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How to Apply for an Emergency Vietnam Visa During Holidays in 2026? Essential Guide for United States Travelers
When an impromptu business trip or vacation to Vietnam arises, but time is tight—especially during public holidays—the visa issue can quickly become a headache. Don’t worry! For United States citizens, even on non-working days, there are still ways to expedite a Vietnam visa. This article provides a detailed breakdown of how to handle such emergencies, ensuring your trip to Vietnam goes smoothly.
Vietnam Visa’s “Working Days” Restriction: What You Need to Know
First, it’s crucial to understand the standard processing time for Vietnam visas. The administrative hours for Vietnam’s Immigration Department, embassies, and consulates are typically Monday to Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Vietnam time). Visa applications submitted during this period usually take 2 to 5 working days to process.
However, if you submit your application during the following times, processing will be delayed until the next working day:
- After 5:00 PM on weekdays (for online applications)
- Saturdays and Sundays
- Vietnamese public holidays (e.g., New Year’s Day, Lunar New Year, Hung Kings’ Commemoration Day, Reunification Day, International Labor Day, National Day, etc.)
- Public holidays in the country where the Vietnamese embassy/consulate is located (for in-person applications)
This means that if you need an emergency visa during Vietnam’s public holidays, the standard route won’t work.
The Only Solution for Holiday Emergency Visas: Visa on Arrival (VOA)
Since Vietnamese embassies and consulates are closed on public holidays, the only solution for United States citizens in such urgent situations is to apply for an expedited Visa on Arrival (VOA). This method allows you to apply online for an “Approval Letter” and then obtain the official visa upon arrival at a Vietnamese airport.
Important Reminders:
- Approval Letter Required Before Boarding: Airlines will check whether you have a valid visa approval letter before allowing you to board. Make sure the expedited service you choose can deliver the letter before your flight.
- Airport Visa Counters Operate 24/7: The visa-on-arrival counters at Vietnam’s international airports operate year-round, 24/7. As long as you have the approval letter, you can obtain your visa upon arrival, even on holidays.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for an Emergency Visa on Arrival (For United States Travelers)
The process for obtaining a visa on arrival is simple and convenient, requiring no physical documents:
- Apply Online for the Approval Letter: Submit your visa application through a designated online platform. A reliable application website is: https://www.vietnam-visa.hk/apply-vietnam-visa/.
- Fill Out the Application Form: Complete the online form with basic personal information and travel plans. No supporting documents are required.
- Choose Expedited Service: This is the critical step! During the application process, you’ll see multiple “expedited processing” options. Select the one that best fits your flight schedule.
- Receive the Approval Letter: Once approved, the visa approval letter will be emailed to you. Print it out or keep a digital copy on your phone for airline verification.
- Collect Your Visa at the Airport: Upon arrival at a Vietnamese international airport, proceed to the “Visa on Arrival Counter.” Prepare the following documents:
- Original passport (valid for at least 6 months)
- Printed or digital copy of the approval letter
- Two 3×4 cm passport-sized photos (if unavailable, photo services are usually available at the airport)
- Pay the visa stamping fee, and the immigration officer will attach the visa to your passport.
Breakdown of Expedited Processing Times: How Fast Can You Get It?
The processing speed depends on the service level you choose. Select the most suitable option based on your flight schedule:
- 8-Hour Processing Service: If you submit your application before 8:00 AM (Vietnam time, GMT+7) on a Saturday, Sunday, or public holiday, you’ll receive the approval letter by 6:30 PM the same day.
- 4-Hour Processing Service:
- If submitted before 8:00 AM (Vietnam time) on a holiday, you’ll receive the letter by 12:30 PM the same day.
- If submitted between 8:00 AM and 2:00 PM on a holiday, you’ll receive it by 6:30 PM the same day.
- 1-Hour Processing Service: With this option, you’ll receive the approval letter within about an hour after submitting your online application. This is the fastest option for extremely urgent cases.
Are Expedited Fees Higher?
Yes, emergency visa services cost more than standard applications. The faster the processing, the higher the fee. The exact cost varies depending on the expedited service type. Typically, the online application system lists the fees for each service, allowing you to choose based on your budget and urgency.
Conclusion
In summary, even during Vietnamese public holidays, United States citizens can quickly obtain an entry permit by applying for an expedited Visa on Arrival online. While the fees are higher than standard applications, this is the best solution for urgent needs. To avoid unnecessary extra costs, we recommend applying for your visa as early as possible once your travel plans are confirmed, ensuring a smooth journey or business trip to Vietnam!
