Stay safe with our guide to Vietnam visa scam warnings for international travelers! Learn about common scams, how to avoid them, e-visa tips, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and top providers for a secure experience with Vietnam Travel. Start your journey today!
Photograph the festive spirit of Vietnam’s cultureWritten by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys, and official sources like vietnam-visa.com, evisa.gov.vn, travel.state.gov, vinpearl.com, and vietnam.travel. Information based on the latest data; verify before travel. Reflects Vietnam’s updated travel regulations.
Travelers, please note: The Visa on Arrival (VOA) program was discontinued in 2022. International travelers must use visa exemptions (if eligible), apply for an e-visa online via evisa.gov.vn, or obtain a visa through a Vietnamese embassy. This guide highlights common visa scams, how to avoid them, and safe travel tips for a secure journey into Vietnam.
Vietnam, a captivating Southeast Asian destination, welcomes millions with its cultural landmarks like Hoi An’s ancient town, Ha Long Bay’s limestone karsts, and dynamic cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City vinpearl.com. However, visa scams targeting international travelers are a growing concern, especially at borders, airports, and online platforms. Understanding these warnings ensures a smooth entry, whether joining guided Vietnam Tours or traveling independently. Common scams include fake e-visa sites, overpriced agency fees, and fraudulent VOA services (discontinued since 2022). This guide provides practical scam avoidance tips, cultural insights, and eco-friendly Vietnam Travel options for a secure and enjoyable journey.
Following Vietnam’s updated travel regulations, the country is accessible via 13 international airports, 16 land borders, and 13 seaports. This guide blends scam warnings, visa verification, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a worry-free adventure.
International travelers should apply for e-visas ($25–$50 or 625,000–1,250,000 VND) via evisa.gov.vn or use visa exemptions (up to 45 days for eligible nationalities). Avoid unofficial agents charging $50–$100 extra. Cultural site entries like Hoi An cost $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND); guided tours range from $15–$80 (375,000–2,000,000 VND). Temporary residence registration is required within 24 hours, typically handled by hotels. Verify scam warnings and visa requirements via evisa.gov.vn or travel.state.gov.
Fake E-Visa Websites:
Description: Fraudulent sites mimicking evisa.gov.vn charge extra fees ($50–$150 or 1,250,000–3,750,000 VND) and deliver invalid visas or steal personal data vietnam-visa.com.
How to Avoid: Apply only at the official evisa.gov.vn; check for the .gov.vn domain; avoid third-party sites promising "fast-track" services travel.state.gov.
Tip: Use a secure connection (HTTPS) and verify the site’s URL; report scams to the Vietnamese embassy or evisa.gov.vn vietnam-visa.com.
Overpriced Agency Fees:
Description: Travel agencies or agents at borders/airports charge $50–$100 extra for "assistance" with e-visas or exemptions, often providing no value nomadicmatt.com.
How to Avoid: Apply directly via evisa.gov.vn for $25–$50; use visa exemptions if eligible; decline unnecessary services vietnam.travel.
Tip: Negotiate fees upfront; use official apps like PassApp for ride-hailing if needed vietnam-visa.com.
Fraudulent VOA Services:
Description: Scammers promote discontinued VOA services, charging $60–$120 for "letters of invitation" that are invalid since 2022 travel.state.gov.
How to Avoid: Ignore VOA offers; use e-visas or exemptions only; verify with evisa.gov.vn vietnam-visa.com.
Tip: Report to authorities at the border; carry a printed e-visa or exemption proof vietnam.travel.
ATM Skimming and Fake Police:
Description: Skimmers at ATMs steal card data; fake police demand passports or fines at borders or cities nomadicmatt.com.
How to Avoid: Use ATMs inside banks (e.g., Vietcombank); cover the keypad; never hand over your passport; report to real police (113) travel.state.gov.
Tip: Use contactless payments or cash; photocopy passport and keep separate vietnam-visa.com.
Overpriced Border Services:
Description: Agents at land borders like Moc Bai charge $20–$50 for "fast-track" immigration that’s unnecessary vietnam.travel.
How to Avoid: Proceed through official queues; use exemptions or e-visas; decline unofficial help vietnam-visa.com.
Tip: Cross early (7:00 AM) to avoid crowds; have printed documents ready travel.state.gov.
Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from entry date with two blank pages travel.state.gov.
E-Visa Application: Requires digital passport photo (4x6 cm, white background, no glasses), passport data page scan, and payment; ensure details match passport evisa.gov.vn.
Residence Registration: Mandatory within 24 hours, typically handled by hotels travel.state.gov.
Proof of Onward Travel: Required for Phu Quoc exemption; recommended for standard exemptions vietnam.travel.
