Vietnam Visa on Arrival no longer allowed for US citizens?

[DanielDoyce]

I'm a US citizen and had no problem getting a Vietnam visa on arrival online back in December, but all the websites no longer have an option for American citizens. Did the rules change sometime in 2016? If so, it's not well documented. Any tips on getting a Visa in the Chiang Mai area?

Edited September 24, 2016 by DanielDoyce

[BritTim]

Have you tried applying for visa on arrival through https://vietnamvisa.govt.vn/? I suspect United States Outlying Islands will work.

Edited September 24, 2016 by BritTim

[bigbadthaijohn]

Wrong section. This is for THAI visas.

Sent from my ASUS_T00J using Tapatalk

[taxout]

Yes, the rules have changed. Whether you want it or not, you as an American now get an expensive one-year multiple-entry visa on arrival. Probably some of the agency websites need to be brought up to date.

[JackThompson]

5 hours ago, andy said:

Does anyone know if the visa agents in Phnom Penh are still able to get short term Vietnam visas at normal prices for Americans?  As much as I enjoy Vietnam, the $130+ USD visa fee is a pretty big deterrent. 

 

For short term, yes, much higher than others in the region by a lot - but may reflect the $160 that a US visa costs Vietnamese travelers - i.e. reciprocity - plus 'historical factors'.

 

From what I am reading elsewhere, a USA citizen still needs a pre-approval letter before arriving (paid separately - $10 to $30 depending on source), after which you then pay the $135 at the airport.

 

Some also think this was a "misunderstanding" of some sort vis-a-vis interpretation of the new law, and short-term visas for US-Citizens will return.  Time will tell.

[tonray]

I was planning a trip to Hanoi when I realized with the new rules the Visa would cost more than my flight and 2 nights in a nice hotel ! I think I'll stay in country instead...wow what a bummer. 

[yogavnture]

i am trying to get a one month visa to vietnam here in the states. sometimes in home country they are more flexible. that one year visa  is stupid. 

[gk10002000]

On 10/11/2016 at 8:45 AM, tonray said:

I was planning a trip to Hanoi when I realized with the new rules the Visa would cost more than my flight and 2 nights in a nice hotel ! I think I'll stay in country instead...wow what a bummer. 

Yep.  The thing is really really stupid.  While it might help business travelers that have a need to go in and out of the country a lot, it is a ridiculous thing for the majority of tourists.  And I bet the USA is not going to make it easy for the vietnamese that leave and enter the USA multiple times.  I guarantee the TSA will pull the frequent in and out people aside and grill them and question them and it won't be long before the vietnam government gets complaints and sends complaints.

[yogavnture]

I went to Vietnam embassy in bkk. they give one month visas to americans for about 2800 baht. its the darn visa on arrival companies that are causing havoc for vietnam. they should get rid of them. its causing confusion. 

[yogavnture]

Vietnam embassy bkk . no stamping fee. 2800 BAHT. one month visa.  I got one. its easy