Everyone quotes the same “3 working days” figure for Vietnam e-visa processing, but the reality is more nuanced. My fastest approval came in 18 hours. My slowest took 8 days during a holiday period. The average sits somewhere around 2-3 days for straightforward applications with correct documentation.

What slows things down? Photo issues are the biggest culprit. The system is picky about background color, face positioning, and file format. Passport scans need to be crystal clear with all text readable. Any ambiguity in your application form – like a travel date that doesn’t match your flight booking – can trigger manual review and add days to your wait.

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