Vietnam Visa Approval Letter – Requirements & Fees
Planning a trip to Vietnam is exciting, but obtaining a visa can sometimes be a time-consuming process. Fortunately, the Vietnam visa approval letter has made it much easier for foreign travelers. This official document allows visitors to streamline their visa application, saving both time and effort before arriving in Vietnam.
What Is a Vietnam Visa Approval Letter?
Foreign nationals had to visit the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in their home country to apply for a visa. This process could be challenging, especially in countries without a Vietnamese consular office. However, with the Vietnam visa approval letter, obtaining a visa has become faster and more convenient, saving time, effort, and money compared to the traditional visa application process.
The Vietnam visa approval letter allows foreign nationals to enter Vietnam. Before arrival, travelers must present the approval letter and have their visa stamped in their passport by immigration officers at the international border checkpoint. Without the visa stamp, the approval letter alone is not valid for entry into Vietnam.
This approval letter is an official document issued by the Immigration Department of Vietnam. To obtain it, foreign nationals must have a qualified legal entity in Vietnam acting as their sponsor or guarantor.
Sample of Vietnam Visa Approval Letter
The Vietnam visa approval letter for foreign nationals typically contains the following information:
- Details of the sponsor
- Details of the person being sponsored
- Purpose of entry
- Duration of stay in Vietnam
- Address for receiving the visa
It is important to note that the visa approval letter is not a visa by itself. Foreign nationals must present a copy of the approval letter either at a Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate, or at an international border checkpoint, to have the visa officially stamped in their passport.
Cases Exempted from Vietnam Visa Approval Letter
The following travelers do not need a Vietnam visa approval letter:
- Those entering Vietnam with any of the following valid documents:
- A Vietnam visa, such as an eVisa
- A Permanent Residence card for Vietnam
- A temporary residence card for Vietnam
- A 5-year visa exemption certificate for Vietnam
- An APEC Travel Card that covers Vietnam
- Those entering Vietnam under bilateral or unilateral visa exemption agreements.
For all other travelers, a visa approval letter is required to obtain a Vietnam visa.
If you are unsure whether you need a visa approval letter for your upcoming trip to Vietnam, please feel free to contact us via our Hotline: (US)+1.341.999.4099 | (VN)+84.968.927.099 or email us at [email protected].
Conditions for Obtaining a Vietnam Visa Approval Letter
To obtain a Vietnam visa approval letter, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Have sponsorship from a company that is legally established and operating in Vietnam. Eligible sponsors may include:
- A foreign-invested company
- A state-owned company
- A representative office of a foreign trader
- A tour company in Vietnam
- Other legally recognized entities
- Not be listed on the Vietnam Immigration blacklist.
Required Documents for Vietnam Visa Approval Letter Application
The documents required for a Vietnam visa approval letter vary depending on the purpose of entry, as outlined below:
Documents for Vietnam Business Visa Approval Letter
The following documents are typically prepared by the sponsoring company in Vietnam:
- A certified copy of the Business Registration Certificate
- The Vietnam entry application form (Form NA2)
- The Introduction form of sample signature and company seal (Form NA16)
- A copy of the foreigner’s passport
- Any additional documents as requested
Documents for Vietnam Tourist Visa Approval Letter
The following documents are typically prepared by the sponsoring company in Vietnam:
- A certified copy of the Business Registration Certificate
- The Vietnam entry application form (Form NA2)
- The Introduction form of sample signature and company seal (Form NA16)
- A copy of the passport of the foreign visitor
- A copy of the passport of any accompanying family member who holds a valid residence permit in Vietnam
- Any additional documents as requested
Documents for Vietnam Family Visit Visa Approval Letter
The following documents are generally required:
- A certified copy of the Business Registration Certificate
- The Vietnam entry application form (Form NA2)
- The Introduction form of sample signature and company seal (Form NA16)
- A copy of the foreigner’s passport
- A detailed itinerary in Vietnam
- Any additional documents as requested
Where to Apply for a Vietnam Visa Approval Letter?
Unlike the E-visa, which can be applied for directly on the government portal, you cannot apply for a Vietnam visa approval letter directly at the Immigration Department as an individual traveler.
You must utilize the services of a professional Visa Agency or a travel company. The process typically follows these steps:
- Step 1: Visit the website of a trusted agency (such as Entry Vietnam Visa).
- Step 2: Complete the secure online application form with your exact passport details.
- Step 3: Pay the service fee online.
- Step 4: Receive the approval letter via email within the guaranteed visa approval letter processing time.
Vietnam Visa Approval Letter Fees
When using the Visa on Arrival service, it is crucial to understand that there are two separate fees:
Service Fee (Paid Online)
This is the fee paid to the agency to prepare your paperwork and submit it to the Vietnam Immigration Department on your behalf. The cost varies based on:
- Visa Type: 1 month vs. 3 months, single vs. multiple entry.
- Processing Time: Standard (2-3 days), Urgent (4-8 hours), or Emergency (1-2 hours).
- Nationality: Some nationalities may have different processing requirements.
Stamping Fee (Paid at Airport)
This is a mandatory government fee paid directly to the Immigration Officer at the airport to get the visa sticker into your passport.
| Visa Type | Stamping Fee (USD) | Payment Method |
| Single Entry (1 or 3 months) | $25 USD | Cash only (USD or VND) |
| Multiple Entry (1 or 3 months) | $50 USD | Cash only (USD or VND) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the answers to the most common questions regarding the how to get a Vietnam visa approval letter and the arrival process.
What is the visa approval letter processing time?
- Standard: 2–4 working days.
- Urgent: 4–8 working hours.
- Emergency/Super Urgent: 30 minutes to 2 hours (available for last-minute flights).
- Note: Processing times are based on Vietnam time (GMT+7).
Vietnam E-visa vs. Visa on Arrival: Which should I choose?
- Choose E-visa if: You are planning ahead (at least 1 week), want to save money, or plan to enter via land/sea borders.
- Choose Visa on Arrival (Approval Letter) if: You are in a rush (Urgent & Emergency Vietnam Visa), need a business visa with sponsorship, or are part of a large tour group requiring managed entry.
What are the Vietnam visa on arrival at airport steps?
Upon landing at airports like Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (HCMC), or Da Nang:
- Head to the “Landing Visa” or “Visa on Arrival” counter (located before passport control).
- Submit your Original Passport, printed Approval Letter, completed NA1 Form (entry/exit form), and 2 passport-sized photos (4x6cm, white background).
- Wait for your name to be called.
- Pay the Stamping Fee ($25 or $50) to the officer.
- Receive your passport with the visa sticker and proceed to Immigration Control.
Can I change my airport of arrival after getting the letter?
Generally, the approval letter lists specific airports. However, most standard approval letters allow entry at any of the major international airports (Hanoi, HCMC, Da Nang, Cam Ranh). It is best to check the specific text on your letter or consult your agency if your flight plan changes.
The Vietnam visa approval letter is a convenient and efficient way for foreign nationals to prepare for their trip to Vietnam. By obtaining this official document in advance, travelers can ensure a smoother entry process at the border. Don’t wait make sure your Vietnam visa approval letter is ready before your journey.