How long does a Vietnam visa take in 2026? This page gives the official processing time by visa type, plus a realistic timeline from application to travel so you book with a safe buffer.
Vietnam visa at a glance
| Visa required? | Yes, for many nationalities |
|---|---|
| Main visa type | Vietnam e-Visa |
| Government fee | US$25 single entry; US$50 multiple entry (government fee, non-refundable) |
| Processing time | Approx 3 working days (apply 5-7 days before travel) |
| Validity | Up to 90 days from the requested entry date |
| Permitted stay | 90 days |
| Where to apply | https://evisa.gov.vn |
| HolidaySG assistance fee | S$50 per applicant (usually S$100) |
Vietnam processing time by visa type
| Visa type | Processing | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|
| Vietnam e-Visa | Approx 3 working days (apply 5-7 days before travel) | https://evisa.gov.vn |
| Visa Exemption (Singapore nationals) | Immediate on arrival | N/A (on arrival) |
| Transit / airport transit | N/A | https://evisa.gov.vn |
Verification vs approval
- Document verification: N/A
- Approval / issue: Approx 3 working days (apply 5-7 days before travel); Immediate on arrival; N/A
Give yourself a buffer
Quoted times are best case. Peak season, public holidays and requests for extra documents all add days. Allow the full Approx 3 working days (apply 5-7 days before travel) plus a few working days, and do not make non-refundable bookings until your Vietnam visa is approved.
Practical timeline: application → approval → travel
- 6–8 weeks before travel: check your passport validity, confirm your requirement, and start gathering documents.
- 3–4 weeks before: book refundable flights and accommodation (immigration may ask for these), then submit your Vietnam application.
- Processing: allow Approx 3 working days (apply 5-7 days before travel). Do not make non-refundable bookings until approved.
- On approval: print/save the approval, keep it with your passport, and complete any arrival card before you fly.
Common mistakes, delays and rejection reasons
From handling Vietnam visa applications, these are the issues that most often cause delays or refusals. Avoiding them is the single biggest thing you can control:
- Passport validity: many countries require at least six months' validity beyond your travel dates — renew early if yours is close.
- Insufficient proof of funds: bank statements that are too thin, too new, or not in your name are a common reason for delays. Show a stable balance over the last 3–6 months.
- Photo specification errors: wrong size, background colour, glasses or a smile can bounce an application. Follow the exact spec for Vietnam.
- Applying too late: submit well before departure — allow the full processing window plus a buffer, not the minimum.
- Mismatched documents: names, dates and passport numbers must match exactly across your form, flight and hotel bookings.
- Weak ties to your home country: employment letters, leave approval and return bookings help show you intend to return.
- Prior overstays or refusals: declare them honestly; hiding history causes more problems than the history itself.
Apply for your Vietnam visa with HolidaySG
Flat S$50 assistance fee per applicant (usually S$100) — official government fee: Free (exempt) · e-Visa: US$25 single entry. We check your eligibility, send a personalised document checklist, complete the forms and track your application until the outcome.
Things to do once your Vietnam visa is sorted
- One Day Medi Hue In Peace - “Let's Go Back To The Origin” — from VND 1,976,800
- One Day Snorkeling And Fishing In South Of Phu Quoc Island — from VND 360,000
- One Day Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda And Trang An Boat From Hanoi — from VND 600,000
- Cam Kim Island Bike Tour — from VND 672,000
- Orchid Island Ticket in Nha Trang — from VND 98,560
- Cam Thanh Coconut Basket Boat in Hoi An — from VND 65,000
Official sources
- Vietnam Immigration Department — verified 19 August 2026
Last updated 20 August 2026. Written and reviewed by the HolidaySG visa team and checked against the official sources above (facts verified 19 August 2026). Visa rules change and depend on your passport, residence and purpose of travel — always confirm with the official source before booking, or use our visa checker. HolidaySG re-confirms current requirements at the time of your application.