Depending on your nationality and your current location, you can have different options in terms of visa and transportation.
If you are wondering how to apply for your Vietnam visa, you will find all the information here.
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Arriving in Vietnam by flight
If you’re heading to Vietnam by flight, you’ll have to get a visa (unless you are allowed to be there for 15 days visa-free). You’ll have two options:
- Apply for a visa on arrival online;
- Apply for a visa at the Embassy.
The easiest option in my opinion is option 1. It’s much easier to handle a visa online than having to get out and sort out a visa via an embassy. So, unless, it’s necessary, I’d rather do it online.
Vietnam-visa.com is probably the website #1 to get your Vietnam visa sorted. Their system is simple (I love it that way!) and efficient. You can get your visa sorted in 4 hours if you need to or in two working days if you are not in a rush.
They have 4 easy steps:
- You fill out the online form.
- You confirm everything and you pay the processing fee (fees can vary regarding the length of your stay and the number of entries required).
- You’ll get the visa approval letter. (So jump on that plane!)
- Get your visa stamped at the airport! (Plus; you’ll have to pay a stamping fee which can be USD 25 for a single entry or USD 50 for multiple entries).
Does it sound too easy?
Arriving in Vietnam by land
As I was in Cambodia, flying wasn’t a great budget option for me as flights from Cambodia are quite pricy. I didn’t manage to spot a great deal and I decided to cross the border by land.
That said, you need to know that you can’t apply for a visa online if you are planning to cross the border by land.
Again, you’ll have two options:
- Apply for a visa directly at the Embassy (which is the cheapest option in this case, but you’ll have to take a strong coffee with an extra dose of patience);
- Apply for a visa using an agency (which is as easy as if you were doing it online).
I chose the option 2 as I know myself and I’m not patient enough to handle the Embassy too often!
Getting a visa in Cambodia – Crossing by land
In Siem Reap: The cheapest option is to use an agency. My visa cost me USD 45 and was ready in 24 hours for 30 days with a single entry. If you are staying at the Mad Monkey Hostel, you can also get a visa for USD 55 without leaving the hostel.
In Pnom Penh: The cheapest option is to go directly to the Embassy, although; you could also go to an agency or stay at the Mad Monkey Hostel to sort out your visa.
Are you going to Cambodia next?
