Tet, also known as the Lunar New Year, is the most important holiday in Vietnam. During this time, government offices close nationwide, including the immigration department. As a result, visa processing pauses completely. If you plan to visit Vietnam around Tet, this timing matters. We always recommend arranging your Vietnam visa before Tet begins. With a bit of early planning, Tet travel can remain smooth, relaxed, and well under control.
What can you find in this travel blog?
- Tet Holiday in Vietnam and Why It Matters for Travelers
- When Is Tet in Vietnam and How Long Does It Last?
- How Tet Affects Government and Immigration Office Hours
- Types of Vietnam Visas Travelers Can Apply for Vietnam
- Smart Ways to Secure a Vietnam Visa Before Tet
- Is Visiting Vietnam During Tet Still a Good Idea?
- What to Expect in Vietnam During Tet
- Practical Tips for Applying for a Vietnam Visa Around Tet
- FAQs
Tet Holiday in Vietnam and Why It Matters for Travelers
Across Southeast Asia, the Lunar New Year is the most important national holiday. However, each country celebrates it in its own way, and Vietnam is no exception.
In Vietnam, Tet is the biggest holiday of the year. People return to their hometowns and spend time with family. Because of this, cities slow down, especially during the first days of Tet. Streets feel quieter, and daily routines pause.
Most government offices close during this period, and public services stop operating. Immigration services follow the same pattern. Every year, visa processing pauses during Tet, and applications are not reviewed until offices reopen. This pattern is predictable, which means travelers can plan around it with confidence.
When Is Tet in Vietnam and How Long Does It Last?
Tet follows the lunar calendar, so the dates change each year. However, the holiday usually falls between late January and mid-February. This period marks the most important national celebration in Vietnam.
Tet, normally, is expected to take place in mid-February. In 2026, the first day of January on the Lunar calendar is 17th Feb. Vietnam normally announces several consecutive days off, combining official public holidays and weekends. In most years, the total break lasts around 7 to 9 days. During this time, the country slows down in a very visible way
If you want to know more about Vietnam in February, from the weather, places to visit, and some useful tips can check out this block: Vietnam in February
How Tet Affects Government and Immigration Office Hours
During Tet, government offices across Vietnam close, including immigration departments. Civil servants officially receive about five working days off. When weekends are added, closures often last a full week or longer. During this time, visa applications are not reviewed or approved.
In practice, the slowdown starts earlier. Many offices reduce operations one or two days before Tet, as staff prepare to travel home. Administrative processing becomes limited even before the official holiday begins.
After Tet, offices reopen according to the public schedule. However, services rarely return to full speed immediately. Immigration departments must handle a backlog of applications, and staff return gradually after long family travel. Because of this, visa processing often remains slow for several days.
For travelers, this gap between reopening and full operation can affect arrival plans. That is why timing your visa application around Tet is so important.
Types of Vietnam Visas Travelers Can Apply for Vietnam
When you understand your visa options, planning becomes much easier, especially around Tet. Each visa type works differently, and timing plays a bigger role than many travelers expect.
Vietnam e-Visa
Many travelers prefer the Vietnam e-visa for short stays because it’s fast, simple, and fully online. Once approved, the visa is sent directly to your email. However, processing depends on working days, so timing is important. During Tet, e-visa applications pause until offices reopen, which can cause delays if you apply too close to the holiday. Applying early ensures a smoother process and peace of mind.
You can apply directly through the Immigration Department E-Visa website
Vietnam Visa Approval Letter
If you need a longer stay or multiple entries, a visa approval letter is usually required. This option also depends on immigration review. Before Tet, early preparation is essential. When documents are submitted in advance, officers can complete checks before the holiday break. With the right timing, this option offers flexibility. Without it, travelers often need to wait until after Tet.
Visa Exemption
Currently, Vietnam allows travelers from 39 countries to enter for tourism without a visa, with stays ranging from 14 to 90 days depending on nationality. Even with a visa exemption, entry rules still apply, so it’s important to check your allowed stay length and exact entry dates carefully.
