Vietnam Emergency Visa: A Complete Guide for Urgent Travel Needs

 


If you need to travel to Vietnam urgently and don’t have a visa, a Vietnam Emergency Visa can be a lifesaver. Whether it's for a family emergency, a last-minute business trip, or a travel delay, Vietnam offers expedited visa processing to help travelers enter the country quickly and legally. This guide covers everything you need to know about the Vietnam Emergency Visa, including who needs it, how to apply, processing times, fees, and important tips.

What is a Vietnam Emergency Visa?

A Vietnam Emergency Visa is a fast-tracked visa issued to foreign nationals who need to enter Vietnam on short notice. Unlike the standard visa process, which may take several business days or even weeks, an emergency visa is processed within 24 hours or less — sometimes as quickly as 2–4 working hours, depending on the urgency and time of application.

This service is especially useful for travelers who:

  • Forgot to apply for a visa in advance

  • Have a lost or expired visa

  • Need to travel due to family or medical emergencies

  • Face last-minute changes in travel plans

Who Can Apply for a Vietnam Emergency Visa?

The Vietnam Emergency Visa is available for most nationalities that are eligible for a Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA) or e-Visa. However, the emergency option typically applies to:

  • Tourists

  • Business travelers

  • Individuals with urgent personal matters (e.g., funerals, hospital visits)

Note that not all visa agents or consulates offer emergency services, so it’s important to use a reliable visa agent or an official government channel to apply.

How to Apply for a Vietnam Emergency Visa

There are generally two ways to apply for an emergency visa:

  1. Visa on Arrival (VOA) – For those entering via international airports in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang.

  2. E-Visa – Available for selected nationalities entering through specific ports of entry.

Here’s how to apply for an Emergency VOA:

Step 1: Fill out the online application

Choose a reputable visa agent that offers emergency processing. Complete the online visa application form with accurate information: full name, passport number, travel dates, and purpose of visit.

Step 2: Pay the processing fee

Emergency processing incurs higher fees than regular visa services. Expect to pay between $50–$150 depending on the speed (same day, 4-hour, or weekend service).

Step 3: Receive visa approval letter

After processing, you’ll receive an approval letter via email. This letter is essential for boarding your flight and receiving a visa at the airport.

Step 4: Get your visa stamped on arrival

Upon landing in Vietnam, present the approval letter, passport-sized photos, and the stamping fee (usually around $25 USD) at the visa-on-arrival counter.

For e-Visa, the emergency option may not be available through the government portal but could be expedited through trusted agents.

Processing Time for a Vietnam Emergency Visa

  • Standard Emergency: Within 24 hours

  • Urgent: 4–8 business hours

  • Super Urgent: 2–4 business hours (sometimes outside working hours or on weekends/holidays for extra fees)

Keep in mind that real-time processing may vary depending on the time of day, the day of the week, and public holidays in Vietnam.

Required Documents

To obtain a Vietnam Emergency Visa, you typically need:

  • A valid passport (with at least 6 months of validity)

  • Passport-sized photo (4x6 cm)

  • Completed visa application form

  • Visa approval letter (for VOA)

  • Proof of urgency (in some cases)

  • Credit/debit card for payment

Cost of a Vietnam Emergency Visa

The total cost includes:

  • Service fee to the visa agent for processing the emergency application

  • Stamping fee payable in cash at the airport ($25 for single-entry visa)

Emergency services will cost more than standard visas. Always confirm the final price before submitting payment.

Tips for a Smooth Emergency Visa Application

  • Double-check your personal details before submitting the application.

  • Use trusted visa services with good reviews and 24/7 customer support.

  • Print out the visa approval letter and all supporting documents.

  • Carry extra passport photos.

  • Arrive early at the airport to avoid delays at the visa counter.

Conclusion

A Vietnam Emergency Visa is the fastest solution for travelers who need to enter the country urgently. With efficient processing and availability through online agents, travelers can receive their visa approval letter in a matter of hours. Whether you’re facing a family crisis or an unexpected travel plan, knowing how to secure an emergency visa for Vietnam can make a stressful situation much easier to manage.

Always plan ahead when possible, but rest assured that Vietnam’s emergency visa services are there to help when you need to travel in a hurry.

Location: 162 Trường Sa, Phường 1, Bình Thạnh, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

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