Update to my review 5- years ago re: Visa exemption for Viet kieu (and their family)...I went this week and the process was even better! Tips here: 1) Go in-person to visit: Fastest processing & nice people when talking live 2) Check opening hours: Time said 9am open, I showed up at 8:45am and door was already open 3) Download, print, complete application before coming: https://vietnamembassy-usa.org/consular/visa-exemption 3a) Vietnam's photo size is different vs USA passport photo size! 4) Pay fee in cash ($100) for expedited...waited only 15 minutes! Good luck! read more

No one answered the phone anymore???? I've been calling for days and months and no response of any sort. Beyond frustrating!!!!!

Can't rate them correctly since I couldn't get connected. The various numbers from their official website that I've tried weren't working, and mail boxes were full. We had to use the 3rd party visa service paying extra on the top of the regular fees for acquiring E-Visa. read more

Pretty ordered and straight forward once you come in person. I went in for a Vietnamese passport renewal and got it 20 minutes after submitting my paperwork. For the record it is $200 for same day, and $150 for 5 business days processing. The downside is they don't pick up on phone calls or post the fees anywhere online. And in person they only accept cash. read more

We had a hard time working with the E Visa application, so we went to the Consulate. They will not help you with an E visa but for $100 they will do a simpler visa questionnaire through the Consulate with fewer questions. They had it back, waiting for us in a timely manner, but make sure they understand your English about whether you were going to pick it up there or have it delivered to your house. read more

Abstract: typical government office that's actually worst than the DMV They never answer the phone and their website has outdated information. Just FYI everyone They're only open from 9am-12pm M-F. They call your number once and if you don't run up they just move on to the next number. But once it's your turn they're pretty helpful and nice. read more

Vietnamese Consulate General - Updated hours 5/12/2023 - Embassy Near Me - San Francisco, California

This place is just UNBELIEVABLE. I'm trying to renew my passport. But they do not disclose the fees on their website. They also never response to email nor phone. You cant even leave a message. I just cant believe this. I used to work for a travel agency in VN and deal with other countries' embassy/consulates in VN everyday. Processes at embassy from other countries in VN are always very clear, transparent and easy to follow. Even Vietnamese government entities in VN nowadays are very democratic and convenient. They allow many services online and via apps. This is 2024, in America and this place run like they are in 70s. It's just mind blowing. Why dont just disclose the price like a normal place? Why are you making it so difficult for your own citizens? Jesus Buddha Allah cry out loud read more

I applied the MTT for Vietnamese consulate in SF for 3 weeks, and called (never get through the answering), but I haven't got any txt/e-mail back yet. I wish that I just get my passport back. Is there a service out there to get my passport back? I also enclosed money order, photo, passport and postage-paid envelope. Now I wish they just throw back my passport into the postage-paid envelop anh send it back to me. read more

Yelp must have added this as a new business although there are existing reviews under the another Yelp listing. Hubby & I downloaded our Vietnam visa applications and walked the completed forms into the office located in the mixed use building on California St. & Van Ness Av. The building is located across the street from Whole Foods. We decided we would leave our original passports with our application form as we wanted the visa that sticks inside the passport versus the loose sheet visa. We arrived around 9:30'ish on a Tuesday. We walked straight up to the window. No one else in line. We paid $80 single entry 30 day visa per person. Charged fees to my credit card. Was advised to return in 3 business days to pick up our passports and visas. Came back around 9:45'ish on Friday and picked up our passports. Checked to make sure the visas were correct and off we went. Very easy process. The only thing was attempting to find street parking although there is a parking garage located at 1700 California St. We parked on Polk St. and walked up. read more

Vietnamese Consulate General - Embassy Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Very hard to get a hold of someone there. Tried reaching out to someone by email phone, fax, and no response.

