Southeast Asia is one of the most popular destinations for foreigners from all over the world and has gained a reputation of being beautiful, cheap and safe. If you’re planning on traveling to this part of the world in the nearby future, you must visit Vietnam. One of the most diverse, intriguing and charming countries in Southeast Asia, Vietnam is a winner. You can visit national parks, swim in crystal clear water, relax on the white sand beaches, go shopping in the big cities, eat incredible local food that bursts with flavor, go trekking, kitesurf, or just relax in one of many coffee shops throughout the country. The coffee in Vietnam is one of the best in the world. They’re also the second biggest exporters of coffee in the world so you can be sure to get some of the tastiest here. Whether you’re looking to relax or want more adventure (or both!), there’s no better country to visit than Vietnam. Tourism has boomed in the past years and now is a great time to visit the country.
Since Botswana is not on the visa exempt list, all citizens of Botswana must apply for a Vietnam visa before entering the country. If you’re planning on traveling by air, you can apply for a Visa on Arrival. This is the easiest option since everything’s done online. You can safely do it from home or wherever you are in the world. However, please note that if you’re arriving to Vietnam by land, you cannot enter with a Visa on Arrival. Then you need to go to the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate and apply with them.
Can I apply for Vietnam e-visa if I am citizens of Botswana? (No, citizens of Botswana 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 Botswana national in this list, therefore, citizens of Botswana should choose two options below to get a visa for Vietnam
Take a look at the two options further explained below:
1. Visa on Arrival – Apply online for pre-approval then pick up visa on arrival at the international airports of Vietnam
Vietnam visa on arrival office in Da Nang Int’l Airport, Vietnam
This is the most preferred option for many travellers. If you live far away from the Vietnamese Embassy for example, or you do not want to send important documents such as your passport, this is a good option for you. It’s also easy, quick and affordable. To apply for a VOA, you need your computer and internet. If you get a Visa on Arrival, you are allowed to enter Vietnam through any of the 5 international airports: Da Nang, Khanh Hoa, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Hai Phong. You can only travel by air if you get a VOA, meaning you can’t enter Vietnam by bus, car, and so forth. If you wish to travel by land, you must apply via the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate.
The process is very simple. What you need to do is fill out the Online Application form with all relevant information. What you need to state in the application form is:
- Your full name, as stated in your passport
- Date of Birth – The format they use in Vietnam is DD/MM/YY
- Your nationality – as stated in your passport
- Your passport number
- Date of Arrival – you can state a date of arrival and then arrive later, but not earlier
After you have filled this information out, you have to wait for a confirmation email which usually arrives within 1-2 working hours. Normally you will receive an Approval Letter within 2 working days. When the letter comes, don’t forget to print it out so the immigration officers in Vietnam can stamp your passport. If you need an emergency visa, you can get one within 40 minutes to 4 hours. This will cost you more money, but you will be able to get it much faster.
On arrival support for fast check-in at Vietnam Airports
You also have the option to buy “On Arrival Support” which is a very good option for those who wants to check in to Vietnam faster:
- Standard Support : +US$20/pp
Our staff will meet you in front of the “visa on arrival” desk with a welcome board, then take care of all procedures necessary to get the visa stamped on your passport. Please prepare 25 USD/person and give it to our staff to pay for the visa stamp fee.
- VIP Support : +US$35/pp
Our staff will meet you in front of the “visa on arrival” desk with a welcome board, receive your passport and give it back with the visa within 5-10 minutes, then escort you to check out via the VIP gate. Please prepare 25 USD/person and give it to our staff to pay for the visa stamp fee.
2. Apply for a visa through the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in the nearby countries of Botswana
Vietnamese-visa-sticker-in-a-passport
The reason why applying for a visa with the Consulate or embassy of Vietnam in the nearby country of Botswana might not be recommended is because it’s not as convenient if you don’t live close to the embassy. It means you will have to spend time on transportation and money. You also need to remember to bring all the necessary documents such as passport, and if you happen to forget anything, you need to start the process all over again. It’s time consuming and you usually need to pick up your passport in the embassy or consulate. Also, be kindly advised that the fees and procedures are subject to change depending on where you apply.
