Vietnam Visa Approval Letter

Starting from August 15, 2023, Vietnam e-visas are issued to citizens of all countries and territories, and they are issued for multiple entries for up to 90 days. You can now apply for the e-visa without the Vietnam Approval Letter. The e-visa fee is approximately 25 USD, and your application will usually be processed within 3 working days. Applying for an e-visa is efficient and convenient.

However, please note that the Vietnam Approval Letter is still required if you apply for a visa on arrival at the airport or a visa via a Vietnamese Embassy. The Approval Letter is issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department and usually takes 7-10 working days.

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How to Apply for a Visa Approval Letter?
Does My Child Need a Visa Approval Letter?
How to Obtain a Visa on Arrival after Getting an Approval Letter?

How to Apply for an Approval Letter for Vietnam Visa

It usually takes 7–10 working days for the Vietnam Immigration Department to issue a Visa Approval Letter. For urgent processing (3-4 working days), you can contact the Vietnamese Embassy for the details.

Documents Required to Obtain a Visa Approval Letter:

1. Your Vietnam tour itinerary
2. Your hotel booking confirmation letter
3. Your flight e-tickets to and from Vietnam
4. Your travel insurance policy (travel insurance from WorldNomads.com is available to people from over 130 countries)
5. Scanned copy of all passports (they must have six months' validity from the Vietnam arrival date).

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Does My Child Need a Visa Approval Letter?

Yes. You are also required to apply for Visa Approval Letters for your children using their passports. The procedure and fee is the same as for an adult.

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How to Obtain a Visa on Arrival after Getting an Approval Letter

A Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA) is a popular way to arrive by air in Vietnam, as you can avoid the trouble of going to an embassy. However, it is only obtainable when you enter Vietnam via one of these five Vietnam international airports:

Hanoi: Noi Bai International Airport (IATA: HAN, ICAO: VVNB)
Ho Chi Minh City: Tan Son Nhat International Airport (IATA: SGN, ICAO:VVTS)
Da Nang: Da Nang International Airport (IATA: DAD, ICAO: VVDN)
Hai Phong: Cat Bi International Airport (IATA: HPH, ICAO: VVCI)
Nha Trang: Cam Ranh International Airport (IATA: CXR, ICAO: VVCR)

Upon arrival at one of the international airports in Vietnam, your visa on arrival (VOA) can be picked up after submitting the following at the Immigration Counter:

Your passport
A printed copy of your Approval Letter
Two passport-type photos (4*6 cm)
A completed Vietnamese Visa Application Form (download)
The fee in cash (US dollars or Vietnamese dong).

It usually costs US$25 for one-month and three-month single-entry visas, but US$50 for one-month and three-month multiple-entry visas. The fee might vary a little based on Vietnamese policy updates.

Do remember to bring cash with you to pay the fee in US dollars (preferred) or Vietnam dong. The VOA office does not accept credit or debit cards. You will not be allowed to enter Vietnam without cash for the payment. The bank notes must be in good conditions without any marks, nicks, or tears.

There are no ATMs near the VOA counters at Hanoi airport and Da Nang airport. If you need to withdraw cash there, you will have some inconvenience. At Ho Chi Minh Airport, an ATM is available adjacent to the VOA office.

The whole procedure shouldn't take more than 15 minutes in low season (March to May), but it can take up to 2 hours in high season (December to February) when there are many tour groups. If you don't want to take the risk of waiting a long time at the airport, you should consider applying for a Vietnam e-visa.

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Visiting Vietnam with Asia Highlights

Asia Highlights welcomes the chance to help you design your perfect trip to Vietnam. Your knowledgeable 1:1 travel advisor will assist you in selecting destinations, accommodation, and activities that best suit your requirements.

Check out the following links to learn more about our tour designs and get a head start on planning your hassle-free vacation today!