Ready to fly to Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, or Da Nang, but got blocked at the check-in counter? “Visa still Pending,” “One wrong digit in the passport number,” or “First and Last names swapped”… The most desperate part? It’s Saturday, Sunday, or a Vietnamese Public Holiday, and the Immigration Department is officially closed!
Don’t panic. This 2026 Updated Guide will show you how to use the “Green Channel” to save your flight and your vacation during non-working hours.
Many travelers fall into three major traps regarding the Vietnamese visa system, which often leads to cancelled tickets:
“Automated” does not mean “Instant”: While the official portal accepts applications 24/7, the approval is manual. On Saturdays and Sundays, officials are off-duty, and the system remains in a “stagnant state.”
Ground Staff “Zero Tolerance”: Whether you are flying with China Southern, Cathay Pacific, or STARLUX, if the passport number or spelling on your visa doesn’t match your passport exactly, agents will deny your boarding pass.
Specifics for Chinese Passports: Holders of “E-series” electronic passports can apply for E-visas, but if there is an error, it cannot be corrected manually at the airport. You must obtain a completely new, corrected document.
When official channels are closed, you need an expedited service with administrative processing priority.
Best for: Those who already submitted an application on the official website and have a Registration Code, but the status is stuck at “Pending.”
Best for: Those who haven’t applied yet, or whose original visa has errors (wrong passport number/name) and needs a total re-issue.
To save every second, prepare these clear photos/files on your phone immediately:
| Item | Requirement |
| Passport Bio Page | Must be clear, no glare, all four corners visible. Do not block the MRZ code at the bottom. |
| Portrait Photo | White background, color digital file from the last 3 months (a clear photo of a physical photo is acceptable). |
| Flight Info | Exact entry date and airport (e.g., SGN – HCM, HAN – Hanoi, DAD – Da Nang, CXR – Nha Trang, PQC – Phu Quoc). |
| Valid Email | For receiving your final PDF visa document. |
If you are currently stranded at the airport, contact support immediately:
The Vietnamese government has officially confirmed the 2026 Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday from February 14 (Lunar Dec 27) to February 22 (Lunar Jan 5), totaling 9 days. During this period, the Vietnam Immigration Department’s standard processing system will be completely suspended.
