Vietnam is one of the best travel destinations in the world – ask the other travelers who has been here. There are many reasons why this country is a favorite amongst backpackers, expats, travelers and families. If you want to go to a country that has a lot of character, offers marvelous views wherever you go, is safe to travel around in even if you are a solo female traveler (like me!), has some of the most incredible food that you will ever try which is also healthy and where you can travel around in for a long time without spending a fortune – then Vietnam is the perfect destination for you.
Peaceful Hoi An ancient town from high view
Prepare to immerse yourself in the lifestyle of the Vietnamese – slightly chaotic yet very calm. The cities come alive during the morning but falls asleep again during the afternoon when everyone is taking a “siesta”. It is usually at night though, that Vietnam really comes to life. Don’t miss out on going to the quaint town of Hoi An – that is where you will see the many lanterns light up at night. It is also a town full of charm, history and sights to see, that you will wish you had more time there. If you prefer to rest on a beach, head to the coastline and choose from one of many beaches. One of the most popular ones is by far Nha Trang. But if you like a bit more secluded ones, travel to Phu Quoc island.
As a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago, you will have to apply for a Vietnam visa first before you enter the country. Otherwise you will be denied. But thankfully you can apply for a Vietnam visa wherever you are in the world, if you choose to apply for a Visa on Arrival. These are the two options you can choose from:
I heard about Vietnam e-visa. Can I apply for Vietnam e-visa if I am citizens of Trinidad and Tobago? (No, citizens of Trinidad and Tobago 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 Trinidad and Tobago national in this list, therefore, citizens of Trinidad and Tobago 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
Vietnam visa on arrival office in Da Nang Int’l Airport
This option is preferred by many foreigners who comes to Vietnam. It is easy to apply to, convenient, quick and it saves you time. You can also apply for the VOA from anywhere in the world. All you need is your computer and internet. If you apply for this visa, you are allowed to enter Vietnam through any of the 5 international airports: 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, et cetera.
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. Then you wait for a confirmation email that will come in around 1-2 working hours. Normally you will receive a Visa 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. It will take from 30 minutes to 4 hours.
On arrival support for fast check-in at Vietnam Airports
You now 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 Trinidad and Tobago
Vietnam tourist visa – single entry
The second option is to apply for a visa in the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in Trinidad and Tobago. The reason why this option isn’t 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. However, this is one of the choices that you can choose from, so if you happen to prefer this option, then it is good to know that it exists.
After you have gotten your visa, there is nothing stopping you from exploring Vietnam! If you have the time, make sure to try and stay there for a full month in order to do north to south (or the opposite). It is truly worth your time.
