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A Green Card holder may travel to Vietnam for business or tourism for up to 60 days without a visa. However, you will need to obtain a visa if you wish to stay for a longer period of time.
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Introduction
Vietnamese visa requirements for U.S. citizens have remained the same for many years now. American citizens with a valid passport and a green card can travel to Vietnam for business or pleasure without having to obtain a visa in advance. However, you will need to get a Vietnamese visa upon arrival at one of the three international airports in Vietnam: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang.
Applying for a Vietnamese visa
If you have a green card, you will need to apply for a Vietnamese visa before you can enter the country. The process is relatively simple and can be done online or through a Vietnamese embassy or consulate.
To apply for a visa, you will need to submit a visa application form, a passport-sized photo, and your green card. You may also be required to provide additional documents, such as proof of travel insurance or a letter of invitation from a Vietnamese sponsor. Once your application is complete, you will submit it to the Vietnamese embassy or consulate, along with the appropriate visa fee.
processing time can vary depending on the country in which you apply, but it is typically around 10 days. If your application is approved, you will receive a visa that is valid for 30 days. You can then use this visa to travel to Vietnam and stay for up to 30 days.
Entering Vietnam
U.S. citizens and green card holders can enter Vietnam with either a passport or a green card. If you are entering Vietnam on a passport, you will need to have at least six months of validity remaining on your passport. If you are entering on a green card, you will need to have at least one year of validity remaining on your card. If you are entering Vietnam on a visa, you will need to have at least six months of validity remaining on your visa.
Customs and immigration
When you travel to Vietnam with a green card, you will need to go through customs and immigration. The process is relatively simple, but there are a few things you need to know in order to make it go smoothly.
First, you will need to have your passport and green card with you. You will need to show these documents to the customs officer when you arrive in Vietnam.
Once you have cleared customs, you will need to go through immigration. Here, you will need to fill out an arrival/departure card. This card will ask for your personal information, as well as your travel plans in Vietnam. Be sure to answer all of the questions on the card truthfully and accurately.
Once you have completed the arrival/departure card, you will submit it to the immigration officer along with your passport and green card. The officer will stamp your passport, and then you will be free to enter Vietnam!
Transportation in Vietnam
There are many ways to get around Vietnam, from buses and trains to cars and motorbikes. The best way to get around depends on your budget, where you’re going and how much time you have.
Buses are the cheapest way to travel between cities, and they’re very comfortable. Trains are a bit more expensive but they’re faster and offer sleeper cars for long journeys.
Cars and motorbikes are the best way to get around if you want to explore off the beaten path. You can rent a car with or without a driver, or buy your own motorbike. Just be sure to get an international driver’s license if you plan to drive yourself.
Money in Vietnam
As a general rule, you will get a better exchange rate in Vietnam if you bring US dollars in cash and exchange them at a bank or official money exchange office rather than using your ATM or credit card.
The dong is the official currency of Vietnam, and as of May 2017, the approximate exchange rate is 22,000 dong to 1 US dollar. You can find ATMs throughout the country that will dispense dong, but they typically have a limit of 2 million dong per withdrawal (about $90). Credit cards are widely accepted in Vietnam, though you may encounter some issues with older cards that use the magnetic stripe (rather than the newer chip).
When taking taxis or paying for other small purchases, it is helpful to have smaller denominations of Vietnamese currency as many vendors do not have enough change for large bills. It is not uncommon to see prices listed in both dong and US dollars.
Where to stay in Vietnam
Hotels in Vietnam
Finding a place to stay in Vietnam is easy, with accommodation options to cater for all budgets. However, it’s worth bearing in mind that hotel standards vary widely, so it’s always worth checking reviews before you book. From cheap and cheerful hostels to luxury resorts, here are some accommodation options to suit all budgets:
Hostels – If you’re on a tight budget, Vietnam has some great value hostels. You can usually find a bed for around $5-10 per night, and some hostels even have facilities like swimming pools and bars. Just be sure to check the reviews before you book, as some hostels can be quite basic.
Hotels – There’s a huge range of hotels available in Vietnam, from cheap and cheerful 3-star hotels to luxurious 5-star resorts. Prices start at around $30 per night for a basic room and go up to several hundred dollars per night for a suite at a top-end hotel.
Airbnb – Airbnb is becoming increasingly popular in Vietnam, with rooms and entire apartments available to rent in most cities and towns. Prices start at around $20 per night for a basic room, but can go up to several hundred dollars per night for a luxury apartment.
What to eat in Vietnam
If you love seafood, then Vietnam is the place for you! You can find seafood at almost any restaurant, and it is usually very fresh. Popular dishes include grilled fish, shrimp paste, and squid. Meat lovers will not be disappointed either, as there is a wide variety of meat dishes to choose from, including chicken, beef, and pork. If you are looking for something a little bit different, then you can also try snake or frog. Vegetarians will be happy to know that there are many vegetable-based dishes available as well.
Things to do in Vietnam
There are many things to do in Vietnam, whether you want to experience the bustling city life of Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, relax on a beach in Nha Trang, or explore the lush jungles of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. No matter what your interests are, you’re sure to find something to do in Vietnam that suits you.
Tips for travelling to Vietnam
Vietnam is a beautiful country with a lot to offer tourists. If you have a green card, you may be wondering what the best way to travel to Vietnam is. Here are a few tips to help you plan your trip:
1. Apply for a visa in advance. You can apply for a tourist visa at your local Vietnamese consulate or through an online visa service. Be sure to check the requirements and fees before you apply.
2. Make copies of all important documents. This includes your passport, green card, and travel insurance policy. Keep these copies in a safe place in case you lose your originals while on your trip.
3. Familiarize yourself with the currency and exchange rate before you go. Vietnam’s currency is the dong, and the current exchange rate is about 23,000 dong to 1 US dollar. ATMs are widely available in major cities, but it’s always a good idea to have cash on hand in case of an emergency.
4. Plan your itinerary in advance and research any necessary vaccinations. Vietnam has many different types of climate, so depending on where you’re going, you may need certain vaccinations. For example, if you’re planning to visit Halong Bay, you should get a hepatitis A shot at least two weeks before your trip.
5. Pack light and be prepared for hot weather. The average temperature in Vietnam ranges from 75-95 degrees Fahrenheit (24-35 degrees Celsius). Be sure to pack light clothing that breathes well, and don’t forget sunscreen and insect repellent!
