Vietnam visa requirement for Ethiopia nationality
The citizens of Ethiopia is not included in the visa exemption list; therefore, all Ethiopians need to apply visa to Vietnam for either tourism or business purpose.
At present, there are 3 options for the Ethiopian citizens applying for Vietnam visa:
1. Apply for a visa at the Vietnam Embassy:
Since there is no representative office of Vietnam’s government in Ethiopia at present, the foreigners (including Ethiopian citizens and other nationalities residing in Ethiopia) are suggested to contact the nearest Vietnamese Embassy in neighboring countries: Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Tanzania and Saudi Arabia to get pre-stamped visa.
2. Apply for Vietnam visa on arrival:
If it is inconvenient for you to visit the Vietnam Embassy in neighboring countries, you may select Vietnam visa on arrival to simplify your visa application process.
Visa on arrival is an alternative way to obtain a visa to Vietnam in addition to the traditional way of obtaining a visa at Vietnam Embassy or Consulates. Once issued, it has same validity with the visa get from Vietnamese Embassy or Consulates. However, visa on arrival is applicable for those who travel Vietnam by airplane only.
3. Apply for e-visa for Vietnam
From August 15th, 2023, the citizens of Ethiopia are eligible to apply for the 90 days (single or multiple entry) e-visas for Vietnam.
In order to apply for Vietnam e-visa, the Ethiopian will prepare a file of passport copy and recently taken portrait (it must show your full face, have straight eyes look, light colored plain background and without wearing glasses or hat).
The Vietnam e-visa application process should be as follows:
Step 1: Fill in the visa application form with required information;
Step 2: Pay the visa fee and get e-visa in maximum 3 – 5 working days;
Step 3: Receive an email containing e-visa upon successful application. Please print out the e-visa, bring along with your passport to get on the plane.
Step 4: Present your e-visa at the immigration counter to get entry into Vietnam.
Common issues with Vietnam e-visa application for Ethiopian citizens
- Lengly processing time: Normally, it takes 3 – 5 working days to complete an e-visa. However, if you filled in the form with the incorrect information or photos, the processing time will be extended. This may affect to your trip to Vietnam as you can not board the plane with an “in processing” e-visa;
- Typos or spelling mistakes: If you complete the form with the data that doesn’t match your passport details, the visa application will be denied and need to be amended.
- Images quality: If you uploaded a poor quality or incorrect images your visa application will be denied. Please prepare the images of passport and portrait at good quality that all the information can be read easily.
- The address in Vietnam: You will need to provide with the specific address of a temporary residence in Vietnam. Please do not fill in the form with the name of hotel only, but write down the hotel address including the street, ward, district and province (or city).
- Apply for e-visa when you are inside of Vietnam: It is not possible to apply for an e-visa when you are still staying in Vietnam. In order to apply for a new visa to stay long in Vietnam, you will need to fly out of the country and make an application from outside of the country.
- Visa fee reimbursement: If your visa is rejected by the Vietnam Immigration Department, your money will not be refunded.