Tet timing also matters: if your arrival falls close to the Lunar New Year, some services and border processing may be slower. Planning ahead ensures your trip starts smoothly, even without a visa.
Smart Ways to Secure a Vietnam Visa Before Tet
The safest approach is early action. Applying for a Vietnam visa two to three weeks before Tet gives immigration officers enough time to review and approve applications before offices close.
That said, we know not every traveler plans that far ahead. If timing becomes tight, the first step is to reassess your options calmly. Some travelers may still qualify for a visa exemption. Others may need to adjust arrival dates to fall after offices reopen.
Visa type matters even more in this situation. Short stays and single entries are often easier to manage when time is limited. Clear documents and accurate information become especially important.
Once your visa is approved, you can then confirm flights and accommodation. This order helps protect both your budget and your peace of mind.
Is Visiting Vietnam During Tet Still a Good Idea?
Yes, visiting Vietnam during Tet is absolutely possible with the right preparation. While many local businesses close briefly, major tourist areas continue to operate. Transportation, hotels, and guided services remain available, especially in well-prepared destinations.
Cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, and Hue stay accessible and safe to explore. These destinations balance cultural atmosphere with enough services for travelers. Beach destinations like Phu Quoc and Nha Trang also work well, as resorts operate normally throughout the holiday.
Tet offers a slower pace and a rare cultural window. When you plan and keep expectations flexible, this period often becomes one of the most memorable times to experience Vietnam.
What to Expect in Vietnam During Tet
During Tet, many Vietnamese take time off work and return home to be with family. Because of this, the first day of the Lunar New Year feels very quiet, and some local shops and restaurants may close. However, travelers do not need to worry. Hotels continue operating as normal, and meals are always prepared for in-house guests. If you stay at a hotel or resort, food and essential services remain available.
From the second day of Tet onward, daily life gradually returns. Tourist areas reopen, tours resume, and restaurants start welcoming guests again. With the right expectations, traveling during Tet feels calm rather than inconvenient.
If your trip falls during Tet, exploring Vietnam through food is especially rewarding. This national holiday centers on family meals, traditional recipes, and dishes that often appear only once a year. For travelers who want to experience these flavors across different regions, the Vietnam Culinary Highlights 12 Days journey offers a relaxed and meaningful way to discover Vietnamese cuisine. It suits Tet travel well when food becomes part of the celebration rather than just a daily routine.
Enjoy Vietnamese Tet with Vietnam Travels Online
If you’re unsure how Tet might affect your travel plans, we’re here to help. At Vietnam Travel Online, we guide travelers in choosing the right destinations, hotels, and timing so your journey stays smooth and enjoyable.
We also create tailor-made experiences shaped around your pace and interests. Explore our Vietnam tours, email us at [email protected], or use our contact form to start planning a truly personalized adventure.
Practical Tips for Applying for a Vietnam Visa Around Tet
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Apply for your Vietnam visa two to three weeks before Tet to avoid processing delays.
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Double-check all visa details before submission, as errors cannot be corrected during the holiday.
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Avoid arriving on the first days of Tet if your schedule is tight, as services run more slowly.
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Stay flexible with arrival dates if your timing is close to Tet.
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Seek professional advice early to reduce stress and protect your plans.
FAQs
Can I apply for a Vietnam visa during Tet?
You can submit an application online, but immigration offices do not process visas during Tet. Review and approval resume after the holiday.
Will immigration offices reopen immediately after Tet?
Offices reopen according to the public schedule. However, processing often stays slow for several days due to backlogs.
Is the Vietnam e-visa processed during Tet?
No. E-visa processing depends on working days. Applications submitted during Tet wait until offices reopen.
Can I enter Vietnam during Tet if I already have a visa?
Yes. Entry remains possible if your visa is valid. Airports and border checkpoints continue operating.
Is visa exemption affected by Tet?
Visa exemption rules stay the same. However, travelers should still watch entry dates and allowed stay length carefully.