Cultural etiquette helps avoid scams and ensures a smooth experience during Vietnam Tours. Here’s your guide, based on current norms:
Greetings: Offer a “xin chào” (hello) with a slight nod; use both hands for transactions at borders or markets to show respect culturetrip.com.
Dress: Wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple visits (e.g., Temple of Literature in Hanoi); a lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND) aligns with local norms vinpearl.com.
Behaviour: Maintain a calm demeanor at border checkpoints; avoid loud disputes with agents; ask permission before photographing locals or rituals; carry passport or e-visa securely to verify status. Avoid public criticism of the Vietnamese government (penalties apply). A guest shared: “Respecting Vietnamese customs eased our scam-free border crossing.” culturetrip.com
Customs: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND); avoid littering at cultural sites like Ha Long Bay or Hoi An; complete residence registration within 24 hours travel.state.gov.
Tip: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you) to officers or guides; use eco-friendly practices like reusable water bottles ($2 or 50,000 VND) to support sustainable Vietnam Travel; keep passport handy for checks. Tony Bùi notes: “In 20 years guiding, I’ve seen respectful travelers thrive at Vietnam’s borders and cultural sites.”
General Tips:
Language: Carry a phrase card ($1 or 25,000 VND) for Vietnamese basics like “cảm ơn”; English is widely spoken at major borders and tourist areas culturetrip.com.
Respect: Follow border rules (no photography in immigration areas); respect local vendors with fair purchases in markets.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for border areas like Moc Bai or cities like Hanoi; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Opt for bicycles ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND/day) or motorbike taxis ($0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND) after crossing to reduce emissions vietnam.travel.
Below is a curated list of tour options to enhance your scam-free journey after crossing into Vietnam, based on the latest data from vietnam-visa.com, evisa.gov.vn, travel.state.gov, vinpearl.com, and vietnam.travel. Confirm schedules and prices before booking.
Details: Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Hoi An’s ancient town, or Ha Long Bay independently after crossing at Moc Bai, Lao Cai, or Noi Bai; suitable for travelers with valid visa exemptions or e-visas; low to moderate difficulty vietnam.travel.
Scam Tips: Apply e-visas only at evisa.gov.vn; use official ATMs; decline unofficial “visa help” at borders vietnam-visa.com.
Schedule: Daily; Hoi An ancient town open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM ($5–$7 or 125,000–175,000 VND); Hanoi’s Temple of Literature open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND); Ha Long Bay accessible anytime.
Cost: Entry: free (markets); Hoi An: $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND); Temple of Literature: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND); transport (bicycle: $1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND/day; motorbike taxi: $0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND); local purchases: $0.20–$10 (5,000–250,000 VND).
Location: Hanoi, Hoi An, Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use bicycles or walk to reduce emissions; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Tip: Confirm exemption eligibility or apply for e-visas early; check evisa.gov.vn; a guest from Thailand noted: “Self-guided exploration was scam-free after Moc Bai.”
Details: 1-day group tour visiting Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Temple of Literature after crossing at Noi Bai or Lao Cai; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Hanoi hotels, lunch, and entry fees; low difficulty.
Scam Tips: Use official e-visas; guides verify documents; avoid unofficial agents travel.state.gov.
Schedule: Daily; departs 7:00 AM from Hanoi hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $25–$40/person (625,000–1,000,000 VND, includes transport and entry).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Hanoi.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group transport with fuel-efficient vehicles minimizes impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via legendtravelgroup.com; a guest from China noted: “Legend’s tour ensured scam-free cultural immersion after Lao Cai.”
Details: 1-day guided tour visiting Hoi An’s ancient town and a cycling tour after crossing at a land border like Moc Bai; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Hoi An, lunch, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Scam Tips: Use multiple-entry e-visas; carry printed documents; decline unnecessary “border fees” vietnam-visa.com.
Schedule: Daily; departs 6:30 AM from Hoi An hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $30–$50/person (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes entry).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Hoi An.
Eco-Friendly Note: Small groups and cycling reduce environmental impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via localvietnam.com; a guest from Australia noted: “The combo tour was scam-free and enriching after crossing.”
Details: 2–3 day tour combining Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Hoi An after crossing at Noi Bai, Moc Bai, or Mong Cai; includes English-speaking guide, transport, accommodation, meals, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Scam Tips: Use multiple-entry e-visas; guides handle document checks; report suspicious agents travel.state.gov.
Schedule: Daily; departs from Hanoi hotels; returns after 2–3 days.
Cost: $80–$200/person (2,000,000–5,000,000 VND, includes entries).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels or custom locations in Hanoi.
Eco-Friendly Note: Uses eco-lodges and fuel-efficient transport; supports local communities.
