Planning a trip to Vietnam in 2025? You’re not alone. From the rice terraces of Sapa to the food stalls of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam has become a favourite destination for travellers from New Zealand seeking adventure, culture, and vibrant local experiences. But before you pack your bags, there’s one important box to tick: getting your Vietnam travel visa. With several options available and updated entry rules in place, navigating the visa process can be confusing. This guide will walk you through every step, helping you secure the right visa for your journey with confidence and ease.
As of 2025, all New Zealand passport holders are required to obtain a valid visa before entering Vietnam for tourism purposes. Unlike some neighbouring Southeast Asian countries, Vietnam doesn’t offer visa-free access for short visits to New Zealand citizens. Whether you’re planning a two-week coastal road trip or a quick escape to the northern mountains, a travel visa is essential.
A Vietnam travel visa is specifically intended for non-business visits such as holidays, sightseeing, or meeting up with friends. Applying for the wrong visa type — like a business or work visa — can lead to delays, rejections, or even denied entry at the border. Therefore, it’s important to clearly define the purpose of your trip when applying.
Choosing the correct visa category not only ensures compliance with immigration laws but also makes your travel experience smoother. By understanding which visa is best suited to your itinerary, you can avoid unnecessary complications and enjoy a hassle-free arrival in Vietnam.
There are three primary visa pathways available for New Zealanders: the electronic visa (e-visa), the visa on arrival (VOA), and the traditional visa issued by a Vietnamese consulate or embassy. Each option suits different travel plans, levels of flexibility, and preferences.
The e-visa is the most convenient choice for most tourists. It allows either single or multiple entries and is valid for up to 90 days. The entire application is handled online, requiring only a digital photo and a scanned copy of your passport. Once approved, you’ll receive a PDF visa that you can print and present at your point of entry. E-visas are accepted at most international airports, land borders, and seaports.
The visa on arrival method is another option, particularly for those arriving by air at one of Vietnam’s international airports. This process involves pre-applying online for an approval letter. Once you land, you present the letter, pay a stamping fee, and have the visa attached to your passport on the spot. This method is not suitable for land or sea travellers.
Lastly, you can apply for a visa through the Vietnamese consulate or embassy in person or by post. This method is useful if you prefer to have a visa already in your passport before departure or if your travel plans involve more complicated entry points. However, it may take longer and require more documentation than other options.
Before starting your application, ensure your New Zealand passport is valid for at least six months beyond your expected arrival in Vietnam. This is a mandatory rule, and failure to meet it could result in visa rejection.
For e-visas and visas on arrival, you’ll need a high-resolution scan of your passport’s biographical page and a recent passport-style photo with a white background. The application form must be filled out accurately, matching all the details in your passport.
While e-visas generally don’t require additional documents, you may want to prepare copies of your accommodation bookings, return flight tickets, or a rough travel itinerary. These can come in handy if requested during your application or at immigration.
If you have any past immigration issues or a criminal record, be aware that it may impact your eligibility. It’s best to consult with a reliable visa provider in such cases to avoid delays or refusals.
Applying for an e-visa is a fast, user-friendly process perfect for New Zealand travellers. To begin, visit a trusted visa service like 👉 https://www.vietnamimmigration.com/apply-vietnam-visa/. You’ll be asked to fill out your personal details, upload your documents, and select your intended ports of entry and exit.
Once everything is submitted, you’ll be directed to make a secure payment. Standard processing usually takes between three to five working days, but express options are available for urgent situations — with turnaround times as fast as a few hours.
When approved, your visa will be sent via email. You must print a physical copy and keep it with your travel documents, as Vietnamese immigration will require it upon arrival. This format is especially convenient for solo travellers and families alike, and it reduces the risk of visa issues at the airport.
With minimal paperwork and quick turnaround, the e-visa is one of the best choices for Kiwi travellers heading to Vietnam in 2025.
The visa on arrival (VOA) option offers a flexible route, particularly for those making last-minute travel plans. To start, apply for an official visa approval letter through a reputable service 👉 https://www.vietnamimmigration.com/apply-vietnam-visa/. Once you receive the letter, you’ll print it and carry it with your flight documents.
When you arrive at one of Vietnam’s designated international airports, head to the visa on arrival counter. There, submit your approval letter, passport, passport photos, and a completed entry-exit form. You’ll pay a government stamping fee, after which your visa will be issued and affixed to your passport.
This method can be efficient, but it’s only available at airports — you won’t be able to use this if you’re entering by land or sea. Also, some travellers may find the queue and payment process at the airport inconvenient compared to receiving a visa in advance.
Still, if you prefer a flexible and direct approach without relying on postal applications or embassy visits, VOA remains a viable and widely used option.
Before your flight, double-check that all your visa details — name, passport number, dates — match exactly what’s printed in your passport. Even a minor error could cause entry issues.
Print multiple copies of your visa confirmation (if e-visa) and keep them with your travel documents. Immigration officers may ask to see your flight itinerary, hotel reservations, or proof of onward travel, so it’s a good idea to keep those handy.
To make your arrival even smoother, consider booking a Fast Track service at major Vietnamese airports. These services can help expedite immigration processing and save you time after a long-haul flight from New Zealand.
Always apply through a verified visa service to avoid scams or delays. We highly recommend 👉 https://www.vietnamimmigration.com/apply-vietnam-visa/ — a trusted platform with experience assisting New Zealand travellers. They offer 24/7 customer support and guaranteed application accuracy.
Choosing a reliable visa provider gives you peace of mind and can save you hours of frustration. Our team specialises in processing Vietnam travel visas for Kiwi travellers, offering a fast, accurate, and fully secure experience.
We back every application with a 100% approval guarantee or your money back. If you’re in a rush, our expedited services can deliver your e-visa in as little as 2–8 hours. Our professional staff reviews every document before submission, ensuring nothing is missed or incorrectly filled out.
You’ll also have access to friendly, around-the-clock support — no matter what time zone you’re in. Whether you need help understanding visa rules or uploading your documents, we’re here to make the process smooth and stress-free.
Start your visa application today 👉 https://www.vietnamimmigration.com/apply-vietnam-visa/
Vietnam is waiting — whether it’s the lantern-lit evenings of Hội An or the rolling hills of Da Lat. With the right visa in hand, your adventure from New Zealand to Vietnam can begin without delays or border hassles. Use this guide to make an informed decision, choose the visa type that fits your plans, and apply through a trusted channel. Your unforgettable journey starts with one small step — your travel visa.
