How long does it take to get a Vietnam visa? This is a common question asked by travelers planning their visit to Vietnam. The processing time for a Vietnam visa depends on the type of visa you are applying for and the method of application. In this guide, we will delve into the details to ensure you obtain your Vietnam visa in a timely and hassle-free manner.
1. How long does it take to get a Vietnam visa?
1.1. Processing time for Vietnam visa at the embassy
If you apply for a visa directly at a Vietnam embassy or consulate, the processing time can take anywhere from 5 to 7 business days. However, it Is essential to check with the specific embassy or consulate you are applying to, as processing times may vary.
- NG1 and NG2 visas will be issued within one working day from the date the Vietnamese mission abroad receives complete and valid visa applications, along with the visa approval granted by either the Consular Department or the Department of External Affairs in Ho Chi Minh City.
- NG1 visas are granted to individuals who have been invited by high-ranking officials such as the General Secretary of the Communist Party, the President, the Chairman of the National Assembly, and the Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
- NG2 visas, on the other hand, are issued to individuals who have been invited by the Standing Secretariat of Vietnam’s Communist Party, the Vice President, the Deputy Chairman of the National Assembly, the Deputy Prime Minister, the President of the Central Committee of the Vietnamese Fatherland Front, the Chief Justice of the People’s Supreme Court, the Chief Procurator of the People’s Supreme Procuracy, and the President of the State Auditor.
- Additionally, NG2 visas are given to members of delegations invited by Ministers and their equivalents, provincial and municipal Party Committee Secretaries, People’s Council Chairmen, and People’s Committee Chairmen of cities and provinces under the central administration.
- For other types of visas, the issuance process takes up to three working days from the day the Vietnamese mission abroad receives complete and valid visa applications, along with the visa approval granted by either the Immigration Department, Consular Department, or the Department of External Affairs in Ho Chi Minh City.

How long does Vietnam visa processing take? It depends on the type of visa you are applying for (Source: Collected)
1.2. Processing time for Vietnam visa on arrival
The answer to “How long does it take to get a Vietnam visa?” differs for the on-arrival visa.
VOA allows travelers to get their visa upon arrival at one of Vietnam’s international airports. The VOA process involves applying online through a travel agency or visa service, obtaining an approval letter, and then receiving the actual visa upon arrival at the airport.
The processing time for a VOA is 7-10 business days. However, some travel agencies offer expedited services that can provide the approval letter within a few hours or even minutes for an additional fee.
Read about: Vietnam entry requirements: Update the latest info on visa and passport
1.3. Processing time for Vietnam e-Visa
The e-visa for Vietnam is an electronic visa that allows travelers to enter Vietnam for tourism, business, or transit purposes. It offers a convenient and straightforward application process, eliminating the need to visit an embassy or consulate in person.
The processing time for a Vietnam e-Visa is usually within 3 working days. This time frame starts from the day the Vietnam Immigration Department receives your completed e-Visa application and full payment of the e-Visa fee.

How long does it take to get an electronic Vietnam visa? Typically 3 working days (Source: Collected)
2. How to check Vietnam visa status?
2.1. Vietnam visa at the embassy
If you applied for your Vietnam visa at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate while residing outside Vietnam, you can contact the embassy or consulate directly. Be sure to provide them with your application reference number or other relevant details.
You can also check the status of your visa through the official website of the Vietnam Immigration Department or the portal where you applied for it. You will need to provide your application reference number or other required information to access your visa status. Follow the instructions on the website to check the status of your visa.
If you are a foreigner residing in Vietnam, you can go to the Immigration Department in person and present your receipt along with your national identification card/citizen identification card, or passport to the officer for verification. If the results are available, you will be asked to pay the fee and sign for receipts.
2.2. Vietnam visa on arrival
- If you applied for the VOA through a travel agency or a visa service, reach out to them directly. They can provide you with updates on the status of your visa application.
- If you received an approval letter via email, carefully review the information provided. The approval letter should indicate whether your visa application has been approved or not.
It is important to remember that the VOA process involves receiving the approval letter via email, which you must carry with you when traveling to Vietnam.
Upon arrival at the designated airport in Vietnam, you will present the approval letter to the immigration officers, pay the visa stamping fee, and receive your visa on arrival. The status of your visa application is generally determined by whether you have received an approval letter or not.
As the VOA process involves third-party agencies, communication with them is crucial to ensuring you receive the necessary documentation and timely updates on your visa status. Always ensure you are working with a reputable agency to avoid any potential issues or delays.
Note: As of now, there is no official website for Vietnam visa-on-arrival services. Instead, all services related to obtaining the approval letter are provided by private agencies. Do not be confused by the variety of websites with different organizational internet domain TLDs (such as org, gov, etc.).
More on: Vietnam visa application form: A simplified guide for easy submissions
2.3. Vietnam e-Visa
It is quite easy to check the results of your e-Visa application. There are only 2 steps to take:
1. Visit the page: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/tra-cuu-ho-so
2. Provide the required information, which includes your registration code, email, and date of birth. By providing these details, you can check and print your e-Visa result.
Note:
- It is essential to save your registration code to be able to check and print your e-Visa result.
- No email notification will be sent regarding your e-Visa status, so you must check it using the provided website and your registration code.
- Please ensure that the information you provide is accurate, as any discrepancies may lead to issues with your e-Visa application.
- After obtaining your e-Visa result, remember to print a copy of your e-Visa to carry with you during your Vietnam travel.
Once you find yourself in Vietnam, you will be presented with a plethora of exquisite and enthralling destinations to uncover. Among the array of options, here are a few esteemed locales that beckon your exploration: the charming Hoi An, the vibrant city of Da Nang, the picturesque Nha Trang, and the captivating island of Phu Quoc.
While you explore these places, make sure to carve out some time to have fun at VinWonders. With thrilling rides, water parks, live shows, and other exciting attractions, it is the perfect place to create lasting memories.
Book tickets of VinWonders Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Nam Hoi An, VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium for diverse entertainment options in Vietnam!
This comprehensive guide has provided valuable insights into the question, “How long does it take to get a Vietnam visa?” as well as the processing times for obtaining a Vietnam visa. Understanding the different visa types and application methods is crucial for anyone planning to visit the country.
Whether you opt for the convenience of a VOA, the simplicity of an e-Visa, or the traditional embassy application, it is essential to plan well in advance and consider the processing timelines to avoid any last-minute complications.
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