Vietnam Embassy Sticker Visa in Laos

The Vietnam Embassy Sticker Visa in Laos is a traditional and straightforward option for Lao citizens, residents, and others in Laos who prefer a physical visa sticker affixed directly into their passport. This embassy-issued visa is perfect for entry to Vietnam by air, land, or sea—especially useful for longer stays, specific visa categories (like business visas requiring sponsorship), or when you want the assurance of direct embassy processing.

Lao passport holders benefit from a visa exemption for short stays of up to 30 days (tourism or business, per bilateral agreements), along with convenient alternatives like the e-visa (up to 90 days, single or multiple entries) and visa on arrival (for air travel). However, the sticker visa remains fully available through Vietnam’s diplomatic missions in Laos for those needing guaranteed pre-approval or the classic route.

1. Vietnam Embassy and Consulates in Laos

Vietnam maintains one embassy and several consulates in Laos, making it easy for local applicants to access Vietnam embassy sticker visa services. These missions handle visa issuance, support for Vietnamese nationals, document legalization, and strengthening Vietnam-Laos bilateral ties in trade, culture, and tourism.

Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in Vientiane

• Address: No. 85, 23 Singha Road, Ban Phonxay, Saysettha District, Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR
• Phone: +856 21 451 990 or +856 21 413 403
• Fax: +856 21 413 379
• Email: vnemb.lao@mofa.gov.vn or vnemb.lao@gmail.com
• Website: vnembassy-vientiane.mofa.gov.vn
• Working Hours: Typically Monday–Friday

Consulate General of Vietnam in Savannakhet (supports southern Laos)

• Address: No. 118, Sisavangvong Road, Kaysone Phomvihane District, Savannakhet Province
• Phone: +856 41 212 418
• Fax: +856 41 212 182
• Email: Often via tlsxavan@laotel.com

Consulate General of Vietnam in Luang Prabang (supports northern Laos)

• Address: 427-428, That Bo Soth Village (or Wat That Village, Phothisalath Road), Luang Prabang
• Phone: +856 71 254 747 / 254 748
• Fax: +856 71 254 746
• Email: tlsq-lpb@mofa.gov.vn or tlsqlpb@yahoo.com

Applicants can choose the nearest mission—Vientiane for central areas, Savannakhet for the south, or Luang Prabang for the north—for Vietnam embassy sticker visa applications.

2. Can Laos Apply for a Traditional Sticker Visa?

Yes, Lao citizens and residents in Laos can apply for a traditional sticker visa at the Embassy in Vientiane or one of the Consulates General in Savannakhet or Luang Prabang. While Lao nationals enjoy visa-free entry for up to 30 days (tourism/short business), a visa is required for longer stays, specific purposes (e.g., work, study), or when extending beyond the exemption.

The sticker visa (physical affix in the passport) is fully supported and ideal for:

• Stays exceeding 30 days.
• Business or sponsored visas needing embassy approval.
• All entry modes (air, land, sea—great for border crossings).

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

Applying for a Vietnam embassy sticker visa in Laos is clear and accessible locally. Typical steps (may vary slightly by mission):

1. Contact the Mission: Call or email the Vientiane Embassy (or relevant Consulate) to verify requirements, check if an appointment is needed, and confirm submission options.
2. Gather Documents: Prepare all required items (detailed in section 4).
3. Submit Application: Visit in person during consular hours (recommended for sticker visas). Submit your passport, form, photos, supporting docs, and pay fees.
4. Processing: The mission reviews your application, possibly coordinating with Vietnam’s Immigration Department (especially for business visas).
5. Collect Your Visa: Return to pick up your passport with the sticker visa affixed (in person or as arranged).
6. Travel: Enter Vietnam within the visa’s validity.

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

Standard documents for a Vietnam embassy sticker visa (confirm with your chosen mission) include:

• Valid Passport: Original Lao (or other) passport with at least 6 months validity beyond 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 (flights/hotels or border plans).
  • For tourism: Proof of purpose/funds if requested.
  • For business: Invitation/approval letter from Vietnamese sponsor/company.

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

• Processing Time: Typically 3–5 working days for standard applications (faster locally due to proximity), but can extend to 1 week depending on visa type, workload, and Hanoi approval. Expedited options may be available for extra fees.
• Fees and Costs: Vary by visa type (single/multiple entry, duration)—often starting from US$25–$100+ (or equivalent in LAK), plus stamping/service fees. Additional costs include photos or travel to the mission.

6. Other Consular Services

Beyond sticker visas, Vietnam’s missions in Laos offer:

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

7. Upcoming Office Closures

Missions close for Vietnamese and Lao public holidays, including:

• Vietnamese Tet (Lunar New Year, late January/early February).
• Vietnam National Day (September 2).
• Lao holidays like New Year (Pi Mai Lao, mid-April), National Day (December 2).