Southeast Asia has long been a favorite amongst travelers due to its affordability, beauty, incredible cuisine, vibrant atmosphere and accessibility. Vietnam is one of the most popular countries to visit in Southeast Asia and is also, one of the most beautiful.
If you’re thinking about traveling to Vietnam, you should try to stay for at least one month. You can apply for a visa which will allow you to stay in the country for either one month, or if you prefer to stay longer, up to three months. This way, you’ll be able to fully enjoy everything that Vietnam has to offer and get the chance to do activities such as kayaking in Halong Bay, kitesurfing in Mui Ne, wander around the Ancient Town in Hoi An, go shopping in thrilling Ho Chi Minh City, rent a motorbike and drive through Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, and much, much more.
Can I apply for Vietnam e-visa if I am citizens of Indonesia? (No, Indonesian passport holders 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 Indonesia national in this list, therefore, citizens of Indonesia should choose two options below to get a visa for Vietnam
Note : Indonesian passport holders can visit Vietnam for one month without a visa required.
Once you’ve decided that you’re going to Vietnam, you just have to remember to apply for a Visa in good time before you depart. As a citizen of Indonesia, you have two options: either you apply for a Visa on Arrival, which is highly recommended, or you go to the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate and continue the visa process with them. Here are the two options further explained:
1. Visa on Arrival (VOA) – Applying online for pre-approval then pick up your visa on arrival at the airport of Vietnam
Tourist pick up visa on arrival at 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 Jakarta, Indonesia
Vietnamese-visa-sticker-in-a-passport
The reason why applying for a visa with the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in Indonesia 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.
