Vietnam is a beautiful country with rich culture, mouthwatering cuisine, and stunning natural landscapes. As Vietnam continues to open up to foreign visitors, it has become an increasingly popular tourist destination. However, Vietnam still has complex visa requirements that can trip up travelers. Planning ahead is key for a smooth visit to Vietnam, but sometimes unforeseen circumstances arise that require an emergency Vietnam visa.
If you find yourself needing a Vietnam visa on short notice, don’t panic. With the right guidance, you can obtain an emergency Vietnam visa quickly and efficiently. This article will walk you through everything you need to know about emergency Vietnam visas, from types of visas to application tips. Keep reading for insider knowledge to get your emergency Vietnam visa approved.
Urgent Vietnam Visa Application
For travelers who need a Vietnam visa urgently, it’s possible to get approval within 1-2 business days. This is much faster than the standard 5-7 business days for regular visa processing. Here are key points about urgent Vietnam visa applications:
- Submit application and payment before 2:30pm Vietnam time to get approval letter next business day
- Excludes weekends and Vietnamese public holidays
- Single entry visa only, 30 days validity
- Costs additional urgent processing fee
To get your urgent visa approval letter quickly:
- Apply online and pay urgent processing fee
- Include detailed itinerary and reason requiring urgent visa
- Pay any additional rush fees if under 24 hour timeframe
- Print approval letter once received via email
With an urgent Vietnam visa approval letter, you can get your visa stamped upon arrival at a Vietnam airport. Present approval letter, completed visa form, passport photos, passport and stamping fee to immigration officials.
Though more expensive than a regular visa, urgent processing is the best option when you need a visa for Vietnam fast.
Emergency Vietnam Visa (4-8 Working Hours)
For super short notice situations, emergency visas can be issued in as little as 4-8 working hours. This is the fastest way to get a Vietnam visa when you have less than 24 hours before your departure. Here are key facts about emergency visas:
- Guaranteed visa issuance within 4-8 working hours
- Single entry visa only, 30 days validity
- Significantly higher fees for expedited processing
- Must call visa agent to confirm receipt of application
- Only available on business days before 2:30pm
Follow these steps for emergency visa processing:
- Apply online early in the day and pay elevated fees
- Call agent to confirm application received
- Agent will contact immigration officials to rush approval letter
- Check email regularly for approval letter
- Print letter before boarding plane to Vietnam
With an emergency approval letter, you can get your visa stamped on arrival just like the urgent visa process. Be sure to have all required documents ready to present to immigration officers.
Though more costly, the emergency visa is essential for travelers who have procrastinated applying for their Vietnam visa. With guaranteed issuance in just a few hours, it provides peace of mind when you’re up against the clock.
Apply for Vietnam Visa on Weekends/Holidays
Trying to enter Vietnam on a weekend or public holiday? It’s still possible to get an emergency visa, with a few caveats. Here is key information to know:
- Must choose “guaranteed visa” service with premium pricing
- Cost ranges from $270-$455 per person
- Includes airport fast-track service on arrival
- Approval letter issued within 30 mins-1 hour of payment
- Must call to confirm flight details for staff assistance
For weekend/holiday emergency visa:
- Select “guaranteed visa” service when applying online
- Pay elevated visa and fast-track fees upfront
- Call agent to confirm flight arrival details
- Agent will obtain approval letter quickly
- Airport staff will assist you through immigration visa stamping
Though more expensive, the guaranteed visa service ensures you receive your visa and expedited airport service even during off hours in Vietnam. This provides assurance your entry won’t be delayed by holiday closures.
How to Get an Urgent Vietnam Visa
Wondering about the step-by-step process to get an urgent or emergency Vietnam visa? Here are the key steps:
Before Boarding Your Flight
- Apply online: Complete visa application with detailed itinerary, pay urgent processing fees
- Get approval letter: Check email regularly for PDF approval letter
- Print letter: Print approval letter to bring to airport
- Have other docs ready: Passport, passport photos, completed visa form
Upon Arrival in Vietnam
- Proceed to immigration: Look for signs to “Visa On Arrival” counters
- Submit documents: Give immigration officer passport, photos, approval letter, visa form, stamping fee
- Get visa stamped: Wait as visa is stamped in passport on the spot
- Collect passport: Make sure visa is stamped before leaving the counter
Following these steps correctly ensures a smooth urgent or emergency visa process upon your arrival in Vietnam. With the proper preparation, you’ll be ready to explore Vietnam in no time!
Get Your Visa Stamped at the Airport
To get your e-visa stamped into your passport upon arrival in Vietnam:
- Bring printed E-visa approval letter
- Have original passport ready to present
- Submit 2 passport photos
- Proceed to “E-visa” desks in immigration hall
- Hand documents to immigration officer
- Pay $25-$95 stamping fee
- Wait for visa to be stamped in passport
- Check visa is stamped before leaving desk
Following this simple e-visa stamping process takes less than 15 minutes in most cases. No need to stress – just have all required materials ready and the arrival procedure will be a breeze.
How to Use Emergency Vietnam Visa
Understanding how to properly use your emergency Vietnam visa ensures a smooth entry process. Here are key tips:
- Print the approval letter – Don’t just have the electronic version, print a hard copy to hand immigration officers upon arrival.
- Bring passport photos – Vietnam visas require submitting passport photos along with the approval letter. Have at least 2 passport-sized photos ready.
- Know the stamping fee – Fees range from $25-$135 depending on visa type. Have small USD bills ready to pay on the spot.
- Use the correct line – Look for signs reading “Visa On Arrival” and get in that line. Don’t wait in lines for e-visas or pre-arranged visas.
- Fill out arrival forms – Immigration will provide arrival forms to complete before reaching the front of the line. Have a pen ready to fill them out.
- Check visa carefully – Before leaving the counter, verify the visa matches the approval letter and has no errors.
Following these tips will make your emergency visa stamping experience quick and straightforward. Proper preparation is key!