Vietnam visa requirement for the Sao Tome and Principe passports
The citizens of Sao Tome and Principe is not included in the visa exemption list; therefore, all Sao Tome and Principe need to apply visa to Vietnam for either tourism or business purpose.
At present, there are 3 options for the Sao Tome and Principe citizens applying for Vietnam visa:
1. Apply for Vietnam visa on arrival
If it is inconvenient for you to visit the Vietnam Embassy in neighboring countries, you may select Vietnam visa on arrival to simplify your visa application process.
Visa on arrival is an alternative way to obtain a visa to Vietnam in addition to the traditional way of obtaining a visa at Vietnam Embassy or Consulates. Once issued, it has same validity with the visa get from Vietnamese Embassy or Consulates. However, visa on arrival is applicable for those who travel Vietnam by airplane only.
2. Apply for a visa at the Vietnam Embassy
Since there is no representative office of Vietnam’s government in Sao Tome and Principe at present, the foreigners (including Sao Tome and Principe citizens and other nationalities residing in Sao Tome and Principe) are suggested to contact the nearest Vietnamese Embassy in neighboring countries: Nigeria, Angola and Tanzania to get pre-stamped visa.
3. Apply for e-visa for Vietnam
This is new pilot visa system which has just official launched in February 2017. In order to apply for e-visa for Vietnam, the Sao Tome and Principe citizens will prepare a file of passport copy and recently taken photo (it should show your full face, straight eyes look without glasses, light colored plain or white background). The e-visa fee (including the service fee and stamping fee) is paid once when the Sao Tome and Principe citizens apply for e-visa, thus no cash is required at arrival airport.
Vietnam e-visa is good for those who travel Vietnam less than 90 days with single or multiple entry. Since the visa fee is paid once when applying for visa, the travelers don’t have to bring cash for stamping fee at immigration counter therefore, the visa process at arrival airport is faster accordingly.
How to apply e-visa for Vietnam?
Step 1: Fill in the visa application form with required information.
Step 2: Pay the visa fee and get e-visa in maximum 3 – 5 working days (2 hours, 4 hours or 1 working day for a rush visa).
Step 3: Receive an email containing e-visa upon successful application. Please print out the e-visa, bring along with your passport to get on the plane.
Step 4: Present your e-visa at the immigration counter to get entry into Vietnam.
