An approval letter can name either a Vietnamese border gate or a Vietnamese mission abroad. If it names a mission, that is where the visa is issued — you cannot switch to the airport afterwards without a new letter.
When the embassy route is the right one
- The airline requires a visa before boarding for your nationality
- You want the visa in the passport before travelling
- You are applying from a country where the e-visa route has been unreliable for you
What missions typically ask for
- The approval letter reference (they receive their own copy from the Immigration Department)
- Form NA1 and passport photos to their specification
- Original passport, valid at least six months
- The visa fee in local currency — often higher than the fee at a Vietnamese border gate because of local surcharges
Timing
Allow a week at the mission on top of the five working days for the approval letter. Confirm the mission opening hours and appointment system before travelling to it — many now work by appointment only.
Vietnamese embassies and consulates in Asia
| Country | City | Details |
|---|
| China | Beijing, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Kunming, Nanning, Shanghai, Chongqing | Embassy of Vietnam in China |
| Japan | Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka | Embassy of Vietnam in Japan |
| South Korea | Seoul, Busan | Embassy of Vietnam in South Korea |
| North Korea | Pyongyang | Embassy of Vietnam in North Korea |
| Taiwan | Taipei | Vietnam Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei |
| Mongolia | Ulaanbaatar | Embassy of Vietnam in Mongolia |
| India | New Delhi, Mumbai | Embassy of Vietnam in India |
| Pakistan | Islamabad | Embassy of Vietnam in Pakistan |
| Bangladesh | Dhaka | Embassy of Vietnam in Bangladesh |
| Sri Lanka | Colombo | Embassy of Vietnam in Sri Lanka |
| Cambodia | Phnom Penh, Battambang, Sihanoukville | Embassy of Vietnam in Cambodia |
| Laos | Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Pakse, Savannakhet | Embassy of Vietnam in Laos |
| Thailand | Bangkok, Khon Kaen | Embassy of Vietnam in Thailand |
| Myanmar | Yangon | Embassy of Vietnam in Myanmar |
| Malaysia | Kuala Lumpur | Embassy of Vietnam in Malaysia |
| Singapore | Singapore | Embassy of Vietnam in Singapore |
| Indonesia | Jakarta | Embassy of Vietnam in Indonesia |
| Philippines | Manila | Embassy of Vietnam in the Philippines |
| Brunei | Bandar Seri Begawan | Embassy of Vietnam in Brunei |
| Timor-Leste | Dili | Embassy of Vietnam in Timor-Leste |
| Kazakhstan | Astana | Embassy of Vietnam in Kazakhstan |
Vietnamese embassies and consulates in Middle East
Vietnamese embassies and consulates in Europe
Vietnamese embassies and consulates in Americas
Vietnamese embassies and consulates in Africa
Vietnamese embassies and consulates in Oceania
Alternatives
| Route | Where issued | Best for |
|---|
| Approval letter, airport pick-up | Vietnamese border gate | Travellers already booked to fly in |
| Approval letter, embassy pick-up | Named mission abroad | Visa needed before boarding |
| E-visa | Online | Stays up to 90 days, no sponsor |
We prepare the approval letter and tell the Immigration Department which mission to notify: Zalo/WhatsApp: +84327828822.
See all Vietnam visa services for foreigners from Info Travel, with processing times and reference prices.
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