There are few travel setbacks more stressful than reaching the airport ready to depart—bags packed, confirmation emails printed, itinerary saved—only to be told you cannot board without the proper Vietnam …
Lunar New Year, commonly known as Tet Holiday, is the most important and longest public holiday in Vietnam. While it is a festive and vibrant time for locals, for international travelers, it can quickly turn into a stressful period—especially when it comes to visa processing. Every year, many travelers face unexpected visa delays simply because they underestimate how strongly Lunar New Year affects Vietnam’s immigration system.
Missed flights, cancelled hotel bookings, disrupted business trips—these situations happen more often than you might think during Tet. The problem is not the visa itself, but the lack of accurate information and proper preparation. If you are planning to visit Vietnam during or shortly after Lunar New Year, understanding the real Vietnam visa processing time in Lunar New Year is critical. This guide will help you know what to expect, what risks to avoid, and what you should do to secure your visa safely—even during the busiest holiday of the year.
Under normal circumstances, Vietnam visa processing is relatively straightforward. For most travelers applying for a Vietnam eVisa or tourist visa, the standard processing time is 3–5 working days. Some applications may take longer if additional verification is required, but delays are generally predictable.
However, one key detail is often overlooked: visa processing time is calculated based on working days only. Weekends and public holidays are not counted. This means that when a long national holiday like Lunar New Year occurs, the actual waiting time can extend far beyond what applicants expect.
During peak travel seasons, the number of visa applications also increases significantly. Even outside holiday periods, higher application volume can slow down processing—so when Tet arrives, delays become far more likely.
Lunar New Year is the longest public holiday in Vietnam. Each year, government offices—including the Immigration Department—close for approximately 7 to 9 consecutive days, depending on the official holiday schedule.
Specifically, during Lunar New Year 2026, the Vietnam Immigration Department will be closed for 9 days, from February 14, 2026 to February 22, 2026. During this period, visa applications will not be processed, and all pending cases will only be reviewed after government offices reopen.
During this holiday period:
This creates a processing “blackout window” during which all visa cases are temporarily put on hold. Applications submitted shortly before Tet may remain pending until the holiday ends, and processing will resume only after normal working days return. For travelers with flights scheduled during or immediately after Lunar New Year, this delay poses a significant risk.
Technically, yes—you can still submit your visa application online during Lunar New Year. However, this is where many travelers misunderstand the process.
👉 Submitting an application does not mean it will be processed immediately.
Even though the system may accept applications, actual review and approval will only begin after the holiday period ends. If you apply during Tet expecting quick results, your visa may remain in “pending” status for several days.
This misconception leads many travelers to apply too late, assuming Vietnam eVisa processing is always fast—only to realize, often at the last minute, that their visa will not be ready before departure.
The most common reasons travelers experience visa delays during Lunar New Year include:
During Tet, even a small miscalculation can result in serious consequences—missed flights, wasted expenses, and disrupted travel or business plans.
The safest approach is to apply earlier than usual, ideally 2–3 weeks before Lunar New Year. Early preparation significantly reduces the risk of unexpected delays.
For travelers with urgent plans, last-minute schedule changes, or emergency entry needs, professional visa support becomes the most reliable solution.
At VietnamImmigration.com, we specialize in handling Vietnam visa applications during peak seasons and public holidays, including Lunar New Year. With more than 15 years of experience in Vietnam visa and immigration services, our expert team understands every procedural detail and potential risk involved.
Our service advantages include:
Instead of dealing with uncertainty during the busiest travel period of the year, you can rely on a professional team that actively monitors your application and handles every step with precision.
If your trip to Vietnam falls during or shortly after Lunar New Year, waiting until the last minute is the biggest risk you can take. Understanding the true Vietnam visa processing time in Lunar New Year and choosing the right strategy can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress.
Whether you prepare well in advance or require urgent assistance, staying proactive is the key. With proper planning—and trusted professional support—your journey to Vietnam can remain smooth and worry-free, even during the country’s most important holiday.
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