A DL tourist approval letter needs a sponsor (a licensed travel company or an eligible individual), form NA2 and a passport valid at least six months; it gives a 1–3 month tourist visa, from 1,850,000 VND, collected at the airport or an embassy. For most tourists the e-visa (up to 90 days, no sponsor) or visa exemption is simpler; the DL letter still helps for groups, multiple-entry tourist visas and nationalities the e-visa handles poorly.
This page covers the tourist category (DL). See all categories in Vietnam visa types explained.
Conditions
- Purpose of entry is tourism only — no work, no business meetings for a Vietnamese entity.
- A sponsor is required: a licensed travel company, or an individual in the permitted cases.
- Passport valid at least six months beyond entry.
Documents
- Form NA2 from the sponsor
- Passport bio page scan
- Entry date, duration, single or multiple entry, entry gate or embassy
Compare before you file
| Route | Stay | Sponsor | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| DL approval letter | 1–3 months | Required | 1,850,000 VND |
| E-visa | up to 90 days | None | 1,100,000 VND |
| Visa exemption | 14–45 days by nationality | None | Free |
For most tourists the e-visa is now the simplest route; the DL approval letter still matters for nationalities the e-visa system handles poorly, for group tours, and where a multiple-entry tourist visa is needed.
Extending a tourist stay
DL extends up to three months in total, through a sponsor, with form NA5 — see visa extension. Otherwise the options are a visa run or a new e-visa.
Need quick help? Info Travel offers free advice on Vietnam visa and immigration procedures for foreigners on Zalo/WhatsApp: +84327828822.
