Vietnam Consulate General in Vancouver Location, Visa Requirements & Contact Information
The Vietnam Consulate General in Vancouver is the official diplomatic mission representing Vietnam in British Columbia, Canada. It provides visa and consular services to residents of British Columbia, Yukon, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nunavut, and Northwest Territories.
The consulate issues various types of Vietnamese visas and authenticates documents issued in Vietnam. It also promotes Vietnamese culture, tourism, trade, and investment in Canada. This article provides comprehensive information about the Vietnam Consulate General in Vancouver, including its location, contact details, visa services, and requirements.
Location of Vietnam Consulate General in Vancouver
The Vietnam Consulate General in Vancouver is conveniently located in downtown Vancouver at 1179 Ogilvie Street, Vancouver, BC V6N 1W1.
The consulate office is situated close to Gilmore SkyTrain Station, making it easily accessible through public transit. Nearby major roads include Grandview Highway and Hastings Street. Paid street parking is available around the consulate.
The jurisdiction of the consulate covers British Columbia and the western provinces of Canada. It serves Vietnamese citizens in these provinces and Canadian citizens requiring visas for Vietnam.
Vietnam Consulate General in Vancouver Contact Information
The consulate office is open from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except on Vietnamese and Canadian public holidays.
General Inquiries: +1 604-682-0321
Email: vanphonglanhsu@vietnamconsulate-van.org
Website: http://vietnamconsulate-van.org/
In case of emergencies outside of working hours, Canadian citizens in Vietnam can contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa at +1 613-996-8885 (call collect if needed) or sos@international.gc.ca.
Vietnamese citizens in Canada in need of emergency assistance can contact the consulate at +1 604-682-0321.
Visa Services offered by Vietnam Consulate General in Vancouver
The Vietnam Consulate General in Vancouver issues various types of visas to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and other eligible foreigners planning to visit Vietnam. The main types of visas offered include:
- Tourist Visa (VN-01) – For single or multiple entry travel to Vietnam for up to 30 days. Extendable in Vietnam.
- Business Visa (VN-02) – For single or multiple entry travel to Vietnam for business purposes up to 3 months.
- E-Visa – Online visa for travel purposes up to 30 days. Quick and convenient.
- Work Permit Visa – For foreign nationals with a work permit in Vietnam. Issued for up to 2 years.
- Student Visa (VN-03) – For students enrolled in academic institutions in Vietnam for over 3 months.
- Temporary Residence Visa (VN-TT) – For foreign family members of Vietnamese citizens residing in Vietnam. Issued for up to 2 years.
- Diplomatic Official Visas – Issued to holders of diplomatic or official passports traveling to Vietnam for state purposes.
- Vietnam Visa Approval Letter – Approval letter required for certain visa categories issued within 2 working days.
The consulate only accepts visa applications submitted in person. Mail-in applications are not accepted. Applicants need to book an appointment online on the consulate website before visiting.
Requirements for obtaining a Visa at the Vietnam Consulate General in Vancouver
The key requirements for obtaining a Vietnam visa in Vancouver are:
- Original passport with at least 6 months validity and blank visa pages.
- Completed and signed application form with 2 recent passport photos.
- Letter of approval if required for your visa type.
- Return air ticket or travel itinerary.
- Processing fees paid by debit card. Cash not accepted.
- Additional eligibility documents depending on visa type.
All foreign nationals, except those from ASEAN countries, need a visa to enter Vietnam. Visa requirements differ based on nationality and purpose of visit. Instruction Packet on the website provides detailed guidance.
Visa approval letter takes 2 days. Simple Tourist Visa takes 3-5 working days. Other visa types can take 5-10 working days for processing. No expedited service offered.
Business and Tourist Visa options at Vietnam Consulate General in Vancouver
Tourist Visa
The tourist visa allows a stay of up to 30 days in Vietnam. A single-entry visa costs $85 CAD while a multiple-entry visa valid for 6 months costs $155 CAD.
This visa is suitable for short vacation trips to Vietnam. An approval letter is not required.
Business Visa
The business visa is issued for up to 3 months stay in Vietnam. Applicants need a business visa approval letter from the Vietnam Immigration Department.
A single-entry business visa costs $155 CAD while a multiple-entry visa valid for 6 months costs $305 CAD.
This visa suits business travelers attending meetings, trade shows, and conferences in Vietnam.
Validity and duration of Visa issued by Vietnam Consulate General in Vancouver
Tourist visas are generally valid for 2-5 years while business visas are valid for 1-2 years. The stay duration granted depends on the visa type:
- Tourist visa – Up to 30 days stay. Can be extended in Vietnam.
- Business visa – Up to 3 months stay. Multiple-entry valid for 6 months.
- Student visa – Duration of academic program plus 30 days.
- Work permit visa – Up to 2 years validity, multiple entries.
- Temporary residence – Up to 2 year validity, multiple entries.
So the validity refers to the overall timeframe the visa can be used and duration refers to the maximum length of each visit. The validity period commences from the date of visa issuance.
Expedited processing options available from Vietnam Consulate General in Vancouver
Unfortunately, the Vietnam Consulate General in Vancouver currently does not offer expedited visa processing service.
All applications submitted in person are processed in the order received. The published processing time is 3-15 working days depending on visa type.
To speed up the process, applicants are advised to book their appointment slot online in advance and ensure they bring complete documentation during visa submission.
Using the E-Visa service can also save time compared to applying in-person for short tourist trips to Vietnam. E-Visas are processed within 3 working days.
Fees associated with obtaining a Visa at Vietnam Consulate General in Vancouver
The Vietnam visa fees payable at the Vancouver consulate in Canadian dollars are:
- Tourist visa – Single entry ($85), Multiple entry ($155)
- Business visa – Single entry ($155), Multiple entry ($305)
- E-Visa – ($40 via online application)
- Approval letter processing fee – ($55)
- Visa stamping fee – ($45 per entry)
- Consular legalization fee – ($35 per document)
- Other special visas – Fees vary based on type
Payment must be made onsite at the consulate by debit card. Cash and credit cards are not accepted. The consulate website lists the latest fee structure.
Documents required for Visa application at Vietnam Consulate General in Vancouver
Here are the key documents to bring when applying for a Vietnam visa in Vancouver:
- Passport with minimum 6 months validity plus photocopies of the photo page.
- Completed 2-page visa application form with passport-size photos.
- Air ticket or e-ticket confirmation showing entry/exit from Vietnam.
- Visa approval letter (if applicable).
- A letter from your Vietnamese sponsor (for business visas).
- Additional supporting documents based on visa type like student cards, work permits etc.
- Debit card for payment of visa fees.
Review the instruction packet for your specific visa type before application. Incomplete applications cause delays. Photocopies of all documents are required.
Tips for a successful Visa application process at Vietnam Consulate General in Vancouver
Here are some tips for securing your Vietnam visa smoothly in Vancouver:
- Book your appointment online well in advance on the consulate website. Walk-ins are not accepted.
- Carefully review visa requirements for your specific situation and prepare all needed documents.
- Make sure your passport has required validity and empty pages. Bring 2 photocopies of the passport.
- Fill the visa form completely with accurate information. Any errors can lead to rejection.
- Provide confirmed flight itinerary showing entry and exit from Vietnam.
- For business visa, get the approval letter before applying.
- Pay all fees by debit card at the consulate. Cash or credit card cannot be used.
- Be polite and patient during the application process to get best service.
- In case of rejection, carefully review the reasons provided and re-apply accordingly.
Following these tips will help avoid common mistakes when applying for a Vietnam visa in Vancouver through the consulate. Advance preparation is key for smooth processing.