Tip: Book Vietnam Tours via legendtravelgroup.com or WhatsApp (+84 825862222); a guest from Germany noted: “The multi-day tour was a scam-free cultural journey.”
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for travelers with verified visas.
Group Cultural Tours: Affordable and guided, perfect for scam-free cultural insights.
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: Blend cultural visits with eco-friendly activities for a comprehensive journey.
Multi-Day Cultural and Adventure Tours: Offer in-depth exploration with scam-smart itineraries.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group and multi-day tours use fuel-efficient transport or bicycles, supporting Vietnam’s green tourism goals.
Key scam-free travel opportunities include:
Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year): Typically late January to February, vibrant with temple ceremonies; warm and dry (18–28°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Hung Kings Festival: Typically March to April, honoring Vietnam’s founders; warm and dry (24–32°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Mid-Autumn Festival: Typically September, festive with lantern parades; warm and wet (24–31°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Cultural Site Visits: Dry season (January–August) for comfortable weather; February for optimal conditions vinpearl.com.
Dry season (January–August, 18–33°C) is ideal for border crossings and cultural visits. Hot period (April–August, 24–33°C) suits early morning outings. Wet season (September–December, 24–31°C) is best for budget travelers and indoor experiences; expect rain at land borders like Moc Bai. Morning crossings (7:00 AM–11:00 AM) avoid crowds and heat. Verify forecasts via weather.com.
Verify Visa Needs: Check eligibility for visa exemptions (25 countries) or apply for e-visas at evisa.gov.vn; use embassy visas for non-exempt nationalities; Phu Quoc exemption for island-only visits vietnam-visa.com.
Border Crossing Tips: Choose major borders like Moc Bai or Lao Cai for smoother immigration; cross early (7:00 AM) to avoid crowds; carry printed e-visa or passport photocopy; have proof of onward travel for exemptions; decline unofficial “visa help” vietnam.travel.
Documentation: Ensure passport validity (6+ months); carry a digital or printed e-visa copy or passport photocopy; keep a photocopy of passport bio page separately; provide proof of onward travel for Phu Quoc travel.state.gov.
Residence Registration: Confirm hotels or hosts register your stay with local police within 24 hours; carry proof of registration travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Use digital e-visa copies to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles or motorbike taxis after crossing for sustainable travel.
Tip: Apply for e-visas 7–14 days early; double-check details to match passport; carry small VND notes for local purchases; check visa status at evisa.gov.vn. For embassy visas, contact the nearest Vietnamese embassy (e.g., Bangkok: +66 2 251 5836).
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), printed e-visa ($25–$50 or 625,000–1,250,000 VND if required), passport photocopy, proof of onward travel (e.g., return flight or bus ticket for Phu Quoc or exemptions), wallet ($2 or 50,000 VND), tour bookings.
Clothing: Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple visits; lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND); quick-dry clothing and raincoat ($2 or 50,000 VND) for wet season; lightweight clothing like cotton or linen and light jacket ($3 or 75,000 VND) for dry season; waterproof shoes ($3 or 75,000 VND); hat ($2 or 50,000 VND).
Essentials: Reusable water bottle ($2 or 50,000 VND); snacks ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND, e.g., pho); small backpack ($2 or 50,000 VND); sunscreen ($1 or 25,000 VND); insect repellent ($1 or 25,000 VND).
Tech: Phone with translation apps (e.g., Google Translate); charger ($3–$5 or 75,000–125,000 VND); local SIM ($2–$3 or 50,000–75,000 VND); waterproof camera ($6 or 150,000 VND) for photos.
Eco Items: Reusable tote ($1 or 25,000 VND) for purchases; phrase card ($1 or 25,000 VND) with Vietnamese basics.
Extras: Small VND notes for donations or purchases; small first aid kit ($2 or 50,000 VND); umbrella ($2 or 50,000 VND) for wet season; money belt ($2 or 50,000 VND) for valuables. Tip: Pack light (1 small bag, max 5 kg); reusable items support sustainability.
Visa and Travel Costs
E-Visa Costs: Single entry: $25 (625,000 VND); multiple entry: $50 (1,250,000 VND); expedited processing: $10–$30 (250,000–750,000 VND) evisa.gov.vn.
Exemption Costs: No cost for standard exemptions (14–45 days) or Phu Quoc (30 days); 5-year exemption: $10–$50 (250,000–1,250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Embassy Visa Costs: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND), depending on visa type and processing time travel.state.gov.
Self-Guided Exploration: Entry: free (markets); Hoi An: $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND); Temple of Literature: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND); transport (bicycle: $1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND/day; motorbike taxi: $0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND).
Group Cultural Tours: $25–$40 (625,000–1,000,000 VND, includes transport and entry).
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes entry).
