Vietnam Embassy Sticker Visa in Maldives

The Vietnam Embassy Sticker Visa in Maldives is a traditional and secure option for Maldivian citizens, residents, and others in the Maldives who prefer a physical visa sticker affixed directly into their passport. This embassy-processed visa works for entry to Vietnam by air, land, or sea and is handy for certain visa types (like business visas needing sponsorship), extended stays, or when you want the assurance of direct embassy approval.

Maldivian passport holders require a visa to enter Vietnam for most purposes—no broad visa exemption applies (though limited visa-free access may exist for Phu Quoc island under strict conditions). Convenient modern options include the e-visa (up to 90 days, single or multiple entries) and visa on arrival (for air travel only). However, the sticker visa offers a dependable pre-approved alternative through the nearest Vietnamese diplomatic mission.

1. Vietnam Embassy and Consulates in Maldives

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

Consulate General of Vietnam in Mumbai, India (often the most practical due to proximity and regional handling for South Asian applicants).

• Address: 2210, 22nd Floor, B Wing, Mittal Tower, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021, India
• Phone: +91 22 2570 2033 / +91 22 2285 5662
• Email: tlsq.mumbai@mofa.gov.vn
• Website: vnconsulate-mumbai.mofa.gov.vn
• Distance from Malé: Approximately 2,210 km

Embassy of Vietnam in Myanmar (Yangon—another regional option listed for some South Asian/Pacific applicants).

• Address: No. 70, Pyay Road, Dagon Township, Yangon, Myanmar
• Phone: +95-1 356 6076
• Website: vnembassy-yangon.mofa.gov.vn

Other possibilities: Embassies in Sri Lanka (Colombo), Bangladesh (Dhaka)

2. Can Maldives Apply for a Traditional Sticker Visa?

Yes, Maldivian citizens and residents in the Maldives can apply for a traditional sticker visa (physical visa affixed in the passport) at the nearest Vietnamese embassy (e.g., Mumbai consulate or Yangon embassy). Maldivian passport holders require a visa to enter Vietnam for tourism, business, or other purposes—no general visa exemption applies.

The sticker visa is fully available and suits:

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

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

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 mission (e.g., Mumbai) to confirm they handle Maldivian 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 Maldives

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

• Valid Passport: Original Maldivian 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 Maldives

• 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., flights to Mumbai), photos, accommodation, or rush handling.

6. Other Consular Services

The nearest Vietnamese embassy (e.g., in Mumbai) 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., Indian Republic Day January 26, Independence Day August 15).