Asked this question myself before my first Vietnam trip, got a dozen different answers. Here’s what actually happened: I submitted my e-visa application on a Tuesday morning, received approval Thursday afternoon. Under 48 hours for a 90-day multiple entry visa. The official estimate is 3 working days, but in my case it was quicker.

The caveat is timing. A friend applied on Thursday evening and didn’t get approval until the following Tuesday – technically still within the 3 working day window, but felt much longer because the weekend was in the middle. Another friend hit Vietnamese New Year and waited 12 days. Timing matters enormously.

My advice: apply at least 2 weeks before your trip, check the Vietnamese holiday calendar, and don’t stress about the daily status checks. The system works, it just doesn’t operate on tourist time.

For official information and to check your application status, visit the official Vietnam e-visa portal.