Key Takeaways
• Vietnam offers emergency visas with Same-Day Processing and fast e-visa options for urgent travel needs.
• Emergency e-visa requires valid passport, photo, accommodation details, and payment of higher expedited fees.
• Same-Day processing available 4-8 hours; fees start at $150; weekends and holidays excluded.
If you need to travel to Vietnam on short notice, you might worry about getting a visa in time. Thankfully, Vietnam offers emergency visa services, including Same-Day Processing and fast-track e-visa options. These services help travelers who face last-minute changes, business emergencies, or discover visa requirements just before their trip. This guide explains how to get an Emergency Vietnam Visa, step-by-step, so you can act quickly and avoid common mistakes.
Purpose: Why Use an Emergency Vietnam Visa?
An Emergency Vietnam Visa is for travelers who need to enter Vietnam urgently and cannot wait for regular visa processing times. This service is especially useful if you:
- Have a sudden business meeting or family emergency in Vietnam
- Missed applying for a visa in advance
- Only just learned that you need a visa to enter Vietnam
- Need to change your travel plans at the last minute
Vietnam’s emergency visa system is designed to help in these situations, offering Same-Day Processing and even faster options for extreme cases. However, these services come with higher fees and strict requirements, so it’s important to follow each step carefully.
Step 1: Check If You Need an Emergency Visa
Before starting, make sure you actually need an emergency visa. Vietnam has a visa exemption policy for citizens of 12 countries, allowing stays up to 45 days without a visa (valid until March 14, 2028). If you are from one of these countries, you may not need a visa at all. You can check the official list of visa-exempt countries on the Vietnam Immigration Department’s website.
If you are not from a visa-exempt country, or your stay will be longer than allowed, you will need to apply for a visa.
Step 2: Choose the Right Emergency Visa Type
Vietnam offers two main types of emergency visas:
- Emergency E-Visa
- Fully online process
- Suitable for most travelers
- Fastest processing times
2. Visa on Arrival (VOA) with Emergency Processing
– Requires a pre-approval letter
– You receive the visa stamp at the airport upon arrival
– Includes fast-track services and airport assistance
Tip: The emergency e-visa is the most popular and widely available option for urgent travel.
Step 3: Gather Required Documents
To apply for an emergency Vietnam visa, you’ll need:
- A valid passport (must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry)
- A recent passport-sized photo
- Accommodation details in Vietnam (such as hotel booking or address)
- A clear scan of your passport’s information page
- Proof of urgent circumstances (if requested by the service provider)
Checklist:
– Passport valid for 6+ months
– Digital passport photo (clear, recent, meets size requirements)
– Accommodation details
– Passport scan (color, readable)
– Payment method (credit card, PayPal, etc.)
Step 4: Complete the Online Application
For Emergency E-Visa
- Visit the official e-visa portal or a trusted visa service provider.
- Fill out the online application form with your personal details, travel dates, and accommodation information.
- Upload your passport scan and photo as required.
- Select the emergency processing option (such as 4-hour, same-day, or next-day).
- Pay the expedited processing fee using the available payment methods.
- Submit your application and save the confirmation number.
Important: Double-check all information before submitting. Mistakes can cause delays or rejection.
For Visa on Arrival (VOA) with Emergency Processing
- Contact a reputable VOA service provider and request emergency processing.
- Provide your passport details, travel dates, and entry airport.
- Receive a pre-approval letter by email (usually within the promised emergency timeframe).
- Print the pre-approval letter and prepare two passport-sized photos.
- Bring the letter, photos, and cash for the stamping fee to the airport in Vietnam.
Step 5: Understand Processing Times and Fees
Emergency E-Visa Processing Times
- Same-Day Processing (4-8 Hours):
- Morning Requests: Apply before 7:00 AM Vietnam time (GMT+7) to get approval by 12:00 PM the same day.
- Afternoon Requests: Apply before 1:00 PM to get approval by 6:30 PM the same day.
- Extreme Urgency (Hanoi only): 1-2 hour processing for the Hanoi entry port in very urgent cases.
- Not available on weekends or public holidays.
- Next-Day Processing:
- 1 Working Day: Approval within 24 hours during business days.
- 2 Working Days: Slightly cheaper, for those with a bit more time.
Emergency Visa Fees
- 4-Hour Processing: Starts from about $150 USD (exact price varies by provider and urgency).
- 1 Working Day: About $150 USD.
- 2 Working Days: About $100 USD.
Visa on Arrival (VOA) Emergency Fees:
– Fees depend on the service package (pre-approval letter, fast-track, airport assistance).
– Contact providers directly for exact pricing.
Note: Emergency processing is not available on weekends or public holidays. If you need a visa during these times, contact providers directly for special arrangements, which may cost more.
Step 6: Monitor Your Application and Email
After submitting your application:
- Check your email frequently for updates or approval letters.
- Respond quickly if the visa provider asks for more information or documents.
- Save all emails and documents related to your visa application.
Tip: Some agencies offer 24/7 support via WhatsApp (+84.946.583.583) or email for urgent cases. Use these channels if you have questions or need updates.
Step 7: Prepare for Arrival in Vietnam
Once you receive your e-visa or VOA pre-approval letter:
- Print all documents (visa approval, pre-approval letter, flight tickets, accommodation details).
