Vietnam Visa Approval Letter Update 2024
Vietnam visa approval letter is an important paper for those seeking a visa on arrival or a visa at a Vietnam embassy/consulate. Here’s everything you need to know to get your visa approval letter hassle-free.
According to the updated Vietnam Immigration Law, the Vietnam visa online is applicable for nearly all foreign nationals. (Source:Collect)
1. What Is a Vietnam Visa Approval Letter?
“Vietnam Visa Approval Letter” is a document issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department (under the Vietnam Ministry of Public Security) to travelers heading to Vietnam. This letter serves as official permission, allowing its holder(s) to board a flight to Vietnam and receive a visa stamp upon arrival at a Vietnamese airport.
Please note that the Visa Approval Letter is not a visa itself; it is a necessary document for obtaining a visa on arrival in Vietnam.
2. What Does the Vietnam Visa Approval Letter Look Like?
A Vietnam visa approval letter includes the following information:
- A statement authorizing the holder(s) to enter Vietnam and obtain a visa stamp at the airport
- Personal details of the individuals permitted to enter Vietnam, such as full name, passport number, date of birth, and nationality
- The allowed duration of stay in Vietnam
- An electronic signature from the Vietnam Immigration Department (replacing the former red stamp)
Here is an example of the latest visa approval letter for Vietnam:
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3. How To Get a Visa Approval Letter In Vietnam?
To get an approval letter for a Vietnam visa, you must meet the following conditions:
- You need sponsorship from a legally established and operating company in Vietnam. This could be:
- A foreign-invested company
- A state-owned company
- A representative office of a foreign trader
- A tour company in Vietnam, among others
- You must not be on the Vietnam Immigration Blacklist.
4. How long does it take to get an approval letter?
The processing time for your letter depends on the type of visa you need and how quickly you require it.
For a Vietnam tourist visa on arrival letter:
- Standard processing typically takes 7-10 working days.
- Expedited processing can be completed in 3-5 working days or even the same day for urgent cases.
>>> Find out everything you need to know about Vietnam travel requirements before you go!
5. Vietnam Visa Approval Letter Fees
The fee for the visa approval letter is free.
However, your sponsoring company in Vietnam will need to pay for:
- Document preparation for the visa approval letter application
- Completing the visa approval letter process
Additionally, visa approval letter holders must pay a visa stamping fee, which is:
- US $25 for a single entry visa
- US $50 for a multiple entry visa valid for up to 90 days
6. Some Mistakes When Applying for the Vietnam Visa Letter?
Here are some common mistakes travelers make when applying for the Vietnam visa approval letter:
- Visa on arrival at the border: Vietnam Visa on Arrival is only applicable for air travel. There is no visa on arrival for overland/border crossings or sea/water entries.
- Spelling/Typo mistakes: Many applicants fill out the application form with incorrect information, such as their full name, passport number, or date of birth. While this may not always be a big issue, there are cases where airlines refuse to let passengers board because the information on the approval letter does not match the passport. So, ensure you enter all information correctly and carefully.
FAQs
1. Can I get a Vietnam visa on arrival without an approval letter?
No, you cannot. Unlike the visa on arrival for Cambodia, which can be obtained directly at the border gate without prior arrangements, a visa on arrival for Vietnam requires a valid visa approval letter. Without this letter, you cannot board your flight to Vietnam or get the visa stamped upon arrival.
2. How do I pay my Vietnam visa fee?
The e-visa fee is paid through an electronic payment gateway as specified by the Immigration Department. Please note that the fee is non-refundable if your application is denied. Below is a list of ports where foreigners can enter and exit Vietnam using an e-visa.
3. How do I receive my visa approval letter for Vietnam?
Getting your visa approval letter is simple and convenient. We will email you a scanned copy of your visa approval letter, so make sure you give us the correct email address. You will need the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader to open the file. Print the visa approval letter and bring it with you when you arrive in Vietnam.
