How Far in Advance Can You Apply for a Vietnam eVisa? (Your Ultimate Guide to Entry Date Rules)

Last Update: Sunday January 11, 2026

Planning a trip to the stunning landscapes and vibrant cities of Vietnam is an exciting process. Once the flights and accommodation are sorted, the next crucial step is securing your entry visa. For travelers from many countries, the Vietnam Electronic Visa, or Vietnam eVisa, is the most convenient option. But a common question that arises is: How far in advance can you apply for a Vietnam eVisa? 

Understanding the application timeline, Vietnam eVisa entry date rules, and Vietnam eVisa processing time is essential for a stress-free travel experience. Applying too late risks delaying your trip, while applying too early might inadvertently affect your intended entry date. This comprehensive guide will break down everything you need to know, including how services like Vietnam-immi.org can expedite the process, to time your eVisa application perfectly. 

1. Understanding the Vietnam eVisa: Validity and Purpose 

Before diving into the application timeline, it's vital to grasp the core features of the Vietnam eVisa. 

The key takeaway here is the 90-day maximum validity. Since the eVisa is tied to a specific entry date you provide during the application, knowing this duration is the first step in determining your application window.  

2. The Golden Rule for Applying: Timing Your Vietnam eVisa Entry Date Rules 

The most critical factor in deciding when to apply is the intended entry date you must specify in your application. 

Firstly, The Entry Date Constraint 

When you fill out the online eVisa application, you are required to nominate the exact date you plan to enter Vietnam. This date is printed on your eVisa document, and you cannot enter Vietnam before this date. 

How Far in Advance is Too Far? 

3. The Minimum Time: Dealing with Vietnam eVisa Processing Time 

While applying too early can cause validity issues, applying too late is a much more common and riskier mistake. This is where understanding the Vietnam eVisa processing time becomes crucial. 

Standard Processing Time 

The official stated processing time from the Vietnam Immigration Department is 3-4 working days (excluding weekends and public holidays). 

Expediting Your eVisa with Vietnam-immi.org 

While the official channel is reliable, travelers often seek guaranteed speed and assistance to avoid last-minute stress. Professional service providers like Vietnam-immi.org offer specialized support and expedited processing options that are invaluable when time is short. 

As shown on the Vietnam-immi.org application form, we offer various processing tiers beyond the "Normal" timeframe: 

The Takeaway: If you choose the official channel, give yourself at least 2 weeks buffer time. If you use an expedited service like Vietnam-immi.org, you can push the application closer to your travel date, but be prepared to pay a premium for the speed and convenience. 

4. Key Vietnam eVisa Entry Requirements That Affect the Timeline 

A smooth, fast application process hinges on meeting all the Vietnam eVisa entry requirements from the start. Errors mean delays, which will push you toward the high-cost, urgent processing tiers. 

Essential Requirements Checklist: 

Why Vietnam-immi.org Can Be Helpful: Reputable third-party services often include a manual review of your documents by a specialist before submission to the government portal. This dramatically reduces the risk of rejection due to small photo or data errors, saving you valuable processing time. 

5. Summary of the Vietnam eVisa Application Timeline 

To simplify the answer to "How far in advance can you apply for a Vietnam eVisa?", here is the final breakdown: