Vietnam Embassy Sticker Visa in North Korea

The Vietnam Embassy Sticker Visa in North Korea serves as a traditional and official pathway for North Korean citizens (DPRK passport holders), residents, and others in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea seeking a physical visa sticker affixed directly into their passport. This embassy-issued visa supports entry to Vietnam by air, land, or sea and is particularly suitable for specific visa categories (e.g., business visas requiring sponsorship), extended stays, or when pre-approval through the diplomatic channel is preferred.

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), which are available to North Korean nationals in many cases. However, the sticker visa offers a dependable, embassy-stamped solution for those opting for the in-person traditional process.

1. Vietnam Embassy and Consulates in North Korea

Vietnam maintains one diplomatic mission in North Korea: the Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in Pyongyang.

This embassy acts as the key bridge for bilateral relations between Vietnam and the DPRK, handling consular services such as issuing Vietnam embassy sticker visas, supporting Vietnamese nationals in North Korea, document legalization, and promoting cultural/economic ties.

• Address: No. 7 Munsu Street, Pyongyang, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK)
• Phone: +850-2-381-7353
• Fax: +850-2-381-7676
• Email: vnembassydprk@mofa.gov.vn
• Working Hours: Monday to Friday

The Pyongyang embassy is the sole location in North Korea for Vietnam embassy sticker visa applications—suitable for in-person submissions where feasible.

2. Can North Korea Apply for a Traditional Sticker Visa?

Yes, North Korean citizens (DPRK passport holders) and residents in North Korea can apply for a traditional sticker visa at the Embassy of Vietnam in Pyongyang. North Korean 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 appropriate for:

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

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

Applying for a Vietnam embassy sticker visa in North Korea follows standard diplomatic procedures, though practical access may involve local coordination. Typical steps at the Pyongyang embassy:

1. Contact the Embassy: Reach out via phone (+850-2-381-7353) or email (vnembassydprk@mofa.gov.vn) to inquire about current requirements, appointment needs, and submission protocols.
2. Gather Documents: Prepare all required items (detailed in section 4).
3. Submit Application: Visit the embassy in person during consular hours (recommended for sticker visas). Submit your form, passport, photos, supporting documents, and pay the fee.
4. Processing: The embassy reviews the application, potentially coordinating with Vietnam’s Immigration Department (especially for business visas).
5. Collect Your Visa: Return to retrieve your passport with the sticker visa affixed once approved.
6. Travel: Enter Vietnam within the visa’s validity period.

4. Required Documents for Vietnam Embassy Sticker Visa Application in North Korea

Standard documents for a Vietnam embassy sticker visa from North Korea (confirm with the embassy) typically include:

• Valid Passport: Original DPRK 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 (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 North Korea

• Processing Time: Typically 3–7 working days for standard applications, but may extend to 1–2 weeks or longer depending on visa type, workload, and Hanoi coordination. Expedited options may be available for extra fees.
• Fees and Costs: Vary by visa type (single/multiple entry, duration) and purpose—often starting from US$25–$100+ (or equivalent in local currency), plus stamping/service fees. Additional costs include photos or any travel/logistics within Pyongyang.

6. Other Consular Services

Beyond sticker visas, the Vietnam Embassy in Pyongyang provides:

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

7. Upcoming Office Closures

The embassy closes for Vietnamese and North Korean public holidays, such as:

• Vietnamese Tet (Lunar New Year, late January/early February).
• Vietnam National Day (September 2).
• DPRK holidays like Day of the Sun (April 15), Founding Day (September 9)