Vietnam Embassy Sticker Visa in Latvia

The Vietnam Embassy Sticker Visa in Latvia is a traditional and reliable option for Latvian citizens, residents, and others in Latvia who prefer a physical visa sticker affixed directly into their passport. This embassy-processed visa supports entry to Vietnam by air, land, or sea and is especially useful for specific visa types (such as business visas requiring sponsorship), longer stays, or when you want guaranteed pre-approval from an official diplomatic channel.

Latvian passport holders benefit from a visa exemption for short tourism or business stays of up to 45 days (under Vietnam’s unilateral policy in recent years), plus 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 the nearest Vietnamese embassy for those needing the classic, in-person embassy route.

1. Vietnam Embassy and Consulates in Latvia

There is currently no Embassy or Consulate of Vietnam in Latvia. Latvian applicants for a Vietnam embassy sticker visa must apply through the nearest accredited Vietnamese embassy or consulate. Common nearby options include:

Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in Finland (Helsinki—often the most practical for Baltic applicants due to proximity and regional jurisdiction).

• Address: Kulosaarentie 10, 00570 Helsinki, Finland.
• Phone: +358 9 622 9900 (consular inquiries recommended).
• Email: vnemb.fi@mofa.gov.vn.
• Website: vnembassy-helsinki.mofa.gov.vn.
• Distance from Riga: Approximately 364 km

Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in Sweden (Stockholm—another accessible option in the Nordic/Baltic region).

• Address: Odengatan 5, 114 24 Stockholm, Sweden.
• Phone: +46 8 453 30 70.
• Email: vnemb.se@mofa.gov.vn.

Other possibilities: Embassies in Russia (Moscow), Poland (Warsaw), or Germany (Berlin)

2. Can Latvia Apply for a Traditional Sticker Visa?

Yes, Latvian citizens and residents in Latvia can apply for a traditional sticker visa (physical visa affixed in the passport) at the nearest Vietnamese embassy (e.g., in Helsinki or Stockholm). While Latvian nationals enjoy visa-free entry for up to 45 days (tourism/short business), a visa is required for longer periods, specific purposes (e.g., work, study), or when extending beyond the exemption.

The sticker visa is fully supported and ideal for:

• Stays exceeding 45 days.
• Business or sponsored visas needing embassy approval.
• All entry modes (air, land, sea).

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

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

1. Identify and Contact the Nearest Embassy: Reach out (email/phone) to the accredited Vietnamese embassy (e.g., Helsinki or Stockholm) to confirm they process Latvian applications, verify current requirements, and ask about appointments or mail-in options.
2. Prepare Documents: Gather all necessary items (detailed in section 4).
3. Submit Application: Travel to the embassy for in-person submission (recommended for sticker visas) or send by mail if permitted. Provide your passport, form, photos, supporting documents, and pay fees.
4. Processing: The embassy reviews your application, often 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 Latvia

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

• Valid Passport: Original Latvian (or other) 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 Latvia

• Processing Time: Generally 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 extra fees.
• Fees and Costs: Vary by visa type (single/multiple entry, duration) and embassy policy—often US$25–$100+ (or equivalent in EUR), plus stamping/service fees. Additional expenses include travel to the embassy (e.g., to Helsinki or Stockholm), photos, accommodation, or rush handling.

6. Other Consular Services

The nearest Vietnamese embassy (e.g., in Helsinki or Stockholm) offers services beyond visas, such as:

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

7. Upcoming Office Closures

Embassies close for Vietnamese and host country public holidays. Expect closures around:

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