Urgent Visa for Vietnam on arrival in 1 hour to 4 hours

Visiting Vietnam can be a remarkably rewarding experience. With its stunning natural landscapes” mouthwatering cuisine, rich cultural traditions, and warm hospitality, it’s no wonder Vietnam continues to rank among the top tourist destinations in Southeast Asia.

However, navigating the visa application process can often be complicated and time-consuming—especially if you’re in a rush. Whether you’ve just booked last-minute flights or need to visit Vietnam urgently for business, obtaining an expedited or “urgent” visa is possible with some key preparation.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about getting an urgent visa for vietnam quickly and efficiently.

How to Obtain an urgent visa for Vietnam

Obtaining an urgent visa for vietnam requires submitting additional documentation and fees to accelerate the standard application timeline. Here’s an overview of what’s needed:

Notify Your Visa Agent

• Contact your visa agent/service immediately to inform them you need an expedited visa
• Provide your travel details and reason requiring urgent processing
• Ensure they can facilitate faster document handling and submissions

Prepare Extra Documentation

• Obtain documents proving need for urgent travel (e.g. flight bookings, medical referrals, business letters)
• Print copies of bank statements, pay slips, ties to home residence proving you’ll return

Pay Urgent Processing Fees

• Standard fees plus urgent processing charges apply
• Expect to pay $50-$100+ extra depending on service and delivery request

Confirm Receipt and Approval

• Double-check with your agent once they receive your documents and submission
• Obtain tracking number if documents are couriered to/from VFS/embassies
• Clarify expected processing and delivery time based on service selected

Fast-Track Your Vietnam Visa Application

Paying urgent processing charges doesn’t always guarantee speedier visa approval. Taking some additional steps can help expedite your application further:

Choose Premium Processing Services

• Opt for “VIP” services offered by select visa agents at added cost
• Services include document pre-checks, dedicated case officers, SMS updates, etc.
• Ensures your documents get special handling for faster review

Skip Mail Submissions When Possible

• Couriered applications tend to be quicker than postal submissions
• Avoid possible delays with postal losses, holidays, delivery failures
• Courier allows real-time tracking and priority handling

Call and Follow-Up Frequently

• Don’t just submit then wait! Follow up shows this is truly urgent
• Call VFS Helplines and visa agent support lines for status
• Politely emphasize you need decision ASAP for emergency situation

Have Contingency Funds Ready

• Last-minute flight changes, hotels etc. may be required once approved
• Have emergency credit cards or cash accessible to rebook travel
• Helps ease stress if forced to amend plans upon short-notice approval

Urgent Vietnam Visa Requirements

Whether applying directly or using an expedited visa service, you’ll need to submit the below:

Valid Passport

• Must have at least 6 months validity remaining
• Must have at least 2 blank pages per person
• Copy of ID page/info page required

Visa Application Form

• Fully completed on secure government portal
• Cover Letter indicating reason for urgent need

Passport Photos

• 2x official photos taken within last 6 months
• Remove glasses, no headwear as per guidelines

Proof of Exit

• Round-trip flight bookings/itinerary
• Onward travel booking confirmation

Payment Fees

• Visa fees + urgent processing charges
• Service fees if applying via agent

Tips for Getting a Rush Visa for Vietnam

Aside from the standard requirements, following these tips can also help accelerate your urgent Vietnam visa application:

Well-Written Cover Letter is Critical

Provide personalized details on:

• Your background and reason requiring urgent Vietnam entry
• Mention how soon and long you plan to stay
• Emphasize you intend to fully comply with visa regulations

This helps establish legitimate reason for expedited request.

Provide Financial Evidence Upfront

Having proof of funds can avoid delays from vetting applicants’ means to afford trip:

• 3 months bank statements
• Fixed deposit certificates
• Proof of home/assets ownership

Less risk of you illegally staying boosts urgent approval odds.

Directly Contact the Embassy

For truly last-minute urgent visa needs:

• Contact Vietnam Embassy/Consulate directly
• Explain humanitarian reason requiring waiver of standard timing
• Be persistent yet polite in calls and follow-ups

Individual cases may receive exceptional processing.

Navigating the Process of Obtaining an Urgent Vietnam Visa

The urgent Vietnam visa process can vary slightly depending on whether you apply directly or through a fast-track agent. Here’s an overview:

Standard Direct Application Process

1. Obtain and fill visa application form
2. Prepare supporting documents
3. Submit in-person to Visa Application Centre
4. Wait up to 7 days for decision
5. Return to collect passport with visa

Streamlined Agent Application Process

1. Contact visa agent for urgent package
2. Fill order request and submit documents
3. Agent reviews and submits urgent application
4. Decision made within 48 hours
5. Agent couriers back passport with visa

Agents smooth the process via document checks, upfront payments, courier services, and follow-ups. But fees are higher.

Choose the option fitting your budget, convenience and urgency levels.

Vietnam Visa Expedited: What You Need to Know

Vietnam has specific definitions and procedures for “expedited” visas requiring accelerated processing. Here are key facts to know:

Two Options: Rush or Super Rush

There are two urgent visa tracks offered:

• Rush Visa: 2-4 business days processing
• Super Rush Visa: 1-2 business days processing

So super rush is for truly last-minute needs.

Only Valid for Single Entry

Unfortunately urgent processing only applies to single-entry visas currently.

For multiple-entry visas standard 7-10 day processing applies.