Although the U.S. visa process is a monster of an obstacle course (with timeouts much shorter than they say)- the VN model after the demise of the VOA has become a disjointed mess- one online application directs sending to the local Consulate, another for the 'e-visa' does whatever it does, but in this case, the first option was the choice. Earlier visits were well enough, taking into account the typical Viet kieu mob ethnocentrism with the staff attending them first anyway (just jamming ahead of you in the queue is a good one, seen over there as well), but now- no phone pickup, and no replies to emails to both visa@... and an operative I know working there. This while the air ticket rates climb for the intended trip. VN, you're not worth the trouble anymore. For what we lost for your easier life here, you could at the minimum show us the same respect as to your own- here. A friend told me "If you don't have me (V kieu), they don't rent you (from Song Moi)". It appears to spread over into the diplomatic branch. If offering numbers, addresses, and an application on the main consular site which directs us to SF office interaction- at least consider honoring it. We are enjoined to treat all people fairly here; you can too. read more

I came on a Friday morning around 8:30 and there were 2 people in line. Later when we came back to pick up the passport there were lots of people, around 1 hour later. So definitely go early!! Came to renew my passport, since I had all the documents ready (make sure to fill in the application before) , that's why it was really fast. They said I can have the new passport within 1 hour so we waited. Cost is $200 for expedited fee, regular fee is $170. The new passport is ready sooner than that so it is very good. I had positive experience here. Remove 1 star since there was no line or ticket system when I came back to pick up new passport. There are lots of people and we were confused who is next. And also I tried to email and call them couple times to check I bring all documents before going there but no luck. read more

They have two windows... There's only one person working at one window to process your visa / passport. The second person comes to the window when your application is complete. Their published hours are from 8:30to 12 noon Mondays thru Fridays but they close at 12:30pm. If you have been waiting with your paper number for about 90 minutes, they tell you to wait or come back at 2:30pm after they break for two hours for lunch. I don't know when they close but some sites say they close at 4pm or 6pm? The website link to type in your information and print out for you to renew your expired 5 year visa exemption in person does not generate a code that they can look up so they make you fill out the form again by pen. It's so inefficient, this process of visa exemption should be done online and sent in or use a visa passport travel agency that does it for you so you don't have to drive to SF, pay for parking and bridge and wasted time! Just pay someone to have this done and pay for rush service if you need it. I renewed my 5 year visa exemption stamp/sticker and he says it costs $70 plus $10 for me to have the sticker/stamp and my USA Passport FedEx to my house in a few weeks. I don't even know if this is the right price to pay since I don't see any price info online or anywhere on the menu. I paid cash and I don't remember getting a receipt but I was glad to leave after waiting so long. read more

I called the 3 Houston numbers and they were all disconnected. I again called the San Francisco number and nobody picks up, disconnected after 6 rings. I call 5 times at different hours and got the same result. They must were all napping. I reached a Washington number and was able to talk to a live person. I inquired about e-visa and he has no idea what I was talking about. He was pretty ignorant. read more

I have been here four times to turn in and pick up my visa paperwork. The lines can get long so come early. I always arrive around 8:00 am and there is already a line of people waiting for the doors to open at 8:30 am. The staff is friendly and will help you with your paperwork but try to complete the forms online. The staff will be a little short and rush you because of the long lines, especially around Tet. There is no garage parking nearby​. You should be able to find parking on the street if you drive around for a bit. The parking meters do not start until 9:00 am. You can definitely beat the 9:00 am parking meter start time if you park early and get your​ paperwork done quickly. There is a bathroom on the same floor as the consulate but you have to get the key from the consulate staff. read more

I went to get a Letter of Authorization for my probate case and they refused to service me without hearing me out. They said "no we don't do that" refused to talk to me. He helped other customers who spoke Vietnamese while I was at the front and refused to attempt to help me just because I spoke English. He then showed me a piece of paper in English stating they are not doing Visas for tourist. I stated I'm not here for a Visa and he walked away. I waited for about 10 minutes and no one showed up, not even to help other customers. This is a horrible way to treat people. On top of that, they are not accepting phone calls and have a full voicemail box. Pro tip - if you speak Vietnamese they'll gladly help you. read more

I lined up at 8:15 Am, they opened at 8:30 Am. The staff are super friendly and nice as they walked passed us to open the consulate for business. I submitted all the correct paperwork, so I got my visa pretty quick, about an hour waiting. There are different prices for the types of visa you're applying. Mine was about $100 for expedited service. Cash or Credit cards only. make sure to call them BEFORE you get yourself, they may or may not grant you the type of visa you want. I seen a couple people got turned away because they have the wrong paperwork. read more

