How to Self-Submit A Vietnam Visa Application? SECRET For Visitors

Applying for a Vietnam visa is now so easy. You can apply online for an e-visa or choose the Visa on Arrival. However, these visa options are not applicable to all nationalities. There are only about 80 nationalities that qualify for the e-visa and visa on arrival. So if you came from a country that is not eligible for the e-visa or visa on arrival, your best bet is to self-submit a Vietnam visa application. Here’s how to go about it.

Look for the Nearest Embassy In Your Area

The first step is to look for the nearest Vietnam embassy or consulate in your area. You can do a search online. Sometimes, the embassy has a website where you can refer to for information about their address, contact numbers, email address, and other details. If you have any inquiries or concerns about applying for a visa, you can give them a call or send an email.

Some embassies would require you to schedule an appointment in advance. There are also those that will not require you to appear in person. In this case, you can mail them the requirements. But if you live near the embassy or it’s easily accessible to you, it is best to apply in person.

Requirements to Prepare When You Self-Submit A Vietnam Visa Application

When applying for the Vietnam visa, you are required to submit certain requirements. Make sure you prepare these ahead. If your documents are lacking, the Vietnam embassy won’t be able to process your visa and this can further delay the processing. Here are the requirements:

• Vietnam visa application form – you can get this form online, from the website of the Vietnam embassy. Print the form and fill out completely. Make sure the details you entered are correct because this will be the basis for the approval of your visa application.
• Passport – you need to send in the original copy of your passport. When the visa is approved, they will attach it to one of the pages of your passport, so make sure that your passport has at least two blank pages.
• Passport-sized photos – you need to submit photos as well. They must be taken recently and on a white background. The photos should show your face clearly.

There are some instances when the Vietnam embassy will require you to submit more requirements aside from the three things listed above. They will usually call you for that or inform you in person when you self-submit your Vietnam visa application.

Processing Time and Visa Fees

After you have all the required documents, you can go to the embassy to self-submit your application. The processing time is around 3 to 7 business days from the time the application is submitted.

Some embassies will offer an option for an expedited service, which will only take 24 hours. But for this option, you will have to pay for additional fees. The cost of the visa will vary greatly, depending on your nationality and the type of Vietnam visa that you have applied for. You can call ahead to inquire how much it will cost you. As for the payment of the visa fees, you can pay in cash or card, depending on the embassy.

Important Things to Keep In Mind

Here are some important things to keep in mind when you self-submit your Vietnam visa application:

• If you are holding an official or diplomatic passport, you can self-submit your application directly to the embassy or mail your application. Diplomatic visas will be issued GRATIS, which means it’s free of charge unless otherwise agreed upon by Vietnam and the country where you came from. Aside from the requirements mentioned above, foreign diplomats are required to submit an official letter or diplomatic note from relevant agencies or organizations.
• The visa fee that you will pay already includes the processing and handling fees. If you have requested for the passport to be sent back to you by mail, then you will have to pay for the postal service fees. Those who requested expedite processing of their visa must also pay additional fees.
• Those who are traveling to Vietnam in a group can apply for their visa altogether. Combined payment can also be made directly to the embassy through money order or check payment for the total processing cost of the entire group. All applications can be placed in one envelope. The passports with visas will be returned to the applicants using the return envelope.
• Upon the receipt of your visa, make sure you review the details on it. Double-check the personal information and make sure that the spelling is correct. If some details are incorrect, please contact the embassy immediately for the necessary amendments or corrections.

If you need help in the application of your Vietnam visa, you can always get in touch with a local agency that provides assistance service for all kinds of Vietnam visas.