Vietnam’s immigration services will temporarily pause visa processing in mid-February 2026 as the country observes Lunar New Year (Tet) — one of the longest and most significant public holidays in the Vietnamese calendar. During this period, government offices, consulates, and embassies will close, which means applications submitted close to or during the holiday may not be processed until offices reopen.
Holiday Closure Dates & Impact
Vietnam’s Immigration Authority and overseas Vietnamese diplomatic missions will be closed from 14 February to 22 February 2026 for the Tet festival. As a result:
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Visa applications and approvals will be on hold throughout the official holiday period.
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Embassies and consulates abroad will also stop processing routine visa requests.
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Even after closures end, a backlog is likely, meaning processing may remain slower than usual for several days as officials catch up.
This pause applies to tourist visas, business visas, eVisas, and other immigration permissions processed through official channels.
Why This Happens
Tet — also known as the Lunar New Year — is Vietnam’s most important public holiday, traditionally celebrated with extended breaks that affect nearly all government and civil services. During this holiday, most administrative functions, including visa processing, stop entirely until staff return to work.
Even though online eVisa portals may still accept submissions during this period, no approvals, reviews, or updates are issued until after the holiday concludes.
Tips for Travellers & Applicants
To avoid travel disruptions:
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Apply well in advance: Submit your Vietnam visa or eVisa application several weeks before mid-February to ensure it’s processed before Tet starts.
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Avoid last-minute submissions: Applications near the holiday window are likely to remain “in processing” until after government offices reopen.
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Build time buffers: If your travel date is in late February or early March, factor in days of administrative backlog after offices resume work.
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Consider alternative options: Some urgent visa services or expedited channels may help those with imminent departures, though they can involve extra costs.
Conclusion
The temporary pause in Vietnam visa processing during the Lunar New Year holiday is an annual planning factor for travellers. With the official closures scheduled from 14–22 February 2026, early planning and timely submission of applications are key to avoiding delays. At RoutePal, we recommend starting your process early and checking application status frequently as your travel dates approach.