Does anyone know what the exact requirements for this type of visa are? Recently I visted a visa agent who assured me that I just had to fill in an application form, give them the fee and four working days later I would have the visa. I have also noticed that some of the online visa agencies based in Vietnam will give you a letter of invitation for this type of visa. The Embassy in Bangkok's web site gives no different info for a working visa and a tourist visa so that is no help either. The reason I ask is that I had thought that you needed a contract or job offer which may or not be the case?

In the several times I have been to Vietnam on business I have arranged a visa in advance through one of the many online agencies. What they actually do is submit a limited application on your behalf and when that is successful send you a letter from Vietnam immigration (which will include your details) that you may collect your visa from the airport on arrival. On arrival, after filling in a proper visa application form (best to get one ahead of time as saves queuing time), they will then fix the visa in your passport.

Each time I have filled in the application form I have written "Business" in the "purpose of entry and exit" and each time they have issued a C1 visa -

• C1: shall be granted to persons who enter Vietnam for tourist purposes.

...but never been an issue of any kind. I don't think they have a specific "business" visa class (as opposed to "work").

My last trip way May 2012 so apologies if any of this is not up to date.

Upnotover (or anyone else)

Are you aware whether or not this type of visa can be extended in Vietnam? I have read on the internet that, for example, a three-month visa can be extended for another three months without having to leave Vietnam, HOWEVER I have been unable to confirm this and the source does not appear to be necessarily credible. Any thoughts? I hold a US passport.

Upnotover (or anyone else)

Are you aware whether or not this type of visa can be extended in Vietnam? I have read on the internet that, for example, a three-month visa can be extended for another three months without having to leave Vietnam, HOWEVER I have been unable to confirm this and the source does not appear to be necessarily credible. Any thoughts? I hold a US passport.

I think the 3-month multi entry is actually a business visa. No special documents are needed to get it. Just fill out the form, pay the money and get it.

Yes, it is easy to get another extension for 3 months inside Vietnam. It's also possible to extend a 1-month and turn it into a 3-month single or multi, but is rather expensive. I think it may even be possible to get a second extension inside Vietnam. I think as long as you have the funds, they have the rubber stamp but do extend through an agent such as the ones in Pham Ngu Lao lane in Saigon.