Vietnam Visa Mistake
Today’s journal entry takes on a more serious tone than usual. My aim isn’t to alarm anyone but rather to share a cautionary tale that underscores the importance of meticulous planning and preparation for international travel. This story isn’t from my own experience, but rather that of a New Zealand family we encountered during a tour in Hanoi.
Imagine this scenario: A family’s first international holiday – a mother, father, and their two daughters, aged 17 and 19. The excitement and anticipation had been building for months as they meticulously planned each aspect of their trip. They booked various tours, carefully selected luggage and clothing to suit different weather conditions, and diligently obtained the necessary visas and passports. The mother, who had taken charge of these arrangements, felt a sense of pride in her thoroughness.
Fast forward a few months, and the family arrives in Hanoi after a gruelling 15-hour flight from New Zealand. They’re a mix of exhausted and exhilarated, eager to embark on what was to be their dream vacation. At the immigration counter, they line up: first the father, then the 19-year-old daughter, followed by 17-year-old Dana, with the mother bringing up the rear.
The father and the eldest daughter passed through without issue, but when it was Dana’s turn, things took an unexpected turn. Prolonged conversations in Vietnamese and the sudden appearance of a security guard, who instructed Dana to accompany him, marked the beginning of a distressing ordeal. Her mother, Diana, insisted on going with her, a request that was fortunately granted. The father and other daughter, however, were left behind.
Dana and Diana found themselves in a small, barren room, where they waited anxiously for nearly two hours without any communication or amenities. Eventually, an official from the immigration department, accompanied by an English-speaking interpreter, delivered the shocking news: Dana was denied entry into Vietnam due to an incorrect entry date on her visa. Moreover, they were informed that this error could result in a permanent ban from entering the country.
The revelation hit Diana hard; she realised her mistake – the entry date on Dana’s visa was a month off, while the others were correct. Desperate for a solution, they spent hours pleading and negotiating until they were informed that rectifying the mistake would cost them 5,000,000 Dong (approximately $600AUD), plus an additional $25AUD for the interpreter.
Without enough cash on hand, the father, who had been left waiting outside, was instructed to withdraw the necessary funds. He complied without hesitation, unaware of the full circumstances. It took five hours and a significant amount of money to resolve what was essentially a simple clerical error.
When we met the family the following day at the start of a Jeep tour around Hanoi, they were understandably disillusioned and ready to leave Vietnam. However, after conversing with my husband and me (both seasoned travellers) and our wonderful tour guide, Jim, they gradually began to unwind. By the end of the day, they seemed more open to exploring and appreciating the country.
I share this story not to frighten potential travellers, but to emphasize the critical importance of double-checking every detail of your journey – from flight times and hotel bookings to understanding the specific entry requirements of the country you’re visiting, especially concerning visas. As someone who still loves MyLifestyle, I urge you to be vigilant and thorough in your preparations.