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Overall had a good experience with this Consulate. Since here is no consulate in the LA area, and I was in the Bay Area, I figured it would be a good idea to get my tourist visa here. The woman working the front window was very friendly both times I encountered her. I kind of wish there were two people working the window because even with just 3 people in front of me, it took almost 25 minutes, and then since I had to fill out an application, I had to wait in line again and my whole experience took 45 minutes. When I came to pick up my passport the following week, it took less than a minute since no one was in line. I'm happy I was able to get all of this done fairly quickly! Excited for my trip to Vietnam! read more

Getting my Vietnam tourist visa was super easy. I spent a total of 5 minutes at the consulate, 3 minutes to drop off the application, and 2 minutes to pick it up 3 days later. To get your visa, your passport needs to have at least 6 months validity from your exit date. You should fill out the application form online and bring a printed copy of the completed application to the consulate, along with your passport, a recent passport photo, and cash ($150 for a 1 month multiple entry visa). The visa will be ready for pickup 3 business days later. There was no wait both times that I was there, and the staff was courteous and efficient. Street parking was pretty easy too. read more

Vietnamese Consulate General - Always serving number 42 - Embassy Near Me - San Francisco, California

People working at the consulate or embassy are very rude. The stupid website doesn't post the fee for visa, just a phone number that no one seems to get through. If you managed to get hold of some guy in the embassy, you can't converse with him, he won't answer you question; he just say go to website. I had to scream that the website doesn't have the visa fee. I don't know how much $ should I send with my visa application, and they guy simply can't tell me how much. And he very rudely just say go to website, go to website. These are the worst and rude people that you would expect to see in the hood or thug alley. But I guess the vietnamese embassy hire these guys. read more

I submitted the E-Visa Application on 10/28/2022. $49 fees has been taken out from my credit card but the Visa has never come. Tried calling them every single day but Can't reach anyone by phone or email Please advise me what I should do read more

Never pick up phone. What a customer service! I called many time in the working hours. No one picked it up.

I needed to get my Visa to enter Vietnam for my vacation, so I decided to visit the Consulate while I was on a long layover in San Francisco. I took Lyft ride sharing service here, and it was straightforward to find. The lady that assisted me was accommodating and spoke both English and Vietnamese. The Visa cost me $80, but since I was in a hurry and didn't want to leave my passport there. They expedited it for an extra $30, and I was able to pick it up in 30 minutes. The consulate is in a very convenient area since there's a Staples and Walgreens nearby if you need passport photos. I had lunch at Whole Foods across the street while I waited to get my visa. It was very effortless. read more

Vietnamese Consulate General - I got my one month Visa ! Kinda expensive though... $110 urgh - Embassy Near Me - San Francisco, California

Wow, compared to the Chinese Consulate, this place is like a walk in the park. Fast and easy! How It Works for A Visa: + Print form online and fill out or submit form online + Bring your passport, form, and 1 passport photo + Drop off all 3 items, pay the fee + Wait 3 business days to process + Walk to front to pick up on your pickup date FYI: + Short line on a Monday at 9:45AM + Out the door by 10:15AM - 1 person working the window + 5th floor, amazing view of the city + Picked up on Thursday at 9:45AM Cost (AND A MAJOR CON!): - $135 for 30 day visa with multiple entries Easy and efficient process. Less dreadful than going to the Chinese Consulate. Don't recall the Chinese Consulate being this easy. But I know my 10 year multiple entry visa into China cost less than THIS! What madness! And I'm only in Vietnam for a week. Sigh. read more

Pay extra for expedited 30 minute visa service or expect to wait a few days. Also offers mail in visa service so you don't have to take the trip and wait in line. Lots of chairs for sitting while waiting, never seen them more than 10% full. Line moves fairly fast, but if you're there for pickup it's a separate usually empty line on the right side, so don't wait in the longer line along the left side of the room. read more

