One of the biggest concerns for travelers planning a trip to Vietnam is: “What if I forget to apply for a visa until the weekend or a holiday? Is it too late?” The administrative hours for the Vietnam Immigration Department, embassies, and consulates are Monday through Friday (typically 08:00 – 17:00). They are closed on weekends and Vietnamese public holidays. However, as long as you understand the correct procedure for a “Visa on Arrival + Emergency Approval Letter,” you still have a chance to obtain an entry permit within a few hours, even on a Saturday, Sunday, or public holiday.
This article provides a detailed breakdown of the steps, timeframes, fee charts, and essential precautions for emergency Vietnam visa processing during weekends and holidays, ensuring you can travel with peace of mind even when pressed for time.
1. Why Can’t I Process a Standard Vietnam Visa on Weekends?
- E-Visa: Applications are submitted entirely online, but the processing department only reviews them during working days. Applications sent on weekends or holidays will not be processed until the next business day, taking approximately 3-5 working days.
- Embassy/Consulate Visas: These offices are closed on weekends and national holidays, meaning you cannot submit or collect documents.
- Vietnamese Public Holidays: Including New Year’s Day (January 1), Lunar New Year (Tet – from New Year’s Eve to the 5th day), Hung Kings’ Commemoration Day (10th day of the 3rd lunar month), Reunification Day (April 30), Labor Day (May 1), and National Day (September 2), among others. All government agencies are closed.
Therefore, if you need to travel to Vietnam urgently during a weekend or holiday, the E-Visa or “Visa on Arrival” paired with an “Emergency Approval Letter” is your viable solution.
3. Steps for Emergency Weekend/Holiday Visa Approval
Step 1: Access the Secure Online Application Form Click the links below to fill in your basic information (no file uploads required):
- For holidays, click here to apply (Select Visa on Arrival): 👉 https://www.vietnam-visa.in/apply-vietnam-visa/
- For Saturdays/Sundays, click here to apply (Select E-Visa): 👉 https://www.vietnam-visa.in/rush-e-visa-vietnam/
Step 2: Fill in the Application Form Provide your nationality, passport number, full name (exactly as it appears on your passport), date of birth, port of entry, and expected date of arrival. Make sure your entry date is set to the day you actually arrive in Vietnam (this is fine even on weekends or holidays).
Step 3: Select Emergency Processing Service The system offers various “Express Service” options. Please choose the appropriate plan based on your flight time (see the table below).
Step 4: Payment and Waiting for the Approval Letter Once payment is completed, the agency will immediately submit your application to the Immigration Department. The approval letter will be sent to your email as a PDF file.
Step 5: Boarding and Arrival with the Approval Letter
- Visa on Arrival:
- Before Boarding: The airline ground staff will check your approval letter (it is recommended to print a hard copy; if there is truly no time, a digital copy may be shown, but paper is safest).
- Arriving at the Airport: Proceed to the “Visa on Arrival” counter and submit:
- Copy of the approval letter.
- Two 2-inch photos (if unavailable, instant photos are available at the airport for about 3-5 USD).
- Original passport (at least 6 months validity).
- Stamping fee (25 USD for single entry, 50 USD for multiple entry; please bring cash in USD).
- Once processed, you will receive your visa stamp and can enter the country.
- E-Visa:
- Print it out and present it directly to enter Vietnam.
💡 Fast-Track Service: If you have absolutely no time to print the letter or prepare photos, you can purchase an “Extra Fast-Track” service. A staff member will meet you at the airport to assist with printing and guide you through customs. Please leave a remark when applying or contact us via the channels below.
4. Processing Time for Emergency Weekend/Holiday Visas
| Service Level | Applicable Application Time (Vietnam Time GMT+7) | Estimated Approval Time | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Hour Super Urgent | Available 24/7 | Within 1 hour of payment | Extremely urgent; flying within hours |
| 4-8 Hour Emergency – E-Visa | Saturday/Sunday 14:00 onwards | Before 18:30 same day | Weekend night or next-day morning flights |
| 4-8 Hour Emergency – VOA | Holiday before 08:00 | Before 18:30 same day | Holiday night or next-day morning flights |
📌 Times listed are for general situations. Actual processing may vary slightly based on the Immigration Department’s speed. It is recommended to apply as early as possible to avoid cutting it too close.
5. Fee Table for Emergency Weekend/Holiday Visas
The following are the Approval Letter service fees (excluding the airport stamping fee):
| Service Type | Single Entry (1-3 months) | Multiple Entry (1-3 months) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Hour Super Urgent | Check live quote via link | Check live quote via link | Highest price, for emergencies |
| 4-8 Hour Emergency (E-Visa) | From ~230 USD (inclusive) | From ~290 USD (inclusive) | Applicable on weekends |
| 4-8 Hour Emergency (VOA) | From ~165 USD | From ~165 USD | Applicable on holidays (+$25 at airport) |
🔍 For exact costs, please refer to the application page: 👉 https://www.vietnam-visa.in/apply-vietnam-visa/ Select “Emergency Service,” enter your nationality and entry date, and the system will automatically display the precise amount.
Additional Fee Reminders:
- Airport Photo Service: ~3-5 USD
- Fast-Track Service (Optional): ~30-45 USD (varies by airport)
6. Important Precautions (To Avoid Being Denied Boarding or Entry)
- Ensure Accuracy: The name and passport number on the approval letter must be 100% correct. Check immediately upon receipt; if there are any errors, contact the agency to request a correction.
- Five Major International Airports Only: Hanoi (HAN), Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), Da Nang (DAD), Nha Trang (CXR), and Hai Phong (HPH). If you are arriving via other land borders or domestic airports, you cannot use Visa on Arrival.
- Hard Copy Recommendation: While mobile displays sometimes work, it is highly recommended to print the approval letter in color. Most ground staff expect a physical copy.
- Passport Validity: Must be valid for at least 6 months and have at least one blank visa page.
- Immigration Overtime: Emergency fees are higher because they cover arranging staff to submit applications during non-working hours. Please do not bargain; this ensures your smooth travel.
7. If You Have Less Than 1 Hour? Contact Us Directly
If your situation is extremely unique (e.g., you are currently at a transit airport, need to fly to Vietnam within 2 hours, or are encountering system issues), please contact us immediately via the following channels. We will do our absolute best to assist you:
- Email: info@vietnam-visa.tw
- LINE/WeChat: vietnam-visa
In your message, please provide: Passport name, nationality, flight details, and airport of entry. Our support team will assess if there is a faster solution.
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