It was around the middle of March 2020 when Vietnam has decided to stop accepting visa applications from foreign visitors, including South Koreans. This was one of the country’s efforts to fight the spread of the deadly coronavirus or the Covid 19. South Korea is among those Asian countries that were badly hit by this pandemic.

Thankfully, the visa suspension is only temporary. Things are slowly going back to normal and Vietnam is once again accepting visa applications. In fact, South Koreans can enter Vietnam visa-free since they are among those nationalities that are eligible for the visa waiver program. Under this program, South Korean visitors don’t need a visa to enter the country for as long as their stay is only 15 days or less. But if you are planning to stay in Vietnam for more than 15 days, then you should apply for a visa.

Vietnam Visa Options for South Korean Visitors

It should be easy for South Korean visitors to get a visa to Vietnam. There are two options available for them – e-visa and visa on arrival. The e-visa is the electronic version of the standard Vietnam visa, which you can apply online. Once approved, this visa will be sent to your email in a PDF format and you can just print it. This is a single-entry visa with 30-day validity.

As for the Visa on Arrival, you’ll get this visa once you arrive at the airport of Vietnam. You are required to register online before your trip. When you register online, you’ll be asked to fill out an application form. Then they will send you a pre-approval letter through email. You’ll have to give this letter at the visa counter at the airport in order to be given a visa on arrival.

How to Apply for the Vietnam E-visa for Citizens of South Korea

It’s easy to apply for an e-visa since the entire process is done online. Therefore, you can do it right at the comfort of your home. So how do you go about it? Check this out.

1. First, go online and fill out the visa application form. Make sure you enter all details correctly. Double-check the spelling of your name and other details.
2. Next, you’ll be asked to upload a bio page of your passport. You can send in a scanned copy or take a photo of the page and upload it online.

3. On the payment page, enter your credit card details. It’s also possible to pay with PayPal. This will cost you around $25 and it is non-refundable. After you submit your payment, you’ll get a confirmation that your order is in process.
4. In about 3 business days, you’ll get an email for the status of your e-visa. If it’s approved, you’ll be asked to download a copy of the visa. After you download a copy, print at least two copies to bring to your trip.
5. When you arrive at the airport of Vietnam, go directly to Passport Control. Give your passport and show your visa. You can now enter the country and start your holiday.

How to Apply for the Vietnam Visa on Arrival for Citizens of South Korea

Although you’ll only get the visa on arrival at the airport, you are required to register in advance. You will then be given a pre-approval letter, which you will use to claim your visa.

1. First of all, you need to go online to pre-register. Fill out your name and other important details. Review everything and submit.
2. Once approved, you will be sent an email for the pre-approval letter and a blank application form. Print them out and fill out the form in advance.
3. When you arrive at the airport of Vietnam, look for the Visa Landing counter. Submit the letter, application form, and your passport. Pay for the stamping fee with cash and wait for your name to be called.
4. After a few minutes, you will be called back to the counter and they will hand you back your passport. Check the passport and it will have the visa sticker in it. Now you can go to Passport Control and start your holiday.

What Visa Should You Choose

As you see, both the e-visa and visa on arrival are easy to apply. But which visa is right for you? This will actually depend on how many days you will holiday in Vietnam and in what method you will enter. If you’re going to stay for 30 days only and you’re entering through the airport, seaport, or land entry points, the e-visa is a good option. However, if you need a multiple-entry visa and you are entering the airport, then the visa on arrival is the right choice.