Apply Vietnam visa online (Vietnam e-visa) for citizens of Costa Rica

Although Vietnam and Costa Rica has a lot of things in common, such as: tropical climate, beautiful sand beaches, captivating landscapes and nature that takes your breath away, we still want to explore other places and other people’s cultures. There’s also other reasons why one should visit Vietnam – go here to taste some spectacular food that will make your taste buds dance, experience the Vietnamese culture with your own eyes, see the big cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and travel because it opens up your mind and your heart.

But before you go to Vietnam, as a citizen from Costa Rica, you will need to apply for a Vietnam visa. This is very easy and affordable. You have two options: either you apply for a Visa on Arrival or you get your visa through the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate.

I heard about Vietnam e-visa. Can I apply for Vietnam e-visa if I am citizens of Costa Rica? (No, citizens of Costa Rica 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 Costa Rica national in this list, therefore, citizens of Costa Rica should choose two options below to get a visa for Vietnam

1. If you go with option number one, which is to apply for a Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA), you can apply for this from anywhere in the world. This option is preferred by many foreigners who comes to Vietnam. It is easy to apply to, convenient, fast and it saves you time. 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 visa on arrival, 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, et cetera. 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. The second option is to apply for a visa in the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in Costa Rica.

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 will 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.

It may sound like a long process, but it’s really one of the easiest things that you can do. And it is so worth it! When you are in Vietnam, why not go to Phu Quoc island where you will see some stunningly beautiful beaches. Relax there for a few days before you take on the big city of Ho Chi Minh City. If you like a place with good nightlife, then this is a place for you. Go to “Bui Vien” street for some drinks (or two!). If you want to go to a more calm city, head over to Hoi An – one of the most popular tourist destinations in Vietnam. Not only is it so captivating, but it’s also a great place to get some souvenirs and tailor made clothes. Don’t miss out on the north though! The north offers spectacular landscapes, mountains and rice terraces. Why not live with a Hmong family up north, so you can get the ultimate Vietnamese experience.

There’s an abundance to do in Vietnam and you’ll never feel bored here. Don’t wait any longer – get your Vietnam visa today!