Wonderful service despite the looooong line. I got in around 11am and didn't get to the window to turn in my papers till 12 p.m. I expedited my Visa and got it within 20 minutes! Great service! QUICK FACTS... 1. Fill out visa form online, print it, and bring it with you (they'll give you a form to fill if you haven't.) 2. Bring 1 passport photo and your Passport. 3. Visa Fee $80 for single entry, good for 30 days. 4. $30 extra for same day processing. 5. They accept cash, debit, and credit card! MISC... 1. They have public parking on California street where the embassy is for $3 per 15 minutes... OR find a metered parking near by for $2.25/hour *Bring Enough Quarters* 2. Embassy is on the 5th floor but they have elevators. 3. Bathroom is located on 4th floor but you'll need to ask them for the key. Hope this helps you guys! See you guys in Vietnam! read more

Vietnamese Consulate General - The Line When I Got In - Embassy Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Came here on a Wednesday at 10:30am and there were 4 people ahead (2 people were already at the counter, and 2 people were in line). The wait was maybe about 15 mins total, which wasn't bad. It costs $80 for a 1 month single entry visa, and if you wish, you can pay an additional $30 per visa to get it expedited (aka just need to wait 30 mins). Otherwise, it takes 3 business days and you can either pick it up in person or have it mailed to you (I picked the former). Parking was pretty easy - lots of paid street parking. read more

Went to day to get VISA today prices are as follows: 5 year VISA for Vietnamese ppl: $70 1 month multiple entry (for white bf): $135 Expedited fee: $30/VISA Waited for about 20-30min. Pretty fast and simple. read more

So... just before the fall of Saigon, in April of '75, an 8-day old baby girl was evacuated as part of Operation Babylift, and flown to the US of A, where she was processed through the Presidio, of all places. Her barren, WASPy parents were hysterical with joy when they were notified that they could pick up their newborn [first] child, and to this day, with minimal encouragement, will gleefully recount the momentous first diaper change... which took place in the parking lot of a Bank of America. This war orphan would be given the only monosyllabic name in the family, and later beg for a legal name change, to something more exotic, like "Anastasia" or "Katrine". WASPy parents would shake their heads and say, "But we like the name Kim!" despite the fact that it would forever haunt her at Korean-owned Delicatessens and dry cleaners across the country. "Kim is my fist name, not my last name, and I'm not Korean - I'm Vietnamese." Mani-Pedi's were also an ordeal for non-Vietnamese speaking Kim who sounded every bit the WASP that her upbringing afforded her. She loathed the inevitable interrogation from the Vietnamese manicurists. "Are you Korean?" "No. I was born in Vietnam, but I'm adopted, so I don't speak Vietnamese," her answer always followed by the rapid dissemination of this highly personal information and conjecture/speculation/judgment by the manicurists. In Vietnamese. You see, the WASPy parents were pathologically protective of Kim, and insulated her from all things Vietnamese, because of a legal snafu that resulted in a delay of the official adoption until she was 2 1/2 years old. The first movie Kim ever saw about Vietnam was Forrest Gump. But non-Korean, Spanish-speaking, German-last-name-having Kim would eventually rebel, and learn to use chopsticks at the tender age of 18, soon thereafter refusing to eat "Chinese food for white people" at her parent's favorite Chinese Food for White People restaurant. Then, in 2003, Kim decided to return to Vietnam, to forge a connection with the land of her birth. She briefly contemplated changing her name to "Kim X" but decided that two monosyllabic names were worse than one. The Vietnamese Consulate in San Francisco was very accommodating in issuing an expedited visa, and for that, Kim was grateful. The trip was profound and awesome in ways that cannot be described in fewer than 5,000 characters as allotted by Yelp, so suffice it to say, Kim wants to return, with Cadet and Caveman in tow, so that they can experience the whole Vietnam thing. Plus, Anthony Bourdain loves the country, the food and the people... and Kim has a terrible crush on Tony. It's a no-brainer. Kim thought for sure that she was a candidate for dual citizenship, since she was, for all intents and purposes a displaced person, and did not leave of her own volition. And why wouldn't the Vietnamese want Kim and her family to return and funnel their hard-earned American dollars into their economy? Emailing the Consulate did not result in any response, whatsoever. Many of the FAQ's on the website were written in Vietnamese, which did Kim absolutely no good at all. Attempts to call the Consulate resulted in dozens of busy/unavailable messages and vexed Kim to no end. When she was finally able to speak to a live human being, she was informed that she could become a Vietnamese citizen - IF she renounced her American citizenship. Kim was indignant. Though she did consider it for one brief moment, noting that she could augment her Things That Make My Parents Cringe List. "What??? You renounced your citizenship and are a Communist now?" How could the Vietnamese Government NOT want the outspoken hotness that is Kim D.? Her response? No mi importa. Soy Americana, biyatches! read more

