Are you interested in traveling to Vietnam? If not, it’s time you are! It’s one of the most fascinating countries in the world, filled with beaches, stunning landscapes, mountains, waterfalls, amazing food, and much more. It’s also a big bonus that it’s one of the most affordable countries to travel in (and the beer is amongst the cheapest you can get in the world!).
Vietnam has long been a favorite amongst backpackers, but it’s a destination for all. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, boyfriend, girlfriend, or solo, you’ll have a wonderful time. It’s a safe country to travel around in as well, and if you’re a female solo traveler, you won’t have any problems. That’s one of many reasons why this country has become such a popular spot.
Since Ecuador is not on the visa exempt list, you must apply for a visa to enter Vietnam. There are two options to choose from: either you get an online visa, or you apply via the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate. Since there’s no Vietnamese Embassy in Ecuador, you have to travel to the nearby embassies in either Panama, Venezuela or La Havana, Cuba. If you’re planning on arriving to Vietnam by air, you can and should apply for the Visa on Arrival, since it’ll be the easiest and fastest option for you to get a visa. However, if you’re planning on arriving to Vietnam by land, you apply with the Vietnamese Embassy. Here are the two options further explained so you can see which one suits you better.
Can I apply for Vietnam e-visa if I am citizens of Ecuador? (No, citizens of Ecuador 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 Ecuador national in this list, therefore, citizens of Ecuador 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 airport of 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.
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 Embassy or Consulate of Vietnam in the nearby country of Ecuador
Vietnamese-visa-sticker-in-a-passport
The reason why applying for a visa with the Consulate or Embassy of Vietnam in the nearby countries of Ecuador 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.
