Situated in south-east Asia, Vietnam is a great tourist destination. Vietnam is an interesting choice for travel seekers with its history, culture, cuisine, landscapes, traditions, and alluring features. It is one of the last ruling socialist countries, extends alongside the South China Sea, covering 331699 square kilometres. It has borders with China, Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand. Like neighbouring countries, Vietnam is densely populated. Although most of the population are Vietnamese, members of more than 53 minorities live peacefully in the country. If we looked at the history of the country, we would see how ancient the country is. According to archaeological findings, the first human existence dates back Paleolithic age. For many reasons, Vietnam is considered to be one of the oldest cultures in Southeast Asia. However, French, Chinese, Indian influence played a big role in shaping the country's culture. Thanks to such additions, Vietnamese culture can be distinguished with its uniqueness.
Vietnam is one of the first countries that comes into mind when thinking of street food. It became so popular that now you can find Vietnamese food stalls everywhere around the globe. Pho noodle soup, spring rolls, rice, and different kinds of seafood are among the most popular in Vietnam and worldwide. You can not easily find spicy, tasty, fresh, and healthy food at the same time. It might look a bit bizarre for some, but do not judge a book by its cover.
Furthermore, Vietnamese has fruits that most people have not seen in their lifetime. It is mainly because these fruits are mostly endemic to the region. Therefore, your travel will be incomplete without tasting food salads or a mixture of these fruits. Vietnamese cuisine is not confined to fruits and delicious foods, and it is also famous for its beverages, especially coffee. An interesting fact, Vietnam is the second-largest coffee exporter in the world.
Vietnam is a true gem of Southeast Asia, with its beautiful landscapes, glorious mountains, and beaches. If you like embarking on an adventure, you will love this country as there are so many things to explore. The friendly nature of Vietnamese people will be most helpful to fulfil this purpose. You will get lots of invitations to dinner as hospitality is heavily rooted in their culture.
Another nice thing about Vietnam is that the cost of living is relatively low. Considering the abundant resources and cheap workforce, some even think about launching a business in Vietnam. Reasons to visit Vietnam may vary, but what is important when visiting Vietnam is Vietnam visa policy as circumstances depend on that. Luckily, this article will elaborate on Vietnamese visas and visa-related issues such as the Vietnam visa process. We will also try to answer the question "how to extend Vietnam visa?" as some might change their mind to stay more in Vietnam after visiting the country.
Vietnam Visa Policy
The Visa policy of Vietnam defines who needs to start a Vietnam visa application to get a visa and who does not. According to the country's visa policy, you are either citizen of Vietnam visa free countries or visa-required countries. It also defines grounds for Vietnam visa types which we will further discuss in this article. To check whether you need a visa, I will kindly ask you to check out our website's "Services" section on the top of your screen. You will have to choose Vietnam as your country of visit and country of your nationality, so it will open a page that contains valuable information on the country's visa policy. There you will also see lists of countries that are Vietnam visa free countries or visa required.
Regarding visa types, let me briefly introduce you to what visa types are there for Vietnam, Vietnam visa requirements, etc.
Vietnam Visa Types
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To start, we can simply gather the visas around two main categories: short-term visas and long-term visas. To be more precise, short-term visas are tourist, business, cultural/scientific/sports events, family/friend visits, and short-term study work visas. However, long-term visas are working in Vietnam visa, study, and family reunion visas. No need to mention what they are since their names perfectly reflect their purpose. There are some differences among these visas. They can be related to Vietnam visa fees as they can be charged differently according to visa types. Especially, Vietnam visa cost difference is obvious between short-term and long-term visas. Another major difference between these two visas is the way to apply. That is, you might be asked to meet various requirements depending on your visa type.
Vietnam Visa Requirements
As we already know, visa requirements are major factors to apply for Vietnam visa. Then let's familiarize with these requirements:
- Vietnam visa application form. It should be completed by the applicant (it can be acquired online).
- A passport is required. Your passport should be valid for at least 2 months once you leave Vietnam. Your passport should have your signature. Your passport should not be issued longer than 10 years. There should be two blank pages for your visa.
- You should present two recently taken (in the last 6 months) photos in passport format (4x6). In the photo, there should be no obstacle disrupting the clear view of the face.
- Copy of your national ID card along with copies of other important documents, namely the main page of your passport, previously acquired visas, and visa for the final destination.
- Proof of financial sufficiency.
- Accommodation proof.
These are the main Vietnam visa requirements you will need to meet, but they are not a complete list of documents. That is, there will be additional documents asked, depending on your visa type. Specifically if you are interested in working in Vietnam visa. Generally, these additional documents can be:
- Travel itinerary
- Letter from a local employer.
- Residence permit or visa in case you apply from a country other than your country.
- Employment letter showcasing employment in Vietnam.
- Curriculum Vitae.
- Medical certificate.
More can be required depending on your visa type and where you apply from. Now we can look at the application process. You might ask, how to apply for Vietnam visa? You can apply to foreign representatives of Vietnam such as consulates, embassies, etc., or you can get your Vietnam visa online. Let's now have a close look at them.
Vietnam Visa Application
Supposedly, you are planning to get a visa to visit Vietnam. In this case, the first thing you can do is find a local or nearest embassy, consulate, visa application centre in Vietnam. Once you are there, make an appointment and inquiry about required documents, fees as such things change from country to country. After you present your documents and pay Vietnam visa fees, your application will be processed. This phase, in most cases, is finalized within 20 days.
You might try to get your Vietnam visa online. It is easier and a lot quicker. You will fill in the visa application form and other important information such as name, passport number, date of birth, nationality, gender, and arrival date. You will make the payment online as well. Visa fees will vary; however, you should take 17 USD as a minimum Vietnam visa cost.
Furthermore, you will also pay a 25 USD Vietnam visa on arrival stamp. Bear in mind that this 25 USD is for single entries. If you want multiple entries, then the price will rise to 50 USD. After two days you apply online, you will get an approval letter. With the help of this letter, you will be able to get Vietnam visa on arrival.
Vietnam Visa Extensions
Supposedly you want to stay in Vietnam more than your visa allows you. You might be asking yourself, how to extend Vietnam visa? The process of extending a Vietnamese visa will be carried out in Vietnam by Immigration Department Office. The main condition for Vietnam visa extensions is that you should start the application process some days before your visa expires. You should take into account that the processing time is around 7 days.
How to stay in Vietnam long term?
After seeing all the beauty of Vietnam, you might ask, how to stay in Vietnam long term? To do that, you will need to apply for a long term visa. The main reasons to apply for such visas are employment, education and family reunion. You might wonder about Retirement in Vietnam and even google Vietnam retirement visa requirements. If you do not find corresponding information, do not be upset, as there is no such thing in Vietnam. According to the latest adjustment to the legislation, the only way to retire in Vietnam is through business registration or a foreign direct investment package.
To sum up, the main difference between short and long term visas is their duration and purpose of visit. It is essential to choose the right visa type according to your reason for the visit. Vietnam visa process can be frustrating. Pickvisa can be your saviour by helping you to get your visa.
