Visas & Airline Checks
Recently I departed for an extended business visit to Vietnam (6 weeks) and took mrsr1 allong for the duration. Accordingly, we applied for visa for the stay, and were issued with colourful documentation in our respective passports. The validity dates of the visa covered a period of 90 days.
On checking in at our domestic airport for the 1st leg of the journey, we were denied even that privilege. The somewhat officious staff said we did not have the proper documentation, and that we could not stay in Vietnam for longer than 30 days. They refused to accept the validity dates of the visa, and said they were the dates of the period when the visa had to used. I was even told I need a visa exemption letter, until I pointed out I hardly needed an exemption when I already had a visa.
I then showed the invitation letter I had from the organisation I would be working with. Nope, not enough. I then found that I had a copy of the visa application for 43 days. OK, that's alright. Do you have a copy of your wife's visa application? No, but it was the same as mine. No good, she can't check-in. You have to change her return flights, so that she stays less than 30 days. Time was running out, so we did this, at a cost, with minutes to spare.
Some 24 hours later .... Immigration in Hanoi required no forms. There were no questions, and both our passports were stamped with a permission to enter for 90 days. Required exit date - the same as the visa.
I have now re-booked mrsr1's flights back to the original schedule - at more cost. I intend making a travel insurance claim for the additional fees we have had to pay. Hopefully, the insurance company will then open negotiations with the airline. I can't see how the airline has a leg to stand on.
Anyone got any pearls of wisdom to impart about this?