Due to Covid 19, the Vietnamese government has suspended the entry of all foreigners into their country, including those who were eligible for visa-free entry. This is part of the government’s public health measures to stop the spread of the Covid 19 virus. As a result, Spanish citizens who are supposed to visit Vietnam have to either postpone or cancel their trip.
Vietnam’s efforts to contain the virus have so far been successful. The country is now trying to rebuild its economy and is inviting foreign individuals back into the country. So if you’re a Spanish citizen and you plan on coming to Vietnam, now is the time. The good news is that you don’t have to apply for a visa in advance. That’s because you’re eligible to avail of the visa-free entry as part of Vietnam’s Visa Waiver Program.
The Vietnam Visa Waiver Program
In 2015, the Vietnam government launched the visa waiver program as part of its efforts to invite foreigners to visit the country. Since then, the number of foreign visits to the country has greatly increased. Because of the program’s success, they find it the need to extend it for three more years. So instead of ending it last December of 2019, they have extended the program until December 2022.
Under the visa waiver policy, Spanish citizens no longer need to apply for a Vietnam visa for their Vietnam trip. All they need to show is their passport and they will be allowed to get in. However, the visa waiver policy will only apply for visits that are less than 15 days. For those who have plans to stay in Vietnam for much longer, then a visa will be required.
Temporary Suspension of Visa-free Entry Due to Covid 19
The Covid 19 pandemic has triggered the Vietnamese government to take drastic measures to curb the rapid spread of the deadly virus. Even though they have a thriving tourism industry, they need to make the unfortunate decision of preventing foreign entry. Aside from suspending the visa-free entry, they have also stopped issuing all kinds of tourist visas. Furthermore, the government has banned all international flights.
Thankfully, Vietnam’s efforts have not gone to vain. Because of their serious efforts in tackling the Covid 19 pandemic, the country is now trying to go back to normal. And in order to revive its tourism industry, Vietnam is once again inviting foreigners to visit the country. Aside from issuing tourist visas, they have also started accepting visa-free entry to those who were part of the visa waiver policy.
Vietnam Visa-free Entry Requirements for Citizens of Spain
Even though you’re not obliged to show a visa to enter Vietnam, there are certain documents that you’re required to present in order to get in. Below are the requirements that all Spanish citizens are required to present when entering Vietnam visa-free.
- Valid passport – your passport is the most important travel document you need to present, regardless of the country you are traveling into. Therefore, you should be able to present this upon entering Vietnam.
- Proof of onward travel – take note that since your stay in Vietnam is limited to 15 days, you should be able to present proof that you’re going out of the country within that period. This can come in the form of a plane ticket showing your departure date.
Applying for a Vietnam Visa for Citizens of Spain
15 days is certainly not enough to see all the great places in Vietnam. So for those Spanish citizens who plan on staying longer, getting a visa is your best bet. Thankfully, applying for a visa to Vietnam is easy. There are two types of tourist visas that you can get. One is the e-visa or electronic visa and the other is the visa on arrival.
The e-visa will let you stay in Vietnam for a maximum of 1 month or 10 days. What’s great about this visa is that you can easily apply for it online. You’ll be asked to fill out the visa application form and this will only take a few minutes of your time. After you submit your application online, wait for a few days and they will send you your visa through email. When you receive the visa, print it and show it at the Vietnam Immigration to get in. This visa is acceptable in several points of entry, from airports to seaports, and land borders.
If you need a visa that will let you stay in Vietnam for up to 90 days, then choose the visa on arrival. This visa will also give you the option to apply for multiple entries. Even though the visa will be given to you upon arrival at the airport, you’re required to register for it in advance.
