Ever wondered why some travellers get their Vietnam Electronic Visa (E-Visa) in just a few hours while others wait for more than a week? It’s not about luck — it’s about how and when you apply. While Vietnam’s online visa system has made visiting the country easier than ever for Kiwis, approval times can still vary widely. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process, explain what causes delays, and show you how to legally and safely fast-track your visa — sometimes in as little as two hours.
The Vietnam Electronic Visa, or E-Visa, is an official online travel authorisation that lets foreign visitors — including New Zealand citizens — enter and stay in Vietnam for up to 90 days. The entire application is handled online, meaning there’s no need to visit an embassy or fill out piles of paperwork.
However, the approval time for a Vietnam E-Visa isn’t always the same. While the Vietnam Immigration Department lists an official timeframe, the actual waiting period can vary depending on several factors: the number of applications being processed, the accuracy of your documents, and even technical issues within the immigration system.
During busy travel seasons — such as summer holidays, Tet (Vietnamese New Year), or major local events — visa applications can take longer due to higher demand. Small mistakes, like uploading a blurry passport photo or entering incorrect travel dates, can also slow things down.
In short, although the E-Visa process is straightforward, it requires accuracy, good timing, and a bit of patience.
According to the Vietnam Immigration Department, the standard approval time for an E-Visa is between three and five working days, excluding weekends and public holidays.
However, this is only a guideline. In reality, processing can sometimes take seven to ten working days, especially when the system is busy or an application needs additional verification.
For example, during summer or festive periods, approvals may take longer — four to seven days on average — while during Tet, processing can easily stretch beyond a week.
To avoid last-minute stress, it’s best for New Zealand travellers to apply at least two weeks before your flight. That way, you’ll have enough time to resolve any issues if they come up.
If your flight is coming up soon or you simply don’t want to risk delays, a fast track Vietnam E-Visa service is your best option.
This expedited process allows your application to be reviewed directly through a priority channel at the Vietnam Immigration Department. Instead of waiting several days, your visa can be approved within two, four, or eight hours, depending on the urgency.
One of the most reliable and recognised providers offering this service is VietnamImmigration.com. With over 15 years of experience, they work closely with Vietnam’s Immigration Department to ensure your documents meet all requirements before submission — helping you avoid mistakes that can cause delays.
The fast track service is ideal for travellers who:
Getting your Vietnam E-Visa quickly is simple when you use an experienced fast track service. Here’s how the process works through VietnamImmigration.com:
This system is fast, straightforward, and completely legitimate — designed to save Kiwi travellers valuable time and eliminate visa worries before departure.
Let’s take a look at how the fast track process can make a difference.
Emma, a traveller from Auckland, submitted her Vietnam E-Visa application seven days before her flight through the official website. After five days with no update, she began to worry — her flight was only two days away, and her visa still hadn’t arrived. On a friend’s suggestion, she contacted a professional fast track visa service for help.
The team reviewed her application, found a small issue with the uploaded photo, and resubmitted it through an expedited channel. Within four hours, Emma received her approved E-Visa via email and boarded her flight to Ho Chi Minh City on time.
Her experience shows how using a fast track service can turn a stressful situation into a smooth, hassle-free process — especially when time is tight.
When deciding between the regular and fast track E-Visa, it all comes down to your timing and travel needs.
If you have plenty of time before your trip and are confident completing online forms, the standard option works just fine. However, if you’re travelling soon, prefer guaranteed timing, or simply want to remove the risk of delays, the fast track service through VietnamImmigration.com is the better choice.
Regular processing might save you a little money but offers less certainty. Fast track processing delivers speed, reliability, and expert support — the key to a stress-free start to your Vietnam adventure.
So, if you’re ready to travel without the hassle, apply today with VietnamImmigration.com and get your Vietnam Electronic Visa in hours, not days.
