When planning to visit Vietnam for tourism, business, or family purposes, most travelers must obtain a valid visa before entering the country. One of the most convenient ways to do so is through a Vietnam visa approval letter — an official pre-approval document issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department that allows foreign visitors to get their visa stamped on arrival at an international airport in Vietnam.
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What Is a Vietnam Visa Approval Letter?
A Vietnam visa approval letter (often called a pre-approval letter or visa-on-arrival letter) is an official document granted by the Vietnam Immigration Department. It serves as permission for the airline to let you board your flight and for immigration officers in Vietnam to issue your visa upon arrival.
In short, it’s not the actual visa — it’s an authorization letter that you show at the airport when you arrive. Once presented, you’ll pay the stamping fee and receive your physical visa sticker in your passport.
This system was introduced to simplify the visa application process, making it faster and more accessible for travelers who don’t have a Vietnamese embassy nearby.
How the Approval Letter Works
Before your trip, you apply online through a licensed visa agency or service provider. After submitting your application, the agent forwards your information to the Vietnam Immigration Department for approval.
Once your request is approved, you’ll receive the Vietnam visa approval letter via email in PDF format. You then print it out and bring it with you when traveling to Vietnam.
At the airport (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang), you present:
- Your passport (valid for at least six months)
- Printed copy of the approval letter
- Two passport-sized photos
- Completed entry/exit form (available at the airport)
- Visa stamping fee in cash (USD or VND)
After processing, the officer will issue your visa — usually within minutes — allowing you to officially enter Vietnam.
See more>> Can I get an urgent visa to Vietnam?
Advantages of Using the Approval Letter
Applying for a Vietnam visa approval letter offers several practical advantages, particularly for travelers who want convenience and flexibility:
- Quick processing – Most approval letters are issued within 3–5 working days. For urgent cases, it can be processed within 24 hours.
- No embassy visit required – Everything is handled online.
- Budget-friendly – The service fee for an approval letter is usually cheaper than applying directly through embassies.
- Multiple entry options – You can choose single or multiple-entry visas depending on your needs.
Travelers often prefer using a reputable online service to ensure smooth communication and accurate paperwork. Websites like Entry Vietnam Visa specialize in assisting foreigners with obtaining the approval letter quickly and securely, minimizing the risk of errors or delays.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Vietnam Visa Approval Letter
Although the process is straightforward, following each step carefully ensures that your visa is processed efficiently and without mistakes.
Step 1 – Prepare your details:
Gather your passport information (name, nationality, date of birth, passport number, and validity). Make sure your passport remains valid for at least six months from your planned entry date.
Step 2 – Choose a service provider:
Visit a trusted visa platform that’s authorized to submit applications to the Vietnam Immigration Department. Reliable providers like entryvietnamvisa.com help applicants submit accurate data, select the right visa type, and track application status online.
Step 3 – Submit the application:
Fill out the online form with your personal and travel details, then pay the service fee. Payment methods usually include credit/debit cards or PayPal.
Step 4 – Receive the approval letter:
Within 2–5 working days (or sooner if urgent), you’ll receive the approval letter via email. Review all the details carefully — your name, passport number, and visa type must match your passport exactly.
Step 5 – Get your visa on arrival:
Upon arrival at a Vietnamese international airport, present the printed letter, passport, photos, and pay the stamping fee. After verification, the immigration officer will stamp the visa into your passport.
See more>> Vietnam visa requirements for Netherlands citizens
Cost of a Vietnam Visa Approval Letter
The total cost of obtaining a Vietnam visa approval letter consists of two parts:
- Service fee – Paid to the visa agency that processes your online application. This typically ranges between USD 15–50, depending on the visa type and processing speed.
- Stamping fee – Paid directly at the airport when you arrive in Vietnam. The standard stamping fee is USD 25 for a single-entry visa and USD 50 for a multiple-entry visa.
For urgent applications, some agencies may charge an additional fee of USD 20–50, depending on how quickly you need your approval letter issued.
In short, the approval letter option remains one of the most cost-efficient and convenient ways to enter Vietnam legally.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While applying for a Vietnam visa approval letter is simple, small mistakes can lead to delays or even rejection. Keep these tips in mind:
- Don’t apply through unverified websites. Always check for official authorization.
- Ensure name and passport details match exactly as shown on your passport.
- Print your approval letter — digital copies are not accepted at airport counters.
- Carry enough cash (USD or VND) to pay the stamping fee on arrival.
- Apply in advance if your travel dates coincide with Vietnamese holidays, when immigration offices may close.
Following these precautions helps you avoid unnecessary stress during your trip.
The Vietnam visa approval letter remains the most efficient way for international travelers to obtain legal entry to Vietnam — especially for those who fly into the country. It saves time, reduces paperwork, and allows for flexible travel planning.
