How to Obtain a Vietnam Visa from Norway in 2023

Are you planning a trip to Vietnam in 2023 but not sure how to get a visa as a Norwegian citizen? Don’t worry, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know about obtaining a Vietnam visa from Norway in 2023.

What is a Vietnam Visa?

A Vietnam visa is an official document that grants permission for foreign visitors to enter and stay in Vietnam for a specific period. Every foreign visitor to Vietnam must have a valid visa unless they are exempted from the visa requirement.

Who Needs a Vietnam Visa?

Norwegian citizens are required to obtain a visa before entering Vietnam. However, if you plan to stay in Vietnam for less than 15 days and meet certain requirements, you may be eligible for a visa exemption.

Types of Vietnam Visas

There are two main types of Vietnam visas:

1. Tourist Visa: Valid for up to 30 days and can be extended once for another 30 days.
2. Business Visa: Valid for up to 12 months and permits multiple entries into Vietnam.

How to Get a Vietnam Visa from Norway?

There are three ways to obtain a Vietnam visa from Norway:

1. Apply for a visa at the nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate.
2. Apply for a visa on arrival (VOA) through a travel agency.
3. Apply for an e-visa online.

Applying for a Visa at the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate

To apply for a Vietnam visa at the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in Norway, you will need to prepare the following documents:

• A completed visa application form
• A passport-sized photo taken within the last six months
• Your original passport with at least six months’ validity remaining
• The visa fee

You should allow sufficient time for the visa processing, which typically takes between five and seven working days.

Applying for a Visa on Arrival

A visa on arrival is available for Norwegian citizens who travel to Vietnam by air. To obtain a VOA, you need to follow these steps:

1. Find a reputable travel agency that offers VOA services and complete an online application form.
2. Pay the service fee online as instructed by the travel agency.
3. Upon arrival at a Vietnamese airport, you will receive your visa approval letter from the travel agency’s representative.
4. Show your passport, visa approval letter, and two passport-sized photos at the visa on arrival desk to get your visa stamped.

Applying for an E-Visa

Norwegian citizens can also apply for a Vietnam e-visa online through the official website of the Vietnamese government. The process involves the following steps:

1. Access the e-visa application portal and fill out the application form.
2. Upload a digital copy of your passport photo page and a passport-sized photo of yourself.
3. Pay the e-visa fee online using a valid credit card.
4. Receive your e-visa approval letter within three working days via email.
5. Print out the e-visa approval letter and present it along with your passport when entering Vietnam.

Pros and Cons of Different Vietnam Visa Types

Each type of Vietnam visa has its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some pros and cons to consider when choosing a Vietnam visa:

Tourist Visa

Pros

• Suitable for short-term visitors
• Can be extended once for another 30 days
• Easy and convenient to apply for

Cons

• Valid for only one entry
• Not suitable for long-term stays or frequent visits

Business Visa

Pros

• Allows multiple entries into Vietnam
• Suitable for business travelers or those planning to stay in Vietnam for a longer period
• Can be valid for up to 12 months

Cons

• More expensive than a tourist visa
• Requires more documentation and time to apply for

Visa on Arrival

Pros

• Convenient and time-saving
• No need to send your passport by mail
• Suitable for those who travel by air

Cons

• Only available for air travelers
• May require waiting in long lines at the airport
• More expensive than applying for a visa at the embassy or consulate

E-Visa

Pros

• Easy and convenient to apply for
• No need to visit an embassy or consulate
• Suitable for those who travel by air, land or sea

Cons

• Valid for only one entry and up to 30 days
• Not suitable for those planning to stay in Vietnam for longer periods
• Only available to citizens of certain countries

Tips for Applying for a Vietnam Visa

Here are some tips to help you successfully obtain a Vietnam visa:

• Apply for your visa well in advance to allow sufficient processing time.
• Make sure your passport has at least six months’ validity remaining.
• Double-check all the information on your application form before submitting it.
• If possible, use a reputable travelagency to apply for your visa on arrival or e-visa.
• Bring enough cash with you to pay the visa fee at the airport or border checkpoint if you choose to obtain a visa on arrival or apply for a visa at the embassy or consulate.
• Check the latest entry requirements and travel advisories before departing for Vietnam.

The Best Option to Get a Vietnam Visa from Norway in 2023

The best option for obtaining a Vietnam visa from Norway in 2023 depends on your personal situation and travel plans. If you plan to stay in Vietnam for less than 30 days, a tourist visa or e-visa may be suitable. However, if you intend to stay in Vietnam for a longer period or require multiple entries, a business visa may be a better option. Consider the pros and cons of each type of visa and your travel plans before making a decision.

Conclusion

Obtaining a Vietnam visa as a Norwegian citizen can seem daunting, but with the right information and preparation, the process can be straightforward. There are three main ways to obtain a Vietnam visa from Norway: applying at the embassy or consulate, applying for a visa on arrival, or applying for an e-visa online. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to consider your travel plans and preferences when choosing a visa type.

FAQs

1. What is the processing time for a Vietnam visa?
2. The processing time for a Vietnam visa varies depending on the visa type and application method. Generally, it can take between five and seven working days to obtain a visa from the embassy or consulate, while a visa on arrival or e-visa can take up to three working days to process.

2. Can I extend my Vietnam visa?
3. Tourist visas can be extended once for another 30 days. Business visas can be extended multiple times for up to 12 months.

3. How much does a Vietnam visa cost?
4. The visa fee varies depending on the visa type and application method. Generally, a tourist visa costs around $25-50, while a business visa can range from $80 to $200.

4. Do I need a visa for a layover in Vietnam?
5. If you do not leave the airport during your layover, you generally do not need a visa. However, if you plan to exit the airport or stay in Vietnam for more than 24 hours, you will need a valid visa.

5. Can I use a Vietnam e-visa to enter Vietnam by land or sea?
6. Yes, an e-visa can be used to enter Vietnam by land or sea in addition to air travel.