What is a Vietnam Visa Approval Letter (Visa on Arrival)?

What is a Visa Approval Letter?

A Visa Approval Letter is an official document issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department. It allows foreign nationals to collect their visas upon arrival at a Vietnamese international airport. This letter serves as a prerequisite for getting a Visa on Arrival (VOA).

Applicants can obtain this letter through a licensed travel agency or visa service provider. Once approved, you’ll receive a PDF version by email. Just print it out and present it at the airport to get your visa. There’s no need to visit the embassy in person.

Example image: Sample of Vietnam Visa Approval Letter

Who is eligible to apply?

Almost every traveler eligible for an electronic visa (e-visa) is also eligible for a Visa on Arrival via a Visa Approval Letter. This method is especially suitable for passport holders who are not eligible for e-visas, such as those holding a:

• BNO (British National Overseas passport)
  
• HKDI (Hong Kong Document of Identity)
  
• Other restricted or non-e-visa countries
  

Eligible countries include:
USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, Japan, South Korea, Mainland China, India, Spain, and most European & Asian nations.

Accepted points of entry include:
Hanoi (Noi Bai), Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat), Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc Island, and most major land borders such as Mong Cai, Lao Bao, Moc Bai, Huu Nghi, and ports like Hai Phong.

This option is ideal for individual travelers or tour groups, especially those looking to save time, manage last-minute travel changes, or those using passports not eligible for the e-visa system.
Additionally, during public holidays or Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) when the government e-visa portal may temporarily shut down, the Visa Approval Letter remains a reliable alternative, as this method typically operates year-round, including holidays.

⚠️ Note: Certain high-risk countries (e.g., Nigeria, Pakistan, Cameroon) may be ineligible or subject to additional document review. Travelers from these countries are strongly advised not to apply for e-visas directly via the government website, and instead, consult with a licensed visa agency or experienced travel service provider for case-by-case assessment.For personalized visa advice, please visit our official website: https://www.visa-vietnam.hk

How to Apply for a Visa Approval Letter?

The process is simple and includes 5 steps:

1. Provide your passport info, intended entry date, and visa type to a visa agency
   
2. Pay the service fee
   
3. Receive the electronic approval letter in 3–4 working days
   
4. Print the letter, prepare 2 passport-sized photos (white or blue background) + fill out form NA1
   
5. At the airport, present documents, pay the stamping fee, and receive your visa on the spot
   

💡 Tip:
Forgot to print your letter or bring photos? Don’t worry — major airports offer printing and photo services. NA1 forms are also available at VOA counters.

Can I get the letter on the same day?

Yes! Express processing options are available:

• 2-day urgent service
  
• 1-day express processing
  
• Same-day processing (as fast as 4 hours!)
  

Just pay a rush fee, and you can receive your Visa Approval Letter within hours — perfect for emergencies or last-minute trips.

How much is the stamping fee at the airport?

Aside from the service fee paid to the agency, you’ll need to pay a stamping fee at the airport:

• Single-entry, 1 month: $25
  
• Multiple-entry, 1 month: $50
  
• Single-entry, 3 months: $25
  
• Multiple-entry, 3 months: $50
  

Prepare cash in USD. Credit cards, WeChat, and Alipay are not accepted. Airports accept other currencies, but USD offers the best rate.

Pros and Cons of Visa Approval Letter

Advantages:

• No embassy visits required
  
• Low-cost and time-saving
  
• Urgent same-day service available
  
• Accepted at almost all airports and land borders in Vietnam
• Even during Vietnamese public holidays or official days off, you can still submit your application and get the Visa Approval Letter approved.
  

Limitations:

• Only applicable for tourist visas, not business or work visas
  
• Requires waiting at the airport VOA counter
  
• Must bring photos and cash to pay the fee (credit cards not accepted)
  

Can I apply for the Approval Letter myself on a government website?

No, individual travelers cannot apply for this document directly. The Vietnam Immigration Department only issues approval letters through licensed travel agencies.

Only agencies can submit applications on your behalf. Once approved, they’ll send you the letter via email. So it’s crucial to choose a trusted, licensed provider.We recommend using our partner website Visa Vietnam HK for a secure and smooth application process with professional support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. I have a Mainland China passport. Can I apply for a Visa on Arrival?
Yes, you can apply for a Visa Approval Letter for tourism purposes only. For business or work, consider applying for an E-visa instead.

2. Can I change the arrival date or airport listed on the letter?
The entry date and airport must match the letter. If changes are needed, contact your visa agency to amend your application.

3. Is VOA suitable for traveling with children?
Absolutely. Children must have their own approval letter, or you can apply as a family group.

4. What documents do I need to prepare at the airport?

• Printed Visa Approval Letter (color print preferred)
  
• Valid passport (6+ months remaining)
  
• Two 4x6cm photos (white or blue background)
  
• Completed NA1 application form
  
• Cash (USD) to pay the visa stamping fee
  

5. I hold an HKDI. Can I apply for a Visa Approval Letter?
Yes, HKDI holders can apply for a Visa Approval Letter. This is currently your best option, as HKDI is not eligible for E-visa.

6. I have a BNO passport. Can I apply for an E-visa?
No. BNO (British National Overseas) passport holders are not eligible for E-visas. You must apply for a Visa Approval Letter and obtain your visa upon arrival at the airport.

If you have any questions regarding visa policies, nationality requirements, or urgent applications, please feel free to contact our visa consultants.
We provide fast, legal, and secure visa solutions to help you enter Vietnam with ease and confidence!