From Jan 2020, almost all countries around the world have halted the visa application services because of the coronavirus pandemic. The virus, also known as Covid 19, has spread very rapidly and has taken the lives of thousands of people worldwide. Vietnam was one of those countries that have made the decision to temporarily suspend visa issuance for all foreign visitors. These include visitors from Greece, a country that has reported hundreds of confirmed coronavirus cases.

But the suspension of visa issuance is only temporarily. It’s available once again, which means that Greek visitors can now enjoy a relaxing holiday to the country. As a citizen of Greece, you are required to have a visa before you can enter the country. But getting a visa to Vietnam is now so easy. In fact, Greek citizens are eligible for two types of visa, the e-visa and visa on arrival.

Vietnam E-visa for Citizens of Greece

If you need an easy way to enter Vietnam, you should get an e-visa. This visa can be easily availed online and the entire process of application is done over the Internet. Thus, you can apply it right at the comfort of your home or anywhere that has an Internet connection.

When applying for a Vietnam e-visa for citizens of Greece, you must make sure you have your passport with you. You will be asked to enter some details from your passport and you need to also upload a scanned copy of the passport’s bio page. If you don’t have a scanned copy, simply take a photo of the page and upload it on the application form. It’s very important that you fill out the form completely. Make sure all details are correct and most especially the spelling of your name.

Before you submit the form, you’ll be asked to pay for the processing fee. For this, you can pay with your debit card or credit card. After you make a payment, your application form will be submitted and the Vietnam Immigration will start to process your visa application. Remember that the processing fee you’ve paid for is non-refundable. So if your visa application is rejected, you can no longer take your money back.

Vietnam Visa on Arrival for Citizens of Greece

Another visa that Greek citizens are eligible for is the visa on arrival. As the name suggests, it’s the visa that you can get upon your arrival at the airport. However, before you can get the visa, you’ll have to register for it in advance online. After you register, they will send you a pre-approval letter, which you need to present at the airport in order to be given this visa.

Along with the pre-approval letter, they will send you a blank application form. You need to print this as well. Fill out the form in advance to save time.

When you arrive at the airport, head to the visa landing counter. At the counter, submit your passport, pre-approval letter, and your photo. Pay for the $25 stamping fee in cash and wait as they process your visa. After they process your visa, you will be called back to the visa counter. Then they will give you your passport that already has a visa sticker

Things to Keep In Mind

Take note that the Vietnam e-visa is good only for single entry and is valid for only 30 days. If you’re going to stay in Vietnam for longer than 30 days, then you must apply for the visa on arrival. With the visa on arrival, you get to choose between single entry and multiple entry visas. You can also choose between 30 days and 90 days. But take note that the visa on arrival is only issued at airports. So if you’re entering through the land border or seaport, this will not work for you.

Now that Vietnam has opened its visa issuance after suspending it for year due to Covid 19, the government is expecting to receive a surge of visa applications in the next few weeks. So if you’re travelling to Vietnam soon, you might as well apply for your visa as early as possible. If you’re in a hurry, you can pay more to expedite your visa processing.

Travellers who need assistance in going through Vietnam’s busy airport can benefit from the Fast Track Service. With this service, a representative will be waiting for you at the airport when you arrive. He or she will then assist you in getting your visa at the counter if you applied for the visa on arrival. The best part is that you will be using a fast track lane that’s reserved only for VIP passengers. Thus, you’d be able to get out of the airport fast and avoid the busy crowd.