Vietnamese Consulate General - Adoption is Awesome: How I Became a WASP - Embassy Near Me - San Francisco, California

Long lines and never more than a single person at window. Bad service due to more than acceptable wait times of 1 hour or more. In fact I wrote this while waiting in line to pick up Visa. In addition they fail at times to provide forms to fill in office before getting in line. I skipped up to window to ask for form as waiting just for the form was not acceptable to me. There is a Walgreens close by to get visa photos taken before submitting Visa application. read more

Vietnamese Consulate General - Big lines, 1 person at window. No bueno. - Embassy Near Me - San Francisco, California

They don't answer the phone. Tried calling for about a week at different times during operating hours. My most tenacious attempt lasted about 20 minutes. I was just stuck in their automated loop the entire time. Trip to the office was quick for application drop off. Got there right at opening time but wasn't let in for about 10 minutes. Other than that there wasn't a wait. There was only one other person there to pick up her visa. Received my visa/passport promptly so aside from not being able to reach the office by phone, everything went smoothly. Pro tips // No crowds so (probably) no need to get there before opening // U.S. Passport holder visa fee was $100 in 09/2015 read more

Vietnamese Consulate General - At 8:45am on a Friday - Embassy Near Me - San Francisco, California

Yeah this is kinda like doing stuff at the airport. Don't screw around, follow the rules and you will get by in a timely fashion. Fill out the form. Make a cheap 2x2 picture of yourself. You can make one yourself with a cell phone camera and printer with photopaper. Pretty much free if you know somebody with this stuff already. Give them your passport for a week Cash and you are set to go. I paid $40 since I have a very Vietnamese name, even though I was born in US. My non-Viet friend paid $110 for 30minute express service. I think they gave me a discount since I spoke Vietnamese. And they only take cash, Kinda shady and unregulated but whatever, it still works. I attached a picture of the form because their website is not the best. Print out and fill out before hand to save time. read more

Vietnamese Consulate General - Hours - Embassy Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Smoothest, less stress I've ever been for getting a visa! Aside from driving into the city and looking for parking. Came here at 15:30 and only a few people waiting. The rep helped me within 5 mins and I have a Vietnamese last name, so I got special treatment....5 year visa for $50! Score! AND I only have to wait for 20 mins for the visa and I'm done! Loved it. Btw, I parked past the Consulate building across from the church, plenty of free parking. (At least I hope, I read so many signs!!) read more

I went to Vietnamese General Consulate Office (San Francisco) on the very first working day of the New Year: January 3, 2023. There are several people in the room but they were either waiting for their paperwork done or getting in line to submit their requests. All are in great order. The room looks nice and clean. The staff were doing their jobs effectively. I was greeted by a medium built male representative, wearing a blue checked shirt. After viewing my request application, he courteously asked if I needed my original documents back or they could keep those. I requested him to make copies so that I could keep my originals and he nicely completed this task. While waiting for my paperworks to be done, I asked few people around me to see how long they had to wait (as I had planned to do other errands later on). I heard all positive comments about staff there and knew that the waiting time was very reasonable. After 25 minute waiting, I was called to receive my paperworks back. It was pretty quick and I was delighted with everything: great customer service, professionalism, nice atmosphere and speedy results. I expressed my gratitude towards the representative who helped me, indicating that I'd write a good review for this great service. He was overjoy as he (seemed to) didn't expect this. He wished me a wonderful New Year and I replied the same to him. What a lucky thing to start the New Year with! Thank you so much all the staff at the Vietnamese General Consulate, Visa Unit in San Francisco, especially the representative who assisted me. read more

