If you are interested in traveling to Vietnam, you are not alone. Vietnam is a country that has made itself quite a name amongst backpackers and travelers. The north is covered with lush mountains and rice terraces which has lured many to come see it with their own eyes. The country is also filled with a coastline where you can relax on one of many beaches while soaking in the sun. The south is famous for big cities such as Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon) where you can find everything from museums, nightlife, markets, cafés and incredible street food.
It is not hard to see why so many people have traveled here and why tourism is rising each year. The country has a lot to offer when it comes to tourism and there are plenty of sights to see and things to do here. For the more active travelers you can go kitesurfing, hiking, trekking, kayaking and surfing. If you prefer to relax you can just hit the beach, go to one of many cafés in the cities or walk around in your own pace. Vietnam is a great destination because it has something for everyone here.
When you have made up your mind about going to Vietnam from Burundi, there is one important thing you need to have before entering the country: acquire a Vietnam visa if you are citizens of Burundi. As a citizen of Burundi you have two choices to apply for a visa and they are:
I heard about Vietnam e-visa. Can I apply for Vietnam e-visa if I am citizens of Burundi? (No, Burundian 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 Burundi national in this list, therefore, Burundian citizens should choose two options below to get a visa for Vietnam
1. Visa on Arrival (VOA) – Apply online for pre-approval then pick up your visa on arrival at the airport of Vietnam
What’s so good about the Visa on Arrival is that you can apply from anywhere in the world. All you need is your computer and internet. If you apply for this visa, 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, et cetera.
The process is very easy. What you need to do is fill out the Online Application form where you state your date of birth, and other relevant information. Then you wait for a confirmation email that will come in around 1-2 working hours. Normally you will receive a Visa 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 by chance you need to get an emergency visa, it will cost you more money, but you will be able to get it faster. It will take from 30 minutes to 4 hours.
You now 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 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 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 in 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 visa stamp fee.
2. Apply for a visa through the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in the nearby countries of Burundi
The second option is to apply for a visa in the closest Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in Burundi. The reason why this option 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 will also need to remember to bring all the necessary documents, such as passport, and if you by any chance forget anything, you need to start all over again with the process. It is time consuming and you usually need to pick up your passport in the embassy or consulate.