Are you an Argentine citizen planning to travel to Vietnam? If so, you may be wondering about the visa requirements and how to obtain a visa. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on Vietnam visa from Argentina. We will cover topics such as who needs a visa, what types of visas are available, when to apply for a visa, how to apply, the pros and cons of different types of visas, alternatives to getting a visa, step-by-step instructions, comparisons, tips, and the best options. At the end of this article, we will also answer some frequently asked questions and provide a brief summary.
Table of Contents
Who Needs a Visa to Visit Vietnam?
As an Argentine citizen, you need a visa to enter Vietnam. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. If you are traveling to Vietnam for less than 15 days, you may be eligible for a visa exemption. This means that you can enter Vietnam without a visa if your stay is less than or equal to 15 days. However, if you plan to stay longer than 15 days, you will need to obtain a visa beforehand.
What Are the Types of Visas Available for Argentina Citizens?
There are two main types of visas available for Argentine citizens wishing to travel to Vietnam:
- Vietnam e-visa
- Vietnam visa on arrival
The Vietnam e-visa is an electronic visa that you can apply for online before your trip. It allows you to stay in Vietnam for up to 30 days and is valid for single-entry only. The Vietnam visa on arrival, on the other hand, is a visa that you can obtain upon arrival at one of the designated airports in Vietnam. It is available for both tourist and business purposes and allows you to stay in Vietnam for up to 90 days.
When Should I Apply for a Vietnam Visa?
If you plan to apply for a Vietnam e-visa, you should apply at least three business days before your intended arrival date. The processing time for the e-visa is typically 3 working days, and it is recommended that you apply as early as possible to avoid any complications.
If you plan to obtain a visa on arrival, you do not need to apply beforehand. However, you will need to obtain an approval letter from a travel agency or a visa service provider before arriving in Vietnam. It is recommended that you obtain this approval letter at least one week before your departure date.
How Do I Apply for a Vietnam Visa?
To apply for a Vietnam e-visa, follow these steps:
- Visit the official website of the Vietnamese government’s e-visa system.
- Fill out the online application form and upload a passport photo and a scanned copy of your passport.
- Pay the visa fee with a credit card.
- Wait for the confirmation email, which will contain your e-visa.
To apply for a Vietnam visa on arrival, follow these steps:
- Contact a reputable travel agency or visa service provider to obtain an approval letter.
- Print out the approval letter and bring it with you on your trip.
- Upon arrival at the airport, go to the visa on arrival counter and present your approval letter, passport, and two passport-sized photos.
- Pay the visa stamping fee and wait for your visa to be stamped.
Pros and Cons of Different Types of Visas
Vietnam e-visa
Pros:
- Convenient and easy to apply for online
- Valid for up to 30 days
- Single-entry only
Cons:
- Only available to citizens of certain countries, including Argentina
- Cannot be extended or renewed
Vietnam visa on arrival
Pros:
- Available for both tourist and business purposes
- Valid for up to 90 days
- Can be extended or renewed
Cons:
- Requires an approval letter, which can take some time to obtain
- Only available at designated airports in Vietnam
Alternatives to Obtaining a Vietnam Visa
If you are not eligible for a visa exemption and do not want to apply for a Vietnam e-visa or visa on arrival, there are some alternatives that you can consider:
- Apply for a Vietnam embassy visa: You can apply for a visa at the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in Argentina. This option may be more time-consuming and expensive than the e-visa or visa on arrival, but it can be a good option if you prefer to have a physical visa in your passport.
- Travel to a neighboring country and apply for a Vietnam visa there: You can also travel to a neighboring country such as Thailand or Cambodia and apply for a Vietnam visa at the Vietnamese embassy or consulate there.
Step-by-Step Guide to Obtain a Vietnam Visa
Applying for a Vietnam e-visa
- Visit the official website of the Vietnamese government’s e-visa system.
- Click on “For Foreigners” and select “E-visa issuance”.
- Fill out the online application form with your personal information and travel details.
- Upload a passport photo and a scanned copy of your passport.
- Pay the visa fee with a credit card (currently $25 USD).
- Wait for the confirmation email, which will contain your e-visa.
- Print out your e-visa and bring it with you on your trip.
Obtaining a Vietnam visa on arrival
- Contact a reputable travel agency or visa service provider to obtain an approval letter.
- Provide your personal information and travel details to the service provider.
- Pay the service fee (currently around $20-30 USD).
- Receive your approval letter via email within 2-3 working days.
- Print out the approval letter and bring it with you on your trip.
- Upon arrival at the airport in Vietnam, go to the visa on arrival counter and present your approval letter, passport, and two passport-sized photos.
- Pay the visa stamping fee (currently $25 USD for single-entry visas and $50 USD for multiple-entry visas) and wait for your visa to be stamped.
Comparing Vietnam E-visa and Visa on Arrival
Processing time
E-visa: 3 business days
Visa on arrival: 2-3 business days for approval letter plus additional time for visa stamping upon arrival
Validity period
E-visa: up to 30 days for single-entry only
Visa on arrival: up to 90 days for single-entry or multiple-entry
Extensions
E-visa: cannot be extended or renewed
Visa on arrival: can be extended or renewed for up to 3 months
Availability
E-visa: limited to citizens of certain countries, including Argentina
Visa on arrival: available to citizens of all countries, but only at designated airports in Vietnam
Tips for Obtaining a Vietnam Visa
- Apply early: Give yourself plenty of time to apply for your visa and obtain any necessary documents.
- Use a reputable service provider: If you choose to obtain a visa on arrival, make sure to use a reliable travel agency or visa service provider to obtain your approval letter.
- Bring extra passport photos: You will need two passport-sized photos for your visa application, so it’s always a good idea to bring extras just in case.
- Have cash on hand: You will need to pay the visa stamping fee in cash upon arrival, so make sure to have the appropriate amount with you.
- Check entry requirements for neighboring countries: If you plan to travel to other countries in the region, make sure to check the visa requirements before you go.
The Best Option for Obtaining a Vietnam Visa
The best option for obtaining a Vietnam visa depends on your individual travel needs and preferences. However, for most Argentine citizens, the Vietnam e-visa or visa on arrival are the most convenient and cost-effective options.
FAQs
Q: Can I get a visa to Vietnam as an Argentine citizen? A: Yes, you can obtain a visa to Vietnam as an Argentine citizen.
Q: Do I need a visa to visit Vietnam? A: Yes, you need a visa to enter Vietnam as an Argentine citizen, unless you are eligible for a visa exemption.
Q: What types of visas are available for Argentine citizens traveling to Vietnam? A: The two main types of visas available for Argentine citizens are the Vietnam e-visa and visa on arrival.
Q: How long does it take to obtain a Vietnam e-visa? A: The processing time for a Vietnam e-visa is 3 business days.
Q: Can I extend my Vietnam e-visa? A: No, you cannot extend or renew a Vietnam e-visa.
Conclusion
Obtaining a Vietnam visa for Argentine citizens is a straightforward process. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily obtain a visa and prepare for your trip to Vietnam. Remember to apply early, use a reputable service provider, and bring all necessary documents and fees with you on your trip. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a hassle-free trip to Vietnam.