Need a visa? This is the place to go, forget sending in your passport to DC. If you're viet, a 5 year visa will cost $50. Rushed for time? It'll cost an extra $30/visa. read more

Vietnamese Consulate General - Operating hours. - Embassy Near Me - San Francisco, California

I hope my experience help everyone else feeling worried about their visit to the consulate. I expected the worst but ended up with a pleasant experience. The building is currently under construction and it's a bit challenging to figure out how to get to the 5th floor. Just follow the signs! I was concerned because I was coming on a Friday afternoon and I assumed it would be a wait since people cut out of work early. I read that there is a lunch break from Noon to 2:30 pm. I arrived at 2:15 and there was one person in front of me waiting in the hall. When the office opened at 2:30, there were 5 of us in all (mostly picking up their passports/visa). I was told that those who were born in Vietnam, their children, and their spouses are charged a different rate. I was able to prove that I was married to a non-vietnamese person so my husband had special pricing. The price was the following: Non-vietnamese - $80 for 1 year, single entry Vietnamese born, their children, their spouse - $50 1 year, single entry; $70 5 year, multiple entries I brought a prepaid USPS envelope ($6.50-ish) so my passport would be sent to me and I didn't have to go back to pick it up. I received my passport, as promised, 3 business days afterwards. I received it in the mail the Tuesday after. Bring your application, passport, a 2x2 photo on the application (get it done at Costco for $5 and 15 min turnaround) Credit Card accepted read more

I am so glad that I found this place so close to our home. There's no appointment for applying the Visa. We just got the information from their website. We tried to fill in the form through their website but couldn't get through .... so we printed the form and filled it in by hand.... On the day of.... we brought our passport + our 2 x 2 inc pictures + filled form + $100 per single entry visa/person. They are open at 8.30 am, we got there around 8.45 am there were 4 people in front of us. It took us about 15 mins for waiting in the line + dropped off our document and they told us to come back on the 3 days from now to pick up our visa.... I would say the whole experience was not so bad at all.... just make sure to bring everything that they require, we are not sure if they demand more document or fee for multiple entry.... ( we think they do ). So please check out their website for into. read more

Vietnamese Consulate General - Inside - Embassy Near Me - San Francisco, California

My wife and I are planning a trip to Vietnam. On Feb. 1 we mailed our passports and all the required documentation to this consulate. They received it on Feb. 3. Their website says the processing time is 5 days. After 2 weeks we started to get nervous, so we tried calling them (about 20 times). No one EVER answers the phone and their mailbox is full. I then sent them a fax, but to no avail. After 3 weeks we were in a panic. We didn't have a visa, but more importantly, we didn't have our passports! So, we decided to drive the 7 hours to San Francisco so we could confront them directly (the next morning). We were first in line at 8:30 and after some digging their clerk "found" our passports and documents. And then he had the temerity to request $30 (each) for an expedite fee so we could get our request handled the same day. Expedite....after 3 weeks? What could we do? We handed over an additional $60 and received our documents an hour and a half later (on Feb. 27). They are incredibly inefficient. Do NOT mail your documents to them, You are better off going through an agency, but only if they guarantee a specific response time. We were lucky enough to be within a day's driving distance, but others may not be so fortunate. read more

I agree with other folks, Easy and Friendly. When I called and asked about the "photo's", the very kind woman said: No photos are needed since you're getting a visa 'Sticker'. I did not need a photo..... Cash or Credit - Easy Peasy. The reason I chose the Consulate vs. The "On Arrival" option is because after 30hrs on a plane, I really don't want to wait in Hanoi for someone to slow down my entry process . (I know people say it only take 15 - 20 minutes), but - I will feel a lot less anxious knowing I have my Visa in place...... $80, I go back in 3 days... read more

Make sure you ask for the different options. They look at you like you're stupid and will overcharge you if you don't know you can have a expedited visa or a normal 3-5 business day one. Also why is there like 5 workers but whenever I call on the phone from 8-12pm and 2:30-4:30pm no one picks up the phone? Didn't look too busy when I was here doing my papers with them. Took no more than 15 minutes. read more