2026 Lunar New Year Vietnam Visa “Survival Guide” for Hong Kong Travelers: E-visa, VOA, and Emergency Expediting

Planning to sip coffee in Ho Chi Minh City or lounge on the beaches of Da Nang for the 2026 Lunar New Year? Take note: The Vietnamese government has officially confirmed the 2026 Tet Holiday will run from February 14 (Lunar Dec 27) to February 22 (Lunar Jan 5), totaling 9 days.

During this period, the Vietnam Immigration Department’s approval system will enter “Hibernation Mode.” If your visa isn’t in hand by then, this guide is your only “lifeline.”

🆘 Why is Tet a “Landmine” for Visa Applicants?

Many Hong Kong travelers are misled by the official E-visa portal. Just because the website allows you to submit an application doesn’t mean it will be processed. It’s a major trap!

• Official Shutdown: No staff will be reviewing applications during the holiday. Applications not approved by Feb 13 will likely be delayed until after Feb 23.
• No Correction Window: If your photo is rejected or info is mistyped, you cannot fix it during the holiday—leaving you to watch your airfare go to waste.
• Strict Boarding Checks: Ground staff at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) are notoriously strict. Any minor error (name spelling, passport number) will result in a denied boarding.

🚀 Solution 1: Visa on Arrival (VOA) Approval Letter

— The Only “Legal Backdoor” During Tet —

If you are about to fly and find your E-visa stuck in “Pending,” or if you forgot to apply entirely, the Visa Approval Letter is your only solution. This is a pre-approved document authorized by the Immigration Department.

📅 Emergency Processing Workflow

1. Prepare Materials: Snap a photo of your passport bio-page and confirm your arrival airport (SGN, HAN, DAD, CXR, or PQC).
2. Online Application: Visit the Emergency Vietnam Visa Portal, and select the “Visa on Arrival”.
3. Land & Collect: Download and print the PDF. Upon arrival, head to the “Landing Visa” counter. Present the letter + 2 photos + $25 USD stamping fee to get your visa on the spot.

⚡ Tet Holiday Emergency Timeline (Feb 14 – Feb 22, 2026)

• Service Window: Order must be placed before 14:30 (Vietnam Time) daily.
• Issuance: Received via email by 18:30 the same day.
• Cost: $165 USD (Excludes the $25 USD stamping fee at the airport).

💰 Solution 2: E-visa Emergency Rescue

If you prefer the standard E-visa format, we offer two professional “Boost” services:

Option A: Expediting an Existing E-visa

• Target: You already applied and paid on the official site, but it’s stuck in “Pending” and your flight is imminent.
• Cost: $210 USD
• Promise: Submit your Registration Code before 15:30; approval by 18:30 the same day.
• [Boost My E-visa Now] (https://www.vietnam-visa.hk/boost-evisa/)

Option B: Ultra-Fast New E-visa

• Target: You haven’t applied yet, or your existing visa has a critical error (e.g., wrong passport number) and needs a total re-do.
• Cost: Single Entry: $230 USD / Multiple Entry: $290 USD
• Promise: Order by 15:30; receive the visa by 18:30 the same day.
• [Apply for Emergency New Visa] (https://www.vietnam-visa.hk/apply-vietnam-visa/)

📝 3 Steps to Apply via Mobile (No Passport Mailing Required)

1. Submit Data: Upload a photo of your passport bio-page and a white-background portrait.
2. Consult Online: Contact our 24-hour customer service to confirm flight timing and the best expedited category.
3. Print & Fly: You must print the PDF. Present it at the “Landing Visa” counter (for VOA) or proceed directly to immigration (for E-visa).

📞 24-Hour Emergency Contact

If you are currently at the airport or your visa status hasn’t updated, contact us immediately for intervention:

• WeChat: Vietnam-visa
• Email: info@vietnam-visa.hk

💡 Pro-Tip: 2026 is expected to be a peak travel year. We strongly recommend completing regular applications before February 10. If you need emergency services, ensure you use authorized channels to avoid being scammed during the holiday rush.