Exploring Vietnam offers an incredibly fulfilling journey. The country boasts breathtaking natural scenery, delectable cuisine that tantalizes the taste buds, a deep-rooted cultural heritage, and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s no surprise that Vietnam consistently remains one of the most sought-after travel spots in Southeast Asia.
Getting a visa quickly for Vietnam can be complex, especially if you’re in a hurry. Whether it’s a last-minute trip or urgent business, preparing well can help you get an expedited visa.
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
When applying for an urgent visa for Vietnam, you will need to provide extra documentation and pay additional fees to expedite the standard application process. Here’s a summary of the necessary requirements:
- Completed visa application form
- Valid passport with at least six months validity
- Passport-sized photos
- Proof of travel arrangements (such as flight tickets)
- Additional processing fee for urgent processing
By fulfilling these requirements, you can enhance the chances of obtaining an urgent visa for Vietnam within an accelerated timeframe.
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
- Obtain and fill visa application form
- Prepare supporting documents
- Submit in-person to Visa Application Centre
- Wait up to 7 days for decision
- Return to collect passport with visa
Streamlined Agent Application Process
- Contact visa agent for urgent package
- Fill order request and submit documents
- Agent reviews and submits urgent application
- Decision made within 48 hours
- 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
If you’re in a rush to travel but don’t have a solid reason, you might still encounter the usual wait times. It’s important to highlight genuine emergency situations or compassionate reasons for expedited processing.
Urgent Vietnam Visa Processing Times
Once you’ve submitted your urgent visa request, the typical approval times are…
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
Hotel confirmations with listed contacts can help alleviate worries about overstaying.
If you put in the necessary effort and attention, obtaining your urgent approval should be a straightforward process without major obstacles.
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+ |
A standard urgent Vietnam visa usually ranges from approximately $100 for simpler single-entry cases to over $300 for multiple-entry business visas that need 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
Be proactive in your planning, and soon enough, you’ll be able to explore the marvels of Vietnam without any visa-related worries!
Conclusion
Vietnam continues to be a prime example of the captivating charm found in Southeast Asia. Its rich history and stunning natural beauty consistently enchant travelers from all corners of the world. However, despite its allure, navigating Vietnam’s intricate visa process can prove to be quite difficult, particularly when time is of the essence.
This guide should show that getting an urgent Vietnam visa is doable. Choose trustworthy agents, prepare documents carefully, stay in touch with authorities, and organize your trip well to speed up your entry approval for Vietnam.
Absolutely, opting for the expedited application process might come with a higher price tag. However, for numerous individuals who need to travel on short notice, the additional fees represent a minor investment for the benefit of swift entry into this captivating nation. It’s crucial to maintain a well-structured approach throughout each stage of the procedure, highlight genuine humanitarian reasons for the urgency if questioned, and rest assured that your emergency visa for Vietnam will be approved promptly.