Are you planning to visit Vietnam for business or leisure purposes? If so, you might have come across the option of applying for an e-visa. This electronic visa system was introduced by the Vietnamese government in 2017, making it easier for travelers to obtain a visa without having to go through the traditional embassy application process.

However, one question that often comes to mind when considering an e-visa is the processing time. In this article, we will delve into the details of the Vietnam e-visa processing time and provide you with all the necessary information to help you plan your trip smoothly.

Vietnam Visa Process: Explained

Before we dive into the specifics of e-visa processing time, let us first understand the overall Vietnam visa process. Whether you choose to apply for a traditional embassy visa or an e-visa, the steps involved are similar.

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility

The first step in obtaining a Vietnam visa is to determine whether you are eligible for one. Depending on your nationality, you may be required to apply for a visa before entering Vietnam. Currently, there are 80 countries that are eligible for the e-visa program, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and most European countries. To check if your country is eligible, you can visit the official website of the Vietnam Immigration Department.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Once you have determined your eligibility, the next step is to gather all the necessary documents for your visa application. This includes a valid passport, a recent passport-sized photo, and any other supporting documents depending on the purpose of your visit.

Step 3: Choose the Application Method

After gathering all the required documents, you can choose between two methods of visa application – the traditional embassy route or the e-visa route.

Traditional Embassy Visa Application:

If you choose the traditional embassy route, you will need to submit your application and documents to the nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate. The processing time for this type of visa can vary anywhere from 5-7 business days, depending on the workload of the embassy.

E-visa Application:

On the other hand, if you opt for an e-visa, you can apply online through the official website of the Vietnam Immigration Department. This process can take anywhere from 3-5 business days for approval.

E-Visa Vietnam Processing Time: What to Expect

Now that we have a general understanding of the Vietnam visa process, let us focus on the specific processing time for an e-visa.

Overview:

The average processing time for an e-visa is around 3-5 business days. However, it is important to note that this is only the processing time for the application itself. After your application is approved, it will take another 2-3 business days for the e-visa to be issued and sent to your email.

Factors Affecting Processing Time:

While the standard processing time for an e-visa is 3-5 business days, there are certain factors that may affect the duration of the process. These include:

1. Nationality:

As mentioned earlier, the eligibility for an e-visa depends on your nationality. Some nationalities may have a longer processing time as compared to others due to the volume of applications received.

2. Completeness of Application:

To avoid any delays in the processing, it is crucial to ensure that all the required information and documents are submitted correctly. If there are any discrepancies or missing information in your application, it may result in additional review time and delay the processing.

3. Peak Season:

Another factor that may impact the processing time is the peak season for travel. It is common for the processing time to be longer during popular travel months, as there is a higher volume of applications being received.

Vietnam E-Visa in Processing: What to Do

If your e-visa application is still in the processing stage after the expected timeframe, there are a few things you can do to check on its status.

1. Check the Official Website:

The first step is to visit the official website of the Vietnam Immigration Department and navigate to the e-visa application page. Here, you can enter your application number to check for any updates or delays.

2. Contact the Embassy:

If there are no updates on the website, you can contact the nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate for assistance. They may be able to provide you with more information about the status of your application.

3. Apply for Urgent Processing:

In certain cases, the Vietnam Immigration Department allows for urgent processing of e-visas at an additional fee. This option is only available for certain nationalities and travel purposes, so it is important to check if you are eligible before applying for urgent processing.

Vietnam Visa Application Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that we have covered the basics of e-visa processing time, let us take a closer look at the process of applying for an e-visa.

Step 1: Visit the Official Website

The first step is to visit the official website of the Vietnam Immigration Department (https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn) and select “For Foreigners” from the top menu.

Step 2: Fill Out the Application Form

Next, you will need to fill out the online application form by providing your personal details, including your full name, nationality, date of birth, and passport information.

Step 3: Upload Required Documents

After filling out the application form, you will be required to upload a scanned copy of your passport’s bio page and a recent passport-sized photo. Make sure to follow the specific guidelines for document size and format provided on the website.

Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee

Once all the required information and documents are submitted, you will be prompted to pay the visa fee. This can be done using a credit or debit card.

Step 5: Wait for Approval

After completing the payment, your application will be processed, and you will receive an application number for tracking purposes. You can expect to receive an update on the status of your application within 3-5 business days.

Step 6: Receive Your E-Visa

If your e-visa is approved, you will receive it via email within 2-3 business days. It is important to print out a physical copy of your e-visa and keep it with you during your trip.

Vietnam E-Visa Processing Time: Reddit Reviews

While researching the e-visa processing time for Vietnam, you may come across various forums and threads on Reddit discussing personal experiences. Here are some reviews from Reddit users about their e-visa processing time:

• “I applied for an e-visa to Vietnam and received it within 3 days! It was a smooth process, and I didn’t face any issues.” – u/sarahd1234
• “My e-visa took a little longer than expected, around 7 business days. However, I had missed out on providing some information in my initial application, which led to the delay. Make sure to double-check all your information before submitting!” – u/johndoe32
• “I was eligible for urgent processing and paid an extra fee to receive my e-visa within 24 hours. It saved me a lot of time and hassle, especially since I was traveling during peak season.” – u/traveler123

FAQs About Vietnam E-Visa Processing Time

To wrap up this comprehensive guide on e-visa processing time for Vietnam, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers:

Q1. How long is an e-visa valid for?

An e-visa for Vietnam is valid for a single entry within 30 days from the expected date of arrival.

Q2. Can I extend my e-visa once I am in Vietnam?

No, it is not possible to extend your e-visa. If you wish to stay in Vietnam for longer than 30 days, you will need to apply for a visa extension through a local immigration office.

Q3. Can I enter Vietnam using an e-visa from any point of entry?

E-visas are only valid for entry through specific points of entry. You can check the list of eligible entry points on the official website of the Vietnam Immigration Department.

Q4. Can I apply for multiple entries with an e-visa?

No, e-visas are only valid for a single entry. If you require multiple entries, you will need to apply for a traditional embassy visa.

Q5. Can I use my e-visa before the expected date of arrival?

No, your e-visa will only be valid for use from the expected date of arrival as mentioned in your application.

Conclusion

Obtaining an e-visa for Vietnam is a convenient and efficient way to obtain a visa without having to go through the traditional embassy application process. While the processing time may vary depending on certain factors, the standard timeframe is 3-5 business days. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily apply for an e-visa and plan your trip to Vietnam with ease.