Vietnam is a beautiful country located in Southeast Asia, known for its rich culture, delicious cuisine, and stunning landscapes. As a result, it has become a popular tourist destination for people from all over the world, including Paraguay. If you are a citizen of Paraguay and planning to visit Vietnam, you will need to obtain a visa before your trip. In this article, we will discuss the requirements, types, and procedures for obtaining a Vietnam visa for Paraguay citizens.
Paraguayan citizens need a visa to enter Vietnam for either tourism or business purposes. The visa requirements are straightforward, with two main application options: online or at a Vietnamese embassy.
Passport Validity
Your Paraguayan passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date from Vietnam.
Visa Types
There are two common visa types for Paraguayan citizens:
Tourist Visas
- Tourist visas (DL): For tourism activities, allowing stays of up to 30 days.
Business Visas
- Business visas (DN1, DN2): For business activities, allowing stays of up to 12 months.
Types of Vietnam Visas for Paraguayan Travelers
There are several types of Vietnamese visas that Paraguayan citizens can apply for, depending on the purpose and duration of their stay.
Tourist Visas
Tourist visas allow for a single entry and a stay of up to 30 days in Vietnam. These are suitable for vacations, sightseeing, visiting friends/relatives, etc.
Visa Exemptions
Paraguayan citizens under 15 years old and those holding diplomatic or official passports valid for at least 90 days are exempt from tourist visa requirements.
Business Visas
There are two types of business visas for Paraguayans:
- DN1 business visas – For business meetings/presentations, trade fairs, etc. Allows multiple entries and stays of up to 12 months.
- DN2 business visas – For establishing representative offices, branches, etc. Allows multiple entries and stays of up to 12 months.
Both require a letter of invitation from the sponsoring Vietnamese organization.
Applying for a Vietnam Visa from Paraguay: A Step-by-Step Guide
There are two options for Paraguayan citizens to apply for a Vietnamese visa:
Online Application
- Apply online through an authorized Visa on Arrival (VOA) e-visa agent.
- Receive approval letter within 2-3 working days.
- Present approval letter, passport, and visa fee upon arrival to obtain visa stamp.
Advantages
- Fast and convenient
- Cheaper VOA fee of $25 (single entry) or $50 (multiple entry)
Embassy Application
- Apply in person at the Vietnamese embassy in Asunción or a Vietnamese consulate.
- Submit required documents, passport, and visa fee.
- Receive visa after processing time of 3-7 working days.
Advantages
- Wider range of visa types available
- Can apply further in advance of travel
I recommend applying at least 2 weeks before your trip.
Vietnam Visa Processing Times for Paraguayan Applicants
Visa processing times vary by application method:
- VOA Approval Letter: Typically issued within 2-3 working days
- Embassy Application: Average processing time is 3-7 working days
So you should apply at least 2 weeks in advance with the embassy to ensure you receive your visa on time.
During peak travel seasons (e.g. summer, holidays), processing times may be longer for both methods.
Visa Validity
Once issued, tourist visas are valid for up to 30 days from the date of entry. Business visas allow stays in Vietnam for up to 12 months.
Visa-on-Arrival Options for Paraguayan Citizens Visiting Vietnam
Paraguayan passport holders can apply for Visa on Arrival (VOA) at certain major international airports in Vietnam:
- Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi)
- Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City)
- Da Nang International Airport
The VOA fees are:
- Single entry: $25
- Multiple entry: $50
Just present your approval letter, passport, photos, and payment upon arrival to get your visa stamp.
Vietnam Visa Extension Procedures for Paraguayan Travelers
If you wish to extend your stay in Vietnam, you can apply for a tourist or business visa extension with the Immigration Department.
The process takes 3-5 working days and you must submit:
- Visa extension application form
- Passport
- Visa extension fee payment
Extension duration and fees:
- Tourist visas – Up to 30 days extension – $25 fee
- Business visas – Up to 12 months extension – $50 fee
I recommend applying at least 5 working days before your original visa expires.
Exemptions and Exceptions to Vietnam Visa Requirements for Paraguayans
Some Paraguayan citizens are exempt from normal Vietnam visa requirements:
- Children under 15 years can enter visa-free for tourism stays of up to 30 days
- Diplomatic/Official passport holders are visa-exempt for business/tourism stays of up to 90 days
So children and officials simply need to show their valid passports upon arrival to enter Vietnam without a visa.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Vietnam Visa for Paraguayan Citizens
Do Paraguayan citizens need a visa to enter Vietnam?
