Home Arrow FAQ Arrow How Early Should I Apply for a Vietnam Visa?

How Early Should I Apply for a Vietnam Visa?

You should apply for your Vietnam visa at least 7–10 days before your trip. During peak travel seasons, it’s safer to apply around 15–20 days in advance to allow extra buffer.

The ideal time to apply for a Vietnam visa depends entirely on the type of visa you are getting.

1. Vietnam E-Visa (The Most Common Online Visa)

Recommended time: Apply at least 7–10 calendar days before your intended entry date to allow buffer for weekends, public holidays, or additional checks.

Why? The official government processing time is 3-5 business days, but processing may take longer than expected during peak periods, public holidays, or if your application requires additional review.

Important: Your e-visa is valid only within the validity dates printed on the visa. Make sure the validity period covers your planned arrival and departure dates (including any buffer days). You can choose an entry date within the next 30 days.

2. Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA) (for air travelers with a pre-approved approval letter)

Recommended time: Apply 7–14 days before arrival to receive the approval letter and prepare the required documents

Why? The approval letter is processed by a Vietnamese agency and usually takes 2-3 business days for standard service. Applying 1-2 weeks ahead gives a safe buffer.

3. Visa at the Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate (Sticker in Passport)

Apply 2–3 weeks before travel. Embassies may require more documents, interviews, or longer verification.

Why? This method involves mailing your passport or visiting an embassy. Processing times vary greatly by embassy (from 3-5 days to a full week), and you must account for mail transit time. Check your specific embassy's website for their stated processing times.

Why should to apply for a Vietnam visa soon?

  • Avoids last-minute stress if there are processing delays
  • Gives you time to fix any errors in your application
  • Processing times can be extended during public holidays or periods of high application volume
  • Some applications require additional verification, which takes longer

Tips for a Smooth Process

  • Peak seasons often mean longer wait times:
    • December–February (Tet holiday period)
    • June–August (summer tourism season)

So it’s recommended to apply earlier (for example, 15–20 days in advance) to build in buffer.

  • If you need faster processing, Vietnam offers expedited e-visa options (extra fee), such as:
    • Urgent: Guaranteed within 2 business days
    • Super-urgent: Within 1 business day (depending on your nationality and timing)
  • Passport validity: Many airlines and immigration checks expect your passport to have at least 6 months validity beyond your travel dates and sufficient blank pages.
  • Consider adding a few buffer days before and after your actual travel dates when specifying entry/exit dates, in case of flight changes
  • If possible, avoid booking non-refundable flights or hotels until your visa is approved, or choose options with flexible changes.
  • Accuracy is key: Any mismatch (name, passport number, date of birth, or travel dates) can cause delays, rejection, or boarding/entry issues. Double-check all details carefully.

Even though the Vietnam e-visa is fast, applying well in advance ensures peace of mind and avoids last-minute stress.

Related Articles

View more Arrow
COOKIE SETTINGS