In case you had any doubts about traveling to Vietnam – this blog post will (hopefully) get you on a different track. There is so much to do and see in Vietnam that you’ll wish you had more time in the country. Not only is it a very affordable country to travel in, but the beauty of the country is what makes the trip worthwhile.
Most people usually start either from north or south, but whichever route suits you best, you will visit some spectacular sites on your trip. Some of the most popular places to visit in Vietnam includes: Halong Bay, Hoi An, Phu Quoc Island, Hanoi (capital city), Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam’s biggest city), Da Lat and Hue. If you are looking to relax on the beach, choose by many of the beaches along the coast. One of the most popular beaches can be found in the beachtown Nha Trang. When you feel your stomach starting to protest, try some of Vietnam’s delicious cuisine – pho, bun, spring rolls, banh mi, and much more. If this isn’t a good reason to travel somewhere, then we don’t know what is!
If we have convinced you to travel to Vietnam, you will need to apply for a Vietnam visa first. Since Rwanda is not on Vietnam’s exemption list, you need to have a visa in order to enter the country. You can either choose to apply for a Visa on Arrival or go to your local or closest Vietnam Embassy or Consulate.
I heard about Vietnam e-visa. Can I apply for Vietnam e-visa if I am citizens ofRwanda? (No, Rwandan citizens 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 Rwanda national in this list, therefore, Rwandan citizens 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
If you choose to apply for a Visa on Arrival, also called VOA, you need to fill out all necessary information in the online form you can find in our website. The VOA is the most popular option since it is convenient, easy to apply to, quick and affordable. You can apply for this visa from anywhere in the world. All you need is a computer and internet. Also, important to note is that you don’t have to send away your passport, or other important private documents, anywhere. Once you have filled out the Online Application Form, you will get a confirmation email within 1-2 working hours in order to see the status of your Online Application. You will then normally receive your Visa Approval Letter within 2 business days. When the letter comes, don’t forget to print it out so the immigration officers in Vietnam can stamp your passport.
Side note: On special occasions and certain holidays, citizens of Rwanda are supported with a Visa on Arrival for staying maximum 15 days (hotel booking and return tickets are required) – We need 7 working days to get the visa approval letter from the Immigration Department of Vietnam. Therefore, we advise to directly contact the Vietnam Embassy to get a visa during those occasions.
Also, you now 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. Get your visa through the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in the nearby countries of Rwanda
If you do not wish to apply for a VOA, there is the opportunity to get a visa at the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in Rwanda. This is not preferred by many though, since it can be quite inconvenient if you don’t live close to the embassy or consulate. You will have to then spend time and money on transportation and will have to remember to bring all necessary documents in order for the process to go through. If you fail to bring everything, you will have to start the process all over again. This can be time consuming, but it is the second option for you to choose from.
It’s not more difficult than that! When you have acquired your Vietnam visa, you can travel freely in the country and explore. Wherever you decide to go, you will be amazed with the diversity and beauty of the country. You will be very happy that you traveled here.