Complete Guide to Vietnam Public Holidays: How to Choose the Right Time to Apply for a Visa

Did you know? Vietnam has up to 10 major public holidays each year. But can you apply for a visa during these times? The answer isn’t always yes.

Many travelers overlook this critical factor when planning their trip to Vietnam, only to find their visa application unexpectedly delayed. In fact, thousands of tourists face disruptions to their travel plans every year because they don’t understand Vietnam’s holiday schedule.

During Tet (Lunar New Year), government offices may close for 7-9 days, and visa processing almost completely stops. If you’re planning to visit Vietnam, knowing the official holiday calendar is the first essential step.

When traditional holidays like Tet, Hung Kings’ Festival, or National Day approach, visa processing times can extend from the standard 3-5 working days to 7-10 days or more.

Additionally, understanding emergency visa and visa-on-arrival options is crucial—these can be a lifesaver during holidays. However, even these expedited services may not operate normally during major celebrations.

This guide will provide you with Vietnam’s complete 2025 holiday schedule, helping you choose the best time to apply for a visa and avoid unnecessary delays. Let’s get started!

1. Vietnam Public Holidays in 2025

Vietnam has 6 major official holidays in 2025, including Tet (Lunar New Year), which directly affects government operations—especially visa processing. Knowing these dates is essential for travelers.

Full List of Public Holidays in 2025

Date	Holiday Name	Day of the Week	Duration
Jan 1	New Year’s Day	Wednesday	1 day
Jan 25 – Feb 2	Tet (Lunar New Year)	Saturday – Sunday	9 days
Apr 7	Hung Kings’ Commemoration	Monday	1 day
Apr 30	Reunification Day	Wednesday	1 day
May 1	Labor Day	Thursday	1 day
Sep 1-2	National Day	Monday – Tuesday	2 days

Holiday Duration & Types

Vietnam’s holidays fall into two categories: fixed dates (e.g., New Year’s Day) and lunar-based dates (e.g., Tet and Hung Kings’ Festival).
Tet (Lunar New Year) is Vietnam’s most important holiday, with 9 consecutive days off for public employees (including 5 official Tet holidays + 4 regular days off). This is a time for family reunions and ancestral worship, with nationwide celebrations.
Reunification Day (Apr 30) and Labor Day (May 1) will likely form a 5-day break (Apr 30 – May 4, including weekends).
Since 2021, National Day has been extended to 2 days (Sep 1-2).
Under Vietnam’s Labor Law, if a holiday falls on a weekend, the next working day is a compensatory day off.
Since 2007, Hung Kings’ Commemoration has been added as a public holiday, bringing the total to 10 days off per year.

2. How Holidays Affect Visa Applications

Applying for a Vietnam visa during holidays can lead to unexpected delays—something many travelers don’t realize. Understanding how holidays impact processing is crucial for smooth travel planning.

Embassy & Immigration Office Closures

Vietnam’s Immigration Department operates Monday-Friday (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM) for visa processing.
Vietnamese embassies and consulates worldwide follow similar schedules.
All government offices close on public holidays, meaning no visa processing occurs during these times.

Can You Apply for an E-Visa During Holidays?

While the e-visa system remains open 24/7, applications submitted during holidays won’t be processed until offices reopen.
Many travelers mistakenly apply just before Tet, expecting approval in 3-5 days, only to face delays of a week or more due to the holiday shutdown.
Processing time excludes weekends and public holidays, so if you apply during Tet, your visa may remain “pending” until government offices resume work.

Will Holidays Delay Visa Approval?

Yes! Visa processing times extend significantly during holidays.
Normally, a visa on arrival (VOA) takes 3-5 working days, but during Tet or National Day, it can take 7-10 days or longer.
A common mistake: Applying 2-3 days before Tet and missing flights because the visa wasn’t processed in time.

Pro Tip: If you need a visa before Labor Day (May 1, 2025), apply by April 23 to avoid delays.

3. Emergency Visa-on-Arrival During Holidays

If you need a fast-track visa during holidays, Visa on Arrival (VOA) is an option, but it comes with higher fees and urgency.

Required Documents

Passport copy (for online application)
Two passport photos (for visa stamping on arrival; if forgotten, you can take photos at the airport for ~$5)

Application Steps

Apply online: https://www.vietnam-visa.hk/apply-vietnam-visa/
Choose processing time: Same-day emergency service available (for urgent cases, contact: info@vietnam-visa.hk / WeChat/LINE: vietnam-visa).
Prepare documents: After receiving the VOA approval letter, bring 2 photos, $25 stamping fee, and a completed NA1 form.
Get visa on arrival: At the airport, go to the “Visa on Arrival” counter, submit documents, pay the fee, and receive your visa.

Holiday Visa Fees

$150 -$ 170 (approval letter only; $25 stamping fee paid at the airport).
While more expensive, this ensures no travel disruptions due to holiday delays.

VIP Fast-Track Service

To skip long queues, opt for VIP Fast-Track:

After landing, head to the Visa on Arrival office.
Our staff will greet you with a name sign and assist with quick processing.
You’ll be guided through VIP immigration lanes, avoiding long waits.

Final Advice

Avoid applying during major holidays (especially Tet).
If traveling near holidays, apply at least 7-10 days early.
For last-minute trips, Visa on Arrival + Fast-Track is the best solution.

By planning ahead, you can avoid delays and enjoy a smooth trip to Vietnam in 2025! 🚀

Complete Guide to Vietnam Public Holidays: How to Choose the Right Time to Apply for a Visa

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