Vietnam Visa Approval Letter 2023: Comprehensive Guide & Differences

Vietnam visa approval letter is the cornerstone to initiating your Vietnamese adventure. As the starting point of your journey, this pivotal document serves as your passport to the wonders and rich cultural tapestry of this Southeast Asian gem. Designed to ease the visa process, the approval letter ensures travelers dive into the heart of Vietnam without administrative hiccups. Embark on this exploration, as the Vietnam Visa Approval Letter paves the way to a treasure trove of memories and experiences.

Understanding the Vietnam Visa Approval Letter

The Vietnam Visa Approval Letter is your gateway to a seamless visa application process for Vietnam. This document, while not the actual visa, plays a pivotal role in facilitating your journey to this captivating country.

What is Visa Approval Letter?

In the realm of visa application for Vietnam, the “Vietnam Visa Approval Letter” stands as a pivotal document. This article aims to demystify the concept of this letter and elucidate its indispensable role in the visa application procedure.

When planning a trip to Vietnam, particularly for those who require a visa to enter, comprehending the Vietnam Visa Approval Letter is crucial. This document, although not the actual visa, is an integral part of the visa application process. It serves as an official invitation from the Vietnam Immigration Department, affirming that the visa applicant has been pre-approved for entry into the country.

What makes the Vietnam Visa Approval Letter so essential?

The Vietnam Letter of Approval, also known as the Visa Approval Letter of Immigration Department in Vietnam, fundamentally streamlines the visa application process, replacing the conventional approach of obtaining a visa directly from the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate. Instead of the traditional in-person embassy visits, travelers can conveniently apply for a visa online through a reputable agency, which facilitates the issuance of the approval letter. Upon receiving this letter, travelers can confidently proceed with their travel plans to Vietnam.

It’s essential to understand that the approval letter covers various visa types, encompassing tourist visas, business visas, and even visa extensions. However, it’s crucial to note that the Vietnam Visa Approval Letter is not a standalone travel document. Travelers must have it with them upon arrival at a Vietnamese airport, as immigration authorities will verify it before officially stamping the visa into their passport.

What does a Vietnam visa approval letter look like?

An approval letter for Vietnam visa contains:

• Statement on allowing its holder(s) to enter Vietnam and get visa stamped at Vietnam airport;
• Details of those permitted to enter Vietnam with this letter, including full name, passport number, date of birth, nationality,
• Permitted duration to stay in Vietnam.
• Electronic signature of the Vietnam Immigration Department (not the red stamp like before).

Your guide to obtaining a Vietnam Visa Approval Letter

Obtaining a Vietnam Visa on Arrival Approval Letter is a crucial step for travelers intending to visit Vietnam. This comprehensive guide will lead you through the essential elements of acquiring this important document, guaranteeing a seamless and convenient entry into the country.

Cases exempt from Vietnam Visa Approval Letter

Travelers visiting Vietnam fall into two categories regarding the requirement for a visa approval letter:

Not Required:

• Travelers with valid Vietnam visas, including eVisas.
• Holders of a valid Permanent Residence card for Vietnam.
• Possessors of a valid Vietnam temporary residence card.
• Holders of a valid Vietnam 5-year visa exemption certificate.
• Bearers of a valid APEC Travel Card that includes Vietnam in its coverage.
• Those entering Vietnam under bilateral or unilateral Vietnam visa exemption agreements.

Required:

• For all other travelers not falling into the categories mentioned above, a visa approval letter is mandatory to obtain a visa for Vietnam.

Eligibility for Vietnam Visa Approval Letter

To obtain an approval letter for a Vietnam visa, you must fulfill the specified criteria:

Sponsorship Requirement: You need sponsorship from a legally established and operational company in Vietnam. This can include:

• A foreign-invested company,
• A State-owned company,
• A representative office of a foreign trader,
• A tour company in Vietnam,
• And others.

Not on Immigration Blacklist: You must not be listed on the Vietnam Immigration Blacklist.

How long is Vietnam visa approval letter good for?

The validity of a Vietnam visa approval letter varies from 10 days to as long as 90 days, contingent upon the nature of your visit (tourist or business) and the specific details of your itinerary within Vietnam.

How to get a visa approval letter for Vietnam?

The procedure to get a Vietnam visa approval letter will be done online by your sponsoring company via its account on the Public Service Portal, Ministry of Public Security.

Types and costs of Vietnam Visa Approval Letters

Types of Vietnam Visa Approval Letters

Vietnam visa approval letters come in various types, categorized based on specific criteria:

By Purpose of Visit:

• Tourist Visa Approval Letter
• Business Visa Approval Letter
• Family-Visit Visa Approval Letter

By Place of Visa Stamping:

• Visa on Arrival Approval Letter
• Embassy Visa Approval Letter

What is the cost of a Vietnam visa approval letter?

The issuance of the visa approval letter itself is typically free of charge. However, there are associated expenses that need to be considered:

Sponsoring Company Expenses: The company in Vietnam that sponsors your visa will incur costs related to preparing the necessary documents for the visa approval letter application and completing the procedure.

Visa Stamping Fee: As a visa approval letter holder, you will be responsible for paying the visa stamping fee upon arrival in Vietnam. The fee structure is as follows:

• US $25 for a single-entry visa.
• US $50 for a multiple-entry visa valid for up to 90 days.

Required documents to get visa approval letter for Vietnam

Depending on the purpose of entry, the required documents for visa approval letter for Vietnam will be different, specifically as follows:

Required documents for Vietnam business visa approval letter

Those documents will be prepared by the sponsoring company in Vietnam:

• Certified copy of Business Registration Certificate
• Vietnam entry application form (Form NA2)
• Introduction form of sample signature and seal of the sponsoring company (Form NA16)
• Copy of Foreigner’s Passport
• Other documents upon request.

Required documents for Vietnam tourist visa approval letter

Those documents will be prepared by the sponsoring company in Vietnam:

• Certified copy of Business Registration Certificate
• Vietnam entry application form (Form NA2)
• Introduction form of sample signature and seal of the sponsoring company (Form NA16)
• Copy of Passport of the Foreigner who will be visiting Vietnam,
• Copy of Passport of the Foreigner who is family member of the Foreigner who will be visiting Vietnam and has a valid residence paper in Vietnam,
• Other documents upon request.

Required documents for Vietnam family visit visa approval letter

• Certified copy of Business Registration Certificate
• Vietnam entry application form (Form NA2)
• Introduction form of sample signature and seal of the sponsoring company (Form NA16)
• Copy of Foreigner’s Passport
• Detailed itinerary in Vietnam
• Other documents upon request.

How long does it take to get an approval letter for a Vietnam visa?

The processing time for the Vietnam visa approval letter may vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for and the level of urgency, especially if you require a Vietnam visa approval letter urgent processing.

For a Vietnam tourist visa on arrival letter:

• The standard processing time typically ranges from 7 to 10 working days.
• If you require a quicker turnaround, it can be expedited to 3 to 5 working days or even on the same day, depending on your level of urgency.

Conclusion

In retrospect, while Vietnam offers a myriad of cultural experiences, scenic landscapes, and historical wonders, navigating its entry procedures might seem daunting. However, with the ‘Vietnam visa approval letter’ in hand, the gateway to this Southeast Asian marvel becomes significantly more accessible. This indispensable document not only simplifies your entrance into Vietnam but also represents the beginning of a journey filled with awe and discovery. As you reminisce on your adventures, remember that it all commenced with the pivotal Vietnam visa approval letter, making each moment in this enchanting land possible.