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Tet (Lunar New Year) is a major public holiday in Vietnam. Learn how this impacts standard eVisa processing times and how to plan accordingly.
Impact of the Tet Holiday on Visa Processing
Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) is a significant national holiday in Vietnam. During this period, most government offices, including the Vietnam Immigration Department, suspend standard operations. In 2026, the official Tet holiday period runs from February 14 to February 22. It is advisable to review the standard processing times prior to scheduling travel.
Processing Timelines Around Tet
The standard processing time for a Vietnam eVisa is typically 3 to 5 working days. Submitting an application near or during the Tet holiday affects this timeline:
- Submission prior to Tet (e.g., February 12): Applications submitted shortly before the holiday may not be completed before the closure. For instance, if Thursday (Feb 12) and Friday (Feb 13) count as the first two working days, processing will pause and resume on February 23 (Monday).
- Submission during Tet (Feb 14 - 22): The National Web Portal on Immigration accepts applications and payments continuously. However, processing does not commence until operations resume on February 23.
- Post-Tet Processing: Following the holiday, the Immigration Department often handles a high volume of accumulated applications. Processing times immediately after Tet can extend to 5-7 working days.
Planning Guidelines for February Travel
To ensure timely visa issuance for travel during or immediately after February, consider the following recommendations:
- Apply in Advance: Travelers are encouraged to apply for an eVisa in early January to avoid holiday-related delays. The eVisa is valid for up to 90 days (costing $25 for single-entry and $50 for multiple-entry), allowing for early applications. Follow the step-by-step application guide for instructions.
- Entry During the Holiday: Approved eVisas remain valid for entry during the Tet period. Immigration checkpoints at international airports and land borders operate 24/7. Read the eVisa explainer for a comprehensive overview.
If an eVisa is not approved prior to arrival at an international airport during Tet, travelers may need to seek emergency Visa on Arrival authorization through an agency. Emergency processing fees during this period are typically higher, often ranging from $150 to $300+. Note that VOA is not applicable for land border entry.