Planning a tropical escape to Vietnam from New Zealand? Whether you’re craving street food in Hanoi, a beach break in Da Nang, or an island getaway in Phu Quoc, Vietnam is a favourite destination for Kiwis. But before you jump on that plane, there’s one thing you need to sort out first—your visa. This guide covers everything you need to know about getting a Vietnam holiday visa in 2025, with step-by-step advice tailored for New Zealand passport holders.
Yes, travellers from New Zealand are required to apply for a visa before entering Vietnam for tourism purposes. At present, Vietnam doesn’t offer visa-free entry for Kiwi passport holders, so sorting your visa out before your departure is essential.
There is one exception for transit passengers. If you’re connecting through a Vietnamese airport and staying within the international transit zone for under 24 hours, you generally don’t need a visa. However, the moment you step out into Vietnam—even briefly—you’ll need to present a valid visa.
It’s also worth knowing that Vietnam offers 30-day visa-free entry to Phu Quoc Island, but only if you fly there directly and stay on the island. If you plan to visit anywhere else in the country, you’ll need to apply for a holiday visa in advance.
Vietnam offers two main types of tourist visas for Kiwi travellers: single-entry and multiple-entry visas. The key difference lies in how often you intend to enter the country during your trip.
If you’re visiting Vietnam once and not leaving the country until the end of your trip, a single-entry visa is all you need. It allows one entry, and once you exit the country, the visa becomes invalid.
On the other hand, a multiple-entry visa is the better option if you’re planning to hop between countries. For example, if you’re combining Vietnam with visits to Thailand or Cambodia and want to return to Vietnam afterward, a multiple-entry visa gives you that flexibility.
Both visa types are accessible through the e-visa system. In certain situations, you can also consider getting a visa on arrival or applying through an embassy, depending on your preferences.
There are three ways for New Zealand citizens to apply for a Vietnam holiday visa: e-visa, visa on arrival, or via the Vietnamese Embassy in Wellington.
The most popular and hassle-free option is the e-visa. You complete the process online by submitting a scan of your passport, a digital photo, and your travel information. The visa is issued via email—usually within 3 to 5 business days—and you can print it out to bring with you.
The visa on arrival option requires a bit more effort. You’ll need to apply in advance for an approval letter. When you land at one of Vietnam’s international airports, you present the letter along with your passport and photos, pay the fee, and receive your visa on the spot. This method only works if you’re flying into Vietnam.
You can also opt for the traditional paper visa through the Vietnamese Embassy in New Zealand. This method might be better for those who prefer to have everything sorted well in advance or need a longer visa duration.
If you’re taking a standard two-week holiday to Vietnam, the e-visa is the easiest and most efficient choice. You can apply from home, the fees are low, and the turnaround time is relatively quick. It’s suitable for most typical holiday plans.
If your travel itinerary involves an entry point that doesn’t support the e-visa, or if you’re booking last-minute, the visa on arrival could be a solid backup. Just make sure to apply for the approval letter well before your flight and be ready for some queuing upon arrival.
Either way, you can begin your application online through this recommended platform:
https://www.vietnamimmigration.com/apply-vietnam-visa/
To apply for an e-visa as a New Zealand passport holder, you’ll need a few basic but essential documents.
First, ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of arrival in Vietnam. You’ll also need one blank passport page for stamping.
Next, prepare a passport-sized photo in digital format and a high-quality scan of your passport’s ID page. These will be uploaded during the application process and must meet the system’s requirements.
Lastly, fill out your intended arrival and departure dates, entry point, and a valid email address where your approved e-visa will be delivered. Once received, be sure to print the document and keep it with your passport while travelling.
Under normal conditions, your Vietnam e-visa should be approved in 3 to 5 working days. It’s recommended to apply at least a week in advance to avoid last-minute issues.
If you’re in a hurry, you can pay extra for expedited processing. Some visa providers offer 8-hour express service, and others even offer super-rush options within 2 hours. These fast-track options are a lifesaver for spontaneous trips or travellers with urgent timelines.
✅ If you want peace of mind and quick turnaround, we suggest applying through this reliable platform:
https://www.vietnamimmigration.com/apply-vietnam-visa/
As of 2025, these are the major international airports in Vietnam that accept e-visa holders:
In addition to airports, e-visas are accepted at several land border crossings and seaports. Make sure to confirm your port of entry supports e-visas before submitting your application.
For New Zealand travellers, visiting Vietnam in 2025 is more accessible than ever—especially with the streamlined e-visa system. Whether you’re after adventure, food, culture, or simply sunshine, Vietnam has something for every kind of holidaymaker.
The e-visa remains the most convenient and affordable option for most Kiwi tourists. If your plans are flexible or you need a faster process, visa on arrival or express services are excellent alternatives. Don’t wait until the last minute—get your visa sorted now and enjoy peace of mind before takeoff.
You can begin your application here:
https://www.vietnamimmigration.com/apply-vietnam-visa/
