Vietnam Embassy Sticker Visa in Somalia

The Vietnam Embassy Sticker Visa in Somalia is a traditional and reliable option for Somali citizens, residents, and others in Somalia 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 categories (such as business visas requiring sponsorship), longer stays.

Somalia 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 provides a dependable pre-approved solution through the nearest Vietnamese diplomatic mission for those preferring the classic in-person route.

1. Vietnam Embassy and Consulates in Somalia

There is currently no Embassy or Consulate of Vietnam in Somalia. Somali applicants for a Vietnam embassy sticker visa must apply through the nearest accredited Vietnamese embassy or consulate. The most practical and commonly accredited options include:

Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in Kenya

• Address: Limuru Road, Gigiri, P.O. Box 30554-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
• Phone: +254 20 712 2593 / +254 20 712 2594
• Email: vnemb.ke@mofa.gov.vn
• Website: vnembassy-nairobi.mofa.gov.vn

Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in Ethiopia

• Address: Bole Sub-city, Woreda 03, House No. 111, Behind Atlas Hotel, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
• Phone: +251 11 618 0541 / +251 11 618 0542
• Email: vnemb.et@mofa.gov.vn

2. Can Somalia Apply for a Traditional Sticker Visa?

Yes, Somali citizens and residents in Somalia can apply for a traditional sticker visa (physical visa affixed in the passport) at the nearest Vietnamese embassy (typically Nairobi or Addis Ababa). Somali 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 ideal for:

• All entry modes (air, land, sea).
• Visa categories needing 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 Somalia

With no local mission, the process typically involves traveling to or contacting the nearest embassy (Nairobi or Addis Ababa). Here’s the usual 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., Nairobi) to confirm they process Somali 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 Somalia

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

• Valid Passport: Original Somali passport with at least 6 months validity beyond your planned departure from Vietnam and at least 2 blank pages.
• Visa Application Form: Completed and signed (download from the embassy website or obtain on-site; usually in English).
• 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 Somalia

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

6. Other Consular Services

The nearest Vietnamese embassy (e.g., in Nairobi or Addis Ababa) 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., Kenyan or Ethiopian national/religious days).