If you are a New Zealand citizen or resident planning to travel to Vietnam in the near future, it is important to be aware of the visa requirements for your trip. In most cases, New Zealand citizens and residents are required to obtain a visa before entering Vietnam. However, there are some instances where an urgent Vietnam visa may be necessary due to unforeseen circumstances or last-minute travel plans. In this case, it is crucial to understand the process for obtaining an urgent Vietnam visa while in New Zealand.
There are two ways to get an urgent Vietnam visa in New Zealand in 2023:
- Visa on arrival (VOA)
You can apply for a VOA online and receive your visa approval letter within 2-4 working hours. To be eligible for a VOA, you must be a citizen of one of the 80 countries that Vietnam has a VOA agreement with, including New Zealand. You will also need to have a valid passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining, a return flight ticket, and two passport-sized photos.
To apply for a VOA, simply visit the Vietnam Visa on Arrival website and fill out the online application form. You will need to provide your passport information, travel dates, and flight details. You will also need to pay a processing fee of $25-$45 USD, depending on the type of visa you are applying for.
Once your application is approved, you will receive a visa approval letter via email. Print out the letter and bring it with you to the airport when you travel to Vietnam. Upon arrival, you will need to present the visa approval letter, your passport, and two passport-sized photos to the immigration officer. You will also need to pay a stamping fee of $25 USD.
- Emergency e-visa
If you need a visa even more urgently, you can apply for an emergency e-visa. Emergency e-visas are processed within 1 working day, but you will need to pay an additional fee.
To apply for an emergency e-visa, visit the Vietnam e-Visa website and select the “Emergency Processing” option. You will need to provide the same information as you would for a regular e-visa, but you will also need to upload a copy of your flight ticket and explain why you need an emergency visa.
Once your application is approved, you will receive an e-visa via email. Print out the e-visa and bring it with you to the airport when you travel to Vietnam. Upon arrival, you will need to present the e-visa and your passport to the immigration officer.
Tips for getting an urgent Vietnam visa in New Zealand 2023
- Apply as early as possible, even if you are applying for an emergency visa.
- Make sure you have all of the required documentation before you apply.
- Double-check your application form for any errors.
- Be prepared to pay additional fees for an emergency visa.
If you have any questions about getting an urgent Vietnam visa in New Zealand, you can contact the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in New Zealand for assistance.
Type of Urgent Vietnam Visa in NewZealand
There are two types of urgent Vietnam visas available to New Zealand citizens:
1. Urgent e-visa
An urgent e-visa is a type of electronic visa that can be processed within 24-48 hours. It is available to travelers who need to enter Vietnam urgently due to unforeseen circumstances or last-minute plans. To apply for an urgent e-visa, travelers must submit an online application form and pay the relevant fees. They will also need to provide supporting documentation, such as a copy of their passport and a letter explaining their need for an urgent visa.
2. Urgent visa on arrival
An urgent visa on arrival is a type of visa that can be processed at one of Vietnam’s international airports within 2-4 hours. It is available to travelers who have an urgent need to enter Vietnam but do not have time to apply for a visa in advance. To apply for an urgent visa on arrival, travelers must submit a visa application form at the airport and pay the relevant fees. They will also need to provide supporting documentation, such as a copy of their passport and a letter explaining their need for an urgent visa.
Important notes:
- Urgent Vietnam visas are only available for tourist visas.
- Urgent Vietnam visas are typically more expensive than regular visas.
- Urgent Vietnam visas are subject to approval by the Vietnamese government.
How to submit an Urgent Vietnam Visa in New Zealand?
How to submit an urgent Vietnam visa in New Zealand
There are two main ways to submit an urgent Vietnam visa in New Zealand:
- Through a visa agency: There are a number of visa agencies in New Zealand that can help you to obtain an urgent Vietnam visa. These agencies will typically charge a fee for their services, but they can save you a lot of time and hassle. To apply for an urgent Vietnam visa through a visa agency, you will need to provide them with the following information:
- Your passport
- A recent passport-sized photo
- Your flight itinerary
- Payment for the visa processing fee
The visa agency will then submit your application to the Vietnamese embassy on your behalf. Once your visa has been approved, the agency will send you the visa approval letter or the actual visa, depending on your preference.
