Vietnam Embassy in Thailand: 2026 Public Holidays & Visa Guide

Whether you are applying for a tourist E-visa, seeking consular legalization for your work permit documents, or planning to visit the physical embassy in Bangkok, timing is everything.

In 2026, the most critical detail that expats and travelers in Thailand overlook is the “Dual-Holiday Rule.” The Embassy of Vietnam in Bangkok officially observes both Thai Public Holidays and Vietnamese Public Holidays. During these periods, consular services halt, and standard E-visa processing by the Immigration Department in Vietnam is strictly paused.

This guide outlines the 2026 holiday schedule so you can plan your travel documents without unexpected delays.

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1. The 2026 Thai Public Holidays (Embassy Closures)

On the following dates in 2026, the physical Embassy of Vietnam in Bangkok (Wireless Road) will be completely closed in observance of Thai national holidays.

• January 1 (Thursday): New Year’s Day

• March 3 (Tuesday): Makha Bucha Day

• April 6 (Monday): Chakri Memorial Day

• April 13 – 15 (Mon-Wed): Songkran Festival (Thai New Year)

• May 1 (Friday): National Labour Day

• May 5 (Tuesday): Coronation Day

• July 28 (Tuesday): King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s Birthday

• August 12 (Wednesday): Queen Mother’s Birthday

• December 10 (Thursday): Constitution Day

• December 31 (Thursday): New Year’s Eve

Consular Tip: If you are legalizing documents or applying for a 5-Year Visa Exemption, do not visit the embassy during the week of Songkran, as processing times will be severely delayed.

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2. The 2026 Vietnamese Public Holidays (E-Visa Processing Halts)

Even if it is a normal working day in Thailand, if it is a public holiday in Vietnam, your E-visa will not be processed. The Vietnam Immigration Department operates strictly on the Vietnamese calendar.

• February 16 – 24 (Lunar New Year / Tet Holiday): This is the longest and most significant holiday in Vietnam. Standard E-visa processing halts completely for over a week.

• April 26 – 27 (Sun-Mon): Hung Kings Commemoration Day.

• April 30 (Thursday): Reunification Day.

• May 1 (Friday): International Labor Day. (Note: This overlaps with the Thai holiday, creating a massive long weekend closure).

• September 1 – 2 (Tue-Wed): Vietnam National Day.
  

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3. How Holidays Impact Your Vietnam Travel Plans

Understanding the holiday calendar is vital because government systems do not count weekends or public holidays as “business days.”

• The E-Visa Trap: If you apply for a standard Vietnam E-visa on a Thursday before a long holiday weekend (like the April 30th – May 1st stretch), your application will sit in the queue until the government reopens the following week. This causes thousands of travelers from Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK) to be denied boarding.

• Document Legalization Delays: Standard consular authentication at the embassy takes 3 to 5 business days. If a Thai holiday interrupts this period, expect your documents to take up to two weeks.

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4. Emergency Visa Services During Public Holidays

Did you book a flight to Vietnam during Songkran or Tet, only to realize your E-visa is stuck in “Processing” status?

Do not panic. While official government portals are closed, our Emergency Visa on Arrival (VOA) Rush Service operates 24/7/365 through established VIP legal channels.

• Holiday / Weekend Processing: We can secure your Visa Approval Letter even when the Immigration Department is officially closed for public holidays.

• 1 to 4 Hour Turnaround: If you are stuck at a Bangkok airport, our flash service can provide your necessary travel clearance in just a few hours.

• Guaranteed Boarding: You will receive a PDF Approval Letter. Simply print it at the airport in Thailand, board your flight, and get your visa stamped upon landing in Vietnam.

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5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Does the Vietnam Embassy in Bangkok open on Thai holidays? A: No. The Embassy of Vietnam in Bangkok respects the host country’s regulations and closes on all major Thai public holidays, as well as official Vietnamese national holidays.

Q: If I apply for my E-visa during the Vietnamese Tet Holiday, when will I get it? A: Standard E-visas submitted during the Tet Holiday (mid-February) will not be reviewed until government officers return to work. Processing will take 3-5 business days starting from their first day back. For urgent travel, you must use an emergency Visa on Arrival service.

Q: Can I submit my documents for consular legalization just before Songkran? A: You can, but your documents will remain at the embassy throughout the entire Songkran festival (mid-April). It is highly recommended to submit your documents at least two weeks before Songkran to ensure they are finalized.