Yes, Paraguayan citizens are required to obtain a visa before entering Vietnam. Paraguay is not on the list of countries that are exempt from visa requirements for Vietnam.
How can Paraguayan citizens apply for a Vietnam visa?
Paraguayan citizens can apply for a Vietnam visa online or at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate. The most convenient option is to apply online for a Visa on Arrival (VOA). To apply for a VOA, you will need to fill out an online application form and provide the following documents:
- A valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity
- A recent passport-size photograph
- A copy of your return or onward travel ticket
- Payment for the visa fee
Once your application is approved, you will receive an approval letter. You will need to present this approval letter to the immigration officer upon arrival in Vietnam to obtain your visa.
What are the different types of Vietnam visas for Paraguayan citizens?
There are two main types of Vietnam visas for Paraguayan citizens: tourist visas and business visas.
- Tourist visas are for short-term stays in Vietnam for tourism purposes. They can be issued for a single entry or multiple entries, and they can be valid for up to 30 days.
- Business visas are for stays in Vietnam for business purposes. They can be issued for a single entry or multiple entries, and they can be valid for up to 12 months.
How long does it take to process a Vietnam visa application for Paraguayan citizens?
The processing time for a Vietnam visa application for Paraguayan citizens typically takes 3-5 business days. In some cases, it may take longer if the application is incomplete or if there are any issues with the documents.
How much does a Vietnam visa cost for Paraguayan citizens?
The visa fee for Paraguayan citizens varies depending on the type of visa and the length of stay. For a single-entry tourist visa, the fee is typically around US$25. For a multiple-entry tourist visa, the fee is typically around US$50. For a business visa, the fee is typically around US$100.
Can Paraguayan citizens extend their Vietnam visa?
Yes, Paraguayan citizens can extend their Vietnam visa if they need to stay longer than the visa allows. Extensions can be obtained at the Immigration Department of Vietnam.
What happens if a Paraguayan citizen overstays their Vietnam visa?
Paraguayan citizens who overstay their Vietnam visa may be subject to a fine of US$5 per day. They may also be denied entry to Vietnam in the future.
Additional tips for Paraguayan citizens applying for a Vietnam visa:
- Make sure you apply for your visa well in advance of your travel date.
- Ensure that all of your documents are complete and accurate.
- Keep copies of all of your documents for your records.
- Be prepared to pay the visa fee in cash or by credit card.
Tips for obtaining an immediate Vietnam visa for Paraguayan citizens:
Option 1: Apply for a Vietnam visa on arrival
This is the most convenient and recommended option for Paraguayan citizens traveling to Vietnam by air. To apply for a visa on arrival, you will need to:
- Complete an online application form on the website of the Vietnam Immigration Department.
- Pay a service fee using a credit card or PayPal.
- Print out your visa approval letter and bring it with you to Vietnam.
- Upon arrival in Vietnam, proceed to the visa on arrival counter at the airport and present your passport, visa approval letter, and two passport-sized photos.
- Pay the stamping fee and collect your visa stamp.
Tips for applying for a Vietnam visa on arrival:
- Apply for your visa at least 2 working days before your departure date.
- Make sure you have a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity.
- Have two passport-sized photos ready.
- Be prepared to pay the stamping fee in cash (USD or VND).
Option 2: Apply for a Vietnam visa at a Vietnam embassy
There is no Vietnam embassy in Paraguay, so you will need to apply for your visa at the nearest Vietnam embassy in a neighboring country. The processing time for a Vietnam visa at an embassy is typically 3-5 working days.
Tips for applying for a Vietnam visa at an embassy:
- Contact the nearest Vietnam embassy for specific visa requirements and application procedures.
- Allow enough time for the visa processing to be completed.
- Submit all required documents, including your passport, visa application form, photos, and any supporting documents.
- Pay the visa application fee.
Additional tips for Paraguayan citizens traveling to Vietnam:
- Check the Vietnam visa exemption list to see if you are eligible for visa-free entry.
- Purchase travel insurance to cover medical emergencies and trip cancellation.
- Be aware of the local customs and laws.
- Learn some basic Vietnamese phrases.
- Enjoy your stay in Vietnam!