Vietnam Embassy Sticker Visa in Panama

The Vietnam Embassy Sticker Visa in Panama is a traditional and reliable option for Panamanian citizens, residents, and others in Panama 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 particularly useful for specific visa categories (such as business visas requiring sponsorship), longer durations.

Panamanian passport holders require a visa to enter Vietnam for tourism, business, or other purposes—no general visa exemption applies. Convenient modern alternatives 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, embassy-stamped solution through the Vietnamese embassy in Panama City for those preferring the classic in-person process.

1. Vietnam Embassy and Consulates in Panama

Vietnam maintains one diplomatic mission in Panama: the Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in Panama City.

The embassy serves as the primary hub for consular services, including issuing Vietnam embassy sticker visas, assisting Vietnamese nationals in Panama, document legalization, and promoting bilateral relations in trade, tourism, logistics, and cultural exchange between Vietnam and Panama.

• Address: Edificio Plaza 2000, Torre B, Piso 15, Oficina 1501, Calle 50, Panama City, Panama
• Phone: +507 302 6262 / +507 302 6263
• Fax: +507 302 6264
• Email: vnemb.pa@mofa.gov.vn
• Official Website: vnembassy-panama.mofa.gov.vn (English available)
• Working Hours: Typically Monday–Friday 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. (consular services often in morning/afternoon slots—always verify directly as hours may vary)

2. Can Panama Apply for a Traditional Sticker Visa?

Yes, Panamanian citizens and residents in Panama can apply for a traditional sticker visa at the Embassy of Vietnam in Panama City. Panamanian 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 preferring guaranteed pre-stamped processing over e-visa or visa on arrival.

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

Applying for a Vietnam embassy sticker visa in Panama is straightforward locally. Typical steps at the Panama City embassy:

1. Contact the Embassy: Call +507 302 6262 / +507 302 6263 or email vnemb.pa@mofa.gov.vn to verify requirements, check if an appointment is needed, and confirm submission options.
2. Gather Documents: Collect 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 your application, possibly coordinating with Vietnam’s Immigration Department (common for business visas).
5. Collect Your Visa: Return to pick up 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 Panama

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

• Valid Passport: Original Panamanian 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 Panama

• Processing Time: Typically 3–7 working days for standard applications (often faster locally), but can extend to 1–2 weeks 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)—often starting from US$25–$100+ (or equivalent in PAB/USD), plus possible stamping/service fees. Additional costs include photos or travel to Panama City.

6. Other Consular Services

Beyond sticker visas, the Vietnam Embassy in Panama City 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 Panamanian public holidays, such as:

• Vietnamese Tet (Lunar New Year, late January/early February).
• Vietnam National Day (September 2).
• Panamanian holidays like Independence Day (November 3), Separation Day (November 28)