Korean Job Discussion Forums

maddog · Joined: 08 Dec 2005 Location: Daegu

I'm trying to decide whether to get a paper visa in my passport or an electronic visa. The e-visa costs $20, then another $25 to get it stamped on arrival. The paper visa costs 70,000W through a travel agent (I'm not in Seoul so I ain't going to the embassy), but I have no idea if it too will cost another $25 on arrival. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

If the stamp fee is included in the 70K, I'd go for that as I'd rather pay a little more and have the peace of mind that there won't be any screw ups.

MD

itstiff · Joined: 16 Oct 2008

I got my visa to Vietnam, at their Hong Kong embassy aka a shady little apartment, for about the same price as you by myself three years back and when I arrived, in Saigon, I did not have to pay any extra fees.

Be careful of the immigration people though, they'll try to get money out of you by asking you a million questions. If you're a US citizen they might or might not, but if you're Japanese they'll do everything to get some cash. Make sure you fill out the entry forms entirely and have a hotel name and etc etc.

maddog · Joined: 08 Dec 2005 Location: Daegu

I was there about 17 months ago, and I didn't have to pay for a stamp. I just asked a co-worker who was there a few months ago, and he didn't have to pay for a stamp either. I'm guessing it only applies to e-visas.

I know what you're saying about VN immi trying to squeeze money of you for nothing. It's a shame that such a beautiul a country is marred by a bunch of money-grubbing bastards. Still not bad enough to stop me going though.

farrepatt · Joined: 27 Jan 2008

I went in January of last year and paid a travel agent to get the visa for me. It cost about 70,000 won. When I arrived in Hanoi I didn't need to pay for a stamp or any other cost.

I think the reason you have to pay for the stamp when you get there with the e-visa method is that it's not really a visa. If I remember correctly it's more of an invitation letter which allows you permission to fly there. However once you get there you have to pay the $25 for the actual visa/stamp to get in.

freeridden · Joined: 27 Apr 2008

Any suggestions for finding a good airline price to get to Vietnam? And which is better: Hanoi or Saigon (HCM)?