Job Discussion Forums

[elisareed]

I'm wondering what type of Visa to get before I go that will be the most cost effective. Is it cheaper to just buy a single entry tourist visa here (U.S) and then extend or change to a work Visa once I'm in Vietnam?

Thanks.

[jojoni]

They only give people single visa to Vietnam unless you are working for a company in Vn. I will say you should get a three month visa like mine. About a month before it expires go to the immigration office on Nguyen Du Street apply for another three month visa extention for aout 15 bucks.
When you apply for a visa extention in Vn, do not bother to apply for a multi entry visa they only this kind of visa to people who are teaching English in Vn. TOURIST IS A NO!

[jojoni]

they will not let you apply for a visa extension if you have a 15 day visa.

[chipy66]

i was under the impression that the only visa to get is a 30 day tourist visa
?

anyways i am hopefully coming to vietnam in a few weeks and need to get all this sorted out.

So from what i have read you basically get your 30 day visa, get a job then the school will sponsor you for the business visa?
when i say what my purpose is in vietnam i should just say travelling right?
And to explain a one way ticket i can just say im travelling through to laos cambodia or wherever?

thanks

[Snaff]

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[chipy66]

by crackdown what exactly do you mean?

i am scheduled to arrive in 2 weeks on a tourist visa, hoping to convert it to business visa once i get a job

will i have problems?

[Lana]

Things may be different depending on which city you are going to. If there's a crackdown in HCMC it doesn't mean there's a crackdown in Hanoi or vice versa.

Once you're in the country, I would ask around other teachers to find a reliable travel agent with good connections who will 'sponsor' your 6-month business visa. Prices can vary wildly depending on the agent or even the political situation month by month. Your first business visa is the most expensive, subsequent ones are considered extensions and should be cheaper.

However I think a six month visa bought in VN would still be cheaper than a 3-month visa bought at home.

Some schools can sponsor visas if they have the right connections but I would think very carefully before accepting unless they're guaranteeing 18 hours a week. It may give you less hassle and more flexiblity to do the visa yourself then it's not a big issue to work for another school. I know a few people (including myself) who let Apollo sponsor the visa then regretted it!

I left VN a year ago so if anyone has more up-to-date info please add it.

[Snaff]

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