What does Vietnam and Sri Lanka have in common? First of all, the warm climate is something that attracts many tourists to Asia. Both Vietnam and Sri Lanka have been experiencing a big tourism boom in recent years, which does not seem to be stopping anytime soon. But that doesn’t stop citizens from Sri Lanka to come visit Vietnam. Although both countries have beautiful sand beaches, tropical weather, coconuts in abundance and welcoming locals, there’s still plenty of reasons why you should visit Vietnam.
The City Hall of Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam has exciting cities that never sleep. If you like to be in a place with a faster pace, then head over to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s biggest city. There’s also the capital, Hanoi, which is a bit more cozy and has the Old Quarter that has charmed many foreigners and locals. If you want to see landscape, head up north to Ha Giang or Sapa, where you can see the rice terraces and see how the ethnic minorities live. It’s a trip you will soon forget.
And if you by any chance would like to relax in one of the sand beaches, there are plenty to choose from. Just go along the coast and you will find a beach to your liking. Phu Quoc island has also become very popular recently, and is easily accessible from Ho Chi Minh City (if you are planning a stop there).
But before you go to Vietnam, you need to apply for a visa. The process is easy and fairly cheap. You have two options to choose from: either you apply for a Visa on Arrival (VOA) or apply for a visa at the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate.
I heard about Vietnam e-visa. Can I apply for Vietnam e-visa if I am citizens of Sri Lanka? (No, citizens of Sri Lanka 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 Sri Lanka national in this list, therefore, citizens of Sri Lanka 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
Vietnam landing visa in Tan Son Nhat Airport, Ho Chi Minh city
This option is preferred by many foreigners who comes to Vietnam. It is easy to apply to, convenient, quick and it saves you time. You can also apply for the VOA from anywhere in the world – whether you live in Sri Lanka or you’re based somewhere else, you just need your computer and internet. If you apply for this 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, et cetera.
The process of visa on arrival is easy. You only need to fill out the Online Application form where you state your date of birth, and other information. Then you wait for a confirmation letter that will come in around 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. It will take from 30 minutes to 4 hours.
2. Apply for a visa through the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in Sri Lanka
Vietnamese-visa-sticker-in-a-passport
The second option is to apply for a visa in the Vietnamese Embassy in Sri Lanka. The reason why this option isn’t 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. However, this is one of the choices that you can choose from, so if you happen to prefer this option, then it is good to know that it exists.
Don’t wait any longer! Paradise awaits on the other side of the corner. Come here for high quality beaches, delicious cuisine like you’ve never had before, incredible landscape, a unique culture and be prepared to fall in love with Vietnam!
Welcome to Hai Phong city Vietnam
