Last-minute travel to Vietnam? Here’s what tourists need to know

In today’s world of spontaneous travel and flash flight deals, booking a last-minute trip has become the norm. But if Vietnam is your destination and you hold an Austrian or Irish passport, securing your visa on time is crucial. Fortunately, travelers can now apply for an urgent visa online for tourism, making it easier than ever to access this vibrant Southeast Asian country on short notice.

Let’s walk through the fast-track options and country-specific visa guidelines to help you plan your trip stress-free.

Why tourists opt for urgent online visas?

Applying for a visa used to be a time-consuming process, often involving embassy visits, paperwork and long waits. Today, Vietnam has modernized its system by offering electronic visas (eVisas) for citizens of over 80 countries. If you’ve left your visa to the last minute or your plans changed suddenly, the urgent visa online for tourism can be processed in as little as 4–24 hours.

Tourist using laptop to apply for urgent visa online for tourism before traveling to Vietnam

This expedited option is especially helpful for tourists with confirmed flight bookings or unexpected opportunities. Rather than postponing your trip, you can obtain legal entry authorization quickly by using trusted online services.

Vietnam visa for Austrian citizens: What to expect

For those holding Austrian passports, entering Vietnam requires a visa—unless you’re visiting for 15 days or less and qualify under Vietnam’s short-term visa exemption policy. However, for longer stays or repeat entries, you’ll need a valid visa in hand before boarding your flight.

The Vietnam visa for Austrian citizens can be obtained online through either the official eVisa system or through third-party providers that offer urgent and express services. If your departure is imminent, using an agency that provides same-day or next-day processing ensures you won’t miss your travel date.

Austrian traveler checking urgent visa online for tourism to Vietnam before departure

Documents needed for urgent application include:

• A valid passport (with 6+ months validity)

• A passport-size photo (white background, recent)

• A scanned copy of the passport’s personal information page

• Your intended entry and exit dates and entry port

• A valid email address to receive the eVisa

With these items ready, you can submit your application in just 15–20 minutes.

Vietnam visa for Ireland citizens: A similar process with small differences

The Vietnam visa for Ireland citizens follows a very similar process to Austria. Irish passport holders are not visa-exempt for Vietnam and must apply in advance. Thankfully, both eVisa and urgent visa-on-arrival options are available for Irish travelers.

For urgent trips, Irish citizens can request an expedited eVisa processed within 4–8 working hours. Some agencies also offer super urgent services with approvals delivered even on weekends or public holidays, although this may involve a higher service fee.

As with Austrian applicants, the same core documents are required. Travelers should also verify that their chosen entry point (e.g., Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang) accepts eVisas, as not all land and sea ports do.

Irish tourist reviewing urgent visa online for tourism to Vietnam on mobile device

How to apply for an urgent visa online for tourism

If you need an urgent visa online for tourism, the process is straightforward. Here’s how it works:

1. Select a reliable eVisa provider or use the official immigration portal

2. Complete the visa application form with your personal and travel details

3. Upload the required documents (passport scan and digital photo)

4. Choose your urgency level—standard (3 days), urgent (1 day) or super urgent (4–6 hours)

5. Pay the processing fee online (varies based on urgency and agency)

6. Receive the approved visa by email and print it for presentation on arrival

Most eVisas are valid for a single entry and 30-day stay, which is ideal for tourists. Always check the expiry date of your visa and ensure your travel dates fall within its validity window.

Cost and support for urgent visa services

The fee for an urgent visa online for tourism ranges from $50 to $150 USD, depending on how fast you need it. While the official government eVisa costs $25, it typically requires 3 working days. Urgent services through licensed agencies come with additional fees for speed and support.

Customer receiving support for urgent visa online for tourism, discussing costs and processing time

Some benefits of using professional visa agents include:

• 24/7 customer assistance

• Re-checking your documents for errors

• Emergency processing during holidays or weekends

• Guaranteed delivery timelines with refund policies

When time is critical, paying a bit extra can save you from canceled flights or denied boarding.

Final thoughts for last-minute tourists to Vietnam

Whether you’re an Austrian or Irish citizen or simply someone booking a last-minute getaway, Vietnam welcomes you with open arms—and an efficient eVisa system. By applying for an urgent visa online for tourism, you can enjoy a stress-free entry into the country without sacrificing your travel schedule.

Just gather the right documents, apply through a trusted platform, get ready to explore Vietnam’s incredible culture, cuisine, natural beauty—even if your bags were packed just yesterday.

>>> See more: Traveling with children? How to manage last-minute visa needs