Vietnam Embassy Sticker Visa in Lesotho

The Vietnam Embassy Sticker Visa in Lesotho is a traditional and reliable choice for Basotho citizens, residents, and others in Lesotho who prefer a physical visa sticker affixed directly into their passport. This embassy-issued visa supports entry to Vietnam by air, land, or sea and is especially useful for specific visa types (like business visas requiring sponsorship), longer stays.

Vietnam provides convenient modern options like the e-visa (up to 90 days, single or multiple entries) and visa on arrival (for air travel only), both accessible to Lesotho passport holders. However, the sticker visa offers a dependable alternative through the nearest Vietnamese diplomatic mission for those preferring the classic in-person process.

1. Vietnam Embassy and Consulates in Lesotho

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

Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in South Africa (Pretoria—often the most practical due to proximity and regional coverage).

• • Address: 377 Marais Street, Brooklyn, Pretoria 0181, South Africa (confirm current details via official channels).
  • Phone: +27 12 460 3095 / +27 12 460 3096
  • Email: vnemb.za@mofa.gov.vn
  • Website: vnembassy-pretoria.mofa.gov.vn

Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in Mozambique (Maputo—another nearby option for some applicants).

• • Address: Av. Kenneth Kaunda No. 1130, Maputo, Mozambique.
  • Phone: +258 21 497 266
  • Email: vnemb.mz@mofa.gov.vn

Other possibilities: Embassies in Angola (Luanda), Botswana (Gaborone), or further afield,

2. Can Lesotho Apply for a Traditional Sticker Visa?

Yes, Lesotho citizens (Basotho passport holders) and residents in Lesotho can apply for a traditional sticker visa at the nearest Vietnamese embassy (e.g., in Pretoria or Maputo). Lesotho passport holders require a visa to enter Vietnam for tourism, business, or other purposes—no general visa exemption applies.

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

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

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

Since there’s 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., Pretoria) to confirm they process Lesotho applications, verify current requirements, and inquire 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 Lesotho

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

• Valid Passport: Original Lesotho 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 Lesotho

• 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), plus stamping/service fees. Additional expenses include travel to the embassy (e.g., to Pretoria), photos, accommodation, or rush handling.

6. Other Consular Services

The nearest Vietnamese embassy (e.g., in Pretoria) 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., South African or Mozambican national/religious days).