- Bring your passport and passport-sized photos (for VOA).
- Have cash ready for any visa stamping fees at the airport.
At the airport:
– Show your visa approval or pre-approval letter at the immigration counter.
– Follow instructions from airport staff or fast-track assistants (if you purchased this service).
Step 8: Troubleshooting and Common Pitfalls
Even with emergency processing, problems can happen. Here’s how to avoid or fix them:
Common Pitfalls
- Photo Issues: If your uploaded photo is blurry, too dark, or doesn’t meet size rules, your application may be delayed or rejected.
- Incorrect Information: Mistakes in your name, passport number, or travel dates can cause delays.
- Weekend/Holiday Submissions: Applications sent outside business hours won’t be processed until the next working day.
- Technical Problems: Sometimes, the immigration system may have issues that slow down processing.
Troubleshooting Steps
- Check all documents before submitting.
- Contact your visa provider immediately if you don’t get a response within the promised time.
- Use emergency contact channels (WhatsApp, email) for urgent help.
- Be ready to provide extra documents if asked.
- Keep proof of your urgent situation (flight tickets, business letters) in case you need to explain your need for fast processing.
Step 9: Special Considerations for Weekend and Holiday Travel
Emergency visa processing is much harder on weekends and public holidays. Most providers only process applications during business days (Monday to Friday). If you must travel on a weekend or holiday:
- Contact service providers directly using their emergency phone or WhatsApp numbers.
- Expect higher fees for weekend or holiday processing.
- Consider changing your travel dates if possible.
- Allow extra time for processing, even if you pay for emergency service.
Step 10: Upgrade Pending Applications (Speed-Up Service)
If you already applied for a regular e-visa but now need it urgently, you can often upgrade to emergency processing. Contact your visa provider and ask for a “Speed-Up Service.” They will tell you the extra fee and steps needed to fast-track your application.
Step 11: Use Expert Assistance Services
Many agencies offer special help for emergency visa cases:
- 24/7 Support: Some providers answer calls and messages at any time.
- Personalized Consultation: After you send your details, a visa consultant will contact you with your options.
- Email Support: For urgent cases, email support is available.
Tip: Always use reputable agencies and check reviews before paying any fees.
Step 12: Final Checklist Before You Travel
Before heading to the airport, make sure you have:
- Printed visa approval or pre-approval letter
- Valid passport (6+ months)
- Passport-sized photos (for VOA)
- Accommodation details
- Proof of urgent circumstances (if needed)
- Cash for visa stamping fee (for VOA)
- Contact details for your visa provider
Summary Checklist: Emergency Vietnam Visa Application
- [ ] Confirm you need a visa (check visa exemption)
- [ ] Choose the right visa type (e-visa or VOA)
- [ ] Gather all required documents
- [ ] Complete the online application with correct info
- [ ] Upload clear, high-quality scans and photos
- [ ] Select the emergency processing option
- [ ] Pay the correct fee
- [ ] Submit your application and save confirmation
- [ ] Monitor your email for updates
- [ ] Print all necessary documents
- [ ] Prepare for arrival in Vietnam
Additional Resources and Official Links
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the Vietnam Immigration Department’s official website. Here, you can find details about visa types, processing times, and entry requirements.
If you need to access the official e-visa application form, visit the Vietnam e-visa portal.
Practical Tips for a Smooth Emergency Visa Experience
- Double-check all details before submitting your application.
- Prepare clear, high-quality scans of your passport and photo.
- Contact your visa provider directly for the latest processing times and fees.
- Have backup travel plans in case of unexpected delays.
- Keep all proof of your urgent need for fast processing.
- Monitor your email constantly after applying.
- Have your payment method ready for any extra fees.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, travelers who follow these steps and prepare their documents carefully have the best chance of getting their Emergency Vietnam Visa quickly and without problems.
Final Thoughts
Getting an Emergency Vietnam Visa is possible, even on very short notice, thanks to Same-Day Processing and fast e-visa options. However, these services require careful attention to detail, higher fees, and sometimes direct contact with visa providers—especially during weekends or holidays. By following the steps in this guide, you can act quickly and avoid the most common mistakes, making your urgent trip to Vietnam as smooth as possible.
If you have any doubts or face unexpected issues, always reach out to your visa provider or consult the official Vietnam Immigration Department for help. Safe travels!
Learn Today
Emergency Vietnam Visa → A visa issued quickly for travelers needing urgent entry into Vietnam due to unforeseen circumstances.
Same-Day Processing → A visa service option where applicants receive approval within the same business day, usually 4-8 hours.
E-Visa → An electronic visa allowing online application and processing without visiting embassies or consulates.
Visa on Arrival (VOA) → A visa obtained at the airport in Vietnam, requiring prior approval from a visa service.
Pre-approval Letter → An official document granting permission to receive a visa stamp upon arrival at Vietnam’s airport.
This Article in a Nutshell
Vietnam’s emergency visa services help travelers needing urgent entry with Same-Day Processing and fast e-visa options. Apply online, submit proper documents, and pay expedited fees. These vital services accommodate last-minute business or family emergencies, aiding travelers who missed advance visa application or face sudden travel changes.
— By VisaVerge.com
