Vietnam Visa for Tet Holiday (Lunar New Year): Timing & Urgent Options

Last update: Dec 29, 2023

Vietnam Tet events and cultural festivals offer visitors a unique experience. However, visa and immigration procedures can take longer during this period because government offices and immigration authorities may close for the public holiday. In this essential guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about getting a Vietnam visa for Tet Holiday - Lunar New Year, including holiday schedules, processing times, and how to prepare in advance for a smooth trip. 

Why Tet Affects Your Vietnam Visa Timing

Tet is Vietnam's biggest public holiday, celebrating the Lunar New Year. During this period, government offices and immigration authorities typically suspend or limit the processing of visa applications and other administrative services. As a result, any visa application that has not been completed before the holiday closure may have to wait until government offices reopen after Tet.

For travelers who need a visa during this period, it is advisable to request Vietnam emergency visa processing through a private visa agency. This can help avoid delays caused by the public holiday and provide a faster solution for urgent travel plans.

Vietnam celebrates Tet - Lunar New Year every year (Source: collected)

Vietnam celebrates Tet - Lunar New Year every year (Source: collected)

Tet closure calendar: Key dates to plan around

The first day of Tet (Lunar New Year) in 2027, the Year of the Goat, falls on Saturday, February 6, 2027. 

The Tet holiday is expected to run from Thursday, February 4, 2027 (the 28th day of the last lunar month) through Wednesday, February 10, 2027 (the 5th day of the first lunar month).

Since a Vietnam e-visa typically takes 3-5 days or longer to process, it is recommended to apply 7-10 days before departure to allow enough time for processing and ensure the visa is issued before the trip.

How to get a Vietnam visa during Tet (Urgent options) - Processing time and fees

Even during the Tet shutdown, an urgent e-visa or emergency visa-on-arrival approval letter can be arranged through our specialist team within hours. These private processing options are designed for travelers with urgent departure dates who cannot wait until government immigration offices reopen.

Processing during Tet takes longer and costs more than off-season. On regular days, the visa service fee is based on the required processing speed-the more urgent the application, the higher the fee. During Tet, a holiday surcharge is added to the applicable processing tier to cover urgent private handling during the public holiday. 

Expedited e-visa tier

Processing time

New single-entry Vietnam e-visa New multiple-entry Vietnam e-visa

Expedited pending Vietnam e-visa

Weekend/ holiday

$295       $320

$185

Weekend/ holiday

$295 $320

$295

15-30 mins - last-minute (business day)

$185 $210

$175

2 business HOUR

$155 $180

$145

4 business HOUR

$102 $129

$75

1 working DAY

$92 $119

$65

2 working DAYS

$72 $99

$45

3 working DAYS

$62 $89

$35

4-5 working DAYS

$52 $79

x

Emergency VOA approval letter

For travelers arriving by air, an emergency visa-on-arrival approval letter can be arranged for urgent cases, allowing the visa to be processed through the airport upon arrival.

Essential Guide to Vietnam Visa for Tet Holiday - Lunar New Year Travel

Essential Guide to Vietnam Visa for Tet Holiday - Lunar New Year Travel

Real Tet Case Studies: 56K+ Applications of Experience

When Vietnam’s government offices and immigration services slow down or close for Tet, getting a visa can become stressful-especially when a flight is only a few days or hours away. UrgentVisatoVietnam specializes in handling time-critical visa cases and provides private processing support for travelers who cannot wait for regular government processing to resume.

Benefit when using our services:

  • Quick processing: Provide one-day processing for emergency visa applications.
  • 24/7 support: Get help at any time via hotline or live chat.
  • No hidden fees: No unexpected extra costs with transparent service fees.
  • Experience: With over 16 years of experience, UrgentVisaToVietnam.com has processed over 56,000 cases with a success rate of 99,68%.

Testimonials from customers used visa services from UrgentVisaToVietnam

Testimonials from customers used visa services from UrgentVisaToVietnam

Weekend & Holiday Processing Beyond Tet

The same weekend and holiday capacity that handles Tet also covers Vietnam’s other national holidays year-round. In addition to Tet, Vietnam observes several major public holidays when government offices and immigration authorities may close or operate on a limited schedule.

