Visa requirements in Vietnam/Thailand

[shipmate13]

We are scheduled to cruise on board Celebrity Solstice this November from Singapore to Thailand, Vietnam and ending in Hong Kong.  I have read you need a visa to visit Vietnam and then I read you don't if in-transit cruise guest to want to go ashore on tours or individually.  If anyone has recently cruised there, could you please let me know which is correct.  I search many websites and each one gives something different.  I appreciate any assistance. .

[Jim_Iain]

Would suggest you check on your Roll Call as it is generally discussed and debated. 

 

You also may wish to view this thread.   Where this is posted from the daily.

 

 

Edited October 12, 2023 by Jim_Iain

[ldubs]

I qualify as "cruised there" but unfortunately, not recently.    Back then, a visa was "processed" by the ship (Princess in our case).  The cost was something like $25 or $30.  We literally did nothing beyond pay the fee. 

 

The following is quoted from the Celebrity site.  Unfortunately it doesn't name Vietnam specifically, so not definitive.  Perhaps contact Celebrity.  

 

"In some ports where visas may be required and may be purchased in-transit, the ship personnel will assist each guest to secure a visa and charge the guests' onboard account a one-time nominal fee. These visa fees include a small processing charge by the local representative."

[Nyhawkeye]

Take a look at this post - most recent information I have seen.

 

 

[Miaminice]

2 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

Would suggest you check on your Roll Call as it is generally discussed and debated. 

 

You also may wish to view this thread.   Where this is posted from the daily.

 

 

this was posted by me in 2020. We‘ll be doing a similar cruise again in December and we have been informed that Celebrity will no longer provide the visa!

[Miaminice]

2 hours ago, shipmate13 said:

We are scheduled to cruise on board Celebrity Solstice this November from Singapore to Thailand, Vietnam and ending in Hong Kong.  I have read you need a visa to visit Vietnam and then I read you don't if in-transit cruise guest to want to go ashore on tours or individually.  If anyone has recently cruised there, could you please let me know which is correct.  I search many websites and each one gives something different.  I appreciate any assistance. .

we‘ll be doing this cruise again in December. US citizens require an e-visa. Easy to do online.

Edited October 12, 2023 by Miaminice

[sanger727]

You need a visa to visit Vietnam. I don't know if the cruise line provides any assistance in getting one but our river cruise did not. Our cruise line advised that we were not eligible for an e-visa based on the fact that we were entering Vietnam at a river port instead of a land crossing. You may be able to get an e-visa. 

[Missusdubbya]

38 minutes ago, Miaminice said:

we‘ll be doing this cruise again in December. US citizens require an e-visa. Easy to do online.

Exactly this and visa website for Vietnam is https://visa.mofa.gov.vn/Homepage.aspx

Edited October 12, 2023 by Missusdubbya

[Nyhawkeye]

The e-visa seems to be the easiest approach if you are eligible.  This is the link -

 

https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/web/guest/trang-chu-ttdt

[shipmate13]

Here is the problem I found in this website, when I have to list the location where we are leaving from, which is Hanoi, it is not listed in the drop down menu to chose from nor is the Cai Lan Port which also is not listed in the drop down menu to complete this visa form.  

I called Celebrity and they told me they do not do visa for passengers and that it is our responsibility.  I have sent a message to support from the site you listed and have yet heard from them.

[Torfamm]

15 minutes ago, shipmate13 said:

Here is the problem I found in this website, when I have to list the location where we are leaving from, which is Hanoi, it is not listed in the drop down menu to chose from nor is the Cai Lan Port which also is not listed in the drop down menu to complete this visa form.  

I called Celebrity and they told me they do not do visa for passengers and that it is our responsibility.  I have sent a message to support from the site you listed and have yet heard from them.

Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality. US citizens do need a visa for Vietnam.

 

Ha Long Bay is normally the port for Hanoi. Cai Lan is one port used in Ha Long Bay, the more common one is the Ha Long International Cruise Port. Both are a part of the Hon Gai Seaport complex. The list below of the seaport complexes where the ports Celebrity uses are located comes from an email they sent out to people on an upcoming sailing.

 

You can see the full text below. There are helpful links there.

 

• Ho Chi Minh (Vung Tau Seaport)
• Chan May (Chan May Seaport)
• Nha Trang (Nha Trang Seaport)
• Ha Long Bay (Hon Gai Seaport)
• Da Nang (Da Nang Seaport)

 

Dear Guest, We're looking forward to welcoming you onboard your upcoming Celebrity Cruises sailing! Before we set sail, we have important details to share regarding your travel documentation.   PASSPORT As a reminder, your passport must be up-to-date and valid for at least 6 months after your sailing concludes. Additionally, all guests will need to bring printed copies of their passport's photo page for each port of call visited. We highly recommend also having a soft copy or picture of this page saved on your phone. Certain guests may be required to have two (2) blank pages on their passport for certain visas/visa waivers.   VISA Vietnam Most guests are required to apply for and receive a Vietnam visa prior to arriving to the pier. • Visa-free • Certain nationalities are exempt or waived from the visa process. We have put together information to help you get started on securing your travel docs for Vietnam. We highly recommend staying up to date with your local embassy or consulate as travel requirements may change. ◦ some information to see if you can travel to Vietnam visa-free. • E-visa ◦ All countries and territories are eligible for e-visa. However, certain countries may take longer period to have their e-visa approved. (Please ensure to apply your e-visa 2 weeks prior to the sailing). ◦ Once you are ready, apply for your E-visa. • Important note: Visa on Arrival (VOA) will not be offered for this sailing. Guests must secure any necessary visas and have all required travel documents prior to boarding.     Guests who require an E-visa or a physical visa must apply no later than 2 weeks prior to our sail date to ensure timely approval and delivery. Be sure that when you apply, you provide your name as it reflects on your travel documentation. Additionally, you'll need to provide the seaport for entry and exit. For our sailing, entry is Vung Tau Seaport and our seaport for exit it is Hon Gai Seaport. Guests who enter incorrect information risk being denied boarding, so please be sure to double check all your information before submitting your visa application.   Hong Kong Many of our guests may also qualify for visa-free travel to Hong Kong. Please review your country's requirements here (open the Part I & II sections for the full breakdown). When debarking in Hong Kong, be sure to keep a printed color copy or a digital copy of your passport photo page. You'll need this to complete immigration before returning to the ship. We hope this information helps you navigate your travel document requirements. If you have any further questions, please reach out to your travel advisor, yourpreferred visa specialist, or contact us directly. Sincerely, Celebrity Cruises

Edited October 21, 2023 by Torfamm

[shipmate13]

You are a life saver!!!.   I cannot thank you enough for providing me with this information.  What did you put for city providence when you completed your evisa???