As the winter months are starting to come creeping in closer, many people from Europe are looking for warmer destinations to flee the darkness and the cold. Most people want to find something that is both affordable, but has plenty of things to offer – especially warm climate. This is one of the reasons why many people from all over the world chooses to go to Vietnam.

1. Electronic visa or Vietnam e-visa for Irish passport holders

If you are Irish, you will need to apply for a visa before you enter the country. Fortunately, the process is both easy and affordable. There are three options to choose from. Either you apply for an E-Visa, a Visa on Arrival (VOA) (which is the two most preferred methods) or you can obtain a visa through a Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate.

A sample of an eVisa Vietnam

Option number 1 is to get a so called E-Visa, which will be issued electronically. You can show it at the passport control when entering Vietnam. You don’t need to stop by the landing visa desk to pick up the actual visa as you would have to with a “Visa on Arrival” (VOA). The fee for an e-visa at government website is low and is non-refundable if rejected or failed. There is, however, an opportunity to buy a 100% Money Back Guarantee policy if you apply for an e-visa through our website, the price is higher with this insurance. The E-Visa is really easy to apply to and it allows travelers to apply for it directly online. It also allows you to enter Vietnam via airports, land ports and seaports. So if you are planning on coming to Vietnam by cruise ship, road or airplane, this is a good choice.

The E-visa is valid for 30 days, single entry, which means that if you intend on staying for longer and wish to have a multiple-entries visa.

Vietnam visa on arrival office in Da Nang Int’l Airport

If you opt for option number 2, which is a Visa on Arrival, you can apply for this from everywhere in the world – Ireland, Sweden, Cambodia… You name it! It is easy, fast, effective and you don’t have to send any important documents anywhere. All you need is your computer (or phone) and internet. What you need to do is fill out an Online Application Form, wait for your confirmation letter and you will normally receive an 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.

This visa will help you get a multi-entry visa, so you can visit other countries and still be able to come back to Vietnam without having to apply for a visa again. However, be noted that if you do apply for a VOA, you can only enter Vietnam by air. So if you are planning on coming with car, bus, train, et cetera, this visa is not valid.

Vietnamese-visa-sticker-in-a-passport

Option number three is to apply for a visa in the Vietnamese Embassy in Ireland. You will be instructed step by step on how to apply for a visa there. You will need to come to the embassy at least two times. The first time, you will submit the required documents, and the second time you have to pick up your Vietnam visa. This can be a bit more inconvenient if you don’t live close by for example, and it also takes a bit longer to apply for and receive the visa. However, it is one of the options so if this fits you better, you will be glad to know that it’s one of the choices.

Whether it is the warm weather, the good food, the majestic landscapes, the fascinating culture, the cities that never sleep or the exotic vibes, there is something here for everyone. If you are a solo traveler, there are plenty of hostels where you can meet other travelers. It is also quite a safe country to travel around in, which can be a relief to know if you are planning on traveling solo. If you are traveling with family and want something more comfortable, there are lots of good hotels, child friendly places and plenty of good high-end restaurants.

A tourist performing yoga exercises on the beach of Vietnam (Mui Ne Beach)

Vietnam caters for everyone! That is why tourism has boomed so much the past years and is only continuing to do so. From here you can also easily travel to the neighboring countries such as Thailand and Cambodia. If you are a daredevil and can ride a motorbike, it is a popular means of transportation amongst foreigners. This will allow you to see more hidden places. But even without a motorbike, public transportation has developed a lot in the country and it is easy to go from point A to B.

So, go apply for a Vietnam Visa and head over to warm and sunny Asia. You will gain memories and friends for life!

A honeymoon couple enjoy their beach trip in Vietnam