Vietnam Embassy Sticker Visa in Switzerland

The Vietnam Embassy Sticker Visa in Switzerland is a traditional and reliable option for Swiss citizens, residents, and others in Switzerland who prefer a physical visa sticker affixed directly into their passport. This embassy-processed visa allows entry to Vietnam by air, land, or sea and is especially suitable for certain visa types (such as business visas requiring sponsorship), extended stays.

Swiss passport holders benefit from a visa exemption for short tourism or business stays of up to 45 days (under Vietnam’s current unilateral policy for many EU/EFTA countries, including Switzerland). Convenient modern alternatives include the e-visa (up to 90 days, single or multiple entries via evisa.gov.vn) and visa on arrival (for air travel only). However, the sticker visa remains fully available through the Vietnamese embassy in Bern for those needing the classic embassy route or for stays beyond the exemption period.

1. Vietnam Embassy and Consulates in Switzerland

Vietnam maintains one diplomatic mission in Switzerland: the Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in Bern.

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

Address: Kirchenfeldstrasse 28, 3005 Bern, Switzerland
Phone: +41 31 388 78 78
Fax: +41 31 388 78 79
Email: vnemb.ch@mofa.gov.vn
Official Website: vnembassy-bern.mofa.gov.vn
Working Hours: Monday–Friday 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m

2. Can Switzerland Apply for a Traditional Sticker Visa?

Yes, Swiss citizens and residents in Switzerland can apply for a traditional sticker visa at the Embassy of Vietnam in Bern. While Swiss nationals enjoy visa-free entry for up to 45 days (tourism/short business), a visa is required for longer stays, specific purposes (e.g., work, study), or when extending beyond the exemption.

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

Stays exceeding 45 days.
Business or sponsored visas needing embassy approval.
All entry modes (air, land, sea).

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

Applying for a Vietnam embassy sticker visa in Switzerland is clear and convenient locally. Typical steps at the Bern embassy:

Contact the Embassy: Email vnemb.ch@mofa.gov.vn or call +41 31 388 78 78 to verify requirements, check if an appointment is needed, and confirm submission options.
Gather Documents: Collect all required items (detailed in section 4).
Submit Application: Visit the embassy in Bern in person during consular hours (recommended for sticker visas). Submit your form, passport, photos, supporting documents, and pay the fee.
Processing: The embassy reviews your application, possibly coordinating with Vietnam’s Immigration Department (common for business visas).
Collect Your Visa: Return to pick up your passport with the sticker visa affixed once approved.
Travel: Enter Vietnam within the visa’s validity period.

4. Required Documents for Vietnam Embassy Sticker Visa Application in Switzerland

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

Valid Passport: Original Swiss 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 Switzerland

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 services 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 CHF), plus possible stamping/service fees. Additional costs include photos or travel to Bern.

6. Other Consular Services

Beyond sticker visas, the Vietnam Embassy in Bern 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 Swiss public holidays, such as:

Vietnamese Tet (Lunar New Year, late January/early February).
Vietnam National Day (September 2).
Swiss holidays like National Day (August 1), Christmas/New Year, and Easter Monday.