Are you a citizen of New Zealand planning to visit Vietnam? If yes, then you need a visa to enter Vietnam. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about getting a Vietnam visa from New Zealand.
What is a Vietnam visa?
A Vietnam visa is an official document issued by the Vietnamese government that allows foreign nationals to enter, exit and transit through Vietnam legally.
Do you need a visa for Vietnam from New Zealand?
Yes, as a New Zealand citizen, you need a valid visa to enter Vietnam for any purpose – tourism, business, or study. However, there are some exemptions for New Zealanders who plan to stay in Vietnam for less than 15 days. If your stay is longer than 15 days, you need to apply for a visa.
How to get a Vietnam visa from New Zealand ?
There are mainly two ways to get a Vietnam visa from New Zealand:
Option 1: Apply for an e-visa online
An e-visa is an electronic visa that can be applied online from anywhere in the world. To apply for an e-visa, follow these steps:
- Visit the official website of the Vietnam Immigration Department.
- Fill out the application form with your personal information and travel details.
- Upload a scanned copy of your passport photo and a recent photograph of yourself.
- Pay the processing fee online using a valid credit/debit card.
- Wait for the approval letter, which should arrive within three working days via email.
- Upon arrival in Vietnam, show the approval letter at the immigration counter, pay the stamping fee, and get your visa stamped in your passport.
Option 2: Apply for a visa on arrival
A visa on arrival (VOA) is a type of visa that is granted upon arrival at one of the designated international airports in Vietnam. To apply for a VOA, follow these steps:
- Find a reliable visa agency that offers VOA services.
- Fill out the online application form with your personal information and travel details.
- Pay the service fee online using a valid credit/debit card.
- Wait for the approval letter, which should arrive within two working days via email.
- Upon arrival in Vietnam, show the approval letter at the immigration counter, pay the stamping fee, and get your visa stamped in your passport.
Note: Unlike e-visas, VOAs are only available at certain ports of entry.
Vietnam visa New Zealand cost
The cost of a Vietnam visa from New Zealand varies depending on the type of visa you apply for, the duration of your stay, and the method of application. Generally, an e-visa costs less than a VOA. The stamping fee is the same for both types of visas and must be paid upon arrival.
Pros and cons of getting a Vietnam visa from New Zealand
Pros
- Easy online application process
- Quick processing time
- No need to visit a Vietnamese embassy or consulate in person
- Visa on arrival option available
- Valid for up to 30 days (e-visa)
Cons
- Not all ports of entry in Vietnam accept VOA
- Limited to single-entry only
- Cannot be extended once issued
Alternatives to getting a Vietnam visa from New Zealand
If you do not want to go through the hassle of applying for a visa, you can consider visiting some other Southeast Asian countries that offer visa-free travel for New Zealanders, such as Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
Step-by-step guide to applying for a Vietnam visa from New Zealand
Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying for a Vietnam visa from New Zealand:
- Determine the type of visa you need based on your purpose of visit and duration of stay.
- Choose the appropriate method of application – e-visa or visa on arrival.
- Fill out the application form with your personal information and travel details.
- Upload a scanned copy of your passport photo and a recent photograph of yourself (for e-visas).
- Pay the processing fee online using a valid credit/debit card.
- Wait for the approval letter to arrive via email.
- Upon arrival in Vietnam, show the approval letter at the immigration counter, pay the stamping fee, and get your visa stamped in your passport.
Tips for getting a Vietnam visa from New Zealand
- Apply for your visa well in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles.
- Make sure you have all the required documents ready before applying.
- Double-check your application form before submitting it to avoid any errors.
- Choose a reliable visa agency if applying for a visa on arrival.
- Carry enough cash to pay the stamping fee upon arrival.
The best way to get a Vietnam visa from New Zealand
The best way to get a Vietnam visa from New Zealand depends on your individual preferences and requirements. If you want a hassle-free and quick application process, an e-visa may be the best option for you. However, if you do not have access to a Vietnamese embassy or consulate in New Zealand, and you want more flexibility in terms of ports of entry, then a visa on arrival may be the better choice.
Ultimately, it’s important to choose a method that suits your needs and requirements.
Conclusion
Getting a Vietnam visa from New Zealand is a straightforward process. Regardless of whether you choose to apply for an e-visa or a visa on arrival, make sure you have all the required documents ready and double-check your application form before submitting it. By following these simple steps, you can obtain a valid visa and enjoy your trip to Vietnam hassle-free.
FAQs
- Do New Zealand citizens need a visa to enter Vietnam?
Yes, New Zealand citizens need a visa to enter Vietnam, except for stays of up to 15 days.
- How much does a Vietnam visa cost for New Zealanders?
The cost of a Vietnam visa for New Zealanders varies depending on the type of visa and duration of stay. Generally, an e-visa costs less than a VOA.
- Can I extend my Vietnam visa once issued?
No, Vietnamese visas cannot be extended once issued. If you wish to stay longer than the validity of your visa, you will need to leave the country and reapply for a new visa.
- What are the essential documents required for a Vietnam visa application?
The essential documents required for a Vietnam visa application include a valid passport, a completed application form, and a recent passport photograph.
- Is it possible to get a same-day Vietnam visa from New Zealand?
No, it is not possible to get a same-day Vietnam visa from New Zealand. The processing time for e-visas and visa on arrival is usually three working days and two working days, respectively.
