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Could I travel with no approval letter and get the visa after arrival?

A misconception that is mostly held by other travelers is that they can just come to Vietnam and get a visa directly at the airport without submitting any paperwork. But it is not so with most nationalities.

Visa on Arrival (VOA) is the program applied in Vietnam; this implies that in this country to take a flight, travelers must obtain a pre-approval letter. In absence of this document, airlines may refuse to board you and Vietnamese immigration authorities will not provide a visa on arrival to you.

What is the pre-approval letter?

The pre-approval letter is a letter of approval provided to a foreigner by the Vietnamese Immigration Department, typified by a registered travel or visa agent in Vietnam.

Why it’s needed:

  • Confirms that you’ve been granted permission to receive a visa upon arrival.
  • Acts as your “entry ticket” to board the plane.
  • Given to immigration officials at the Vietnam airport to stamp your visa.

Without it, you are not able to board your flight or get a visa at the airport.

Can any traveler get a visa without a pre-approval letter?

At the moment, not a single visitor of a country that needs a visa can simply appear in Vietnam and ask to have his/her visa stamped.

The only exceptions are:

Citizens of those countries in Vietnam visa exemption agreements, which allows them to visit Vietnam a certain number of days without a visa. The examples are citizens of some ASEAN countries, Korea, Japan and some European countries in short stay.

Travelers who hold a valid 5-year Visa Exemption Certificate (for Overseas Vietnamese).

Unless you are subject to exemptions, you are required to hold an e-Visa or a pre-approval letter concerning VOA prior to your arrival.

Why airlines won’t let you fly without the approval letter

Airlines are responsible for ensuring passengers have the proper documents before departure. If you show up at check-in without:

  • A visa sticker in your passport
  • An e-Visa printout
  • A pre-approval letter for VOA

The airline may refuse boarding to avoid penalties from Vietnamese immigration authorities.

Alternatives to visa on arrival

Instead of relying on VOA, consider:

1. Vietnam e-Visa

  • Available to citizens of over 80 countries.
  • Valid for up to 90 days.
  • No pre-approval letter required - just apply online, print your e-Visa and bring it with you.
  • Faster and simpler than VOA.

2. Visa from Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate

  • Obtain a visa sticker in your passport before you travel.
  • No pre-approval letter needed.
  • Recommended for longer stays, business trips, or those ineligible for e-Visas.

Important tip for travelers

Never fly to Vietnam assuming you’ll get a visa at the airport without prior approval. This could result in denied boarding or being turned away upon arrival.

Always confirm your visa status before you travel.

Conclusion

You cannot go to Vietnam without an approval letter and then just apply for a visa on the spot. You have to either possess an e-Visa, a regular visa that is already in the passport, or a pre-approval notice of Visa on Arrival unless you are a holder of a visa-exempt country.

In order to have the easiest time possible, it is always good to get up to speed with the most up-to-date regulations or consult a reliable visa agency or the Vietnamese Embassy in your home country. Do you mind telling me your nationality and travel plans and I will assist you to secure the most appropriate solution!

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