If you are planning to travel to Vietnam over the weekend or during a public holiday, but have realized you didn’t apply for a visa in time, do not panic! While the Vietnam Immigration Department, embassies, and consulates are closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays—and e-visas cannot be processed during these times—you can still enter Vietnam successfully using the “Visa on Arrival + Emergency Approval Letter” method. This article provides a detailed breakdown of how to obtain an emergency visa during holidays, including steps, cost references, processing time options, and key reminders, ensuring you can depart with peace of mind even at the last minute.
I. Why can’t I apply for a regular Vietnam E-visa on the weekend?
Vietnam Immigration Department: Office hours are Monday to Friday, 08:00–17:00 (Vietnam time). They are closed on weekends and the following public holidays:
New Year’s Day (January 1st)
Tet Holiday (Lunar New Year’s Eve to the 5th day of the first lunar month)
Hung Kings’ Commemoration Day (10th day of the third lunar month)
Reunification Day (April 30th)
International Labor Day (May 1st)
National Day (September 2nd)
Vietnam Embassies/Consulates: Operate strictly according to local business days; they do not process visa applications on weekends or public holidays.
E-Visa System: Although automated, it requires manual review by the Immigration Department. Applications submitted during holidays will be deferred to the next business day, usually taking 2–5 working days.
👉 Conclusion: If you only realize you need a visa during a weekend or holiday, the only viable emergency solution is to apply for a Visa on Arrival (VOA) Approval Letter.
II. Emergency Visa on Arrival (VOA) Approval Letter – The Only Shortcut for Weekend/Holiday Entry
Visa on Arrival is not a visa obtained directly online; it is an “Approval Letter” issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department. You present this letter to board your flight, and upon arrival at one of Vietnam’s five major international airports (Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Hai Phong), you obtain the official visa stamp at the immigration counter.
Key Advantages:
24/7 Operation: Visa on Arrival counters at Vietnam airports operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Emergency Processing: Approval letters can be obtained via emergency services in 1, 4, or 8 hours, even on weekends or holidays.
100% Online: No need to mail your passport or visit an embassy in person.
III. Weekend/Holiday Emergency Application Process
Step 1: Access the Online Application Form
Click the link below to open the secure, encrypted application page: 👉 https://www.vietnam-visa.tw/apply/
Step 2: Fill in Basic Information
Nationality (e.g., Belgium)
Passport number, full name, date of birth
Purpose of entry (Tourism or Business)
Expected arrival date and airport
Email address (Ensure it is correct; this is where you receive the letter)
Note: No document uploads required. Filling it out takes only 3–5 minutes.
Step 3: Choose Emergency Processing Service
The system provides three levels of express service based on your flight time:
| Service Type | Processing Time | Latest Submission (VN Time GMT+7) | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Hour Super Urgent | 1 Hour | 24/7 (Anytime, including weekends/holidays) | Flights departing in 2–3 hours |
| 4-Hour Urgent | 4 Hours | Before 14:00 (for 18:30 receipt) / Before 08:00 (for 12:30 receipt) | Flights departing same-day afternoon/evening |
| 8-Hour Economic | 8 Hours | Before 08:00 (for 18:30 receipt) | Flights departing the next day or late night |
⚠️ Note: All times are in Vietnam Time (UTC+7). If submitted after these deadlines, processing will be deferred to the next time slot or the following day.
Step 4: Complete Payment
Support for credit cards, PayPal, and other payment methods. You will receive a confirmation email with an order number after payment.
Step 5: Receive Approval Letter & Board
Within the promised time, you will receive an Approval Letter in PDF format issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department.
It is highly recommended to print this out, but if you are short on time, a clear PDF or screenshot on your mobile device is usually acceptable for airline ground staff.
Ground staff must verify you hold a valid letter to issue your boarding pass. Ensure your name and passport number match perfectly.
