As Australians, you may be planning a trip to Vietnam and wondering about the visa process. The good news is, you have options when it comes to obtaining a Vietnam visa. You can either choose to handle it yourself or go through a travel agency. But the question is, can you handle Vietnam visa by yourself? The answer is yes, you can! In this article, we will discuss the different options available for Australians to obtain a Vietnam visa on their own.
The first option for Australians to obtain a Vietnam visa is by directly handling it at the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in Australia. Australia has both Vietnamese embassies and consulates, making it convenient for Australians to submit their visa application themselves. The process involves preparing necessary documents and submitting them to the embassy or consulate. Here is a step-by-step guide to obtaining a Vietnam visa through this method:
Step 1: Prepare the Required Documents
The first step in obtaining a Vietnam visa is to prepare all the necessary documents. These include a valid passport with at least six months validity, a completed visa application form, two passport-sized photos, an invitation letter (if required), and documents proving the purpose of your trip to Vietnam.
Step 2: Visit the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate
Once you have all the documents ready, you can visit the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in your state. The embassy is located in Canberra, and there are consulates in Sydney and Perth. It is advisable to make an appointment beforehand to avoid any inconvenience.
Step 3: Submit Your Documents
At the embassy or consulate, you will need to submit your documents to the visa officer. They will check your documents and ask for any additional information if needed.
Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee
After submitting your documents, you will be required to pay the visa fee. The fee may vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for. It is best to check the visa fee beforehand to avoid any surprises.
Step 5: Collect Your Visa
Once your visa is approved, you can collect it from the embassy or consulate. The processing time for a Vietnam visa is 7 to 10 working days, so it is advisable to plan your trip accordingly.
Another option for Australians to obtain a Vietnam visa on their own is through the Vietnam e-visa system. This is a 90-day multiple entry visa that can be obtained entirely online. Here is a step-by-step guide to obtaining a Vietnam e-visa:
Step 1: Visit the E-visa Website
To apply for a Vietnam e-visa, you need to visit the e-visa website, which is run by the Vietnamese government. It is essential to use this link to avoid any scams https://www.vietnamimmigration.com/apply-vietnam-visa/.
Step 2: Fill in the Application Form
On the website, you will need to fill in the application form with your personal and travel details. You will also need to upload a scanned copy of your passport and a passport-sized photo.
Step 3: Pay the Visa Fee
After submitting the application form, you will be required to pay the visa fee.
Step 4: Wait for Processing
The processing time for a Vietnam e-visa is 3 to 5 business days. However, if you need your visa urgently, you can opt for the emergency service, which guarantees a visa within 1 business day.
Step 5: Receive Your Visa
Once your visa is approved, you will receive an email with a copy of your e-visa. It is essential to print a copy of your e-visa and keep it with you when traveling to Vietnam.
The third option for Australians to obtain a Vietnam visa is through visa on arrival. This is a 30-day single entry visa that can be obtained at the Vietnam airport. Here is a step-by-step guide to obtaining a Vietnam visa on arrival:
Step 1: Apply for an Approval Letter
Before arriving in Vietnam, you need to apply for an approval letter online. This letter is a requirement for obtaining a visa on arrival and can be processed within 3 to 5 working days. If you need your letter urgently, you can opt for the emergency service, which guarantees results within two hours.
Link for applying approval letter https://www.vietnamimmigration.com/apply-vietnam-visa/
Step 2: Prepare the Required Documents
Upon receiving your approval letter, you need to prepare the necessary documents, including your original passport, a completed entry and exit form, two passport-sized photos, and the visa stamping fee.
Step 3: Submit Your Documents at the Airport
Once you arrive at the Vietnam airport, you need to submit your documents at the visa on arrival counter. The visa officer will check your documents and stamp your visa into your passport.
Step 4: Pay the Visa Stamping Fee
After your documents are checked, you will be required to pay the visa stamping fee, which is $25 USD for a single entry visa.
Step 5: Collect Your Visa
Once you have paid the fee, you can collect your visa and proceed through immigration to enter Vietnam.
In conclusion, Australians have the option to handle their Vietnam visa by themselves through the embassy or consulate, e-visa, or visa on arrival. Each method has its own requirements and processing time, so it is essential to choose the option that best suits your travel plans. With this guide, you can now confidently handle your Vietnam visa and enjoy your trip to this beautiful country hassle-free.
