Vietnam Visa for Citizens of New Zealand – How to apply

Do New Zealanders need a visa for Vietnam?

Yes, New Zealand citizens must have a valid visa to enter Vietnam. If you try to travel without one, you won’t be allowed to board your flight. Airlines check visa requirements during check-in to prevent issues at arrival. Visa processing takes a few days, so make sure to apply early to avoid last-minute stress.

Visa-free entry not available for New Zealanders

Vietnam’s visa-free entry program is available to travelers from certain countries, mostly in Europe and Southeast Asia, for visits of 30 to 45 days. Unfortunately, New Zealand is not part of this program. This means New Zealand travelers must arrange their visa ahead of time before visiting Vietnam.

Vietnam e-visa: Best option for New Zealanders

Luckily, Vietnam has made it easier than ever for New Zealand citizens to apply for a visa. The e-visa system has replaced the older visa-on-arrival method, which required a letter of approval, additional fees upon arrival, and passport photos. Now, the entire process is handled online through the official Vietnamese Immigration website, simplifying the process significantly.

Important to know:

• Validity: The e-visa is valid for up to 90 days, but you must specify the exact duration of your stay when applying. It will only cover the dates you provide, up to the maximum of 90 days.
• Processing time: Expect your e-visa to take 3 to 5 working days to process. Be aware that weekends, Vietnamese holidays, and time differences can delay the process. Apply well ahead of time, and remember that correcting errors will require another 3-5 days.

Steps to Apply for a Vietnam e-visa

Step 1: Use the official website of the Vietnamese Immigration Department

There are many third-party visa services offering Vietnam visas, but using them means paying the standard fee plus their additional charges. You’ll also need to provide the same information and wait for their specific processing times, which could take longer.

For the most straightforward and cost-effective process, apply directly via the official Vietnamese Immigration website: https://evisa.gov.vn.

Step 2: Fill in all the information correctly

You will need to upload the following:

• A passport-sized photo.
• A clear scan or photo of your passport’s biographical page.

Double-check all your information before submitting. If there is a mistake, you’ll receive a notification to correct it, but this will restart the 3-5 working day processing time. If your name is incorrect and your e-visa is issued with the wrong details, it will be invalid, and you could be denied entry.

Tip: Read our complete guide, “Applying for a Vietnam e-visa,” to ensure your application is error-free and processed smoothly.

Step 3: Pay and wait

Pay the $25 USD application fee online. After payment, your application will be processed within 3 to 5 working days. Note that processing does not occur on weekends or official Vietnamese holidays.

Keep in mind:

• Allow for potential delays due to time zone differences.
• If you don’t receive a notification after a week, check your spam folder.

Step 4: Receive and print your e-visa

Although it’s acceptable to show your e-visa on your phone, it’s highly recommended to print a physical copy. This ensures you can present it anytime, even in areas with limited phone access or technical issues.

Vietnam Visa via embassy: New Zealand

New Zealanders can sometimes apply for a Vietnam visa at a Vietnamese embassy, but this service is no longer universally available. Many embassies now refer travelers to the e-visa platform, making online applications the primary method. Before visiting, it’s a good idea to call or email the embassy to confirm whether they process visas.

Be aware that embassy fees are often higher than applying online, but for those who prefer in-person assistance, this may still be a convenient option.

Vietnam visa via third-party agencies

For New Zealanders, applying for an e-visa is simple to do directly online, but third-party agencies also offer this service. Many agencies use the same official Vietnamese Immigration website, so you’re essentially paying their fee on top of the standard visa cost. Keep in mind that this could result in additional processing time as well.

While this might be a good choice for travelers who prefer to outsource the process, it’s worth considering whether the extra cost and waiting time are necessary for your situation.

Emergency visa request

Are you a New Zealander about to travel to Vietnam but just realized you need a visa? Or has your e-visa still not been processed, and your trip is fast approaching? In urgent situations, a visa agency can often help with a last-minute application. This type of request cannot be made through the official e-visa system and is managed offline, with much higher fees. However, it could save your trip by ensuring you can board your flight.

Local Vietnam offers emergency visa services for New Zealand travelers. We carefully review each case to ensure the chances of success are realistic.

Vietnam Visa extensions

New Zealand travelers wanting to stay in Vietnam beyond their e-visa validity or the 90-day maximum should be aware of the limitations. Generally, e-visas cannot be extended unless there’s an exceptional reason, like losing your passport or requiring medical treatment. In such cases, you’ll need to visit the immigration department, and the extension process may take a few days.

If you’re simply not ready to leave Vietnam yet, you can exit the country and re-enter with a new visa. Note that you cannot apply for a new e-visa yourself while still in Vietnam, but visa agents can assist with this. They can also arrange visa runs, helping you cross the border and return with a valid visa.

FAQ about Vietnam visas