From 14 February 2026 to 22 February 2026, Vietnam’s Immigration Authority and its embassies will be closed for Tet, resulting in potential delays in visa processing. It is recommended that travelers submit their applications ahead of time and organize accordingly.
If Vietnam is part of your itinerary in early 2026, consider this when making your plans.
During Tet, also referred to as the Lunar New Year, Vietnam’s Immigration Authority and embassies will halt operations. Consequently, the processing of visas is anticipated to slow down or temporarily cease throughout this holiday time.
Confirmed Closure Dates for Vietnam Visa
The most recent holiday announcement indicates:
- Closure duration: 14 February 2026 to 22 February 2026
- Some embassy announcements suggest closure may extend until 23 February 2026
- Services should start back up once the holiday period is over
As Tet represents Vietnam’s largest national celebration, official offices, including immigration facilities and embassies, do not function as usual during this timeframe.
Anticipate Delays in Late February
Even after offices reopen, the resumption of normal visa processing may take some time.
Here’s the reason. Applications turned in just prior to the holiday can accumulate. Upon service resumption, staff may need to clear through a significant backlog. Thus, approvals in late February may experience longer wait times than normal.
If your intended travel falls within late February or early March, it would be wise to allow for additional time.
Who Will Be Impacted?
This situation will affect:
- Vietnam Immigration Authority offices
- Vietnamese embassies and consulates abroad
- Visa processing during the holiday period
Similar Notice from the Chinese Embassy
Additionally, the Chinese Embassy has released a comparable advisory, confirming closures for the Spring Festival from 14 February to 23 February 2026, with services resuming on 24 February 2026.
The Spring Festival signifies the Lunar New Year and is the most significant public holiday in China. During this time, embassies and consulates globally generally provide limited or no visa services, resulting in processing delays.
Should You Apply Now?
If you already have an application in process, verify its status and brace for possible delays.
Final Thoughts
Tet holds great significance as a holiday in Vietnam, and it is typical for visa processing to experience slowdowns during this time. While this is a normal occurrence, it can interfere with travel plans if one is unprepared.
So, apply early, allocate extra time before your departure, and avoid leaving your visa application until the last moment. Proper planning now can prevent the need to alter flight arrangements later.
Fonte: Travelo Biz
