All U.S. citizens traveling to Viet Nam will need a visa for entry. Anyone can get a Viet Nam visa in a variety of ways. The country offers visas for one and multiple entrances to tourist and business applicants. The stay in the country will vary from one month to a year. Each Viet Nam visa type will have different prices due to the length of time you plan to remain in the country.

U.S. Citizens Requirements for a Viet Nam Visa

Before planning to apply for a Viet Nam visa, make sure you have a valid passport. A valid passport to enter Viet Nam must have at least six-month validity. If less, you will be denied entry. Also, the passport must have two blank pages to get the visa stamp and seal. Not meeting these requirements will result with a refusal for entry.

How to Get a Viet Nam Visa?

To get a Viet Nam E-visa, applicants can apply online. To apply online, complete the form, pay the fee, and get the approval letter. The process usually takes three days after the Viet Nam Immigration Department receives the application. With the approval letter, the visa can be stamped at any Viet Nam international airports. Present the letter at any of these airports for entry: Ha Noi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh, and Nha Trang.

You can also apply in person or by mail at the Embassy of Viet Nam in Washington. The Embassy does not require an appointment and opens Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm.

Before going to the Embassy, make sure you complete and print the online application. If you are unable to complete the form online, print it and complete manually. Make sure the passport has at least six-month validity and two blank pages. Also, have a color passport size photo taken in the last three months. Acceptable payments are by credit card, money order, cashier’s check, and company check payable to “EMBASSY OF VIET NAM.”

By mail, send all your documents to:

Embassy of Viet Nam

1233 20^th Street NW, Suite 400

Washington, D.C. 20036

Click here to get the visa types.

If you are a frequent traveler to countries that require a visa, this is an article for you. It will also help anyone who will obtain a visa that may outlive their passport. There are a few countries that offer visas valid for up to ten years. A U.S. adult passport is valid for ten years and getting a visa with ten years validity will surely remain valid after the passport expires. So, what do you do if your expired passport has a valid visa?

Expired Passport & Valid Visa

In most instances, if you have an expired passport, your valid visa becomes invalid or expired as well. We all know countries will not accept an expired passport for entry. Therefore, most of us are likely not to travel with an old passport. Most countries require three or six months of validity on a passport before admission is granted.

However, some countries will make an exception for tourist and business visitors with a visa valid for ten years that can be used for multiple entries. If you have such visa type, contact the country’s embassy or consulate to verify you can travel with your expired passport before going. You don’t want to go thousands of miles to be turned away because of your expired passport and assuming your visa is still valid.

Countries with Exceptions

Three countries will allow visitors to use their valid visa in an expired passport. However, if you are applying for a ten-year visa and your passport has a few years, you may get a shorter time visa than the ten-year.

Brazil

Brazil is what of the countries that allow visitors with a tourist or business visa to enter with an expired passport. There are other visa types with a shorter time, so these types are likely to expire before the passport.

Having a visa that can be used for multiple entries still has restrictions on how long you can stay. For Brazil visa, you can stay up to 90 days on each entry or up to 180 days in one year. To gain entry with an expired passport, you must have your new and the old passport with the visa when you travel. Brazil will still accept the visa as long as it is still valid.

India

India is another country that issues 10-year visas. U.S. citizens will get the long term visa when they visit as a tourist. However, business travelers don’t necessarily get long-term visas unless they apply for it. India gives one, five, and ten-year visas to applicants.

Similar to Brazil, India will accept a valid visa in an expired passport. However, you must have two passports, a valid one and the expired one with the visa. You would have another option if your passport expired. You can apply for a visa transfer to the new passport. If you do, you must submit the application, passport, photo, and all the other documents.

China

Like Brazil and India, you can use your visa until it expires to enter China. You must carry both passports to gain entry. However, China has one rule that applies to an expired passport. Your personal information must be the same in both passports. That is, your name should be the same. So, if you get a new passport with a name change, you cannot use the visa in the old passport even if it is valid.

When you apply and receive a Chinese visa, the information about the name change is printed next to the visa. So, if you change your name, you must apply for a new visa.

Other Countries

Many of the other countries will not allow visitors to use a  valid visa in a passport expired. In most cases, you must apply for a new visa or a visa transfer if it is possible. The best thing to do is call the country’s embassy or consulate you got the visa from and inquire about their policies. You can also visit the embassy or consulate website for more information.

To travel outside the U.S. you will need a passport. A passport is a must since it is use for identification and citizenship. However, some countries require a visa as well for entry. Since both are traveling documents, there is a big difference between both. In this article, we will discuss the purpose and differences between both documents. But before we do, what is a passport? What is a visa? How do we know there differences between each and when to use them?

What is a Passport?

A passport is issued to a country’s citizen for international travel and identification. It comes in the shape of a book or a card. The book contains pages which are use for official purposes, like a visa. Dates of entry and exits are also stamp on the book pages. Apart from entering another country, It is also used for entry back into the country of citizenship. A passport book includes the person’s photo, name, date of birth, gender, and physical characteristics.

