How to Apply for Vietnam Visa on the Weekend
A Vietnam visa weekend is a special visa service that allows travelers to obtain a Vietnam visa during weekends or public holidays when embassies and immigration offices are closed. This article will walk you through the fastest and most reliable ways to get an urgent Vietnam visa over the weekend – ensuring your trip goes smoothly without unnecessary delays.
Learn more about the Vietnam visa weekend
What is a Vietnam visa on weekends?
The Vietnam visa weekend service is an expedited visa option provided by authorized travel or visa agencies for travelers arriving when government offices and the official e-visa portal are closed. It allows you to quickly obtain a visa approval letter via email, which you print and present upon arrival at the airport to get your visa stamped.
With standard processing, the approval letter is usually issued within 2 – 5 business days. For urgent requests, it can be completed in just 2 – 4 hours, allowing you to travel to Vietnam the same day.
The weekend and holiday visa service is designed for travelers who:
- Arrive in Vietnam by air during weekends or national holidays.
- Enter outside of normal working hours, such as 00:00 – 08:00, 11:00 – 14:00, or after 16:00.
Who needs this? Who is not eligible?
The Vietnam visa weekend or non-working hour visa service is designed for travelers in specific situations, including:
- Travelers arriving in Vietnam during weekends, public holidays, or outside regular working hours (such as early Monday morning).
- Those who forgot to apply for a visa or did not receive their visa in time but still need to enter Vietnam urgently during weekends or holidays.
- Applicants who received an incorrect approval letter or e-visa, preventing them from boarding their flight.
- Individuals who must travel to Vietnam immediately due to an emergency situation.
The Vietnam visa weekend service supports travelers needing urgent entry during weekends
Who cannot apply?
- Travelers entering Vietnam for business purposes (DN visa) cannot apply for or obtain a business visa on Saturdays or Sundays.
- Citizens of countries not eligible for visa on arrival are not qualified to apply for a visa during non-working hours.
Apply for an E-Visa Online
The fastest and most convenient way to obtain a Vietnam visa is by applying for an electronic visa (e-visa) online. This program, launched by the Vietnamese Government, is open to all foreign nationals. The process is simple and fully online – no need to visit an embassy or consulate.
The e-visa is valid for up to 90 days, allows single or multiple entries, and is accepted at international airports, land borders, and seaports across Vietnam.
How to apply:
- Visit the official website: https://evisa.gov.vn
- Fill in your personal details and travel information.
- Upload a passport photo and a portrait photo.
- Pay the processing fee online (USD 25 – 50).
- Wait for approval, usually within 3 – 5 business days.
Once approved, your e-visa will be sent via email. Print it out and present it upon arrival in Vietnam.
See more>> Vietnam visa photo requirements
Apply for an E-Visa Online
Note: The official e-visa system does not process applications during weekends or public holidays, so if you need a Vietnam visa weekend, consider using an urgent visa service to avoid travel delays.
Visit the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate
If you cannot apply for an e-visa or need urgent processing, visiting a Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate is the best option. Some offices accept visa applications on weekends, though not all are open on Saturdays or Sundays.
Check their official website or contact them directly to confirm working hours and expedited services. Certain locations may allow in-person submission or express processing, which is helpful for travelers needing a visa urgently.
How to apply at an Embassy or Consulate:
- Visit the website of the nearest Embassy or Consulate to confirm working hours and procedures.
- Prepare your passport, photos, and any required documents.
- Complete the visa application form.
- Pay the visa processing fee.
- Request expedited processing if available and necessary.
Use an Expedited Visa Services
Another practical option for obtaining a Vietnam visa over the weekend is using an express visa service. Many visa agencies offer this option, allowing you to get your visa processed quickly – even on weekends or public holidays. This service is ideal for travelers who need urgent processing and is available for both tourist and business visas.
Express services usually cost more but ensure a much faster turnaround compared to standard applications. Some providers can process your visa within 24 hours, helping you prepare for your trip without delay.
How to use an express visa service:
- Find a reputable Vietnam visa agency that offers fast processing for Vietnam visas.
- Submit your application and required documents online.
- Pay the express service fee, which varies depending on the urgency.
- Wait for confirmation and receive your visa approval within a few hours or up to one day.
https://entryvietnamvisa.com/ provides Vietnam visa on the same day service for travelers who need urgent visa approval. With an experienced support team and a streamlined process, we can help you obtain your visa within 1, 2, 4 hours or the same day. Our service is designed to be fast, reliable, and hassle-free, ensuring you’re ready for your trip without any delays.
Use the Visa on Arrival Service
If you’re flying to Vietnam, the Visa on Arrival (VOA) is a convenient option that allows travelers to obtain a visa directly at major international airports. This service is available at select entry points and is especially useful for those needing a visa over the weekend.
Note that VOA requires an approval letter before your flight. You must obtain this letter from an authorized visa service provider – it’s the official document that allows you to receive your visa upon arrival.
How to apply:
- Submit an online application for the approval letter through a trusted visa agent.
- Receive the approval letter via email.
- Print the letter and bring it with you when flying to Vietnam.
- Present it to the immigration officer at the airport to receive your visa.
VOA requires an approval letter before your flight
Check the Urgent Vietnam Visa Fees
The cost of a Vietnam visa at the weekend or emergency visa varies based on the processing time and visa type you choose. The expedited service fee typically ranges from USD 50 to 135. In addition to the fixed government e-visa fee, travelers may incur extra service charges.
| Type of Fee | Amount (USD) | Processing Time / Notes |
| Emergency service fee | 50 – 169 | 2 hours – 1 business day |
| E-visa – single entry | 25 | Valid for up to 90 days |
| E-visa – multiple entry | 50 | Valid for up to 90 days |
Additional possible fees:
- Support service fee: Applies when using a third-party visa agent; varies by provider.
- Translation and notarization fee: Required if official document translation is needed.
- Document delivery fee: Applies if submitted via courier or express mail.
Processing time
For a Vietnam visa weekend or urgent visa request, the approval letter is usually processed within 2 – 4 hours or on the same working day, provided that all required documents and payments are received by the agency. Upon arrival, it typically takes 15 – 30 minutes to get your visa stamped at the airport.
- Before 8:00 AM: Applications submitted before 8:00 AM (Vietnam time) are generally approved and issued by 12:00 PM the same day.
- Before 2:00 PM: If submitted before 2:00 PM, the approval letter is usually ready by 6:00 PM on the same day.
See more>>
List of holidays in Vietnam
Below is the list of official public holidays when the Vietnam Immigration Office is typically closed:
| Date | Holiday |
| January 1 | New Year’s Day |
| 30th day of the last lunar month – 4th day of the first lunar month (5 days) | Tet Holiday / Lunar New Year |
| 10th day of the third lunar month | Hung Kings’ Commemoration Day |
| April 30 | Reunification Day |
| May 1st | International Labor Day |
| September 2 | Vietnam National Day (Independence Day) |
Getting a Vietnam visa during the weekend is completely achievable if you take prompt action and select the right service. You can choose to apply for an online e-visa, visit the nearest embassy, use an urgent processing agency, or opt for a visa on arrival – all of which can help you secure your visa in time for your journey. Make sure to double-check all requirements and processing times to prevent unexpected issues.
With Wexplore Vietnam, applying for your Vietnam visa weekend becomes faster, simpler, and more affordable. If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out – we’re here 24/7 to assist you with free advice!