Quick Answer
Vietnam offers three emergency eVisa tiers on Mon–Fri: 5-Hour (USD 125), 2.5-Hour (USD 155), and 1.5-Hour (USD 185). All three have different price points but the 1.5-Hour and 2.5-Hour share the same cutoff of 16:30 VNT. The 5-Hour tier requires submission before 14:00 VNT. On weekends and public holidays, none of these three tiers operate — only the Weekend/Holiday tier (USD 230) is available, with a cutoff of 15:00 VNT.
Use the decision table below to match your remaining time to the correct tier before you apply.
When your flight to Vietnam is hours away, the single most important decision is choosing the processing tier that actually fits your timeline. Paying for a faster tier than you need wastes money. Choosing a tier that is too slow — or that has already passed its cutoff time — means your visa will not arrive in time.
This guide covers exactly how the 5-Hour, 2.5-Hour, and 1.5-Hour tiers differ, when each one is available, what their cutoff times translate to in your timezone, and how to pick the right option based on the clock and the day of the week.
The Three Fast-Track Tiers Explained
Vietnam's emergency eVisa tiers are processed through the official government portal by licensed agents. Processing time is measured from the moment a complete, verified application is submitted to the portal — not from when you begin filling out the form on the service website.
All three tiers operate Mon–Fri during Vietnamese government portal hours only. They are not available on Saturday, Sunday, or Vietnamese public holidays.
5-Hour — USD 125
The most affordable fast-track option. Your approved eVisa is delivered approximately 5 hours after a complete application is submitted and verified. This tier is best chosen when you have a comfortable time buffer — more than 5 hours before you need to board.
There is no fixed published cutoff time for the 5-Hour tier, but applications submitted after approximately 14:00 VNT (Vietnam Time) may not complete processing within government portal hours, which close at 18:00 VNT. If you are submitting close to or after 14:00 VNT, consider upgrading to the 2.5-Hour tier.
2.5-Hour — USD 155
Your approved eVisa is delivered approximately 2.5 hours after submission. The hard cutoff is 16:30 VNT — applications received after that time cannot be processed that day.
This tier is the right choice when you have between 2.5 and 5 hours remaining before your flight and the 5-Hour tier is either already passed its safe submission window or you want a tighter guarantee.
1.5-Hour — USD 185
The fastest standard new-application tier. Your approved eVisa is delivered approximately 1.5 hours after a complete application is verified and submitted. Like the 2.5-Hour tier, the hard cutoff is 16:30 VNT on Mon–Fri.
Choose this when you have less than 2.5 hours before your flight, and it is before 16:30 VNT. If it is already past 16:30 VNT on a weekday, or if it is a weekend or public holiday, the 1.5-Hour tier is not available.
Full Pricing Table — All Tiers
The table below covers all fast-track tiers, including the Speed Up escalation service for applications already submitted to the government portal.
| Tier | Price (USD) | Processing | Days | Cutoff (VNT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5-Hour | 125 | ~5 hours | Mon–Fri | Submit before 14:00 |
| 2.5-Hour | 155 | ~2.5 hours | Mon–Fri | 16:30 |
| 1.5-Hour | 185 | ~1.5 hours | Mon–Fri | 16:30 |
| Emergency Speed Up | 190 | Escalation | Mon–Fri | 16:30 |
| Weekend / Holiday | 230 | Same day | Sat/Sun/Holidays | 15:00 |
| Weekend Speed Up | 210 | Escalation | Sat/Sun/Holidays | 15:00 |
Cutoff Times by Timezone
Vietnam operates on ICT (Indochina Time), which is UTC+7. All cutoff times are stated in VNT. Use the conversions below to determine whether you can still submit before the daily cutoff in your current location.
