Traveling with children? How to manage last-minute visa needs

Traveling internationally with children comes with its own set of challenges. But when your trip is unplanned or time-sensitive, those challenges can multiply—especially when it comes to visas. Whether you’re traveling for family emergencies, urgent reunions, or spontaneous trips, getting an urgent visa for minors is possible with the right guidance and preparation.

Let’s explore how to obtain fast-track visas for children traveling to Vietnam and what documents and steps are required.

Understanding urgent visa requirements for minors

Unlike adults, minors often require additional paperwork to enter a foreign country. When applying for an urgent visa for minors, the process typically mirrors that for adults, but with a few extra steps for safety and identity verification.

Parent assisting child at immigration counter, representing urgent visa for minors process and documentation needs

Vietnam allows minors to apply for urgent visas either as part of a family application or individually. However, some key documents must be provided, such as the child’s birth certificate and parental consent forms, especially if traveling with only one parent or with a guardian.

Whether it’s an urgent evisa Vietnam or a visa-on-arrival, the minor’s details must be accurate and complete to avoid delays or rejections.

How urgent evisa Vietnam works for children

The urgent evisa Vietnam system is the most efficient way to secure a visa quickly, even for minors. This electronic visa can be processed in as little as 4 to 24 hours, depending on the urgency level selected.

Here’s how the process generally works:

1. Fill out an online application using the child’s passport information

2. Upload a recent digital photo and passport bio page

3. Provide additional documents like a birth certificate and consent letter

4. Select an expedited processing time (e.g., same-day or 1-day)

5. Pay the required service fee securely

6. Receive the approved evisa via email, ready to print

Make sure that the minor’s passport is valid for at least six months beyond the date of arrival in Vietnam and that all uploaded documents are clear and accurate.

Child with passport at Vietnam airport, illustrating urgent visa for minors through eVisa process

When to choose a Vietnam express visa for minors?

If your child is flying to Vietnam urgently but isn’t eligible for an evisa (due to nationality or entry point), a Vietnam express visa via visa-on-arrival may be the better option. This process allows you to obtain a visa approval letter online, which the child can present at the airport upon arrival to receive a stamped visa.

For minors, this still requires additional documentation. Immigration officers may ask for:

• A notarized parental authorization letter

• A copy of both parents’ passports

• Proof of travel, such as flight tickets

• Visa approval letter (processed through a reliable agency)

Processing times for a Vietnam express visa can range from a few hours to one working day, depending on the urgency selected.

Urgent visa for minors traveling with guardians or alone

In cases where a minor is traveling without both parents, it’s essential to have the right documentation ready. Immigration authorities in Vietnam take child travel safety seriously. To get an urgent visa for minors under these circumstances, you’ll often need to provide:

• A signed and notarized letter of consent from both parents

• Guardian ID or passport copy

• Proof of relationship (if applicable)

• Accommodation and itinerary details

If this is part of an emergency situation, be sure to choose an agency that offers 24/7 processing and customer support, as you may need rapid assistance during nights, weekends, or holidays.

Minor traveling with guardian at airport, highlighting urgent visa for minors and travel documentation process

Costs involved with urgent processing for children

The cost for an urgent evisa Vietnam or Vietnam express visa for minors typically mirrors that of adult applications, although some providers may offer reduced service fees for children.

Here’s a general breakdown:

• Urgent evisa (within 24 hours): $50–$80

• Super urgent evisa (within 4–6 hours): $100–$150

• Visa-on-arrival service fee (urgent): $30–$70

• Stamping fee at the airport: $25 (single entry)

Always verify the fee structure and request a full invoice to avoid hidden charges.

Final tips for a smooth application process

To avoid delays and ensure that the urgent visa for minors is processed smoothly, keep these best practices in mind:

• Use clear, high-resolution scans for all documents

• Confirm all spelling and date accuracy before submitting

• Choose a reputable visa agency with experience handling child visas

• Monitor your email closely for status updates and the approved visa

Emergencies don’t wait, and neither should your visa. With the urgent evisa Vietnam and Vietnam express visa options available, traveling with children—even at short notice—can still be stress-free with the right preparation.

>>> Read more: What to expect when applying for a fast-track Vietnam visa?