2026 Vietnam Lunar New Year & Holiday Visa Guide: Express 1-Hour Approval & Emergency Services

Planning a trip to Vietnam for the 2026 Lunar New Year (Tet) in February or the May Day holidays? Whether you’re diving in Nha Trang, conducting business in Ho Chi Minh City, or escaping the winter in Da Lat, securing your visa is the most critical step of your preparation.

Crucial Warning: Many travelers overlook that Vietnamese government departments enter a “Full Holiday Mode” during major festivals. Without prior planning, you risk the nightmare of “Flights booked, but no visa in hand.” This guide reveals how to utilize emergency visa channels during the 2026 holidays to ensure your trip remains on track.

I. 2026 Vietnam Holiday Alerts: The Visa “Blind Spot”

In Vietnam, the Lunar New Year (Tet) is the most significant holiday of the year. During the 2026 Tet period (approx. Feb 14 – Feb 22), the official Immigration Department review system will be largely suspended.

• The E-visa Trap: Standard E-visa processing usually takes 3-5 business days. However, a massive surge in applications before holidays often leads to system crashes, and no processing occurs during the actual holiday.

• Zero Room for Error: If your application is rejected due to a photo error or typo just as the holiday begins, you will not receive a revision or approval until the government offices reopen.

II. The Solution: Emergency Holiday Fast-Track

If you are already in the middle of a holiday period or your flight is departing soon and your visa is still “Pending,” the Visa Approval Letter (On-Arrival Visa) is the only “express pass” that bypasses holiday closures.

1. What is a Visa Approval Letter?

This is a formal entry permit authorized by the Vietnam Immigration Department. Through specialized internal channels, we can secure this document for you even when government offices are officially closed.

2. Processing Times (2026 Holiday Specials)

• Standard Express: 1–2 business days.

• Super Urgent: 1–4 business hours (for extreme cases where you are already at the airport or flying in a few hours).

• 24/7 Support: Available on Saturdays, Sundays, and the entire 2026 Lunar New Year period.

III. Emergency Application: 3 Simple Steps

No tedious paperwork required. You can complete the process via mobile:

1. Submit Basic Info: Provide a photo of your passport bio-page, estimated entry date, and arrival airport.

2. Fast-Track Processing: [Click Here: 2026 Vietnam Holiday Emergency Visa Channel]

3. Receive Electronic Letter: Once approved, the letter is sent to your email. Download and print it. Bring two passport-sized photos and $25 USD (stamping fee) to receive your visa sticker at any international airport (Hanoi, HCMC, Da Nang, Phu Quoc, etc.).

Travel is about joy, not airport anxiety. If your visa is delayed during the 2026 Tet season, stay calm and contact our support team.

24/7 Global Support:

• Website: www.vietnam-visa.hk

• Instant Messaging: WeChat / LINE ID: vietnam-visa

• Email: info@vietnam-visa.hk

IV. 2026 Critical Holiday Risk Calendar

Refer to the table below to assess your visa risk. Dates in Red indicate high-risk periods where you should apply at least 10 days in advance or use the emergency channel.

Holiday Name	2026 Dates	Recommended Strategy
New Year’s Day	January 1	Apply 10 business days in advance
Lunar New Year (Tet)	Feb 14 — Feb 22	HIGH RISK! Use Emergency Channel
Hung Kings’ Festival	April 26	Avoid the backlog around this date
Reunification / Labor Day	April 30 — May 1	Apply 10 business days in advance
National Day	September 2	Apply 10 business days in advance

V. Expert Tips to Avoid Pitfalls

• Don’t Underestimate “System Maintenance”: Official portals often undergo maintenance during holidays, causing self-submitted applications to hang indefinitely.

• Check Passport Validity: Ensure your passport has at least 6 months of validity. Even with a visa letter, airlines may deny boarding if your passport is near expiration.

• Air Travel Only: Note that the Visa Approval Letter is for air travel only. If you plan to enter via land borders (e.g., from China, Cambodia, or Laos), you must have a physical visa or valid E-visa in hand before arrival.