Considering to go to Vietnam? If not, you should! Vietnam has quickly become a favorite destination amongst backpackers, travelers, expats and digital nomads. Not only is it very affordable to travel in, you can also see and do something new everyday if you would like to. The country offers lush and green mountains in the north where you can visit the ethnic minorities in Sapa. Take a cruise in Halong Bay and see the thousands of limestone islands and islets that was formed millions of years ago, enjoy the nightlife in Hanoi, relax on the beach in Nha Trang and go kitesurfing in Mui Ne. Vietnam is home to many gorgeous sights so make sure you have enough time to spend here if you want to get the most out of your trip.
When you have decided that you want to visit Vietnam from Lesotho, you will have to to apply for a Vietnam visa before entering the country if you are citizen of Lesotho. Applying for a Vietnam visa has never been as easy and there are just a few simple steps you need to follow. First you have to choose which option suits you the best. You can either apply for a Visa on Arrival, which is the most popular option, or go to your local or nearest Vietnam Embassy or Consulate and get a visa there.
I heard about Vietnam e-visa. Can I apply for Vietnam e-visa if I am citizens of Lesotho? (No, citizens of Lesotho 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 Lesotho national in this list, therefore, citizens of Lesotho should choose two options below to get a visa for Vietnam
1. Visa on Arrival (VOA)
Citizens of Lesotho can apply for a Vietnam Visa on Arrival from anywhere in the world. All you need is your computer and internet. If you apply for this type of 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, and so forth.
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. You will then have to wait for a confirmation email that 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 by chance you need to get an emergency visa, it will cost you more money, but you will be able to get it faster. You will get it within 30 minutes to 4 hours.
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 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 Lesotho
The second option is to apply for a visa in your local or nearest Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in Lesotho. 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.
Remember to print out your Approval Letter and bring cash with you (EUR and USD is accepted) and photos of you. If you fail to bring one of these, the immigration officers can deny you entry into the country.