These tips and advices are drawn from stories of problems and mistakes that many visitors to Vietnam deal with. Read them to avoid any related problems. And share with us your suggestions.

1 - Applying for a new passport can be a tremendously long process so plan well in advance. Sometimes it can take a month to complete. Many travellers had to cancel their trips because their passport is about to expire. Vietnam requires your passport to be at least 1 month valid from the date of exiting the country, and most airlines will require a 6 month validity.

2- Visa on arrival works for air travel only which means you are allowed to pick up your visa at any of the three airports: Hanoi Airport, Danang Airport and Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. You normally do not have to notify your travel agency in advance if you are flying into a different airport than the original one.

3 - If you arrive in Vietnam by land or cruise, you need to apply for a visa in advance at the Vietnamese embassy or consulate. 

4 - A 30 day visa extension can be done within 3 days at the Vietnam Department of Immigration Office in either Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. You can also contact a Vietnamese travel agency and request a similar service 

5 - It is recommended to carry your passport with you at all time of travel. You will hardly be stopped by police but it is always good to have a personal ID with you.

6 - Check the visa photo requirements in advance to avoid later troubles.

7 - You do not need a transit visa in Vietnam. An onward flight ticket is enough to help you check in the following flight.