How To Get a Vietnam Visa Approval Letter Before Travel

Planning to explore Ho Chi Minh City’s energy, Ha Long Bay’s beauty, or Hoi An’s ancient charm? Before you board that flight, you’ll need one key document — a Vietnam visa approval letter. This quick and essential guide will walk you through how to secure your visa approval letter of the Immigration Department in Vietnam—fast, legally, and stress-free. Whether you're traveling for fun, family, or a Vietnam business visa, this letter is your ticket to a smooth arrival.

1. What is a Vietnam Visa Approval Letter?

So, what exactly is a Vietnam visa approval letter? It’s a pre-approved document issued by Vietnam’s Immigration Department that allows you to get your visa on arrival at any major international airport, including Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, or Da Nang.

While it’s not a visa itself, it’s required to have your visa stamped into your passport at the airport. This method is fast, affordable, and perfect if there’s no Vietnam embassy in your country. Whether you're applying for a tourist, business, or family visit visa, this is your gateway to entering Vietnam with ease.

2. Who Needs a Vietnam Visa Approval Letter (and Who Doesn’t)

You do need a visa approval letter if:

• Your nationality is not eligible for Vietnam’s visa exemption policy
• You are not qualified for an eVisa
• You plan to apply for a Vietnam visa on arrival

You don’t need it if you already have:

• A valid Vietnam eVisa
• A 5-year visa exemption certificate
• A valid temporary or permanent residence card in Vietnam
• An APEC Business Travel Card accepted by Vietnam
• Entry rights under unilateral or bilateral visa exemption agreements

If you're unsure about your situation, it's always best to double-check with the Vietnam embassy or your sponsoring agency before you travel.

3. Types of Vietnam Visa Approval Letters

Based on Purpose of Visit:

• Tourist Visa — for those visiting Vietnam for leisure or sightseeing.
• Business Visa — for professionals attending meetings, conferences, or long-term stays arranged by a Vietnamese company.
• Family Visit Visa — for people visiting relatives residing in Vietnam.

Based on Location of Visa Stamping:

• Visa on Arrival — visa is stamped directly at the international airport in Vietnam when you show your Vietnam visa approval letter.
• Embassy/Consulate Visa — visa is stamped in your passport at the Vietnamese embassy or consulate before departure.

Both methods require the Vietnam visa approval letter, but the stamping process occurs at different locations.

4. Required Documents (by Visa Type)

Tourist Visa

• A scanned copy of your passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure)
• Planned entry and exit dates
• Preferred port of entry (such as Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, or Da Nang international airport)

This option is ideal for solo travelers, backpackers, digital nomads, and those looking for a single entry or multiple entry short stay.

Business Visa

• Company sponsorship documents from a registered Vietnamese legal entity
• Application Form NA2
• Copy of the company’s business license
• Form NA16 – showing the signature and official seal of the sponsor
• Scanned copy of the applicant's passport

This is required if you’re applying for a Vietnam business visa under a company sponsorship.

Family Visit Visa

• Proof of relationship with the person residing in Vietnam (such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.)
• Copy of the resident’s temporary or permanent residence card (if applicable)
• Copy of the applicant’s passport
• Itinerary details for the visit (arrival date, duration, accommodation)

This visa is commonly used for spouses, children, or parents visiting family living in Vietnam.

5. Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Vietnam Visa Approval Letter

Step 1: Find a Sponsor or Trusted Travel Agency

Before anything else, you’ll need a legally registered sponsor in Vietnam—this could be a tour company (for tourists), a local business (for a Vietnam business visa), or a family member (for a family visit). If you don’t have a personal contact, many trusted travel agencies can act on your behalf to initiate the visa application.

Step 2: Submit the Application

Your sponsor will gather and submit the required documents, including your passport copy, travel details, and the relevant application form (usually Form NA2). This process is submitted either in person at the Immigration Department or through the Public Service Portal of the Ministry of Public Security.

Step 3: Receive the Vietnam Visa Approval Letter

If everything is in order, you’ll receive your official Vietnam visa approval letter via email—usually in PDF format. This letter of approval is issued directly by the Immigration Department in Vietnam, so double-check that the details match your passport and trip information exactly.

Step 4: Print and Pack

Print a hard copy of the Vietnam visa approval letter—you’ll need it when arriving at one of Vietnam’s international airports. Don’t forget at least two passport-sized photos and your completed Form NA1 (visa entry form).

Step 5: At the Airport in Vietnam

Once you land at Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, or Da Nang International Airport, here’s what to do:

• Submit your Vietnam visa approval letter, passport, Form NA1, and photos to the immigration officers.
• Pay the visa stamping fee (in cash, USD preferred).
• Wait a few minutes, and ta-da—you’ll get your visa stamped into your passport!

Congratulations—you’re officially ready to enter Vietnam and start your unforgettable adventure!

6. Where to Apply: Government Offices and Online

There are two ways to submit your Vietnam visa approval letter application:

In-Person Application

Visit one of the Immigration Department offices in:

• Hanoi – 44-46 Tran Phu Street, Ba Dinh District
• Ho Chi Minh City – 337 Nguyen Trai Street, District 1
• Da Nang – 78 Le Loi Street, Hai Chau District

Online Application

Most sponsors now use the Public Service Portal – Ministry of Public Security to submit forms and track progress. This digital route streamlines the process, especially for Vietnam business visa and tourist visa applicants.

Pro Tip: Always go through verified agencies or licensed sponsors to avoid delays or rejection.

7. Fees & Validity

Let’s talk money—because knowing what to expect means no surprises at the airport.

Stamping Fees (Paid Upon Arrival)

• Single-entry visa (valid for 30 days): $25 USD
• Multiple-entry visa (1 to 3 months): $50 USD
• Longer-term multiple entry visas (up to 5 years for business cases): from $95 to $155 USD

Application or Service Fees

The Vietnam visa approval letter itself is often free from the government, but you’ll usually pay a processing service fee to your travel agency or sponsor. Prices vary depending on the type of visa, processing time, and extra services.

Watch Out: Some agencies add hidden charges. Always confirm the total cost upfront!

8. Processing Time & Urgent Cases

Here’s what to expect when it comes to processing time:

• Standard service: 5–7 working days
• Rush processing: 3–5 business days
• Emergency service: 1–2 days or even same day (additional fee required)

Tip for peak travel season (especially around Lunar New Year or national holidays): Apply at least 2 weeks in advance to avoid delays!

9. Red Flags & Common Mistakes

Don’t let small errors ruin your journey. Be on the lookout for these common missteps:

• Fake Vietnam visa approval letters from unlicensed websites
• Submitting to unverified sponsors or agents
• Mistakes in passport number, name, or entry dates
• Forgetting to print the approval letter, Form NA1, or passport photos
• Not having USD cash for the visa stamping fee

Avoid these errors, and you’ll sail through immigration without a worry.

10. Conclusion

And there you have it—your complete guide to getting a Vietnam visa approval letter! This simple yet essential document opens the gates to breathtaking adventures, flavorful street food, and rich cultural treasures across Vietnam. Whether you’re planning a quick trip or a long-term stay under a Vietnam business visa, securing your visa approval letter of Immigration Department in Vietnam is the first step toward a seamless travel experience.