Are you thinking of escaping winter in Europe and want to go to a tropical country from Italy Italy? Or are you simply just looking for a new and thrilling country to travel around in? Then Vietnam might be the place you’re looking for! It’s one of Southeast Asia’s most popular countries to visit and also one of the most diverse. You can go island hopping here, cruise around in Halong Bay, go shopping in the big metropole cities, get tailor made clothes in Hoi An, relax in the quaint beach town Mui Ne, party all night long in Ho Chi Minh City, visit ancient temples and much more. Safe to say, you won’t be bored here! There’s always something new to see here so make sure that you have enough time to explore Vietnam. Most travelers tend to stay here for at least one month.
So, what are you waiting for? Hurry up and book your ticket to magical Vietnam! The only thing you need to think about before arriving to the country is to have a visa. Italian citizens can apply for three types of visas. They are:
1. Electronic visa or Vietnam E-Visa for citizens of Italy
A sample of an eVisa Vietnam
The e-Visa is a single entry visa that’s valid for 30 days, from the proposed date of entry that you indicated on your application, and is issued in PDF format. Citizens of 80 countries are allowed to apply for this type of visa and Italy is now one of them. The e-Visa is highly popular because everything is done online, it only takes about 3 business days to get the visa and you can enter via 28 different ports. However, if your visa is denied, you won’t get a refund. This type of visa is also non-extendable. If you want to stay in Vietnam for longer than 30 days, it might be better to get a Visa on Arrival.
2. Visa on Arrival – Apply online for pre-approval then pick up the visa on arrival at the airport of Vietnam
Getting visa on arrival at the airport of Vietnam
This is the most preferred option for travelers who are going to Vietnam. If you live far away from the Vietnamese Embassy for example, or you don’t want to send important documents such as your passport, this is the best option for you. It’s easy to apply to, quick to get and affordable. To apply for a VOA, you only need your computer and internet. If you get a Visa on Arrival, you’re 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, etc.
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’ve filled this information out, you have to wait for a confirmation email which usually arrives within 1-2 working hours. Normally you’ll 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 it between 40 minutes to 4 hours. This will cost you more money, but you’ll 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.
3. Apply for a visa through the Vietnamese Embassy in Roma – Italia
Vietnam tourist visa – single entry
The reason why applying for a visa with the Vietnamese Embassy in Roma – Italia might not be recommended is because it’s not as convenient if you don’t live close to the embassy. You will have to spend more time on transportation for example, and money to get to and from the embassy. You also need to remember to bring all the necessary documents such as your passport, and if you happen to forget anything, you need to start the process all over again. You will also 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.
