Getting Vietnam Visa in Vientiane

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Getting Vietnam Visa in Vientiane
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6 May 2013. I got a Vietnam tourist visa today in Vientiane and wanted to let everyone know the process.

Vietnam Embassy in Vientiane is just north of Patuxay Monument on the road to Pha That Luang (just past a Toyota car dealership on the right, known by tuk-tuks as Patuxay Toyota). The Vietnam Embassy is also shown on map in Lonely Planet guide.

Consulate entrance is around the left-hand side of the Embassy building.

Opening hours: Monday 9:30 to 12:00 and 13:30 to 17:00

Tuesday to Friday: 8:30 to 12:00 and 13:30 to 17:00

There is a one-page, very basic page to fill-out (passport info, job, nationality, address). Don't need to list hotel or any other information. You can choose single or multiple entry (I chose single and don't know details on multiple).

Bring one passport photo that you glue to the page (glue stick available there).

I arrived at 9:30 AM on a Monday and they didn't open until 11 so be prepared for erratic opening hours, but other than that it was fast an easy process. There were about 7 other foreigners applying for visas the day I went. Everyone seemed to be getting the same day service since the price difference is only $5.

Price for Single Entry Visa: Payable in U.S. dollars

USD $65.00 for next-day service

USD $70.00 for same day (apply in morning, pick up in PM)

You can walk, or better ride a bicycle or motorbike to the embassy and combine that with a visit to Patuxay Monument, Wat Phonxai and That Luang. Happy Travels!

Vientiane, Laos
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1. Re: Getting Vietnam Visa in Vientiane
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Good info Voyaguer - last time I got a visa there August last year it was done in 5 minutes - no need to wait.

They also do 6 month multi-entry work visas, outside of the official channels, for an additional unrecipted $100 "fee" - handy if you are in a hurry.

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2. Re: Getting Vietnam Visa in Vientiane
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Hi, is the visa valid from the day it is obtained or can you date it for a few weeks later allowing you to travel to southern Laos before crossing into Vietnam? Thanks

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3. Re: Getting Vietnam Visa in Vientiane
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Hi, is the visa valid from the day it is obtained or can you date it for a few weeks later allowing you to travel to southern Laos before crossing into Vietnam? Thanks

Vientiane, Laos
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4. Re: Getting Vietnam Visa in Vientiane
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The tourist visa 30 days is valid from the day you enter Vietnam and get a stamp, so you can travel in Laos first without eating into your Vietnam visa time. Yo must use it within 6 months of getting the visa sticker issued.

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5. Re: Getting Vietnam Visa in Vientiane
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Thanks so much! Visas give me a headache! Is there any chance you know how long you get to start using an Indian visa? I leave the uk 7/10/13 and am planning 6 months in Southeast Asia before heading to India. Then I wanted to spend a month in Nepal before going there but not sure how much time I have got.

Vientiane, Laos
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6. Re: Getting Vietnam Visa in Vientiane
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Well its a couple of years since I went to India but we got the visa within a few days from the Indian embassy on Thadeu Rd in Vientiane and, as for Vietnam, the 30 day visa is valid for use for 6 months, with your allowed 30 days starting when you cross the border.

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7. Re: Getting Vietnam Visa in Vientiane
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Thanks so much! Although I'm under the impressing that you can only apply for an Indian visa in your home country now?

Blackpool, United...
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8. Re: Getting Vietnam Visa in Vientiane
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The $70 seems expensive though!? Shouldn't the visa only cost $45

Edmonton, Canada
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9. Re: Getting Vietnam Visa in Vientiane
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I'm confused on the pictures. Do I need to get new pictures done and get an updated passport. I don't have duplicates of my passport photo as I got it three years ago.

Yueqing, China
2 posts
10. Re: Getting Vietnam Visa in Vientiane
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Hey bluecramp,

Where could I apply for the 6 months working visa in Vientiane? Do you have an adress?

Thanks in advance!

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