Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Vietnam approval letters
Curious about how Vietnam visa approval letters work? We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help you understand the process, from application to arrival. Whether you’re unsure about processing times, required documents, or how to handle last-minute changes, our FAQs cover everything you need to know to ensure a smooth experience.
What is a Vietnam visa on arrival?
Visa on arrival offers an alternative method to obtain a visa for Vietnam, in addition to the traditional route of securing a visa at a Vietnamese embassy.
As a visa applicant, you will need to submit an online application for a visa approval letter. This letter serves as official permission to board your flight and allows you to have your visa stamped upon arrival at the airport in Vietnam. To receive your visa stamp, you must present the approval letter along with your passport (which must be valid for at least six months), two passport-sized photos, a Vietnamese visa application form, and the stamping fee to the immigration officers at the airport.
The key difference between visas on arrival and visas issued at Vietnamese embassies lies in the process. With visa on arrival, the Vietnam Immigration Department provides a visa approval letter that includes your name and specifies your allowed entry date into Vietnam. You then get the visa stamped in your passport upon arrival at the airport. In contrast, when applying at a Vietnamese embassy, the visa stamp is affixed to your passport before it is returned to you.
What is a Vietnam approval letter?
A “Vietnam Visa Approval Letter” is a document issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department (Ministry of Public Security). It serves as official permission for its holder(s) to board a flight to Vietnam and obtain a visa stamp in their passport upon arrival at the airport.
For details on how to obtain the approval letter, including samples, processing times, and associated costs, please click here.
What does a Vietnam approval letter look like?
This is a specimen of what the Vietnam Approval letter looks like:
How Long Does It Take to Receive the Approval Letter?
Under normal circumstances, you can expect to receive your approval letter via email within 5-7 working days.
(Note: Processing times exclude Saturdays, Sundays, and National Holidays.)
For urgent requests, the processing times for tourist visas are as follows:
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2 HOURS processing
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4 HOURS processing
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SAME DAY processing
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1 DAY processing
Important Notes:
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The processing times mentioned are for working days only and do not include Saturdays, Sundays, or public holidays. Be sure to check the time zone differences between Vietnam and your country.
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The Visa Counter at Vietnam International Airports operates 24/7, so if you already have your visa approval letter, you can obtain your visa stamp upon arrival, regardless of your landing time.
What Information Do I Need to Provide for a Visa on Arrival (VOA)?
When applying for a Vietnam visa approval letter online, you must provide the following information exactly as it appears on your passport. Once the approval letter is issued, no changes or corrections can be made.
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Full name (exactly as in your passport)
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Date of birth (DOB)
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Nationality
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Passport Number
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Proposed arrival date
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Proposed exit date
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Purpose of visit
Do I need to provide you with my exact arrival date to apply for a visa on arrival?
You don’t need to provide your exact arrival date—just the earliest date you plan to arrive in Vietnam. You can enter the country on or after that date. However, please ensure you depart before the visa expiry date stated in your approval letter.
Note: The approval letter cannot be modified once issued. If you wish to arrive earlier than the date on the letter, you will need to apply for a new one with the updated arrival date.
What Happens If I Forget to Bring Photos or Print My Approval Letter at the Vietnam Airport?
Both your Vietnam Visa Application Form, photos, and the approval letter are essential documents for obtaining a visa upon arrival at the airport in Vietnam.
If you forget to bring photos or print your approval letter, you may be required to pay an additional fee (around $2–$5) to have photos taken by the Immigration Officers, and a higher fee to print the approval letter on the spot.
We recommend you use our Fast Track Service to make sure that you always can receive immediate & effective support from us through our website when you face unexpected difficulties when entering Vietnam Airport.
Should I Apply for an Approval Letter Early?
You can apply for a Vietnam visa approval letter at any time, but it’s recommended to wait until closer to your departure (around 1-2 months beforehand). This helps avoid complications in case your travel plans change.
What is the Stamping Fee?
The stamping fee is a mandatory payment made directly to the Immigration Department at the arrival airport in Vietnam. This fee covers the cost of printing, affixing, and sealing the visa onto your passport after verifying the details in your visa approval letter.
Your visa will only be stamped if the information in your approval letter matches your passport exactly.
For those needing assistance, Vietnam Online Visa offers professional services to streamline and expedite the Vietnam approval letter application process.
In addition, we also offer tours in Vietnam to many attractive destinations, from bustling cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to natural wonders such as Ha Long Bay and Sa Pa. We are committed to providing our customers with unique travel experiences and the most dedicated service.