Extra Fees and Charges

Aside from standard visa fees, expect additional $50 or more for urgent services. Prices depend on:

• Speed (# days)
• Application method (direct, agent)
• Delivery method chosen

So clarify full costs upfront with your agent or service centre.

Eligibility Criteria

Unfortunately embassies allow urgent visa requests purely on a case-by-case basis. Some common “compassionate” cases include:

• Family emergencies like funerals
• Unexpected business travel
• Medical situations

So urgent tourists without concrete reasoning may still face standard delays. Emphasize legitimate humanitarian grounds.

Urgent Vietnam Visa Processing Times

Once your urgent visa request is submitted, approval times are typically:

Visa Type	Application to Approval	Passport Return
–	–	–
Regular	7-10 days	+3 days
Rush	2-4 days	+1-2 days
Super Rush	1-2 days	+1 day

• Add processing durations above for decision
• Then allow extra time to courier back passport
• Super rush = 72 hours max turnaround!

Note: These durations assume 100% complete and error-free documents submitted firstly. Any missing info causes delays.

Avoiding Delays: Tips for Applying for an Urgent Vietnam Visa

Despite paying urgent fees, a delayed verdict can jeopardize your Vietnam trip altogether. Avoid common snags:

1. Check Documents Thoroughly

Having 100% complete forms, copies, bookings etc is critical. Double and triple check before paying urgent fees.

2. Clarify Embassy Operating Days

Embassies operate on working days only. Don’t count weekends/public holidays in urgent duration.

3. Select Reliable Courier Service

Choose only major couriers (DHL, FedEx etc) when urgency depends on it. Avoid postal losses.

4. Give Accurate Local Contacts

Have hotel confirmations listing contacts. Helps ease overstay concerns.

With some diligence, your urgent approval should be smooth sailing!

Urgent Vietnam Visa Fees and Costs

Vietnam urgent visa charges include:

Standard Government Visa Fees

Visa Type	Fee
–	–
Single entry	$25-50
Multiple entry	$50-100

Urgent Processing Surcharges

Urgent Option	Extra Fee
–	–
Rush visa	+$50
Super rush visa	+$100

Misc Visa Application Charges

Service	Fee
–	–
Document verification	$5+
SMS updates	$5+
Photocopying	$2+
Courier return	$10-100+

So a typical urgent Vietnam visa cost would be ~$100 for simpler single-entry cases, up to $300+ for multiple-entry business visas requiring full fast-tracked services.

Shop around between Visa Agents to compare rates.

Final Steps for Securing Your Urgent Vietnam Visa

As you await visa approval, some final to-do’s ensure you’re 100% ready for urgent travel:

✔️ Book accommodation in-country flights

✔️ Inform contacts in Vietnam of changes

✔️ Have local currency on hand

✔️ Activate roaming or unlock SIM card

✔️ Forward approval email to print as needed

✔️ Add embassy contacts in case issues

Stay proactive with planning, and before you know it you’ll be enjoying Vietnam’s wonders without visa woes!

Q&A

Q: What is the Urgent Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA)? A: The Urgent VOA is a special type of visa for visitors who need to enter Vietnam urgently and do not have time to apply for a visa in advance. This visa can be processed within 1 to 4 hours and allows travelers to enter Vietnam as soon as possible.

Q: Who is eligible for the Urgent VOA? A: The Urgent VOA is available to citizens of most countries. However, it is recommended to check the specific requirements for your country of origin.

Q: How can I apply for the Urgent VOA? A: You can apply for the Urgent VOA through a visa agency. These agencies will assist you with the application process, including collecting the necessary documents and submitting them to the Vietnamese embassy or consulate.

Q: What documents do I need to apply for the Urgent VOA? A: The documents required for the Urgent VOA vary depending on your country of origin. However, all applicants will need to provide:

• A passport with a validity of at least 6 months beyond the intended date of departure from Vietnam
• Two passport-style photographs
• A proof of accommodation in Vietnam
• A letter from your employer or a travel agent explaining the reason for your urgent travel

Q: How long does it take to process the Urgent VOA? A: The Urgent VOA is typically processed within 1 to 4 hours. However, the processing time may vary depending on the volume of applications and the availability of visa officers.

Q: How much does the Urgent VOA cost? A: The cost of the Urgent VOA varies depending on your country of origin and the processing time. The fee is usually paid to the visa agency that is assisting you with your application.

Q: Can I extend my Urgent VOA? A: No, the Urgent VOA cannot be extended. If you need to stay in Vietnam for longer than the validity period of your visa, you will need to apply for a new visa.

Conclusion

Vietnam remains a pinnacle of Southeast Asian charm. Its storied history and resplendent landscapes never cease to captivate visitors from across the globe. Yet for all its magic, overcoming Vietnam’s complex visa system can be challenging—especially when you’re in a crunch.

Hopefully this guide has illuminated that obtaining an urgent Vietnam visa, while tricky, is absolutely within reach. By selecting reliable urgent visa agents, diligently preparing documents, proactively contacting authorities for updates, and securing all aspects of your trip in parallel, you can absolutely fast-track your Vietnam entry approval.

Sure, the urgent application route may cost more. But for many short-notice travelers, the extra charges are a small price to pay for gaining quick access into this mesmerizing country. Just stay organized every step of the process, emphasize legitimate humanitarian grounds for urgency if challenged, and your emergency Vietnam visa will be stamped in no time.

The tempting pho bowls, swaying rice paddies and dazzling Ha Long Bay vistas await—urgent visa in hand!