You’ve just booked your flight to Vietnam. Excitement is building, your itinerary is set, and your bags are nearly packed. But there’s one thing standing in the way of your …
Traveling to Vietnam during the Lunar New Year is a unique experience filled with cultural richness, family traditions, and festive energy. However, behind the excitement lies a practical concern that worries many international travelers: immigration procedures. Because the Lunar New Year is Vietnam’s most important public holiday, normal government operations follow a very different rhythm. Misunderstanding this timing can result in delayed visas, unexpected cancellations, or even being unable to board your flight. This article explains, in clear and natural English, how Vietnam’s immigration system works during the Lunar New Year and what you should do to protect your travel plans.
The straightforward answer is no. During the Lunar New Year, Vietnam Immigration Offices are officially closed according to the national holiday schedule. These closures usually last 5–9 consecutive days, depending on the year, as the exact dates change annually based on the lunar calendar. During this period, immigration officers are on holiday, and standard administrative services are temporarily suspended.
Because offices are closed nationwide, travelers cannot submit new applications, request amendments, or receive in-person support during the holiday. Even applications that were submitted shortly before the Lunar New Year may not be reviewed until offices resume work. This pause affects most routine immigration procedures and often creates a backlog once the holiday ends.
For travelers who are unfamiliar with Vietnam’s holiday structure, this can be surprising. Unlike shorter public holidays in some countries, the Lunar New Year represents a complete shutdown of many government functions. Understanding this reality early is essential if your travel dates fall close to the holiday period.
Many travelers assume that because the e-visa platform is online, it must operate normally during the Lunar New Year. In practice, this assumption can be misleading. While the online system may still allow you to submit an application, the processing itself is usually paused while immigration officers are on holiday.
This creates a false sense of security. Applicants may successfully upload documents and receive confirmation of submission, yet see no progress for several days. Approval decisions are typically issued only after the holiday ends, once staff return to work and begin clearing accumulated applications.
For travelers with tight schedules, this delay can be critical. If your flight is scheduled during or shortly after the Lunar New Year, relying on standard e-visa processing carries a real risk. Planning ahead or seeking alternative solutions is often the only way to avoid last-minute complications.
Unlike immigration offices, immigration counters at Vietnam’s international airports continue operating throughout the Lunar New Year. Airports do not close for the holiday, and entry procedures remain available around the clock for arriving passengers.
This includes major international gateways such as Ho Chi Minh Airport, Hanoi Airport, Danang Airport, and other international airports across the country. Officers are present to stamp entry and complete arrival formalities for eligible travelers, even on the most important holiday dates.
However, airport immigration services are strictly limited to travelers who already hold a valid visa or an official approval letter. Airport officers do not issue new visas if your documentation is incomplete or unapproved. In other words, airport immigration remains open, but it cannot fix visa problems created by holiday closures elsewhere.
Traveling during the Lunar New Year without proper visa arrangements exposes travelers to several serious risks. Airlines may refuse boarding if visa documents are not valid, regardless of ticket confirmation. This alone can lead to significant financial loss and disrupted itineraries.
In addition, once the holiday begins, access to official assistance becomes extremely limited. With immigration offices closed, there is no easy way to resolve errors, clarify application status, or request urgent reviews. Travelers may find themselves waiting helplessly while flights depart as planned.
Beyond financial loss, the stress of managing these issues during one of the busiest travel seasons can be overwhelming. Careful preparation before the Lunar New Year is not just recommended—it is often essential for a smooth journey.
The most reliable approach is to ensure your visa is fully approved before the Lunar New Year begins. For travelers whose schedules do not allow for early planning, urgent visa support services can provide a practical alternative during the holiday period.
Many travelers choose VietnamImmigration.com because its support services continue operating even when government offices are closed. These services are designed specifically for peak seasons and public holidays, offering urgent visa approvals within 2–8 hours, fast-track assistance at airports, simplified documentation checks, and professional support available 24/7.
This approach removes uncertainty and ensures you arrive in Vietnam smoothly—no matter the holiday schedule.
To apply for urgent Vietnam visa in Lunar New Year holiday, you can visit this link: https://www.vietnamimmigration.com/apply-vietnam-visa/
The Lunar New Year is the most significant celebration in Vietnam, and it brings widespread closures across government departments. Vietnam Immigration Offices do not operate during the Lunar New Year, standard visa processing pauses, and only travelers with approved visas can enter through airports.
If your trip coincides with this period, advance preparation is the key to a stress-free journey. By understanding how immigration works during the holiday and securing the right visa solution ahead of time, you can fully enjoy Vietnam’s festive atmosphere without unnecessary delays or risks.
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