Multi-Day Cultural and Adventure Tours: $80–$200 (2,000,000–5,000,000 VND, includes entries). Safety-Related Costs
Money Belt: $2 (50,000 VND).
Local SIM for Emergency Calls: $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND).
Travel Insurance (Recommended): $10–$30 (250,000–750,000 VND). Other Costs
Local Snacks (e.g., banh mi, pho): $0.20–$1 (5,000–25,000 VND).
Souvenirs (e.g., crafts, textiles): $0.20–$10 (5,000–250,000 VND).
Donations: $0.20–$1 (5,000–25,000 VND). Total Daily Cost (Per Person)
Budget: $15–$40 (self-guided, snacks, transport, entry).
Mid-range: $40–$70 (group tour, purchases).
Luxury: $70–$120 (private tour, premium souvenirs). Tip: Budget $15–$120 for tours, visa costs (if applicable), and transport; $0.20–$10 for purchases or add-ons; use visa exemptions to save on costs.
Visa Tips: Check eligibility for visa exemptions (25 countries) or apply for e-visas at evisa.gov.vn; use embassy visas for non-exempt nationalities; Phu Quoc exemption for island-only visits; double-check details to match passport vietnam-visa.com.
Border Crossing Tips: Choose major borders like Moc Bai or Lao Cai for smoother immigration; cross early (7:00 AM) to avoid crowds; carry printed e-visa or passport photocopy; have proof of onward travel for exemptions; decline unofficial “visa help” vietnam.travel.
Etiquette: Use “xin chào”; dress modestly for temples; respect border and local customs; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Access: Choose self-guided exploration for flexibility, group tours for scam-free insights, or multi-day tours for immersion.
Schedules: Borders open 7:00 AM–7:00 PM (some 24/7); cultural sites open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; peak crowds in dry season (January–August); book early for festivals.
Sustainability: Use bicycles or motorbike taxis; carry reusable items; support local vendors with fair purchases.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for border areas or cities like Hanoi.
Weather: Dry season (Jan–Aug, 18–33°C) ideal; hot period (Apr–Aug, 24–33°C) suits early mornings; wet season (Sep–Dec, 24–31°C) requires rain gear; check forecasts via weather.com.
Safety Note: Secure valuables with a money belt ($2 or 50,000 VND); beware of pickpocketing in markets or nightlife areas; carry emergency numbers (Police: 113, Medical: 115, nearest embassy).
Who needs a visa to cross into Vietnam? Citizens of 25 countries (e.g., ASEAN, UK, Japan) are exempt for 14–45 days; others require e-visas or embassy visas vietnam-visa.com.
Which borders accept e-visas or exemptions? All 13 airports, 16 land borders (e.g., Moc Bai, Lao Cai), and 13 seaports accept e-visas and exemptions evisa.gov.vn.
How much does a Vietnam visa cost? E-visa: $25 (single entry) or $50 (multiple entry); embassy visa: $25–$100; exemptions: no cost vietnam-visa.com.
Can visas be extended at the border? Exemptions and e-visas are non-extendable; embassy visas may be extendable with a sponsor vietnam-visa.com.
What are the penalties for overstaying? Fines of 500,000 VND/day ($20/day); potential exit bans or deportation travel.state.gov.
Is Visa on Arrival available? No, discontinued in 2022; use exemptions or apply for e-visas at evisa.gov.vn vietnam-visa.com.
Enhance your scam-free Vietnam journey with eco-conscious tours from Legend Travel Group:
Vietnam Cultural Eco-Tour ($25–$40/person, 1 day): Guided temple and market tour with sustainable practices.
Vietnam Cultural and Adventure Trail ($80–$150/person, 2 days): Explore cultural sites and eco-friendly activities.
Vietnam Explorer ($150–$250/person, 3 days): Multi-site adventure with eco-lodges and community-focused activities. Prices include guides, transport, and entry fees; group discounts available. Explore options at legendtravelgroup.com or contact sales@legendtravelgroup.com / WhatsApp (+84825862222) for your Vietnam Travel plans.
Mastering Vietnam Visa Border Crossing with cultural etiquette—modest attire, polite greetings like “xin chào,” and scam-smart planning—unlocks a vibrant, eco-friendly journey through this Southeast Asian gem. With tour costs from $15–$200, sustainable Vietnam Tours, and attractions like Hoi An and Ha Long Bay, this trip offers adventure and sustainability for international travelers. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Vietnam Travel, leverage visa exemptions or apply for e-visas early via evisa.gov.vn, and respect local customs for the best experience. Note that Visa on Arrival is no longer available; plan accordingly. Safe travels!
Sources:
vietnam-visa.com
evisa.gov.vn
travel.state.gov
vinpearl.com
vietnam.travel
Favorite experiences booked by travelers
