Planning a trip to Vietnam anytime soon? You definitely should! The country of Vietnam has a rich culture, history, mesmerizing landscapes, beaches, jungles, metropolitan cities, and the list goes on… It’s one of the most diverse countries in Asia and attracts millions of visitors every year. Tourism in Vietnam keeps developing and people are raving about this Southeast Asian jewel. If you want a vacation where you can one day go trekking amongst rice fields and jungle, and the other lay on an unspoilt beach on an island, Vietnam is the place for you.
Besides being an incredibly beautiful destination, the Vietnamese kitchen is also worth going for. Indulge in a delicious banh mi (Vietnamese style baguette) for less than one dollar, feast in the famous noodle soup dish ‘pho’ and try their famous banh xeo, the Vietnamese crepe. The food has taken the world by storm and you can find it in many other countries, but the best is found in the country. Don’t miss out on taking cooking classes! Not only will you be able to eat all the food, you’ll also learn more about local ingredients, the traditional way of cooking and how to prepare Vietnamese food.
Can I apply for Vietnam e-visa if I am citizens of Jamaica? (No, Jamaican passport holders 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 Jamaica national in this list, therefore, citizens of Jamaica should choose two options below to get a visa for Vietnam
As a citizen of Jamaica, you are required to apply for a Vietnam visa before you enter the country. This is a very important step as the immigration officers may turn you down if you fail to present them with a valid visa. Luckily, the visa process is very easy and quick. You have two options to choose from, and they are:
1. Visa on Arrival – VOA
Getting visa on arrival at the airport of Vietnam
This is the most preferred option for many travellers. If you live far away from the Vietnamese Embassy for example, or you do not want to send important documents such as your passport, this is a good option for you. It’s also easy, quick and affordable. To apply for a VOA, you need your computer and internet. If you get a Visa on Arrival, 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, and so forth.
The process is very simple. What you need to do is fill out the Online Application form with all relevant information. What you need to state in the application form is:
- Your full name, as stated in your passport
- Date of Birth – The format they use in Vietnam is DD/MM/YY
- Your nationality – as stated in your passport
- Your passport number
- Date of Arrival – you can state a date of arrival and then arrive later, but not earlier
After you have filled this information out, you have to wait for a confirmation email which 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 you need an emergency visa, you can get one within 40 minutes to 4 hours. This will cost you more money, but you will be able to get it much faster.
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 of 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 the 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 within 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 the visa stamp fee.
2. Apply for a visa through the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in the nearby countries of Jamaica
The reason why applying for a visa with the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in Jamaica 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 also need to remember to bring all the necessary documents, such as passport, and if you happen to forget anything, you need to start the process all over again. It’s time consuming and you usually need to pick up your passport in the embassy or consulate. Also, be kindly advised that the fees and procedures are subject to change depending on where you apply.
