Vietnam is a country with a rich history, stunning landscapes, and a vibrant culture that attracts tourists from all over the world. For citizens of Albania, a visa is required for entry into Vietnam, whether for tourism, business, or transit purposes. Fortunately, the process of obtaining a visa for Vietnam is straightforward, and there are several options available for Albanian travelers. This guide provides all the essential information you need to know about obtaining a Vietnam visa as an Albanian citizen.
Types of Vietnam Visas for Albanian Citizens
VIETNAM VISA FOR ALBANIA CITIZENS Before applying for a visa, it is essential to determine the type of visa that suits your travel purpose. For Albanian citizens, there are several types of Vietnam visas to choose from, depending on the purpose of the trip.
1. Tourist Visa
The tourist visa is the most common type of visa for travelers visiting Vietnam for sightseeing, leisure, or visiting friends and family. There are two main options for tourist visas:
- Single-entry tourist visa: This allows Albanian travelers to enter Vietnam once and stay for a specified duration (usually 30 days).
- Multiple-entry tourist visa: Suitable for those who plan to leave and re-enter Vietnam during their trip. This type of visa allows Albanian citizens to stay in Vietnam for up to 90 days, with multiple entries allowed.
2. Business Visa
If you’re traveling to Vietnam for business purposes, such as attending meetings, conferences, or working with local companies, you will need a business visa. The business visa can be issued for a duration of up to 90 days, and in some cases, it can be extended if necessary. You may also apply for a multiple-entry business visa if you plan to travel in and out of Vietnam.
3. Transit Visa
For Albanian citizens who are passing through Vietnam on their way to another country, a transit visa may be required. Transit visas are typically valid for short stays of 3 to 7 days. If you are not planning to leave the airport, a transit visa may not be necessary, but if you plan to exit the airport, you must apply for one.
4. E-Visa
Vietnam also offers an e-Visa for Albanian citizens, which is a convenient option for those who need a single-entry visa for tourism. The e-Visa is available for stays of up to 30 days and can be applied for online. This is an ideal option for travelers who do not want to visit the embassy and prefer an easy, fast application process.
5. Visa on Arrival (VOA)
Visa on Arrival (VOA) is an option for Albanian citizens who are flying into Vietnam. However, this type of visa is only available for travelers arriving by air. To obtain a VOA, you need to first apply for an approval letter through a licensed Vietnamese travel agency or visa service. Once you receive the approval letter, you can present it upon arrival at the airport in Vietnam, along with the necessary documents and fees, to receive your visa.
How to Apply for a Vietnam Visa from Albania
Albanian citizens have several methods to apply for a Vietnam visa, including through the Vietnamese Embassy, the e-Visa system, or by obtaining a Visa on Arrival (VOA) if flying into Vietnam. Let’s take a look at the different application methods in more detail:
1. Applying Through the Vietnamese Embassy
The most traditional method for Albanian citizens to apply for a Vietnam visa is through the Vietnamese Embassy in a neighboring country or through a visa agency. Unfortunately, there is no Vietnamese embassy in Albania, but you can apply through the Vietnamese Embassy in Belgrade, Serbia, or use a visa service.
- Step 1: Complete the visa application form and gather required documents, including your passport (valid for at least 6 months), passport-sized photos, and proof of travel (such as flight tickets).
- Step 2: Submit the completed form and documents to the embassy or visa agency. Some embassies may allow you to submit documents by mail, while others may require in-person submission.
- Step 3: Pay the visa processing fee, which varies depending on the type of visa you are applying for.
- Step 4: Wait for your visa to be processed. This process may take anywhere from 3 to 5 business days.
- Step 5: Collect your visa once it is approved. Your visa will be stamped in your passport.
2. Applying for an E-Visa
VIETNAM VISA FOR ANDORRA CITIZENS If you are planning to visit Vietnam for tourism and want a more convenient option, you can apply for an e-Visa. The e-Visa is a single-entry visa that allows you to stay in Vietnam for up to 30 days. Here’s how to apply for the e-Visa:
- Step 1: Visit the official Vietnamese government e-Visa website.
- Step 2: Complete the online application form with the necessary details (passport information, travel dates, etc.).
- Step 3: Upload a recent passport-sized photo and a scanned copy of your passport.
- Step 4: Pay the processing fee online.
- Step 5: After submitting your application, wait for the approval, which typically takes around 3 business days. Once approved, you will receive your e-Visa by email.
3. Applying for a Visa on Arrival (VOA)
To apply for a Visa on Arrival (VOA), you must first obtain an Approval Letter from an authorized Vietnamese travel agency. Here’s how you can do it:
- Step 1: Apply for an Approval Letter through a licensed travel agency in Vietnam. The agency will submit your information to the Vietnamese Immigration Department.
- Step 2: Once your approval letter is granted, it will be emailed to you.
- Step 3: Upon arrival at one of Vietnam’s international airports, present your approval letter, along with passport photos, your passport, and the visa stamping fee.
- Step 4: You will receive your visa on arrival at the airport.
Vietnam Visa Fees for Albanian Citizens
The cost of a Vietnam visa depends on the type of visa and the processing method chosen. Below is a general breakdown of visa fees:
| Visa Type | Fee (USD) |
| Tourist Visa (Single-entry) | $25–$50 |
| Tourist Visa (Multiple-entry) | $50–$100 |
| Business Visa | $50–$150 |
| E-Visa (Single-entry, 30 days) | $25 |
| Visa on Arrival (Approval Letter) | $15–$25 |
Please note that these fees may vary depending on the specific embassy or agency and the visa service you choose.
Conclusion
Traveling to Vietnam from Albania is easy and convenient, thanks to various visa options available to Albanian citizens. Whether you’re visiting for tourism, business, or transit purposes, you can apply for a visa through the Vietnamese embassy, e-Visa system, or Visa on Arrival. Be sure to choose the visa type that best suits your travel plans and apply well in advance to ensure a smooth trip to Vietnam. With your visa in hand, you can look forward to exploring the beauty and culture of one of Southeast Asia’s most exciting destinations.
