Dreaming of a trip to Vietnam from New Zealand in 2025? Don’t let a visa issue disrupt your travel plans. Many Kiwis find themselves facing avoidable delays, visa denials, or …
Vietnam has quickly become one of the most exciting travel destinations for New Zealanders looking to explore Southeast Asia. Whether you’re keen to unwind on the beaches of Nha Trang, wander the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, or indulge in the street food of Hanoi, this beautiful country has something for every kind of traveller. But before you set off, there’s one crucial step you can’t skip — applying for your Vietnam holiday visa. This guide breaks down the latest visa options for Kiwis in 2025, explains how to apply, and offers tips to help you breeze through the process.
Yes — if you hold a New Zealand passport, you’ll need a holiday visa before entering Vietnam for tourism purposes. Vietnam does not currently offer visa-free entry for Kiwi citizens, so securing your visa before departure is a must.
Thankfully, applying for a Vietnam holiday visa has become much easier in recent years. The Vietnamese government has rolled out a streamlined e-visa system, which allows Kiwis to apply entirely online. The e-visa is available for both single-entry and multiple-entry options and can cover stays of up to 90 days.
The e-visa is accepted at most major airports, land borders, and even seaports — making it ideal for travellers planning multi-country adventures or overland trips across Asia. It offers a level of flexibility and ease that works well for both solo travellers and families alike.
Alternatively, Kiwis flying into Vietnam can still choose to apply for a visa on arrival, but this route does require a pre-approved visa letter. You’ll need to sort that out before your flight, or you may be denied boarding.
A Vietnam holiday visa is designed for travellers whose main purpose is tourism — relaxing, sightseeing, enjoying the culture, and exploring. If you’re not working, studying, or doing business in Vietnam, then this is the visa type you need.
Vietnam offers a range of visas, including those for business, work, and family visits. Choosing the right one is essential, as entering Vietnam on the wrong visa could result in delays or even denial of entry. For holidaymakers, the tourist visa is the correct and safest option.
New Zealanders can typically choose between a 30-day or 90-day visa, and select either a single-entry (entering once) or a multiple-entry (coming and going as needed) visa. If your travel plans include visiting neighbouring countries like Cambodia, Laos, or Thailand and returning to Vietnam, it’s wise to go for the multiple-entry version.
Be sure to complete your visa application accurately. Enter your full legal name as it appears in your passport, double-check your passport number, and confirm your travel dates and entry port to avoid any delays.
There are currently three main ways Kiwis can apply for a Vietnam holiday visa in 2025, each with its own advantages depending on your travel style and timing.
The e-visa is the most efficient and widely used method. You simply fill out the online form, upload a scan of your passport and a passport-style photo, and make the payment. Processing usually takes three to five working days, and your visa is emailed directly to you in PDF format.
Once you’ve received it, print a copy and bring it with your passport when you arrive in Vietnam. This type of visa is valid for entry at many international airports, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, as well as selected border crossings and ports.
This option is perfect for Kiwi travellers who like to plan ahead and want the convenience of completing everything online — no need for embassy visits or mailing documents.
The visa on arrival option is still available, but it’s only applicable if you’re arriving by air. Before flying, you’ll need to apply online for a visa approval letter, which you’ll present at the immigration counter upon landing in Vietnam.
With this letter, you’ll also need to bring passport photos and cash to pay the stamping fee. Once processed, your visa will be issued directly at the airport. Most VOA visas are valid for 15 to 30 days, with limited multiple-entry options.
This method is suitable for last-minute travellers or those unable to apply for an e-visa in time — just make sure you get the approval letter before departure.
If you prefer a more traditional route or need a specific type of visa, you can apply through the Vietnamese Embassy in Wellington. You’ll need to complete the required form, submit your passport, supply recent photos, and provide details of your trip.
Processing through the embassy usually takes 5 to 7 business days, and you’ll receive a physical visa sticker in your passport. This option is ideal for those with more complex travel arrangements or long-term plans.
It’s worth noting that embassy visas are often more flexible in terms of duration and entry types, but require more preparation time and paperwork.
Applying on your own is manageable, but errors in your application — such as an incorrect photo size, wrong entry port, or passport detail — can result in delays or rejections. To avoid stress, many Kiwi travellers choose to use a professional visa service.
We recommend Vietnam Visa Services for New Zealanders who want a smooth and secure application process. They specialise in Vietnam visas and offer full support throughout your application.
Here’s what they offer:
For Kiwi travellers planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip or simply wanting peace of mind, working with a professional service is well worth it.
Even with your visa sorted, it’s important to keep a few final things in mind before your flight. First, remember that visa validity isn’t always the same as your permitted stay — the visa may be valid for 90 days, but the immigration officer may only allow you to stay for 30.
Also, don’t forget to print out your visa or approval letter. Some airlines and immigration checkpoints won’t accept digital copies shown on your phone.
Double-check the visa for any spelling errors or incorrect details before travelling. A mismatch between your visa and passport could cause delays at immigration.
Lastly, it’s smart to carry both printed and digital backups of your passport, visa, and travel insurance — just in case your documents get lost or damaged during the trip.
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