vietnam’s first ATM appeared in 1996 at the Hong Kong Bank branch in HCMC’s (Hi Chi Minh City’s) New World Hotel building. If your bank at home is part of the Plus or Star systems, you can withdraw from your ATM account at home in either Dong or Dollars. Vietnam’s only other ATM is outside the ANZ Bank in Ha Noi.

5. Step 5: Traveling within the country

While there is an extensive network of trains and busses within Vietnam, it is easier and more comfortable to fly. Vietnam Airlines and Pacific Air serve just about every major city between Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, including Nha Trang, Dalat, and Hue.
It is cheaper to buy domestic air tickets once you arrive in Vietnam. For example, airfare between Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi is about $230 if purchased abroad or $160 in Vietnam (although Vietnamese pay only $40.) The grueling 40+ hour train trip is about the same price. If your travel agency specializes in Southeast Asia you may be able to find an excursion or ‘‘circle trip’’ fare which costs even less.

Things you’ll need:

•    Photocopies of your passport and visa
•    Cash in US $20’s and $100’s.
•    A folding umbrella if you plan to visit during the rainy season. The wettest months are July and August.
•    Zip locks bags. They are cheap, disposable, and keep all kinds of things fresh and dry.
•    Business Cards. You will discover that practically everyone in Vietnam has a calling card of some kind. The proper way to offer your card is to hold it by the corners with both hands.
•    Photo film. While 35mm print film is widely available, it may not always be fresh or properly stored. Slide film may be difficult or impossible to find.
•    Money belt or fanny pack. As you will soon read, cash and small personal items are attractive to pickpockets. Leg wallets are uncomfortable.

Source: http://www.ehow.com/how_4859900_prepare-trip-vietnam.html

List of countries are not allowed issuing Vietnam Visa at www.Vietnam-visa.com

admin — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 10:34:56 +0000

We are sorry that we - as a travel agency - cannot do visa service for the some citizens at present due to some diplomatic matters between Vietnam and your country. We suggest you should contact directly with the Vietnam Immigration Department for your specific case. Please see the following Vietnam Immigration Department’s details for direct contacting:

Vietnam Immigration Department (A18)
Address: 40A Hang Bai Street., Hanoi, Vietnam
Tel: 844-38257941

List of countries are not allowed issuing Vietnam Visa:

Iran                                                      Algieria
Cameroon                                            Afghanistan
Iraq                                                      Nigiria
Saudi Arabia                                         Pakistan
Jordan                                                  Bangladesk
United Arab Emirates                            Lebanon
Sri Lanka                                              Malawi
Palestin                                                 Tunisia
Turkey                                                  Guinea- Bissau
Quatar                                                  Triniad and Tobago
Ghana                                                   Haiti
Zimbawe                                               Somali
Namibia                                                Xudan
Nepal                                                    Yemen
Kenya                                                    Jamaica
Oman                                                    Niger
Rwanda

Halong Bay enters final round of wonder voting

adaddissure — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 04:15:22 +0000

Vietnam’s Halong Bay is among the top 28 nominees to advance to the final stage of a campaign voting for the world’s seven new natural wonders.

The bay which was twice recognized by the UNESCO for its landscapes and geological values ranks 12th among the 28 successful landscapes in terms of votes, according to the NewOpenWorld’s website on July 21.

The Amazon rainforest, which stretches through nine countries in South America, leads the voting.

Asian countries have six nominees in the final round, of which three were recommended by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members, namely Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines.

The campaign will continue to vote for the seven new wonders of nature, which will be unveiled in 2011.

Source: http://www.vietnamtourism-info.com

Get Vietnam Visa at Vietnam Embassy in Thailand- Do & Don’t

Caroline — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 03:24:55 +0000

A VISA to Vietnam can be applied for by mail or in person at the Embassy of Vietnam in Bangkok (Thailand) as early as six months prior to the date of travel. Like in most other nations, if you are stay or reside in Bangkok (Thailand), there are two ways to apply for Vietnam visa: Visa on arrival and visa code - just click here for more details.

Some important notes should be kept in mind when you get Visa at Vietnam Embassy in Bangkok as follow:

- Contact Vietnam Embassy to know the working time, holiday…before coming

- Check your passport again to make sure that it is still valid at least six months before getting Vietnam Visa in Bangkok

- Show your visa application form + your original passport + 2 passport-sized pictures (4*6cm) + pay some US dollars by cash (from US$50 upward) for visa stamping fee (paid by yourself at the Vietnam Embassy in Thailand (Bangkok) to get your visa code. Up to now, the credit card is not accepted

- Need to have a blank page on your passport because the visa will be glued on it. If your passport now has no space (full) for the new stamp, you should contact/come to your Embassy in Bangkok for asking to renew your passport. Normally, it will take 5- 7 working days

Don’t

- Forget to find and note Vietnam Embassy’s address before going.
- Lose your temper if you have to wait in a long queue as the Vietnam Embassy do receive a lot of Vietnam visa requests of tourists a day.
- Need to show the financial evidences in applying for a Vietnam visa from Bangkok

Have a nice time in Vietnam with best regards!