Dreaming of a trip to Vietnam from New Zealand? Whether you’re chasing the lanterns of Hoi An, sailing through Ha Long Bay, or sampling street food in Ho Chi Minh City, getting your visa sorted is the first step. Many Kiwi travellers overlook one small but crucial detail — the exact validity of the Vietnam eVisa. A misunderstanding here can mean overstaying or cutting your trip short unexpectedly. This guide clears up the confusion by explaining how long the Vietnam eVisa is valid for New Zealand citizens, what the rules are, and how to apply properly so you can focus on enjoying your adventure.
The Vietnam eVisa is an official electronic travel permit issued by the Vietnamese Government that allows citizens from eligible countries, including New Zealand, to enter Vietnam for short stays — typically for tourism, leisure, or business visits. It replaces the need to apply through a consulate or embassy and can be completed entirely online.
New Zealanders are among the more than 200 nationalities eligible for the eVisa programme. The visa can be used to enter through 42 international checkpoints, including major airports such as Hanoi (Noi Bai), Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat), and Da Nang. Whether you’re flying in, crossing by land, or arriving by sea, the process is quick and paper-free.
The eVisa system has become the preferred choice for many Kiwi travellers because it’s simple, fast, and avoids the hassle of visiting diplomatic offices. The application form can be filled out in minutes, and once approved, the visa is sent directly to your email.
For those planning a short escape from New Zealand’s winter or a cultural getaway abroad, the Vietnam eVisa offers a practical, stress-free solution that saves time while keeping your trip smooth from start to finish.
The Vietnam eVisa for New Zealand citizens is valid for a maximum of 90 days and can be issued as either a single-entry or multiple-entry visa, depending on what you choose when applying. This gives you flexibility to tailor your travel schedule around your needs.
However, one key detail that often confuses travellers is when the validity period actually begins. The eVisa’s validity runs from the entry date to the exit date that you specify in your online application — not from the date you arrive in Vietnam.
For instance, if you apply for an eVisa with an entry date of 10 September and an exit date of 10 October, the visa is valid strictly for those dates. Even if you decide to fly in on 25 September, it will still expire on 10 October. Many New Zealanders assume the 90 days start from arrival, which can cause unintentional overstays.
Before booking your flights, double-check the “Valid From” and “Valid Until” dates on your eVisa confirmation. Aligning your itinerary with your visa period ensures you won’t encounter last-minute issues at check-in or immigration.
At present, Vietnam does not allow in-country extensions for eVisas. Once your visa expires, you’ll need to leave Vietnam and apply for a new eVisa if you wish to return.
There are limited exceptions, such as serious medical emergencies or unavoidable circumstances, where the Vietnam Immigration Department may consider a special extension request. However, these are rare and require solid documentation.
For most Kiwi travellers, the best option is to make a quick trip to a nearby country — such as Cambodia, Laos, or Thailand — and then reapply for a new eVisa before re-entering Vietnam. This method is simple, cost-effective, and keeps your travel status completely legal.
If you’d rather have professional help handling reapplications or confirming legal requirements, using a trusted service like VietnamImmigration.com can make the entire process faster and stress-free.
When applying for your Vietnam eVisa, you’ll need to decide whether a single-entry or multiple-entry visa fits your travel plans best. Understanding the difference can save you both time and money later.
A single-entry visa allows you to enter Vietnam once. After you leave, even if your visa is still valid, it cannot be reused. This option works well for travellers staying only in Vietnam for their entire holiday.
A multiple-entry visa allows you to enter and exit the country several times within the visa’s validity period. This is ideal if you plan to explore the wider region — perhaps flying from Vietnam to Singapore or Cambodia, then returning to Vietnam for your flight home.
Choosing the right visa type from the start ensures your journey across Southeast Asia runs smoothly, without the need to reapply mid-trip.
Overstaying your visa in Vietnam can lead to unwanted complications. Even a brief overstay may result in fines or affect your ability to re-enter the country in the future.
If you overstay your Vietnam eVisa, you could face fines ranging from 500,000 VND to several million dong, depending on the number of days overstayed. In more serious cases, travellers risk being blacklisted or temporarily banned from re-entry.
Should you find that your visa has expired or is about to, visit the nearest Immigration Office immediately to settle any penalties and regularise your stay. Attempting to leave the country without resolving an overstay can lead to boarding delays or denial at the airport.
To stay on the safe side, keep track of your visa expiry date and plan to depart at least a few days before it ends. Staying organised means you can enjoy Vietnam without any immigration worries.
The Vietnam eVisa application is straightforward and entirely online. The most reliable way for Kiwis to apply is through VietnamImmigration.com, a trusted platform with a long-standing reputation for efficiency and support.
Here’s how to apply:
By using VietnamImmigration.com, New Zealand citizens benefit from expert checking, guaranteed approval, and round-the-clock assistance, ensuring your visa is ready before your departure.
With over 15 years of experience assisting travellers worldwide, VietnamImmigration.com is one of the most reputable names in visa services. Thousands of New Zealand travellers use it each year for its reliability, speed, and customer care.
Here’s what makes it stand out:
✅ Guaranteed visa approval or your money back
⚡ Super-fast processing times — from just 2 to 8 hours
📄 Simple documentation — only a passport and photo required
💬 24/7 customer support, including weekends and holidays
💳 Safe, verified online payments for peace of mind
Working with professionals ensures that your visa is handled correctly, freeing you to plan your trip without unnecessary stress.
For travellers from New Zealand, understanding your Vietnam eVisa duration and validity is essential for a smooth and enjoyable visit. Knowing your visa dates, following regulations, and choosing the right type of entry will keep your journey seamless from arrival to departure.
When you’re ready to apply, VietnamImmigration.com provides expert guidance, fast results, and reliable support — so you can focus on discovering Vietnam’s beauty, cuisine, and warmth without worrying about paperwork.
