Vietnam Embassy Sticker Visa in Kenya

The Vietnam Embassy Sticker Visa in Kenya is a traditional, reliable option for Kenyan citizens, residents, and others in Kenya who prefer a physical visa sticker affixed directly into their passport before departure. This embassy-issued visa is suitable for entry to Vietnam by air, land, or sea and is particularly useful for specific visa types (such as certain business visas requiring sponsorship), longer durations.

Vietnam provides convenient modern alternatives like the e-visa (up to 90 days, single or multiple entries) and visa on arrival (for air travel only), both widely available to Kenyan passport holders. However, the sticker visa offers a dependable embassy-stamped solution for those needing the traditional approach.

1. Vietnam Embassy and Consulates in Kenya

There is currently no Embassy or Consulate of Vietnam in Kenya. For Vietnam embassy sticker visa applications, Kenyan applicants must contact or visit the nearest accredited Vietnamese embassy or consulate. Common nearby options include:

Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in Tanzania (Dar es Salaam—often the closest and most practical for East African applicants).

• • Address: Plot No. 11, Bongoyo Road, Oysterbay, P.O. Box 9724, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
  • Phone: Check official Vietnam Ministry of Foreign Affairs or embassy sites for current numbers (e.g., consular lines).
  • Email: Typically via official channels; search vnembassy-dar or similar.

Other regional missions: Embassies in Egypt (Cairo), Ethiopia (Addis Ababa), or South Africa (Pretoria) may handle applications depending on jurisdiction and convenience.

2. Can Kenya Apply for a Traditional Sticker Visa?

Yes, Kenyan citizens and residents in Kenya can apply for a traditional sticker visa (physical visa affixed in the passport) at the nearest Vietnamese embassy (e.g., in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, or another accredited mission). Kenyan passport holders require a visa to enter Vietnam for tourism, business, or other purposes—no general visa exemption applies (though limited visa-free access may exist for Phu Quoc island under strict conditions).

The sticker visa is fully supported and ideal for:

• All entry modes (air, land, sea).
• Visa categories needing embassy approval or sponsorship (e.g., business visas).
• Travelers preferring guaranteed pre-stamped certainty over e-visa or visa on arrival.

3. Step-by-Step Application Process for Vietnam Embassy Sticker Visa in Kenya

With no local mission, the process typically involves traveling to or contacting the nearest embassy. Here’s the usual guide for a Vietnam embassy sticker visa:

1. Identify and Contact the Nearest Embassy: Research and reach out (email/phone) to the accredited Vietnamese embassy (e.g., Dar es Salaam) to confirm they process Kenyan applications, check current requirements, and ask about appointments or mail-in possibilities.
2. Gather Documents: Prepare all required items (detailed in section 4).
3. Submit Application: Travel to the embassy for in-person submission (recommended and often required for sticker visas) or send by mail if allowed. Provide your passport, form, photos, supporting documents, and pay fees.
4. Processing: The embassy reviews your application, frequently coordinating with Vietnam’s Immigration Department (especially for business visas).
5. Collect Your Visa: Retrieve your passport with the sticker visa affixed (in person or via courier if arranged).
6. Travel: Enter Vietnam within the visa’s validity period.

4. Required Documents for Vietnam Embassy Sticker Visa Application in Kenya

Standard documents for a Vietnam embassy sticker visa (via nearest mission) generally include:

• Valid Passport: Original Kenyan passport with at least 6 months validity beyond your planned departure from Vietnam and at least 2 blank pages.
• Photos: 2 recent passport-sized photos (4×6 cm, white background).
• Supporting Documents:
  • Travel itinerary (flight bookings, hotel reservations).
  • For tourism: Proof of purpose/funds if requested.
  • For business: Invitation/approval letter from a Vietnamese sponsor/company.

5. Processing Times, Fees, and Costs for Vietnam Embassy Sticker Visa in Kenya

• Processing Time: Typically 3–7 working days for standard applications at the embassy, but can extend to 1–2 weeks depending on visa type, workload, and approval from Hanoi. Expedited services may be available for additional fees.
• Fees and Costs: Vary by visa type (single/multiple entry, duration) and embassy—often US$25–$100+ (or equivalent), with possible higher amounts for certain nationalities plus stamping/service fees. Extra costs include travel to the embassy (e.g., flights and accommodation to Dar es Salaam), photos, postage, or rush handling.

6. Other Consular Services

The nearest Vietnamese embassy (e.g., in Dar es Salaam) offers services beyond visas, including:

• Passport and consular support for Vietnamese nationals.
• Document notarization, authentication, and legalization.
• Emergency assistance for Vietnamese citizens (e.g., lost documents, welfare issues).
• Civil registration (births, marriages) where applicable.
• General consular protection and bilateral support.

7. Upcoming Office Closures

Embassies close for Vietnamese and host country public holidays. Common closures include:

• Vietnamese Tet (Lunar New Year, late January/early February).
• Vietnam National Day (September 2).
• Host country holidays (e.g., Tanzanian national or religious days).