16:30 VNT Cutoff — 1.5-Hour and 2.5-Hour Tiers (Mon–Fri)
| Timezone | Zone | Cutoff (local time) |
|---|---|---|
| Vietnam | VNT (UTC+7) | 16:30 |
| London / Dublin | GMT (UTC+0) | 09:30 |
| Central Europe (winter) | CET (UTC+1) | 10:30 |
| Central Europe (summer) | CEST (UTC+2) | 11:30 |
| New York / Toronto | EDT (UTC-4) | 04:30 |
| Los Angeles / Vancouver | PDT (UTC-7) | 01:30 |
| Sydney / Melbourne | AEST (UTC+10) | 19:30 |
15:00 VNT Cutoff — Weekend / Holiday Tier (Sat/Sun/Holidays)
| Timezone | Zone | Cutoff (local time) |
|---|---|---|
| Vietnam | VNT (UTC+7) | 15:00 |
| London / Dublin | GMT (UTC+0) | 08:00 |
| Central Europe (winter) | CET (UTC+1) | 09:00 |
| New York / Toronto | EDT (UTC-4) | 03:00 |
| Los Angeles / Vancouver | PDT (UTC-7) | 22:00 (prev day) |
| Sydney / Melbourne | AEST (UTC+10) | 18:00 |
Which Tier Should You Choose? — Decision Guide
Use this table to identify the right tier based on the time remaining before your flight and the current day of the week in Vietnam.
| Time Remaining Before Flight | Day / Condition | Recommended Tier | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| More than 5 hours | Mon–Fri, before 14:00 VNT | 5-Hour | USD 125 |
| 2.5 to 5 hours | Mon–Fri, before 16:30 VNT | 2.5-Hour | USD 155 |
| Less than 2.5 hours | Mon–Fri, before 16:30 VNT | 1.5-Hour | USD 185 |
| Already applied — still processing | Mon–Fri, before 16:30 VNT | Emergency Speed Up | USD 190 |
| Any time remaining | Saturday / Sunday / Holiday | Weekend / Holiday | USD 230 |
| Already applied — still processing | Saturday / Sunday / Holiday | Weekend Speed Up | USD 210 |
Key Distinctions That Affect Your Decision
The 1.5-Hour and 2.5-Hour Tiers Share the Same Cutoff
Both tiers close at 16:30 VNT on Mon–Fri. If it is currently 15:45 VNT on a Wednesday and you have 4 hours before your flight, you cannot use the 2.5-Hour tier — despite technically having the time buffer — because you would not finish submitting and verifying your application before the 16:30 cutoff allows processing to complete. In this scenario, choose the 1.5-Hour tier: submit by 16:30 VNT and your visa arrives by approximately 18:00 VNT.
Weekends Have Only One Tier
The 1.5-Hour and 2.5-Hour tiers are completely unavailable on Saturday, Sunday, and Vietnamese public holidays. The Vietnamese government portal does not process eVisa applications outside Mon–Fri business hours. On those days, the only option for a new application is the Weekend/Holiday tier at USD 230, with a hard cutoff of 15:00 VNT.
Speed Up Is Not a New Application
If you have already submitted a Vietnam eVisa application and it is still showing as "Processing" or "Amending" on the government portal, do not apply again. A duplicate application creates a 24–48 hour hold. Instead, use the Speed Up service, which escalates your existing application without triggering a second USD 25 government fee. You will need your reference code (format: E260705...), registration email, and your flight number to Vietnam.
The 5-Hour Tier Has No Fixed Cutoff — But It Has a Practical Limit
Unlike the 1.5-Hour and 2.5-Hour tiers, the 5-Hour tier does not have a hard published cutoff time, but the Vietnamese government portal closes at 18:00 VNT. An application submitted at 15:00 VNT would theoretically have enough time, but submissions after approximately 14:00 VNT carry risk. If you are approaching or past 14:00 VNT on a weekday and have more than 2.5 hours remaining, upgrading to the 2.5-Hour tier is the safer choice.
Ready to Apply?
Select your tier at checkout. Processing begins as soon as your application is verified.
Apply Now — vietnamvisaeasy.com/applyWhat You Need to Apply
Regardless of which tier you choose, your application requires the same information. Have the following ready before you begin to avoid delays in processing:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned Vietnam entry date
- Clear passport photo page scan or photo
- Your intended Vietnam arrival date (not your departure date from home)
- Entry port: SGN, HAN, DAD, PQC, or CXR
- Email address to receive your approved eVisa
- Flight number (required for Speed Up services)
Each traveler — including infants and children — must hold an individual eVisa. Children cannot be included on a parent's application.
Choose your eVisa validity at application: 30 days or 90 days, single or multiple entry.
Arriving at Ho Chi Minh City (SGN): Pre-Arrival Declaration Required
From April 15, 2026, all passengers arriving at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) must complete a pre-arrival declaration through the Vietnamese immigration portal at prearrival.immigration.gov.vn.