A passport card is not accepted in every country like the passport book even though it serves the same purposes. Only countries like Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean accepts a passport card as identification. The card contains the same information as a passport, however, there is not space for stamps.

What is a Visa?

A visa is an endorsement placed in a passport that grants the holder permission to enter, leave, or stay for a specific time. There are different types of visas but the most common types are tourist, student, work, and transit visas. Some countries use single entry visas while others issue multiple entry visas. For some countries, you must apply for the a visa way in advance of your trip. Others will give you the visa the point of entry.

Applying for a Passport

You must complete the appropriate application form when you apply for a passport. New applicants will use Form DS-11. The form is use for a minor or adult passport. To renew a passport, complete and submit Form DS-82. Any application must include supporting documents.

You can submit your documents and fees to any acceptance facilities. Acceptance facilities include the post office, clerk of court’s office, public library, and a regional agency. The process takes 4-6 weeks but expedited processing is also available. Once the is over, you will get your new passport in the mail. Two weeks, you will get any original document you submit with the application.

Applying for a Visa

Each country has its rules and regulations when it comes to applying for a visa. To get all the information, visit the country’s Embassy or Consulate website. Most application can be done online and submit at the same time. You must pay the fee online with a credit or debit card.

Some embassies will accept walk ins or appointments to apply for a visa in person. The process is for visas that you must apply in advance of the trip. For others that issue the visa at a point of entry, you must apply when you are there.

Overall

So, if you have a passport it is valid for two reasons, for identification and provide proof of citizenship. For countries that do not require a visa for entry, a passport will be suffice for entry.

However, if a visa is required, then a passport will not gain you entrance. You must obtain the proper visa for entry. If you have the wrong visa, even though you have a visa, you will be denied entry.

So, do your research before you book your trip. Make sure you have a passport with enough validity and if you need a visa, apply in advance to avoid any problems. If you get the visa at entry, then you can only wait for the day of your trip to get it.

Most Americans will take a cruise at some point in their lives. The destination will determine travel requirements. Before you book a cruise, do your homework. Find out the specifications for the cruise. Like, what documents are necessary for entering the destination country or reentering the U.S. Also, if a visa necessary. Most of this information you will get from the cruise. The best advice is to get a passport even if one is not essential.

Provide Proof of Citizenship

As a U.S. citizen who will travel on a cruise, it is best to have proof of citizenship when returning home. You can have a passport book or a passport card. For minors, a birth certificate will do. If your trip is a closed loop cruise, it starts and ends at the same port; you can use a government-issued ID card. However, if your trip will stop at a port other than the one you started your journey, it is best to use a passport book.

Keep a Valid Passport

Make sure your passport has enough validity before you go on your trip. Enough validity is six months or more. Some countries require your passport has enough time for your stay. Also, to reenter the U.S. your passport must be valid. If your passport has less than six months validity, you should apply for a renewal. A renewal can take 4-6 weeks with routine processing or 2-3 weeks for expedited. An expeditor or a regional agency can get you a passport within 24 hours if your trip is sooner than two weeks.

Ask if a Visa is Required

Some countries will require a visa for entry. Since you are going on a cruise and most cruises stop in for a day, a visa may not be necessary. If you book an excursion that is not included in the cruise, you may need to get a visa. If the trip is part of the cruise, then a visa may be waved. Some countries also issue visas to cruise ships; therefore when this is the case, you don’t need to apply for one.

Overall

Know the travel requirements before you plan a trip. Make sure you have all the necessary documents that will allow you to enter the country on your cruise route. Also, a valid passport to reenter the U.S. If you will use a passport card, it must have enough validity similar to a passport. Once you meet all the travel requirements, you will not have any hiccups that will ruin your cruise trip.

Top 10 Destinations to travel in the World

There are many countries you should visit while you are still breathing. This article will provide information on the most popular top 10 destinations to travel in the world. Plenty others did not make our list. Nevertheless, they are worth visiting at some point if possible. Some of the countries on this list have many sites which are considered unique and historical. Also, they display their cultures and fascinations regularly. So, let us dream of traveling to each until we can make it a reality.

China

China is the second largest country in Asia right after Russia. It is the most populous nation and borders 14 countries. China has a vast history that goes all the way back to the ruling of many dynasties. So, there are many historical sites to visit like the Great Wall. If you want to visit major cities like Beijing or Guangzhou, be ready for a fantastic time. China has fantastic coastlines that offer amazing views and luxurious hotels. During the holidays is another time to visit China.

India

India, like China, is another country in Asia. It is the third largest in Asia and has over 1.3 billion people. India is another nation with so much history. For the tourist, there are many places to visit in India. The Taj Mahal, for example, is a typical tourist attraction. This building is one of the most recognizable structures in the world. If you wish to visit the holy city of Varanasi, it is the principal city for Hindus or the Golden Temple of Amritsar which is essential to the Sikhs. Other historic sites are Mecca Masjid, Amer Fort, and the Agra Fort. If you want some tranquility, go to the beaches of Goa.

