In the past years, Vietnam has been experiencing a big increase in tourism. Not only that, but the country is receiving many expats as well that are both pursuing careers and being digital nomads. Whatever the reason, Vietnam is a country to have your eyes on. Not only is it very affordable to live there, but if you are looking for a place where you can relax on the beach but also have a lot of adventures, stay in more affordable places, but also have the option to choose luxurious resorts and explore bigger cities, but also have access to smaller, charming ones – then this is the place for you. It wouldn’t be fair to say that Vietnam has it all, but… It’s not that far away.
Vietnam has some of the most beautiful beaches in Asia and there are a ton of water sport activities that you can do if you get tired of just resting on the beach. You can also visit some of the beautiful UNESCO Heritage World Sites around the country, such as Hoi An and Halong Bay. If you want to go shopping, why not head to Hanoi – the capital city of Vietnam. Here you will find an abundance of high-end shops, more affordable stores and of course a lot of colorful souvenirs. You won’t be bored in Vietnam, that is for sure.
But before you book your flight and start packing your bags, you will have to apply for a Vietnam visa in order to enter the country. As a Bolivian, you have two options to choose from.
I heard about Vietnam e-visa. Can I apply for Vietnam e-visa if I am citizens of Bolivia? (No, Bolivian citizens are not eligible for Vietnam e-visa)
From 01 Feb 2019, under Decision 17/2019/NĐ-CP of the Government of Vietnam, there are 80 countries which citizens of it are eligible to apply online for an e-visa of Vietnam online (e-visa is a single entry valid for staying 30 days). We check but not found Bolivia national in this list, therefore, Bolivian citizens should choose two options below to get a visa for Vietnam
1. Visa on Arrival – Apply online for pre-approval then pick up visa on arrival at the airport of Vietnam
The other choice is to apply for a Visa on Arrival (VOA). This is another popular way of getting a Vietnam visa because of its convenience, quickness, safety and it is also inexpensive. It also gives you multi-entries, so you can go to another country and come back to Vietnam. You can apply for this anywhere in the world. All you need to do is have a computer and internet. With a “visa on arrival”, there is no need to send your passport or any other important private documents. What you need to do is fill out an Online Application Form, wait for your confirmation letter and you will normally receive a visa approval letter within 2 working days. When everything is done, don’t forget to print out the finalized document, bring it to the airport in Vietnam and get it stamped by one of the immigration officers.
If you forgot to apply for a visa in good time, there is also the opportunity to get an Emergency Visa. It is then proceeded from 30 minutes to 4 hours. You will then receive an approval letter via email before boarding the plane. When you land in the country, the visa will be ready and stamped for you.
2. Apply for a visa through a Vietnamese Consulate or Embassy in nearby countries of Bolivia
The third option is applying for a visa at the Vietnamese Consulate or Vietnamese Embassy in Bolivia. If you choose to go this way, you have to bring your passport and any relevant documents to the consulate or embassy. If you live far away from the Embassy or Consulate, it might be a bit inconvenient for you. Sometimes the progress of your application will take a longer time as well, especially if there are important documents that are missing.
After that you are good to go! There are many affordable flights that goes from Manila to Hanoi daily, so all you need to do now is to apply for a Vietnam visa, book your flight and enjoy one of Asia’s gems.
It’s not more complicated than that! The Vietnam visa process is one of the easier ones and very well worth it. You will in no time be on the other side of the world, enjoying the warm tropical climate and experiencing a unique culture that is both fascinating and beautiful. Enjoy the journey!