Vietnam visa approval letter for foreigners
A visa approval letter is a document by which the Immigration Department approves a foreigner's entry into Vietnam, based on the sponsorship of a Vietnam-based company or individual. Once issued, the foreigner uses it to receive a visa at the border gate or at a Vietnamese mission abroad.
What is a visa approval letter?
It is the immigration authority's prior approval confirming that a foreigner is eligible to enter for a specific purpose and period. The letter usually states full name, nationality, passport number, the border gate for receiving the visa, and the approved visa type.
Who should use a visa approval letter?
Suitable for foreigners sponsored by a Vietnam-based company/entity entering for business, investment or work; cases needing multiple entries or a longer stay; or nationalities not eligible for an e-visa.
Visa approval letter process
- Advise on the visa type and identify the sponsoring entity in Vietnam.
- Prepare documents: passport details, purpose, period and entry border gate.
- Submit the application for review at the Immigration Department.
- Receive the approval letter and send it to the foreigner.
- The foreigner receives the visa at the border gate or a Vietnamese mission abroad.
Documents to prepare
- A scan of the passport information page, valid for at least 6 months.
- Information on the purpose of entry and expected length of stay.
- Legal documents of the sponsoring entity in Vietnam (if any).
- The intended border gate for receiving the visa.
Timeline and fees
Standard processing usually takes 3–5 working days for a normal letter, and may be faster with an urgent service. The fees and timelines above are for reference only and may change under the current regulations of the authority.
Legal basis
Entry approval is carried out under Law No. 47/2014/QH13 (as amended and supplemented by Law No. 51/2019/QH14 and Law No. 23/2023/QH15) on entry, exit, transit and residence of foreigners in Vietnam.
Frequently asked questions about the visa approval letter
How does a visa approval letter differ from an e-visa?
An approval letter requires a sponsor in Vietnam and suits longer stays or multiple entries; an e-visa is submitted online and suits individual travellers with short stays. Choose based on your purpose.
How long does it take to obtain a visa approval letter?
Usually 3–5 working days for a normal letter. The timeline is for reference and may change under the regulations of the immigration authority.
Where do I receive the visa once I have the letter?
The foreigner receives the visa at the registered international border gate or at a Vietnamese mission abroad, depending on the option chosen when applying.
Need a visa approval letter quickly?
Send us your passport details and purpose of entry, and we will advise on the documents and a suitable processing time.
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