Traveling to Vietnam during Lunar New Year can be an unforgettable experience for many American travelers. The country comes alive with festivals, family gatherings, and vibrant cultural traditions. However, behind the excitement, there is one critical detail that often causes serious stress — obtaining a Vietnam e-visa during the Tet holiday period. Each year, many U.S. citizens encounter unexpected delays simply because they assume visa processing continues as usual.
While Vietnam’s e-visa system remains accessible online during Lunar New Year, the actual approval process operates very differently. Immigration offices follow the national holiday schedule, staffing is reduced, and application volumes increase sharply. For Americans with fixed travel plans, understanding these realities and preparing accordingly is essential to avoid last-minute disruptions.
Yes, U.S. passport holders are still allowed to submit Vietnam e-visa applications during Lunar New Year. The online application platform does not shut down during Tet, which often gives travelers a false sense of security about approval timelines.
In reality, submitting an application does not mean it will be reviewed immediately. Immigration officers process applications according to official working days, and during Lunar New Year, those working days are significantly reduced. As a result, applications may remain untouched for an extended period.
For American travelers departing on scheduled flights, this delay can be more than an inconvenience. A visa that would normally be issued within a few business days may take much longer, creating uncertainty and forcing travelers to reconsider their plans.
Lunar New Year is Vietnam’s longest and most important public holiday. Most government agencies, including immigration offices, close for several consecutive days or operate with minimal staff once they reopen.
During this period, visa applications are rarely prioritized. Requests for clarification or document corrections may go unanswered for days, leaving applicants without updates or guidance. This lack of communication can be especially stressful for international travelers.
For U.S. citizens, even a small mistake can have serious consequences. An incorrect passport detail or an improperly formatted photo may cause an application to be delayed until after the holiday, potentially affecting flights, accommodations, and overall travel schedules.
One major factor behind e-visa delays is the surge in travel demand around Lunar New Year. Vietnam attracts tourists, business travelers, and overseas Vietnamese returning home, all of whom contribute to a sharp increase in visa applications.
At the same time, immigration staffing levels are reduced due to the holiday. This imbalance between application volume and processing capacity naturally slows down approvals, even for applications that are otherwise complete and accurate.
Another common issue is timing. Many Americans underestimate how much Tet affects visa processing and submit their applications too close to their departure date. Without sufficient buffer time, even minor delays can lead to missed flights or costly changes.
For U.S. travelers heading to Vietnam during or immediately after Lunar New Year, relying solely on the standard e-visa process can be risky. In urgent situations, professional visa assistance provides a far more reliable alternative.
A specialized service such as VietnamImmigration.com helps reduce risk by reviewing applications carefully before submission. This proactive approach minimizes errors that could otherwise cause delays during the holiday period.
In urgent cases, professional support can prioritize the processing of an e-visa or approval letter within a much shorter timeframe, often between 2 and 8 hours, depending on individual circumstances. This option is especially valuable for Americans with imminent departure dates who need certainty.
During Lunar New Year, predictability becomes just as important as speed. Many American travelers choose professional visa services because they offer reassurance when standard government processing becomes unpredictable.
With more than 15 years of experience handling Vietnam immigration procedures, VietnamImmigration.com provides tailored solutions for high-risk travel periods. Each application is thoroughly reviewed, progress is actively monitored, and travelers receive timely updates, even during public holidays.
Professional services also ensure that travelers are not left without assistance if complications arise. With 24/7 customer support and transparent refund policies, U.S. citizens can move forward with confidence, knowing their visa process is in expert hands.
Americans can obtain a Vietnam e-visa during Lunar New Year, but the process requires careful planning and awareness of holiday-related delays. Tet significantly affects immigration operations, and standard applications often take longer than travelers expect.
If your travel dates are fixed and timing is critical, choosing a trusted visa service is the safest way to secure your entry documents. With proper preparation and professional assistance, you can avoid unnecessary stress and enjoy your Vietnam trip, even during the busiest holiday season of the year.
