Vietnam is one of the most popular and visited destinations in Southeast Asia, welcoming millions of tourists each year. It’s not hard to see why people are charmed by this country – with long stretches of white sand beaches, a stunning coastline, beautiful landscapes, rich cultures, a healthy and delicious cuisine and a diversity that cannot be found anywhere, makes Vietnam an ideal destination. There’s something for everyone here – if you prefer adventure you can go hiking, kitesurfing, trek in jungles or go diving. If you’re looking for something more relaxing, there’s the beaches that are always available, or why not go shopping and spoil yourself in a market or mall in the bigger cities. Either way, a vacation here will guarantee that you have a good time, whether you’re planning on spending it on the countryside or in the cities.
Bui Vien Street-in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Whether you’re planning on coming to Vietnam for business or leisure from Eritrea, all citizens of Eritrea are required to apply for a Vietnam visa. You have two options: you can either apply for a visa online, which is really simple and easy, or you have to go to the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate. Let’s take a look at the two options so you can decide which one is best for you.
I heard about Vietnam e-visa. Can I apply for Vietnam e-visa if I am citizens of Eritrea? (No, citizens of Eritrea 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 Eritrea national in this list, therefore, citizens of Eritrea 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
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 in 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 Eritrea
Vietnamese-visa-sticker-in-a-passport
The reason why applying for a visa with the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in Eritrea might not be recommended is because it’s not as convenient if you don’t live close to the embassy. For example, there is no Vietnamese Embassy in Eritrea and the closest ones are in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and United Arab Emirates. 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.
