A visa approval letter (công văn nhập cảnh) is a document from the Vietnam Immigration Department confirming that a named foreigner may enter; the visa itself is then stamped at a border gate or a Vietnamese embassy. It needs a sponsor in Vietnam, supports every visa type — from 1–3 months for tourists to 5 years for investors — and, unlike the 90-day e-visa, can lead to work and a residence card.
This page explains what an approval letter is. For the full filing procedure see the step-by-step guide; to have us do it, see the service page.
A visa approval letter — công văn nhập cảnh in Vietnamese — is a document issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department confirming that a named foreigner has been cleared to enter the country. It is not the visa itself: the visa is stamped afterwards, either at a border gate or at a Vietnamese mission abroad.
Two types by where the visa is collected
| Airport / border pick-up | Embassy pick-up | |
|---|---|---|
| Visa issued at | International gate in Vietnam (Tan Son Nhat, Noi Bai, Da Nang, land gates) | The Vietnamese embassy or consulate named in the letter |
| Stamping fee paid | In cash on arrival | At the mission, in local currency |
| Photos needed | Two 4×6 photos on arrival | As required by the mission |
| Best for | Travellers already booked to fly in | Nationalities that must obtain the visa before boarding |
Types by entry and duration
- Single entry — one entry only; a second trip needs a new document.
- Multiple entry — unlimited entries within the validity, better for regional managers commuting in and out.
- Validity follows the visa symbol: 1–3 months for DL, up to 12 months for DN and TT, up to 2 years for LD, up to 5 years for DT1 and DT2.
Who can sponsor the letter
A Vietnamese company registered with the Immigration Department (form NA16 on file), or an individual sponsoring a relative. The sponsor signs form NA2 or NA3 and is responsible for the person invited.
Approval letter or e-visa?
An e-visa needs no sponsor but caps at 90 days and never allows work. An approval letter needs a sponsor but supports every symbol, longer stays and the route to a residence card.
Important: you cannot enter Vietnam before the date stated in the letter. If plans change, a new letter is required.
Need quick help? Info Travel offers free advice on Vietnam visa and immigration procedures for foreigners on Zalo/WhatsApp: +84327828822.
FAQ
Where can I check the approval letter result?
The result goes to the sponsor; there is no personal lookup code as with an e-visa. A company filing online tracks the status and receives the letter in its immigration portal e-account; paper filings are collected where they were submitted. If an agency files for you, it sends you the letter.
What is a sponsorship approval letter?
It is the same document: the Immigration Department’s written approval of a sponsor’s request (a company or a relative) for a foreigner to enter Vietnam. The sponsor is responsible for the purpose of entry and the stay.
What is “công văn nhập cảnh” in English?
It is usually called a visa approval letter or entry approval letter, sometimes entry clearance. For a visa on arrival, this is the “approval letter” you show at the airport.
Is there a state fee for the approval letter?
Circular 28/2026/TT-BTC sets no separate fee for the letter itself; you pay the visa stamping fee: USD 25 single entry or USD 50 multiple entry up to 90 days, longer visas per the visa fee table. Service quotes via WhatsApp +84327828822.
