For many New Zealand travellers, visiting Vietnam during Lunar New Year is an appealing idea. The country takes on a completely different atmosphere, with traditional celebrations, family gatherings, and lively streets across major cities. However, while travel plans may seem straightforward, one important factor often catches travellers off guard — securing a Vietnam e-visa during the Tet holiday period.
Although Vietnam’s e-visa system remains accessible online throughout Lunar New Year, the way applications are processed changes considerably. Immigration offices operate on a holiday schedule, staffing levels are reduced, and application numbers rise sharply. For New Zealanders travelling on fixed dates, understanding how this period affects visa processing is essential to avoid unnecessary disruption.
New Zealand passport holders are still eligible to submit Vietnam e-visa applications during Lunar New Year. The online application platform continues to accept submissions, which often leads travellers to assume approvals will follow the usual timeline.
In practice, submitting an application does not mean it will be reviewed straight away. Immigration officers process visas according to official working days, and during Tet, those working days are limited. As a result, applications may remain in the system without updates for longer than expected.
For New Zealand travellers with confirmed flights and accommodation, this delay can create uncertainty. A visa that might normally be approved within a few business days may take significantly longer during Lunar New Year, placing travel plans at risk.
Lunar New Year is the most significant public holiday in Vietnam, and government offices typically close for several consecutive days. Even when operations resume, staffing levels are often lower than usual, leading to slower processing across the board.
During this period, visa applications are rarely prioritised. Requests for additional information or corrections may not receive prompt responses, leaving applicants without clarity on their visa status.
For New Zealanders, even small issues can have major consequences. Minor inaccuracies such as incorrect passport details or photo specifications may cause applications to be delayed until after the holiday, potentially affecting flights and accommodation arrangements.
One reason delays occur is the sharp increase in travel demand around Lunar New Year. Vietnam attracts tourists, business travellers, and overseas Vietnamese returning home, all of which contribute to a surge in visa applications.
At the same time, immigration departments operate with reduced staff due to the holiday schedule. This imbalance between the number of applications and available processing capacity inevitably slows down approvals.
Another contributing factor is timing. Many New Zealand travellers underestimate how much Tet affects visa processing and submit their applications too close to their departure date. Without sufficient buffer time, even a short delay can quickly disrupt travel plans.
For New Zealand travellers heading to Vietnam during or immediately after Lunar New Year, relying solely on the standard e-visa process can be risky. In time-sensitive situations, professional visa assistance provides a more reliable option.
A specialised service such as VietnamImmigration.com helps reduce potential issues by carefully reviewing applications before submission. This step is particularly valuable during holiday periods when correcting errors becomes more difficult.
In urgent cases, professional support can prioritise the processing of an e-visa or approval letter within a much shorter timeframe, often from 2 to 8 hours, depending on individual circumstances. This solution is especially helpful for New Zealanders with imminent travel dates.
During Lunar New Year, certainty and peace of mind are just as important as speed. Many New Zealand travellers choose professional visa services because they offer consistency when standard processing becomes unpredictable.
With more than 15 years of experience in Vietnam immigration procedures, VietnamImmigration.com provides tailored support for high-risk travel periods. Applications are thoroughly checked, progress is closely monitored, and travellers receive clear updates, even during public holidays.
Professional assistance also ensures that travellers are not left without support if complications arise. With 24/7 customer service and transparent refund policies, New Zealanders can proceed confidently, knowing their visa application is in capable hands.
New Zealand citizens can obtain a Vietnam e-visa during Lunar New Year, but the process requires careful timing and realistic expectations. Tet Holiday significantly affects immigration operations, and standard applications often take longer than anticipated.
If your travel dates are fixed and flexibility is limited, using a trusted visa service is the most reliable way to secure your entry documents. With proper preparation and professional assistance, New Zealand travellers can avoid unnecessary stress and enjoy their Vietnam journey during this busy festive season.