Nigeria

Nigeria is similar to the other African countries with many national parks. However, it is the most populous nation of all the African countries. If your next trip is to Nigeria, you should visit the Millennium Park, the Cross River International Park, the Okomu National Park, or the Yankari Game Reserve, just to name a few. Apart from the parks and reservations, Nigeria also has beaches like the Tarkwa Bay and Eleko. In the capital, you can also go to the more popular beaches like Elegushi Beach, Bar Beach, or Alpha Beach. These beaches are more crowded when compared to the others.

Russia

Russia is known for cold days, but it also has some beautiful summer days. When you are in Russia, there are some famous and historic places to see. For example, Saint Basil’s Cathedral is known for its one of a kind architecture design. If you are in Moscow, the Kremlin is a must see. This infamous building houses the top governmental offices, four cathedrals, several museums, the armory, and the Diamond Fund Exhibition.  The Diamond Fund Exhibition has a collection of jewelry that includes a 190-carat diamond given to Catherine the Great.

Cambodia

Cambodia is a religious country, and it shows the number of temples constructed across the country. The most visited temple is the Angkor Wat built in the 12^th century by King Suryavarman II.  Other temples that tourist flock to are Bayon Temple, Banteay Srei, and Koh Ker. The Silver Pagoda is another attraction that is located inside the Royal Palace. The Silver Pagoda houses many national treasures such as gold and jeweled Buddha statues. Apart from the temples, Cambodia also has white sandy beaches like Sihanoukville. At Sihanoukville, you can sit, relax, and enjoy the view.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has the largest mosque in the world, the Masjid Al Haram. The mosque is also known as the House of God. It is a sacred place for Muslims who comes from all around the world for pilgrimage. Another mosque to visit is the Al Masjid Al Nabawi in Medina. The Royal Saudi Air Force Museum in Riyadh has on display historical facts and figures about Saudi air forces. If you want to see the tallest building in the world, you can visit the Kingdom Tower which stands 3280 feet tall. Another historical place to visit is the Rock Carving Site. At the site, you will see carvings done by Saudis in the earlier times.

Indonesia

Indonesia is one of the chain islands in South Asia. This country has beautiful beaches in Bali or if you want to go to the Gili Islands to snorkel at the turtle sanctuary. You can visit the Orangutans of Borneo at the Tanjung Putting National Park or the Komodo at the Komodo National Park. Indonesia sits on the Ring of Fire; this is an area with some of the most active volcanoes in the world. So, if you want some adventure, Mount Bromo is the place to go. Another famous volcano in Indonesia is the Mount Krakatau which has the world largest eruption recorded in history. If you wish to go to a lesser known island than Bali, the Banda Islands are ideal. It is a cluster of 10 islands that sits at the edge of the Banda Sea.

Kenya

Kenya is an African nation with many national animal reserves. There, you will see many of the wild animals roaming in their protected reservations. If you wish to take a tour in one of the reserves, you can choose from many. However, the best site seeing reservations are Maasai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National Reserve, and Samburu, Buffalo Springs, and Shaba National Reserves. Also, you have Tsavo National Park and Lake Nakuru National Park where you can see a large flock of pink flamingos. You can also visit the historic Lamu Island which still displays Kenya’s history dating back to the 12^th century. The capital, Nairobi, also has its history on display by its colorful colonial buildings.

Vietnam

Vietnam, like Indonesia, is in South Asia. Vietnam has an astonishing mix of cultural diversity and natural highlights. Halong Bay is one of the most amazing sites, especially by boat. These islands have plenty of caves that attracts tourist daily. For example, the Phong Nha-Ke Bang cave displays magnificent stalactite and stalagmite. Another fascinating experience is to go through the Cu Chi Tunnels which were used during the war and stretched for more than 250 kilometers. If you want to go to the beach, this beach is about 6 kilometers long and is popular among the natives and especially tourist. Nha Trang is known for designated swimming areas, manicured lounging areas, and a white sandy beach. If you prefer the city, then Ho Chi Minh or Hanoi will give you a taste of the bustling streets and vendors.

Tanzania

Tanzania is home to some famous places like the Serengeti National Park where you can see the famous annual wildlife migration. Another is Mount Kilimanjaro which is renowned for mountaineers and trekkers from around the world. You will find many national parks and reserves for wild animals. Tanzania also has the Pemba Islands which attracts divers to the corals and marine life. Another is the Mafia Islands which also attract tourists who want to relax on the white beach or snorkel.

So, to visit any of these countries, you will need a visa and a valid passport. To get either, you can contact https://nationalpassportservice.com for expedited service. You can get a U.S. passport in as little as a day or any time up to two weeks. Similarly, we will expedite your visa application so you can have it well before your travel date.