One of the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia is Vietnam. It borders China, Laos and Cambodia. Just as its neighbors, Vietnam receives lots of tourists every year and thanks to this, the tourist infrastructure has improved immensely, making it even easier these days to travel around in Vietnam. There’s more hostels and hotels then you can count, international restaurants are popping up everywhere, the expat community is growing bigger and transportation is really easy. There’s buses and trains that operate frequently to get you from one beautiful city to another. Traveling in Vietnam has never been easier than it is now!
The Landmark 81 in Ho Chi Minh City
If you’re a citizen of North Korea, you must apply for a Vietnam visa before you arrive to the country, no matter if you’re going there for business or leisure. The first option is to get an online visa, a so-called “Visa on Arrival”, which you can apply to from everywhere in the world. If you don’t want to travel far or send away important documents, this is the best option for you. The other option is to go to the Vietnamese Embassy in Pyongyang, where the staff will provide you with all information and assist you your application.
If you’re still unsure which option suits you better, read on to find out more about the two different visa options.
I heard about Vietnam e-visa. Can I apply for Vietnam e-visa if I am citizens of North Korea? (No, citizens of North Korea 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 North Korea national in this list, therefore, citizens of North Korea should choose two options below to get a visa for Vietnam
1. Visa on Arrival – Apply online for pre-approval then pick up 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 do not 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 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 Vietnamese Embassy in Pyongyang, North Korea
Vietnam tourist visa – single entry
The reason why applying for a visa with the Vietnamese Embassy in Pyongyang, North Korea 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.
