Every year around Tet I hear the same worried message from guests: “I applied for my Vietnam visa a week ago and nothing has come through.” Almost always, it’s the holiday. Here’s exactly why a Vietnam visa during Tet is slow, and why processing stops and public holidays in 2026–2027, and what to do so your trip isn’t at risk.
Does Vietnam process visas during Tet?
No — not really. The official e-visa processing time is 3 working days, and that clock explicitly excludes weekends and public holidays. During the Tet break, the Immigration Department is closed, so applications simply sit in the queue until offices reopen. Around 90% of complete applications are approved within 3 working days in normal periods, but that timeline is meaningless if all those days are holidays.
When is Tet 2027, and how long do offices close?
Tet 2027 (the Year of the Goat) begins on Saturday, February 6, 2027 — the first day of the lunar new year. The three most important days are February 6–8. In practice the national break stretches longer: government offices, banks, and many businesses typically close from around February 5 through February 12–13, 2027. The government confirms the exact official days closer to the date, so treat this as a planning window, not a guarantee.
The lesson: any e-visa application submitted in late January or early February 2027 may not be looked at until offices reopen in mid-February.
What are Vietnam’s public holidays in 2026–2027?
Tet is the big one, but several other public holidays also pause processing. Approximate dates (lunar holidays shift each year):
| Holiday | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Jan 1 | Jan 1 |
| Tet (Lunar New Year) | ~Feb 17 | ~Feb 6 (break ~Feb 5–12) |
| Hung Kings’ Commemoration | ~Apr 26 | ~Apr 16 |
| Reunification Day | Apr 30 | Apr 30 |
| International Labour Day | May 1 | May 1 |
| National Day | Sep 2 (+ adjacent day) | Sep 2 (+ adjacent day) |
Around any of these, add buffer days. Tet is by far the longest closure, and the main reason a Vietnam visa during Tet needs extra lead time.
How early should you apply for a Vietnam e-visa before Tet?
My honest advice for a Vietnam visa during Tet: apply at least 2–3 weeks before you fly if your trip touches the Tet period, rather than the usual few days. That gives immigration working days on both sides of the holiday to approve you. The e-visa itself is valid for up to 90 days (single or multiple entry) from your chosen entry date, so applying early costs you nothing — you’re not “using up” days by getting it sorted sooner.
Apply only through the official government portal, evisa.gov.vn, and double-check every detail before you submit — a typo in your passport number or name can bounce the application into a slower manual review, which is the last thing you want near a holiday.
What if you’re flying to Vietnam during Tet without a visa?
If you’re already cutting it close, don’t panic — read our last-minute Vietnam visa checklist and our guide to e-visa processing times. And once your visa is sorted, an airport fast track service keeps your arrival smooth even during the Tet rush. Our team meets you at the aircraft exit and walks you through a priority immigration counter, so a packed holiday hall doesn’t cost you an hour. See how it works in our Vietnam fast track guide.
Ask us about visa timing & fast track on WhatsApp · +84 901 006 844
Also useful: our Vietnam entry requirements 2026 and the emergency visa guide if you need to move fast.
FAQ: Vietnam visa during Tet & holidays
Can I still get a Vietnam e-visa during Tet?
You can submit an application any time, but it won’t be processed until the Immigration Department reopens after the holiday. Submit well before Tet, or expect a delay until mid-February 2027.
How long does a Vietnam e-visa normally take?
Officially 3 working days, excluding weekends and public holidays. In practice many travellers see 3–5 working days, and longer during peak or holiday periods.
When exactly is Tet 2027?
The first day of Tet 2027 is February 6. The national holiday break typically runs from around February 5 to February 12–13; the government confirms the exact official days closer to the date.
Does the visa on arrival option avoid the Tet delay?
Visa on arrival still relies on an approval letter that the Immigration Department must issue, so it faces the same holiday pauses. The safest move is simply to apply early. Compare your options in our e-visa guides linked above.
Is fast track available during Tet?
Yes. Airport fast track runs year-round, including the Tet holiday, and it’s especially worth it when arrival halls are busiest. Message us on WhatsApp to arrange it for SGN, HAN, DAD, or PQC.