Step 6: Arrive in Vietnam & Collect Visa
Prepare the following items and proceed to the “Landing Visa / Visa on Arrival” counter:
Printed Approval Letter (or digital version)
Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
Two 4cm x 6cm white-background photos (if forgotten, photo service is available at the airport for $3–$5).
Visa Stamping Fee (Cash only, no credit cards):
Single Entry: $25 USD
Multiple Entry: $50 USD
Present your documents to the officer; you will receive your visa sticker within 5–15 minutes.
IV. Emergency Visa Fee Reference
Fees vary based on processing speed, entry frequency, and whether you require Fast Track Service (staff to print the letter and guide you through immigration).
| Service Item | Processing Time | Estimated Cost (USD) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Hour Super Urgent | 1 Hour | ~$290 ~ $350 | Excludes stamping fee |
| 4-Hour Urgent | 4 Hours | ~$250 ~ $290 | Excludes stamping fee |
| 8-Hour Economic | 8 Hours | ~$230 | Excludes stamping fee |
| Fast Track Service | Immediate | ~$20 ~ $30 | Optional; personal guide & assistance |
👉 Click here for the full real-time fee table: https://www.vietnam-visa.tw/apply/ (Select “Express Service” for automated calculation).
💡 Tip: Emergency fees on weekends are significantly higher than regular rates. We recommend applying for a standard e-visa at least 2 weeks in advance (costs only ~$25–$50). However, if you are in a rush, this service ensures your trip is not cancelled.
V. FAQ & Important Reminders
Q1: Can I apply for an emergency visa at the Vietnamese Embassy on the weekend? No. Embassies are completely closed on weekends and holidays and do not offer emergency services. The VOA letter is your only option.
Q2: Will the airline definitely let me board with this letter? Yes, as long as the information is correct and the letter is issued by the official immigration department. A few budget airlines may be unfamiliar with the process, so it is recommended to print out the “Visa on Arrival Approval Letter Instructions” page from the website to show them.
Q3: What if I entered the wrong airport on the application? Please double-check your arrival airport. If incorrect, you must re-apply (time and money loss). Minor spelling errors can often be explained to the officer at the counter, who may allow for minor corrections.
Q4: Do I need a visa if I am just transiting? If you do not enter the country, have your bags checked through, and stay within the international transit zone, you usually do not need a visa. If you need to change airports or collect luggage, you must have a visa.
Q5: If my flight is at 23:00, can I apply for the 1-hour service in the afternoon? Yes. The 1-hour service is available 24/7 year-round. Even if submitted late at night, you will receive it within an hour.
VI. Extreme Emergency – Contact Support
If your flight departs in less than 2 hours, or you encounter issues with the online order system, contact our support team immediately (Chinese/English support available):
📧 Email: info@vietnam-visa.tw
💬 LINE: vietnam-visa
💬 WeChat: vietnam-visa
Our support team can arrange a “VIP Express Track” to ensure your letter arrives in the shortest possible time.
VII. Summary – Weekend/Holiday Visa Cheat Sheet
| Situation | Viable Solution | Time Required | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday 17:00+ (After office hours) | Apply for Emergency VOA Letter | 1~8 Hours | $230~$350 + $25 fee |
| Saturday morning flight, no visa | 1-Hour Super Urgent Service | 1 Hour | $300+ |
| Sunday night arrival (w/ letter) | Visa on Arrival Counter | 15 Mins | $25 (Stamp only) |
| Weekday | Standard E-visa | 3~5 Days | $25~$50 |
VIII. Take Action Now – Don’t Let a Visa Ruin Your Trip
Even if it is currently a weekend, a public holiday, or even Lunar New Year’s Eve, you can still obtain a Vietnam visa approval letter safely, legally, and quickly. Remember these three keys:
Do not apply for an E-visa (holiday processing is unavailable).
Apply for a VOA Approval Letter and select 1/4/8-hour emergency service.
Fill in your details accurately and carry your approval letter (printed or digital), photos, and $25 USD cash.
👉 Apply Now: https://www.vietnam-visa.tw/apply/
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