If you are considering traveling to Vietnam and you are a citizen of Kiribati, you are required to apply for a Vietnam visa regardless of the length of your stay. This means that even if you intend to only stay for a day or so, you still need a visa in order to enter the country.
Since there are so many travelers from all over the world going to Vietnam, the visa process has become very easy. You can now choose from two options: either you apply for a Visa on Arrival or you go to your nearest Vietnam Embassy or consulate and get a visa there. Although the first alternative is by far the easier and most popular choice, you may still apply for a visa at the Embassy. Here are the two options further explained:
I heard about Vietnam e-visa. Can I apply for Vietnam e-visa if I am citizens of Kiribati? (No, citizens of Kiribati 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 Kiribati national in this list, therefore, citizens of Kiribati should choose two options below to get a visa for Vietnam
1. Visa on Arrival (VOA) – Apply online for pre-approval then pick up visa on arrival at the airport of Vietnam
Tourist pick up visa on arrival at Da Nang Int’l Airport, Vietnam
You can apply for a Visa on Arrival from anywhere in the world. All you need is your computer and internet. If you apply for this type of visa, you are allowed to enter Vietnam through any of the 5 major international airports in following cities: Da Nang, Khanh Hoa, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Hai Phong. You can only travel by air if you get a VOA, meaning you can’t enter Vietnam by bus, car, and so forth.
The process is very easy. What you need to do is fill out the Online Application form where you state your date of birth and other relevant information. You will then have to wait for a confirmation email that usually arrives within 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. You will get it within 30 minutes to 4 hours.
On arrival support for fast check-in at Vietnam Airports
You also have the option to buy “On Arrival Support” which is a very good option for those who wants to check in to Vietnam faster:
- Standard Support : +US$20/pp
Our staff will meet you in front of the “visa on arrival” desk with a welcome board, then take care all procedures necessary to get the visa stamped on your passport. Please prepare 25 USD/person and give it to our staff to pay for visa stamp fee.
- VIP Support : +US$35/pp
Our staff will meet you in front of the “visa on arrival” desk with a welcome board, receive your passport and give it back with the visa in 5-10 minutes, then escort you to check out via the VIP gate. Please prepare 25 USD/person and give it to our staff to pay for visa stamp fee.
2. Apply for a visa through the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in the nearby countries of Kiribati
Vietnamese-visa-sticker-in-a-passport
The second option is to apply for a visa in your local or nearest Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in Kiribati. The reason why this option might not be 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 usually need to pick up your passport in the embassy or consulate.
Golden Bridge in Da Nang city
Vietnam has become a popular tourist destination amongst many travelers, backpackers, expats and digital nomads alike. The country is known for its lush and green landscape, pristine beaches, big and bustling cities, and smaller, charming towns. You can find everything from more high-end restaurants and hotels, to more budget-friendly. The street food is something that should not be missed when you are traveling here. Not only is it really delicious but you should not miss out on having the local experience, sitting and eating in a small plastic chair while being served warm pho (noodle soup). The good thing about traveling to Vietnam is that it is a place for everyone, no matter the budget you are on. So start planning your trip to the far east and make sure that you have enough time to explore in Vietnam – you might find yourself wishing you had more time here.