This step is mandatory and separate from your eVisa. Complete it after you receive your approved eVisa but before boarding your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
This requirement applies to SGN only. Passengers arriving at HAN, DAD, PQC, or CXR should check current entry requirements through official Vietnamese immigration channels.
How to Verify Your Approved eVisa
Once you receive your approved eVisa by email, verify it is valid and matches your passport details using the official Vietnamese government portal:
Verify at: https://evisa.gov.vn/e-visa/search
Confirm your name, passport number, entry date, entry port, and visa validity dates. Print a physical copy of your eVisa to present at immigration — many entry ports require a printed copy in addition to a digital version.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the 1.5-Hour and 2.5-Hour Vietnam eVisa tiers?
Both tiers have the same cutoff of 16:30 VNT on Mon–Fri. The 1.5-Hour tier (USD 185) delivers your approved eVisa approximately 1.5 hours after submission; the 2.5-Hour tier (USD 155) delivers within approximately 2.5 hours. Choose 1.5-Hour when you have under 2.5 hours before your flight. Choose 2.5-Hour when you have 2.5 to 5 hours and need more certainty than the 5-Hour tier provides.
Is there a 1-Hour or 2-Hour Vietnam eVisa tier?
No. The correct tier names are 1.5-Hour, 2.5-Hour, and 5-Hour. There is no 1-Hour or 2-Hour tier in this service. The fastest standard new-application tier is the 1.5-Hour (USD 185). A separate 30–60 minute Emergency tier also exists and is available Mon–Fri only.
Can I use the 1.5-Hour or 2.5-Hour tier on a Saturday, Sunday, or public holiday?
No. These tiers are Mon–Fri business days only. The Vietnamese government portal does not process eVisa applications on weekends or public holidays. On those days, only the Weekend/Holiday tier (USD 230, cutoff 15:00 VNT) is available for new applications.
What is the 16:30 VNT cutoff in my timezone?
16:30 VNT (UTC+7) equals: 09:30 GMT / 10:30 CET / 11:30 CEST / 04:30 EDT / 01:30 PDT / 19:30 AEST. If you are past this time in VNT on a weekday, the 1.5-Hour and 2.5-Hour tiers are closed for the day.
What is the cutoff for the 5-Hour tier?
There is no hard published cutoff for the 5-Hour tier, but the Vietnamese government portal closes at 18:00 VNT. Applications submitted after approximately 14:00 VNT risk not completing within that day's portal hours. If you are approaching or past 14:00 VNT, upgrade to the 2.5-Hour tier for a safer outcome.
My eVisa application is already submitted but still processing. What should I do?
Do not submit a new application. Use the Speed Up service instead — USD 190 on weekdays, USD 210 on weekends/holidays. Provide your reference code (format E260705...), registration email, and flight number to Vietnam. There is no second USD 25 government fee for the Speed Up service. A duplicate application causes a 24–48 hour processing hold.
Which airports in Vietnam accept the eVisa?
The Vietnam eVisa is accepted at Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), Hanoi (HAN), Da Nang (DAD), Phu Quoc (PQC), and Cam Ranh/Nha Trang (CXR). It is not valid at international transit hubs outside Vietnam.
Do I need to complete the SGN pre-arrival declaration?
Yes, if you are arriving at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City. From April 15, 2026, a pre-arrival declaration at prearrival.immigration.gov.vn is mandatory. Complete this step after you receive your approved eVisa and before boarding your flight to SGN.
Do children need their own Vietnam eVisa?
Yes. Every traveler — including infants and young children — must hold their own individual Vietnam eVisa. Children cannot be added to a parent's eVisa application. Attempting to include a child on an adult's application risks invalidating the entire family's visas.
How do I verify my approved Vietnam eVisa is valid?
After receiving your eVisa, check it at the official government portal: https://evisa.gov.vn/e-visa/search. Confirm your name, passport number, entry date, permitted entry port, and validity period. Print a copy to present at immigration.
Need Help Choosing Your Tier?
Contact the VietnamVisaEasy support team before you apply. Tell us your flight time and current location and we will confirm the correct tier and whether the cutoff has already passed.
Email: support@vietnamvisaeasy.com