You can obtain a Frontier Pass (commonly called a Border Pass) in Hanoi, Vietnam, and to do so, it normally involves going to the Immigration Department of the Ministry of Public Security. The following steps may be taken:
1. Address: The main office is at 44 Xuan Thuy Street, Tay Ho District, Hanoi, but it's never a bad idea to find new updates on their official website or by contacting them directly before visiting.
2. Documents required for Frontier Pass application:
- A signed valid passport with a remaining validity period of at least 6 months.
- Two sending-sized photo samples.
- The last blank Border Pass application form (which will probably be available inside the door of the immigration office).
- A letter of invitation from the local organization may also be required in some cases, depending on which border area you would like to visit, or some other documents or permissions from the authorities of that area.
3. Procedure:
- Report in person to the Immigration Department during working hours, usually from Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Have your application dossier processed by a secretary.
- After filing, you may be expected to pay applicable border-generated fees (it is advisable to check this out during the time of application, as prices are subject to change).
- The office will notify you once processing is complete (which could take anywhere from several days to a week). Some offices may have express service for an additional fee.
4. Note: Since getting a Frontier Pass can take longer than expected, it is important that you plan for the inevitable additional time. Be sure to have enough space in your time schedule to cross the border.
While the arrangement of travel is being unchecked, some requirements such as the presentation of certain documents or visas may be an issue. Therefore, before getting to planning your travel, check with the embassy or consulate in your destination. Some crossing points could charge small fees for border pass usage; hence be prepared for the requirement to get such a fee. In the end, make copies during your trip of your application, document chain of custody, and border pass, just-in-case as you would need them during your travel into and out of Hanoi.