If you are an Irish national planning to visit Vietnam, you will need a valid visa to enter the country. Obtaining a Vietnam visa for Irish nationals can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. In this article, we will guide you through the process of obtaining a Vietnam visa for Irish citizens so that you can have a stress-free and enjoyable trip to this beautiful country.
Vietnam Visa Options
The Vietnam government offers different types of visas for different purposes. Currently, Irish nationals can apply for the following Vietnam visas:
Tourist Visa
Tourist visas are for those who plan to visit Vietnam for leisure or sightseeing purposes. You can either apply for a traditional Vietnam tourist visa or a tourist e-visa. While a tourist e-visa is a single-entry visa that is valid for 30 consecutive days, applicants can also apply for a single-entry or multiple-entry tourist visa with a validity of up to 90 days.
Business Visa
Business visas are for those who plan to conduct business in Vietnam. Vietnam business e-visa is valid for a single entry and permits the holder to stay in Vietnam for 30 days. Alternatively, if you want to stay in the country for a longer period of time or enter Vietnam multiple times, you can apply for a traditional business visa.
Visa on Arrival
Irish passport holders can also apply for a Vietnam visa on arrival. The best thing about this travel document is that you don't have to waste your time waiting for approval. You can apply for a pre-arranged visa on arrival and start your journey. It's also a single-entry travel document that permits the holder to stay in Vietnam for 30 days.
Understanding Vietnam Visa Requirements
Before applying for a Vietnam visa, it is important to understand the visa requirements. An Irish citizen must have the following required documents to apply for a Vietnam visa:
Valid passport - You will need a valid passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Vietnam.
E-mail Address - Applicants need a valid email address to submit their visa application form and receive their valid travel documents.
Passport photo - You will need to submit a passport-sized photo with your application.
Means of Payment – You’ll need to pay the Vietnam visa fee. To do so, you'll need online payment methods, such as credit card or debit card.
Besides these, Ireland passport holders may need some extra documents depending on the purpose of their visit, including:
Invitation letter
Bank statement
Proof of accommodation
Travel itinerary
business letter
registration letter
visa approval
Proof of onward travel
Visit the VisaHQ website to find out all of the necessary documents required prior to submitting the application form!
How to Apply for a Vietnam Visa
An Irish passport holder can obtain a Vietnam visa in two ways: by applying at the Vietnam Embassy or by applying online. If you select the first method, you'll need to visit the nearest embassy and submit your application in person. This can take an entire day; therefore, it's recommended to apply for a Vietnamese visa online!
Applying for a Vietnam visa online is a convenient option for those who cannot visit the embassy in person. Ireland citizens can apply for a visa online by following these steps:
Visit VisaHQ and fill out the online visa application form.
Pay the visa fee online using a credit or debit card.
Submit your online form with required documents.
Afterward, you'll receive your visa approval letter that you can download on your smartphone to present on arrival.
Processing Time
The Vietnam visa fees and processing time depend on the visa type and the application method. Generally speaking, you can get your traditional Vietnam visa within 2 business days. Alternatively, if you apply for a Vietnam e-visa, it can be obtained within 24 hours.
Keep in mind that if your online form has errors or mistakes, your visa will be delayed by the embassy. Therefore, it's recommended to review your application prior to submitting it!
Tips for a Hassle-free Vietnam Visa Application
To ensure a smooth and hassle-free visa application process, follow these tips:
Apply for the visa well in advance of your trip to Vietnam to allow for any unexpected delays.
Check the validity of your passport and ensure that it will be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry into Vietnam.
Submit all required documents and information accurately and completely.
Double-check your visa approval letter and ensure that it matches your passport information.
Have the exact amount of cash ready to pay the stamping fee upon arrival at the airport.