- Directly through the Vietnamese embassy: You can also apply for an urgent Vietnam visa directly through the Vietnamese embassy in New Zealand. However, this process can be more time-consuming and complicated than applying through a visa agency. To apply for an urgent Vietnam visa directly through the embassy, you will need to:
- Complete a visa application form
- Submit your passport
- Submit a recent passport-sized photo
- Submit your flight itinerary
- Pay the visa processing fee in cash
Once you have submitted all of the required documentation, you will need to appear at the embassy in person to collect your visa.
Here are some additional tips for submitting an urgent Vietnam visa in New Zealand:
- Start the process as early as possible. It typically takes 2-4 working days to process an urgent Vietnam visa. However, during peak season, it may take longer.
- Make sure that you have all of the required documentation in order before you submit your application. Any missing or incomplete documentation could delay the processing of your visa.
- If you are applying through a visa agency, make sure that you choose a reputable agency. There are some scams out there, so it is important to do your research.
- If you are applying directly through the embassy, be sure to check the embassy’s website for the latest information on visa requirements and processing times.
Please note: The Vietnamese embassy does not offer a same-day visa service. The fastest possible processing time for an urgent Vietnam visa is 2 working days.
List of countries exempt from the visa to enter Vietnam
As of August 2023, regular passport holders of the following countries DO NOT need a visa for Vietnam:
Country | Maximum visa-free duration | Applicable purpose of visit (if any) |
---|---|---|
90 days | Chile, Panama | Entries that do not include remunerated activities |
45 days | Belarus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Norway, Russia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom | None |
30 days | Cambodia, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand | None |
21 days | Brunei | None |
14 days | None | None |
Note:
- The visa exemption policy applies to both tourist and business visits.
- The maximum visa-free duration is calculated from the date of entry into Vietnam.
- Visitors must have a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity from the date of entry into Vietnam.
- Visitors must have a valid onward or return ticket.
Other visa exemption cases:
- Holders of diplomatic and official passports from certain countries may be exempt from visa requirements for longer periods of time.
- Visitors who are participating in a visa-free tour organized by a Vietnamese travel agency may be exempt from visa requirements for up to 30 days.
- Visitors who have a valid Vietnam resident card or Vietnam work permit are exempt from visa requirements.
Conditions for making Vietnam visa exemption:
- Visitors must not have been deported from Vietnam in the past.
- Visitors must not have a criminal record.
- Visitors must not be involved in any activities that are considered to be harmful to the national security or social order of Vietnam.
Vietnam visa exemption extension:
Visitors who need to stay in Vietnam for longer than the visa-free period can apply for a visa extension at the Vietnam Immigration Department.
Frequently asked questions:
- Do I need a visa to enter Vietnam if I am a citizen of a country that is not on the visa exemption list?
Yes, you will need to apply for a visa before entering Vietnam. You can apply for a visa at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your home country.
- Can I apply for a Vietnam visa online?
Yes, you can apply for a Vietnam visa online through the Vietnam Immigration Department website.
- How long does it take to get a Vietnam visa?
The processing time for a Vietnam visa varies depending on the type of visa you apply for and the country you apply from. However, it is generally recommended to apply for a visa at least 2 weeks in advance of your travel date.
- What are the benefits of traveling to Vietnam without a visa?
Traveling to Vietnam without a visa can save you time and money. It is also more convenient, as you do not need to go to a Vietnamese embassy or consulate to apply for a visa.
I hope this information is helpful. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Hi. I live in Australia but am a NZ citizen travelling on a NZ passport. How do I get a visa in Australia prior to travelling to Vietnam