Complete Guide for HKDI Holders to Apply for Emergency Vietnam Visa: What to Do If Your E-Visa Gets Rejected

Have you ever had to cancel your Vietnam trip because of visa issues? Can HKDI holders apply for Vietnam e-visas? How to apply for an emergency Vietnam visa? These questions trouble many HKDI holders planning to visit Vietnam.

Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, this guide will provide the latest information on Vietnam visas, emergency visas, and visa-on-arrival, specifically for HKDI holders. We’ll explain official regulations, application steps, common rejection reasons, and solutions.

First, let’s understand Vietnam’s latest visa policies and special considerations for HKDI holders.

Holders of a Hong Kong Document of Identity (HKDI) are not eligible for visa-free entry and must obtain a proper visa to enter Vietnam. This regulation remains effective in 2025 with no signs of relaxation.

1. Can HKDI Holders Apply for a Vietnam E-Visa?

HKDI holders planning to visit Vietnam should first know this crucial fact: According to Vietnamese government regulations, HKDI holders cannot apply for Vietnam e-visas! This is important because many mistakenly think all Hong Kong travel documents enjoy the same privileges.

Note that while HKDI can’t use the e-visa system, you can still enter Vietnam legally through other methods. HKDI holders can apply online for a visa-on-arrival (VOA) or get a sticker visa directly from Vietnamese consulates.

2. Common Misconceptions vs. Reality

About HKDI and Vietnam visas, there are several common misunderstandings:

Misconception 1: HKDI holders can enter Vietnam visa-free for 45 days.
✅ Reality: HKDI holders don’t have any visa-free privileges and must apply for a visa to enter Vietnam.

Misconception 2: HKDI can use the same e-visa channel as HKSAR passports.
✅ Reality: HKDI cannot apply for e-visas and must use visa-on-arrival or consulate applications.

Misconception 3: Visa validity starts from the actual entry date.
✅ Reality: Visa validity begins from the intended entry date stated in the application, not the actual entry date. For example, if your visa approval letter states validity from June 1 to June 30, even if you enter on June 10, you must depart before June 30.

3. How to Apply for a Vietnam Visa-on-Arrival (VOA) Online

Visa-on-arrival is the best option for HKDI holders with the highest success rate. However, this method only applies to those entering Vietnam by air. Application steps:

1️⃣ Apply via this link (Select nationality: Hong Kong DI):
👉 https://www.vietnam-visa.hk/apply-vietnam-visa/

2️⃣ Prepare documents:

• Scanned copy of passport biodata page (ensure validity of at least 3 months and 2 blank pages)

• Valid email address and intended entry date

3️⃣ Pay service fee:

• The visa-on-arrival fee has two parts:

  • Pre-approval letter service fee (processing speed options, fastest approval in 1 hour)

  • Stamp fee upon arrival (US$25forsingle-entry,US$50 for multiple-entry, payable in cash)

🚨 Emergency Visa Service:
For urgent entry to Vietnam, choose:

• 4-hour expedited processing (super urgent)

• 1-2 working day processing (urgent)

• Standard processing (3-5 working days)

📞 Contact us:

• Email: info@vietnam-visa.hk

• LINE: https://line.me/ti/p/nqB711G8TX

• WeChat: vietnam-visa

4️⃣  After receiving the approval letter:

• Print the approval letter

• Complete NA1 entry form (available at the airport or downloadable in advance)

• Prepare 2 white-background passport photos (4×6 cm)

• Have cash ready (US$25single-entry/US$50 multiple-entry)

5️⃣ Upon arrival at the Vietnam airport:

• Go to the Visa on Arrival counter

• Submit documents and pay the stamping fee

• Wait for the visa sticker and complete entry procedures!

⚠️ Important notes:

• No emergency e-visa service on weekends

• Recommended to apply early to avoid last-minute delays

4. Vietnam Visa Application Tips and Advice

❓ If my e-visa application with HKDI gets rejected, will reapplying for a visa-on-arrival be affected?
✅ No, because HKDI cannot apply for e-visas to begin with – rejection is normal. Reapplying for a visa-on-arrival won’t be affected, but e-visa fees won’t be refunded.

Summary

• HKDI cannot apply for e-visas – must choose visa-on-arrival or consulate sticker visa

• Visa-on-arrival (VOA) is the best option for air passengers

• Emergency services are available (fastest approval in 4 hours)