  • Reunification Day (April 30) & International Labor Day (May 1): These two holidays are celebrated consecutively, often creating an extended break when combined with weekends.
  • National Day (September 2): Vietnam’s National Day is another major public holiday when government services may be closed or have limited processing capacity.

UrgentvisatoVietnam specialist team operates a 24/7 support desk, including weekends and public holidays. If you need a Vietnam visa on the weekends, holiday, you can contact the team to check the fastest available processing option for their situation.

For urgent travel, it is always recommended to contact the team as early as possible so the available processing options and applicable holiday fees can be confirmed.

Tips for Enjoying Tet Like a Local

Tet is one of the best times to experience Vietnam’s traditions, but the holiday can feel very different from a normal trip. With a little preparation, travelers can enjoy the festive atmosphere while avoiding common inconveniences.

  • Explore the flower market: Visit a traditional Tet flower market to see colorful displays of peach blossoms, yellow apricot blossoms, chrysanthemums, kumquat trees, and other seasonal plants. Wander among local families choosing flowers for their homes, admire the festive decorations, and ask a local guide or homestay host about the best market in the area. Go early in the morning for a livelier atmosphere and the widest selection.
  • Join local Tet celebrations: Tet activities and festivals vary by city and neighborhood. Ask a local guide or your homestay host about nearby flower markets, traditional performances, temple visits, cultural events, and other celebrations taking place during your stay.
  • Stock up on food and essentials: Many supermarkets, restaurants, and local shops may close or operate on limited hours during Tet. Buy some snacks, drinks, and basic necessities in advance so there is no need to worry about finding food when businesses are closed.
  • Visit temples and pagodas: Visiting a temple or pagoda is a popular Tet tradition in Vietnam. It can be a meaningful way to experience local customs and see how Vietnamese families welcome the Lunar New Year.

Planning Vietnam visa for Tet Holiday - Lunar new year for Your Trip: Tips and Tricks to Make the Most of your Lunar New Year Travel

Planning Vietnam visa for Tet Holiday - Lunar new year for Your Trip: Tips and Tricks to Make the Most of your Lunar New Year Travel

By planning ahead and familiarizing yourself with local customs, you can truly make the most of your Lunar New Year travel adventure. So pack your bags, embrace the festive spirit, and create unforgettable memories during this special time of year!

Related Blog Post: Vietnam Visa Requirements For US Citizens At Noi Bai Airport

In conclusion, obtaining a Vietnam visa for Tet Holiday - Lunar new year requires careful planning and understanding of the specific requirements. By familiarizing yourself with the necessary information and allowing ample time for processing, you can ensure a hassle-free and memorable trip to Vietnam during this festive season.

If you need urgent visa services, contact us via:

UrgentVisaToVietnam.Com

Hotline/whatsapp: +84.904.879.729

Email: [email protected]

Address: 101 Lang Ha street, Hanoi, Vietnam

Working Hour: Mon - Sun, 8:00am - 8:30pm

FAQs

Can I get a Vietnam visa during Tet?

Yes. Urgent e-visa processing or an emergency VOA approval letter may be arranged through private processing even while government offices are closed.

When do Vietnam immigration offices close for Tet?

They typically close for about a week around Lunar New Year. The Tet holiday is expected to run from Thursday, February 4, 2027 through Wednesday, February 10, 2027.

How early should I apply before Tet?

Ideally, apply 1-2 weeks before Tet to allow enough time for standard processing and avoid higher urgent holiday fees.

Does a Tet visa cost more?

No. But if you need urgent processing, the fees are higher.

How fast is an urgent Tet visa?

Expedited e-visa processing or an emergency VOA approval letter can often be arranged within a few hours, depending on the case and entry method.

Is visa processing reliable during Tet?

Yes. Urgent Visa to Vietnam provides dedicated holiday support backed by an on-time-or-refund guarantee.

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