Planning a tropical escape to Vietnam from New Zealand? Whether you’re craving street food in Hanoi, a beach break in Da Nang, or an island getaway in Phu Quoc, Vietnam …
Vietnam’s mix of tropical charm, rich heritage, delicious food, and affordable travel continues to attract Kiwis year after year. Whether you’re heading to the buzzing streets of Ho Chi Minh City or the peaceful rice terraces in Sapa, one thing you’ll need to sort before you fly is your visa. This guide explains exactly how New Zealand passport holders can apply for a Vietnam tourist visa in 2025 — from the types available to the documents you need and how long it all takes. Let’s get you visa-ready for your next Southeast Asian adventure.
New Zealand citizens planning to travel to Vietnam for tourism can choose between two main types of visas: the Electronic Visa (E-Visa) and the Visa on Arrival (VOA). Both options are official and widely accepted, but each has its own advantages depending on your travel preferences.
The E-Visa is processed entirely online. It grants entry for up to 90 days and allows you to enter Vietnam through airports, land borders, and seaports. This option is ideal for travellers who prefer to have everything arranged in advance and avoid long queues at the airport.
The Visa on Arrival, on the other hand, is designed for those flying into Vietnam who want the convenience of collecting their visa once they land. To use this method, you’ll need to apply for a visa approval letter ahead of your trip, which you’ll present at the airport upon arrival.
While it’s still possible to apply for a visa through the Vietnamese Embassy, this route is typically slower and requires more paperwork. The majority of Kiwi travellers now opt for either the E-Visa or VOA because they’re faster and easier to manage.
Before you begin your visa application, make sure your New Zealand passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of arrival in Vietnam and contains at least one blank page for visa stamping.
You’ll also need a digital passport-style photo with a white background, along with a scanned copy of your passport’s bio page. These will be uploaded as part of your online application process.
When applying, you’ll need to enter personal information such as your full name, date of birth, passport number, and planned travel dates. A credit or debit card that supports international payments will be needed to complete the transaction. Some services may also ask for optional documents like hotel bookings or travel insurance, though they are not mandatory.
New Zealand citizens can apply for a Vietnam E-Visa either through the official government website or via a reliable third-party service such as Vietnam Immigration, which offers faster turnaround and added support.
Start by filling out the application form online. You’ll upload your passport scan and photo, then carefully enter your personal details. It’s crucial that all the information matches exactly what’s printed in your passport.
Once submitted, you’ll choose either standard or expedited processing, then pay the required fee. Standard processing usually takes around 3–5 working days, but if you’re in a rush, express service can deliver your visa in as little as 4–8 hours. When your visa is approved, you’ll receive it by email in PDF format. Print a copy and keep a digital backup to show at immigration when you arrive in Vietnam.
For those who prefer to get their visa upon arrival in Vietnam, the Visa on Arrival option is a reliable alternative. This method is available only to travellers entering via air.
To use VOA, you’ll first need to request a visa approval letter from a licensed agency such as Vietnam Immigration. Once you receive the letter (usually via email), print it out and carry it with your travel documents.
When you land at a Vietnamese international airport, head to the visa counter. There, you’ll submit your approval letter, passport, a filled-out entry/exit form, passport-sized photos, and pay the stamping fee. After that, your visa will be placed directly into your passport.
This approach is flexible and useful for travellers with tight schedules or those needing multi-entry access. If you’re short on time, some agencies even offer fast-track services to help you skip queues and speed up the process.
Timelines can vary depending on which visa you choose and how quickly you need it. E-Visas typically take 3 to 5 business days to be approved, though peak seasons or holidays may cause slight delays. For urgent applications, express options are available and can deliver results in under a day.
If you’re going with the VOA method, your approval letter usually arrives within 1–3 business days, and can also be fast-tracked if required. Either way, it’s best to start your application at least one week before your flight, giving you enough time to correct any mistakes or submit missing documents.
Using a visa agency to handle your application can help you stay on track, especially if you’re new to the process or planning your trip on short notice.
Ensure that your passport photo is recent, clear, and meets standard passport photo specifications. Avoid using selfies or filtered images, as these may be rejected during review.
Be extra cautious when entering your personal information in the form. Even a small typo in your passport number or name could result in a rejected application or delays in approval.
After your visa is approved, print at least one physical copy to carry with you, and store an electronic copy on your phone or in your email. Having both versions ensures you’re covered if you’re ever asked for it during transit or arrival.
While it’s entirely possible to apply for your visa independently, many travellers from New Zealand choose to use professional visa services to save time and avoid errors.
Trusted agencies like Vietnam Immigration offer 24/7 customer support, double-check all your documentation, and provide a 100% visa approval guarantee. They also offer quick processing options for travellers with urgent needs.
For those who’d rather not deal with unfamiliar government portals, or who want extra peace of mind before a big trip, working with a visa service is often the most stress-free option.
👉 Apply for your Vietnam visa here
Vietnam continues to be one of the most exciting destinations for Kiwi travellers — and getting a visa is easier than ever before. Whether you choose to go with an E-Visa or Visa on Arrival, knowing what documents you need and applying early will help ensure your trip starts smoothly. Don’t leave it to the last minute. Get your visa sorted, and start planning the adventure of a lifetime.
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