Because of the rapid spread of the coronavirus, also known as Covid 19, Vietnam has to make the unfortunate decision of preventing foreign visitors from entering the country. They have suspended the issuance of all kinds of visas and cancelled flights in and out of the country. Among those citizens that were barred from entering Vietnam are the Italians, whose country was badly hit by the pandemic.

Thankfully, the world is now trying to go back to normal and Vietnam has decided to issue tourist visas once again. For Italians who plan on going to Vietnam soon, here’s everything you need to know when it comes to applying for a Vietnam visa.

Do Italian Citizens Need a Visa to Vietnam?

Italian citizens are among those nationalities that were part of the visa waiver program of Vietnam. Therefore, they don’t need a visa to enter the country. However, the visa-free entry is only applicable to those who are staying for less than 15 days. If you’re going to be in Vietnam for 15 days or more, then you should get yourself a visa.

The good news is that Vietnam has made it easier for Italians to get a visa. They are eligible to avail of two types of visas, the e-visa and visa on arrival. The e-visa, also known as an electronic visa, is a travel document that’s being issued online. When you are approved of this visa, you can download it online and print. Bring it with you on your trip and that’s what you’ll show to the immigration counter in order to enter the country.

The other visa that Italians can apply for is called the visa on arrival. As the name goes, this is a visa that you can claim only when you arrive in the country. But before you can get the visa, you need to accomplish certain requirements, such as the pre-approval letter. The best part about the visa on arrival is that you can choose between single entry and multiple entries. You also get to choose the validity, which is either 30 days or 90 days.

How Can Italian Citizens Apply for the Vietnam E-visa?

If you want to apply for the e-visa for your trip to Vietnam, all you need to do is go online. When you’re online, follow the steps below:

1. Open the visa application form and fill it out. Enter your name, nationality, and other important details. Make sure you enter the information correctly before you go to the next page.
2. Next, upload a copy of your passport’s bio page. You can upload a scanned copy or take a photo of that page. Prepare a passport-sized photo in digital copy and upload that as well.

3. Next, get your card to pay for the processing fee. You may also pay using PayPal. After you submit the payment, wait for a confirmation that your visa is already being processed.
4. After a few days, you’ll receive an email regarding the status of your visa along with instructions on how you can download a copy. Print a copy of the visa and show it at passport control upon entry.

How Can Italian Citizens Apply for the Vietnam Visa on Arrival

For Italian travellers who plan on staying in Vietnam for up to 90 days and would prefer a multiple-entry visa, the visa on arrival is highly recommended. Here’s how you can get this type of visa.

1. Go online and fill out the visa application form to register. Make sure you enter your details correctly.
2. After a few days, you’ll get an email with a copy of the pre-approval letter. Print this together with the blank application form. Fill out the form and take it with you on your trip to Vietnam.
3. When you arrive at the airport, proceed to the visa landing counter. Give the pre-approval letter, application form, photos, and your payment for the stamping fee. Take note that they only accept cash in either USD or VND currency.
4. Wait for your name to be called. Once your visa is ready, you will be called back to the counter and your passport will be handed back to you. It will already have the visa sticker that you can use to enter.

It’s important to apply for your visa as early as you can. Now that Vietnam has started issuing visa after suspending it temporarily, they are expecting a surge of visitors to come to the country soon. If possible, apply for your visa at least two weeks in advance. That way, there will be ample time for the Vietnam Immigration to process your visa.