Vietnam is one of the most beautiful destinations in the world and attracts millions of visitors each year. People from all over the world are curious about what this Southeast Asian gem has to offer. And it really does have a ton of things to offer – everything from pristine beaches, lush jungles, breathtaking landscapes, metropolitan cities, shopping in abundance and food that impresses.
The Landmark 81 in Ho Chi Minh City
One of the most popular ways to travel around in Vietnam is to either buy or rent a motorbike, but if traffic is a bit intense for you, there’s plenty of good public transportation options as well. People tend to go north to south, or the other way around, and it takes about a month, or more, depending on how fast (or slow) you travel. But don’t underestimate the size of the country! It takes time to get from point A to B, and instead of rushing your trip, you want to be sure to enjoy it.
Before you arrive to Vietnam, make sure that you have a valid Vietnam visa. You can acquire one either online or through the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate. Here are the options for citizens of Cape Verde further explained.
I heard about Vietnam e-visa. Can I apply for Vietnam e-visa if I am citizens of Cape Verde? (No, Cape Verdean 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 Cape Verde national in this list, therefore, Cape Verdean citizens should choose two options below to get a visa for Vietnam
1. Visa on Arrival (VOA) – Applying online for pre-approval then pick up your visa on arrival at the airport of Vietnam
Visa on arrival office in Da Nang Int’l Airport, Vietnam
This is the most preferred option for many travellers. 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 a good option for you. It’s also easy, quick and affordable. To apply for a VOA, you 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 or Consulate in the nearby countries of Cape Verde
Vietnamese-visa-sticker-in-a-passport
The reason why applying for a visa with the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in Cape Verde 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 also need to remember to bring all the necessary documents, such as passport, and if you happen to forget anything, you need to start the process all over again. It’s time consuming and you usually 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.
