Vietnam visa processing time: E-visa, Visa On Arrival 2026

Vietnam visa processing time in 2026 usually ranges from 2 to 25 working days, depending on the visa type and application method. For most travelers, Vietnam E-VISA processing time is 3–5 working days via the official government portal, while Visa On Arrival approval letters take about 2–4 working days. Applications submitted through a Vietnam Embassy or Consulate typically require 5–10 working days, depending on location and workload.

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Understanding the Basics of Vietnam Visa Processing

Vietnam visa processing time refers to the period from submitting a valid application to receiving legal permission to enter Vietnam. A critical detail most applicants overlook is that processing time can include two separate stages.

The first stage is the approval or pre-approval, and the second stage is the actual visa issuance or stamping.

For Vietnam E-VISA, both stages are combined into one online process.

For Visa On Arrival, the approval letter timeline is separate from the airport stamping time.

For embassy visas, the process depends on the internal workload of each diplomatic mission.

According to the latest 2025 regulations in Law No. 23/2023/QH15 ^[1] , Vietnam now grants E-visas valid for up to 90 days, single-entry or multiple-entry, to citizens of all countries and territories.

Any reference to 30-day-only E-visas is legally outdated.

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Key Factors Influencing Vietnam Visa Processing Time

From our daily work with the Vietnam Immigration Department, processing speed depends on several concrete factors.

Applicant nationality plays a decisive role. Some nationalities are subject to additional internal verification, which extends the visa application timeline.

Visa type directly affects processing time. Tourist visas move faster than business, work, or investor visas due to fewer legal documents.

Application channel matters. E-VISA processing is centralized, while embassy and consulate applications depend on local staffing and workload.

Seasonal volume causes processing delays. Peak travel periods and TET holiday visa processing slow down approvals across all channels.

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Vietnam Visa Processing Time Breakdown by Application Method

Visa Type	Processing Channel	Estimated Time	Key Notes
Vietnam E-VISA	Official online portal	3–5 working days	May extend to 7 days during peak season
Visa On Arrival	Online approval letter	2–4 working days	Airport stamping: 15–30 minutes
Embassy Visa	Vietnamese embassy/consulate	5–10 working days	Varies by country
Business Visa (DN)	Sponsor + Immigration Dept	7–12 working days	Requires company documents
Work Visa (LD1/LD2)	Employer + Immigration Dept	15–25 working days	Multi-stage legal process
5-Year Visa Exemption	Immigration Office or Consulate	5–7 working days	Document legalization required

*Note: Depending on many factors, the time it takes to receive a visa can vary.

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Vietnam E-VISA Processing Time Explained

Vietnam E-VISA processing time is officially listed as 3–5 working days. In practice, approvals may arrive earlier or later depending on verification volume.

E-visas are issued through the official portal at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn. Applicants receive a digital visa document, not a physical sticker.

According to the latest 2025 regulations in Law No. 23/2023/QH15, E-visas allow:

Maximum validity of 90 days

Single-entry or multiple-entry

Entry through approved international ports

A critical detail most applicants overlook is entry port consistency. Entering through a port not selected on the E-VISA can result in denied boarding or entry refusal.

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Visa On Arrival Processing Time and Approval Letter Timeline

Visa On Arrival processing time consists of two phases. The first phase is the visa approval letter timeline, which usually takes 2–4 working days.

Urgent approval letters can be issued faster with proper justification. The second phase is airport stamping, which takes 15–30 minutes at Vietnamese international airports.

Visa On Arrival requires:

Pre-approved letter before departure

Entry by air only

Payment of stamping fee upon arrival

From our daily operational cases, VOA remains suitable for travelers needing urgent Vietnam visas.

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Vietnam Embassy and Consulate Visa Processing Time

Applying through a Vietnam Embassy or Vietnam Consulate typically takes 5–10 working days. Processing speed varies widely by country.

Embassy visas may take longer due to:

Local public holidays

Limited consular staff

Manual verification processes

Some embassies offer expedited services, but approval is not guaranteed. Fees and timelines differ by location.

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Standard vs. Expedited (Urgent) Vietnam Visa Processing

An urgent Vietnam visa shortens processing time through priority handling. This service is legal and commonly used for business emergencies and last-minute travel.

Typical Expedited Visa Timelines

Service Level	Processing Time
Same-day	4–8 working hours
Next working day	1 business day
Weekend processing	Case-by-case approval

Expedited visa fees depend on visa type and urgency level. Urgent processing is unavailable during full public holiday closures. A critical detail most applicants overlook is that false urgency claims can result in rejection.

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Processing Time for Business, Work, and Investor Visas

Visa type	Processing details	Typical timeline
Business Visa (DN)	Processing includes sponsor company verification.	7–12 working days.
Work Visa (LD1 / LD2)	Processing involves multiple stages: Work permit approval Visa issuance Entry permission	15–25 working days, sometimes longer.
Investor Visa (DT)	Timeline depends on investment capital and licensing.	Often exceeds 20 working days.
Practical note	From our experience since 2003, document accuracy determines speed more than urgency fees.

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Common Reasons for Vietnam Visa Processing Delays

Processing delays usually result from preventable issues.

Incomplete documentation is the most common cause. Missing sponsor letters or incorrect passport scans halt applications.

Passport data discrepancies cause internal verification delays. Even minor spelling differences can suspend processing.

TET holiday visa processing slows approvals nationwide. Government offices close or operate at reduced capacity.

Unofficial websites and scam portals cause rejections. Only official or authorized channels should be used.

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Tracking Your Vietnam Visa Application Timeline

E-VISA applicants can track status directly on the official portal. Updates appear under the reference code provided at submission.

Visa On Arrival applicants track status through their service provider. Approval letters are issued digitally.

Embassy applicants must contact the issuing mission directly. Processing timelines vary by jurisdiction.

If your visa application timeline exceeds the expected window, professional intervention is recommended.

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Temporary Residence Registration After Entry

A critical legal step after entry is temporary residence declaration.

Hotels usually complete this automatically. Private stays require landlord registration with local police.

Failure to register can cause fines or visa issues during extensions.

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FAQ

What is the guaranteed processing time for a Vietnam E-VISA?

There is no officially guaranteed processing time for Vietnam e-Visas. In most cases, standard processing takes about 3–5 working days, depending on workload and verification needs.

Can I apply for an urgent Vietnam visa on a weekend?

Yes, you can submit an urgent application on weekends. However, approval depends on officer availability and whether your case meets urgency requirements.

Does nationality affect Vietnam visa processing time?

Yes, nationality can impact processing time. Some nationalities require additional verification, which may extend the review period.

Is the processing time different for a 90-day visa?

No, the visa duration does not affect processing speed. Both short-term and long-term visas follow the same review timeline.

Does using a third-party agency speed up the process?

Agencies cannot override government procedures or guarantee faster approval. However, they help ensure accurate submissions and reduce the risk of delays caused by errors.

When should I contact the Immigration Department?

You should contact the Immigration Department if your application has exceeded 10 working days without any status updates. This helps clarify whether additional documents or actions are needed.

With over 20 years of experience, Tan Van Lang is a trusted provider of Vietnam visa services for foreigners. Our professional consultants deliver accurate advice and compliant solutions to ensure a smooth and stress-free process. If you are looking for reliable visa support in Vietnam, contact Tan Van Lang directly via 08.666.000.63 (WhatsApp) for fast and personalized assistance.