Heading to Vietnam from New Zealand in 2025? If your journey takes you to Ho Chi Minh City via air, the Visa on Arrival (VOA) option could be your most …
Planning a trip to Vietnam in 2025? Whether you’re picturing yourself cruising through Ha Long Bay, discovering ancient temples in Hue, or enjoying the vibrant street life of Ho Chi Minh City, there’s one important step every New Zealander needs to take before departure—sorting out your Vietnam visa.
Navigating visa requirements can feel overwhelming at first. Which type should you choose? How long does it take? What if you’re travelling last minute? Don’t worry—we’ve created this practical guide specifically for New Zealand passport holders. It covers everything you need to know about the Vietnam Sightseeing Visa for New Zealanders, from the different types available to how to apply and what mistakes to avoid.
With the right visa in hand, you can fully enjoy your Vietnamese adventure—stress-free and without unexpected surprises at the border. Let’s break it down and get you travel-ready.
A Vietnam Sightseeing Visa allows travellers from New Zealand to enter Vietnam for tourism purposes. This visa type is intended for short-term visits that include leisure, cultural exploration, visiting landmarks, or simply enjoying a holiday. It does not permit business, work, or study activities.
New Zealand citizens can typically apply for a sightseeing visa with either 30-day or 90-day validity. You can choose between a single-entry visa, which allows one visit, or a multiple-entry visa, which lets you leave and re-enter Vietnam within the approved time frame. The flexibility of these options makes it easy to align with your travel plans.
Unlike other visa types such as business or work permits, sightseeing visas are generally simpler to obtain. The requirements are minimal, the application process is more straightforward, and the approval times are faster. Choosing the right method of application based on your travel schedule and entry point is key to a smooth experience.
The Vietnam e-visa is a popular and convenient option for New Zealanders. It can be applied for entirely online and is suitable for stays of up to 30 or 90 days. Depending on your itinerary, you can opt for a single-entry or multiple-entry visa.
This visa is valid at over 30 ports of entry across Vietnam, including airports, seaports, and land borders. Once approved, your visa is emailed as a PDF—just print it out and present it upon arrival. The processing time is usually 3 to 5 business days, though expedited options can deliver your visa in as little as a few hours.
With no need to visit an embassy or post your passport, the e-visa is ideal for Kiwis who prefer a fast, digital process and want the flexibility of planning from home.
If you’re flying directly into Vietnam, the Visa on Arrival (VOA) can be a good choice. It is generally used for short trips under 30 days and only applies to those arriving at international airports like Hanoi, Da Nang, or Ho Chi Minh City.
Before you travel, you must first apply online for an official Approval Letter. Once you land, bring this printed letter along with your passport, two passport photos, and a cash fee (usually around USD $25). Present everything at the VOA desk in the airport, and your visa will be stamped into your passport on the spot.
This option is especially handy for New Zealand travellers booking last-minute flights or who need urgent visa processing. Just keep in mind that VOA cannot be used at land or sea entry points.
If your journey includes land entry through a checkpoint not covered by e-visa or VOA, or if you’re staying in Vietnam for more than 90 days, applying through the Vietnamese Embassy is still an option.
To do this, you’ll need to gather a completed application form, a valid passport, passport-size photos, and supporting travel documents like your itinerary and hotel bookings. Processing can take 7–10 working days, and the visa is affixed directly into your passport.
Although it’s more time-consuming and requires more preparation, some New Zealanders prefer this method because it provides a physical visa before departure and suits complex travel plans.
Applying online for your Vietnam Sightseeing Visa is quick and user-friendly. It’s a method highly recommended for New Zealand travellers due to its speed, simplicity, and reliability.
Visit the visa application platform at https://www.vietnamimmigration.com/apply-vietnam-visa/ and start by filling in your details exactly as shown on your passport. Upload a passport-style photo and a scanned image of your passport’s information page.
Once submitted, pay the visa fee using a credit card or PayPal. Standard processing takes 3–5 business days, while urgent service can get your visa delivered in under 8 hours. Once approved, the visa will be emailed to you. Print it out and keep it with your travel documents.
This online application avoids embassy queues, saves you a trip, and gives you complete control of your visa process from the comfort of home.
The Visa on Arrival system is great for Kiwis who need a flexible or fast option when flying to Vietnam. To begin, apply for your Approval Letter through a verified platform like https://www.vietnamimmigration.com/apply-vietnam-visa/
Once you receive the letter via email (usually within 2–3 working days), print it and pack it along with two passport-sized photos, your passport, and US dollars for the stamping fee. Upon arrival at the airport in Vietnam, head to the VOA desk, present your documents, pay the fee, and receive your visa on the spot.
This method suits those with last-minute travel plans or needing short stays without long processing times. Just be sure you’re entering via an eligible airport.
If you prefer a more hands-on process or are entering Vietnam by land via a non-eVisa-supported crossing, you can apply at the Vietnamese Embassy in Wellington or via postal service.
First, download and complete the visa application form. Gather supporting documents such as your passport, photographs, flight details, and hotel reservations. Submit everything along with the visa fee, either in person or through registered mail.
While this option takes longer to process, some New Zealanders appreciate having the visa already in their passport before they travel, especially for longer trips or overland entries.
Even the most experienced travellers can run into issues if they’re not careful during the visa application process. One frequent problem is using an outdated or incorrectly sized passport photo. Make sure yours meets standard visa requirements.
Another common mistake is mistyping personal information. Double-check that your name, birth date, and passport number match exactly what’s on your passport. Small errors can lead to rejection or delays.
E-visas are only valid for the specific entry point you choose during the application. If your plans change, you’ll need to reapply. Also, always keep a copy of your visa confirmation and approval email in case you need to reference them later.
Avoiding these simple mistakes can make your visa experience much smoother and help you avoid last-minute stress.
More and more New Zealand travellers are turning to verified visa agencies to handle the paperwork. These services offer peace of mind by checking your documents, completing the application, and managing communication with Vietnamese authorities.
With benefits like 100% approval guarantee or full refund, fast-track processing in just a few hours, and round-the-clock customer support, it’s no surprise many people find this route the most reliable.
If you’re travelling soon or just want to make the visa process effortless, using a professional service can save time and reduce risk. It’s especially helpful for first-timers or those with complex travel plans.
👉 Apply now via https://www.vietnamimmigration.com/apply-vietnam-visa/
Vietnam is a top destination for New Zealand travellers thanks to its diversity, affordability, and hospitality. But before you set foot in this incredible country, obtaining the right visa is essential.
Whether you opt for the e-visa, visa on arrival, or embassy route, the process is straightforward as long as you follow the correct steps. Take your time, prepare carefully, and consider using expert visa services if you want a faster and smoother experience.
With your Vietnam Sightseeing Visa sorted, your unforgettable journey awaits.
Heading to Vietnam from New Zealand in 2025? If your journey takes you to Ho Chi Minh City via air, the Visa on Arrival (VOA) option could be your most …
