Vietnam Visa Approval Letter: What It Is and How to Get It (2025 Update)

If you’re planning to visit Vietnam and have heard about a Vietnam visa approval letter, you may be wondering what it is, whether you need one, and how to get it. This guide from VietnamDiscovery will help you understand everything about this essential document — when it’s required, how it works, and what to expect at the airport.

What Is a Vietnam Visa Approval Letter?

A Vietnam visa approval letter is an official document issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department, allowing you to enter Vietnam and receive your visa upon arrival at an international airport.

It’s not a visa itself but an official pre-approval confirming that your visa application has been reviewed and accepted. You’ll present this letter, along with your passport and photos, to get your visa stamped upon arrival in Vietnam.

This method is commonly referred to as Visa on Arrival (VOA), and the approval letter is the key step that makes it possible.

Who Needs a Vietnam Visa Approval Letter?

You’ll need a visa approval letter if:

• You are entering Vietnam by air (the approval letter is valid for airports only, not for land or sea entries).
• You are applying for a Visa on Arrival (VOA).

If you’re applying for a Vietnam eVisa, you don’t need this letter — the eVisa itself is already your entry document. You can read our full Vietnam eVisa Guide for details.

How to Get a Vietnam Visa Approval Letter

Getting an approval letter is straightforward, especially when applying through a trusted agency like VietnamDiscovery.

Here’s how the process works:

1. Submit an online application with your personal details, passport information, and travel dates.
2. Pay the processing fee (the service fee for arranging the letter).
3. Wait for the approval letter issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department, usually within 3–5 working days (urgent options available).
4. Print out the letter and bring it with you to Vietnam.

At the airport, you’ll present:

• Your printed approval letter
• Your passport (valid at least 6 months beyond arrival)
• 2 passport-sized photos
• Visa stamping fee in cash (usually USD 25 for single entry or USD 50 for multiple entry)

Once the officer verifies your information, you’ll receive your Vietnam visa stamp directly in your passport.

Visa approval letter Processing Time and Urgent Services

Standard processing time for a Vietnam visa approval letter is 3–5 working days.

If you need your visa faster, urgent or super-urgent services are available:

• Urgent (1 working day) – ideal for last-minute plans.
• Super urgent (4–8 hours) – for travelers flying soon.

At VietnamDiscovery, we provide 24/7 assistance to help travelers get their approval letter even in emergency cases, ensuring smooth entry with minimal stress.

Vietnam Visa Approval Letter vs. Vietnam eVisa

Feature	Visa Approval Letter (VOA)	Vietnam eVisa
Where to apply	Online via agency	Official eVisa portal
Entry type	Air only	Air, land, or sea
Processing time	3–5 working days (urgent options)	3–7 working days
Documents at airport	Approval letter, photos, stamping fee	Printed eVisa only
Cost	Service + stamping fee	One-time fee
Best for	Air travelers with urgent needs	Most travelers

If you’re unsure which option fits your trip, check our Vietnam Visa Guide — it compares all visa types, including eVisa, Visa on Arrival, and Embassy Visa, to help you make the right choice.

How Much Does a Vietnam Visa Approval Letter Cost?

The service fee for obtaining an approval letter through a trusted agency like VietnamDiscovery typically starts from US$30 – 35, depending on your visa type and urgency.

In addition, the stamping fee (paid directly at the airport) is:

• US$25 for a single-entry visa
• US$50 for a multiple-entry visa

💡 Tip: Always print your approval letter and prepare the exact cash amount in USD to avoid delays at the visa counter.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying too late: Always apply at least 5 working days before your flight, or use an urgent option if needed.
• Misspelling your name or passport number: The approval letter must match your passport exactly.
• Forgetting the stamping fee: This fee must be paid in cash at the airport.
• Using the letter for land entry: The approval letter is valid only for airports (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Phu Quoc, etc.).

Why Apply Through VietnamDiscovery

With VietnamDiscovery, your visa process is fast, secure, and worry-free.

✅ Flexible options for urgent or super-urgent letters
✅ Clear guidance on what to prepare for arrival
✅ Friendly English-speaking support team available 24/7

We’ve helped thousands of travelers worldwide obtain their Vietnam visa approval letters easily — even at the last minute.

Final Advice from VietnamDiscovery

If you’re traveling by air and need a visa quickly, the Vietnam Visa Approval Letter is one of the easiest and most reliable solutions.

Apply online in minutes, receive your approval by email, and get your visa stamped upon arrival.

And remember — VietnamDiscovery is always here to assist you with expert guidance and fast service, so you can focus on enjoying your Vietnam trip, not worrying about paperwork.

💥Link to submit your request: https://form.jotform.com/252912387034457