Vietnam Visa Processing During Public Holidays 2025: What You Must Know (and Do)

Planning to visit Vietnam during the holidays? Be careful – visa processing might not be as smooth as you expect. Many travelers are caught off guard every year when visa approvals are delayed due to national holidays. Imagine you’ve booked your flight, packed your bags, and are just days away from your Vietnam adventure—only to find out your visa application hasn’t been processed because it’s Tet holiday and government offices are closed. This scenario isn’t rare. In fact, it’s one of the most common reasons why travelers get stuck. In this article, we’ll reveal the key public holidays in Vietnam that may affect visa processing, explain what really happens behind the scenes, and most importantly, show you how to avoid the mess and get your visa on time—even during holidays. Let’s make sure your travel plans go smoothly and stress-free.

📅 Overview of Vietnam’s Official Public Holidays

Vietnam celebrates several national holidays throughout the year, and many of them can significantly impact the visa processing timeline—especially for travelers unfamiliar with how things work locally.

Here are the major public holidays in Vietnam that you should mark on your calendar:

• Tết Nguyên Đán (Lunar New Year): Usually a 7–10 day holiday (January–February)
• Reunification Day (April 30) & International Labor Day (May 1): Often combined into a 4–5 day holiday
• National Day (September 2): Commonly a 2-day break
• Hung Kings’ Commemoration Day (10th day of the 3rd lunar month): 1–2 days off
• Vietnam People’s Public Security Day (August 19): 1-day break

During these holidays, most government departments, including the Vietnam Immigration Department, suspend operations entirely. This means that any visa application submitted during this period will be processed only after the offices reopen. If you’re traveling near or during any of these dates, keep reading.

⏳ Is Vietnam Visa Processing Active During Public Holidays?

The short answer is: No, not really.

Let’s break it down:

• Government-issued visas (via embassies or e-visas) are not processed on holidays. Though online applications might still be accepted, they will not be reviewed or approved until after the holidays are over.
• Visa on Arrival (VOA) services may also be disrupted. If you haven’t pre-arranged your approval letter before the holiday, you may face delays or complete inability to board your flight.
• Immigration counters at airports remain open, but they only accept travelers who already have the proper visa documentation in hand.

🛑 What Happens If You Apply Just Before or During a Holiday?

This is where many travelers run into trouble. Here’s a common scenario:

You apply for a Vietnam visa just 1-2 days before Tet holiday. You assume the system will work like other countries and process your e-visa within a few hours. Instead, your application sits untouched for days until the Immigration Department returns to work. By then, you’ve missed your flight or had to change travel plans—at a high cost.

🔎 Solution?

• Apply at least 7–10 days in advance if your arrival date falls around a holiday.
• Use express or rush visa services that still operate during weekends or holidays. This can be a lifesaver for last-minute trips.

⚡ Emergency Solutions: Fast-Track & Rush Vietnam Visa Services

If you’re short on time or caught in a holiday delay, don’t panic—you still have options.

There are reputable visa services that offer rush processing, even during public holidays. One such trusted provider is Vietnam Visa Services, which offers:

✅ Visa approval letters within 2–8 hours
✅ Support 24/7, including weekends and public holidays
✅ Verified documents, checked by professionals before submission
✅ Airport Fast Track Services to avoid long immigration lines
✅ Money-back guarantee if the visa isn’t issued in time

Whether you’re applying for an e-visa or a visa on arrival, having a reliable service to handle it during unpredictable times can make a huge difference.

🎯 Final Tips to Avoid Visa Trouble During Holidays

Don’t let a simple oversight ruin your travel experience. These tips can help ensure a smooth visa process—even when your plans fall during Vietnam’s busiest national holidays:

• 📅 Always check Vietnam’s public holiday calendar before booking flights.
• 🚀 Apply early—a good rule of thumb is 2 weeks in advance of your travel date.
• 💼 Keep a backup plan by identifying fast-track services or professional visa agents who work during off-hours.
• ✅ Bookmark Vietnamimmigration.com for any emergency visa needs.

By staying informed and prepared, you can confidently enjoy your trip to Vietnam—no matter what time of year you’re visiting.