Plan your Vietnam adventure with our guide to visa on arrival letters for international travelers! Learn about approval letter applications, costs, cultural site visits, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and top providers for a seamless experience with Vietnam Travel. Start your journey today!
Seize the cultural essence of Vietnam’s artistryWritten by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys, and official sources like vietnam-visa.com, travel.state.gov, evisa.gov.vn, vinpearl.com, and vietnam.travel. Information based on the latest data; verify before travel. Reflects Vietnam’s updated travel regulations.
Travelers, please note: The Visa on Arrival (VOA) program requires an approval letter obtained in advance, which is stamped upon arrival at airports. It is not available at land borders or seaports. International travelers can apply for an approval letter online through agencies or Vietnamese embassies. This guide details the approval letter process, requirements, and travel tips for a seamless journey into Vietnam.
Vietnam, a captivating Southeast Asian destination, is renowned for its cultural landmarks like Hoi An’s ancient town, Ha Long Bay’s limestone karsts, and bustling cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City vinpearl.com. Understanding the visa on arrival letter requirements ensures smooth entry for travelers from non-exempt countries, whether joining guided Vietnam Tours or traveling independently. The approval letter is essential for obtaining a visa stamp at Vietnam’s international airports, facilitating access to the country’s rich heritage vietnam-visa.com. This guide provides practical visa insights, approval letter application processes, cultural etiquette, and eco-friendly Vietnam Travel options for international travelers.
Following Vietnam’s updated travel regulations, the country is accessible via 13 international airports where visa on arrival is available with an approval letter. This guide blends approval letter requirements, application processes, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a worry-free adventure.
Travelers from non-exempt countries require an approval letter for visa on arrival at airports (not land borders or seaports), costing $25–$50 (625,000–1,250,000 VND) for the letter, plus $25–$50 stamping fee at arrival. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages. Cultural site entries like Hoi An cost $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND); guided tours range from $15–$80 (375,000–2,000,000 VND). Temporary residence registration with local police is required within 24 hours, typically handled by hotels. Verify visa requirements via vietnam-visa.com or travel.state.gov.
Standard Visa on Arrival Letter:
Purpose: Tourism, business, or leisure for short stays at airports.
Eligibility: Citizens of countries not eligible for visa exemptions (e.g., US, Canada, Australia, India, most EU nations) vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: 30–90 days (single or multiple entry) upon stamping at arrival vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: Approval letter: $25 (625,000 VND) for single entry; $50 (1,250,000 VND) for multiple entry; stamping fee at arrival: $25–$50 (625,000–1,250,000 VND); non-refundable vietnam-visa.com.
Application Process:
Apply online through agencies like vietnam-visa.com or Vietnamese embassies; select English and click “Apply now” vietnam-visa.com.
Review terms and conditions, then confirm to proceed vietnam-visa.com.
Enter personal details (full name, date of birth, nationality), passport details (number, issue/expiry date), travel details (intended entry date, arrival airport like Noi Bai or Tan Son Nhat), and temporary address in Vietnam (e.g., hotel address) vietnam-visa.com.
Upload a digital passport photo (4x6 cm, white background, no glasses, straight view) and a scan of the passport data page in .jpg format, max 2MB vietnam-visa.com.
Pay the fee ($25 or $50) via credit/debit card or PayPal; note the verification code vietnam-visa.com.
Receive the approval letter via email within 2–3 working days (expedited 1 day for $10–$20 or 250,000–500,000 VND); download and print the letter vietnam-visa.com.
Present printed approval letter, passport, two passport photos (4x6 cm), and stamping fee at the visa on arrival counter at the airport; receive visa stamp travel.state.gov.
Processing Time: 2–3 working days; expedited processing (1 day) available for additional fees ($10–$20 or 250,000–500,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Extendable for 1–3 months with a sponsor; fees vary ($10–$155 or 250,000–3,875,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid only at 8 international airports (e.g., Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, Da Nang, Cam Ranh, Phu Quoc, Phu Bai, Van Don, Cat Bi) vietnam-visa.com.
Key Restrictions:
Not available at land borders or seaports; use e-visas or embassy visas for non-airport entries vietnam-visa.com.
Travelers must not fall under suspension categories (e.g., security risks) as per Vietnam’s immigration laws vietnam-visa.com.
Temporary residence registration is mandatory within 24 hours, typically handled by hotels travel.state.gov.
Overstay penalties: 500,000 VND/day ($20/day); potential exit bans or deportation travel.state.gov.
Important Note: The visa on arrival letter is mandatory for the VOA process at airports; without it, entry will be denied. Travelers from visa-exempt countries do not need it but must meet exemption requirements vietnam-visa.com.
Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from entry date with two blank pages vietnam-visa.com.
Approval Letter Application: Requires digital passport photo (4x6 cm, white background, no glasses), passport data page scan, and payment; ensure details match passport vietnam-visa.com.
At Arrival: Carry printed approval letter, passport, two passport photos (4x6 cm), and stamping fee ($25–$50); process at visa on arrival counter before immigration vietnam-visa.com.
Residence Registration: Mandatory within 24 hours, typically handled by hotels; carry proof of registration travel.state.gov.
Cultural etiquette ensures a respectful experience during Vietnam Tours, complementing the visa on arrival process. Here’s your guide, based on current norms:
Greetings: Offer a “xin chào” (hello) with a slight nod; use both hands for transactions to show respect, especially at temples or markets like Hanoi’s Old Quarter culturetrip.com.
Dress: Wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple visits (e.g., Temple of Literature in Hanoi); carry a lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND) vinpearl.com.
Behaviour: Maintain a calm demeanor at cultural sites; ask permission before photographing locals or rituals; carry the approval letter and visa stamp securely to verify status. Avoid public criticism of the Vietnamese government (penalties apply). A guest shared: “Respecting Vietnamese customs made our visa on arrival trip seamless.” culturetrip.com
Customs: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND); avoid littering at cultural sites like Ha Long Bay or Hoi An’s ancient town culturetrip.com.
Tip: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you) to locals or guides; use eco-friendly practices like reusable water bottles ($2 or 50,000 VND) to support sustainable Vietnam Travel; keep the approval letter handy for checks. Tony Bùi notes: “In 20 years guiding, I’ve seen visa on arrival holders thrive in Vietnam’s vibrant culture.”
General Tips:
Language: Carry a phrase card ($1 or 25,000 VND) for Vietnamese basics like “cảm ơn”; English is widely spoken in tourist areas like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, but translation apps are useful culturetrip.com.
Respect: Follow temple rules (avoid touching sacred items); respect local vendors with fair purchases in markets.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for cities like Hanoi or Hoi An; carry a printed visa stamp or approval letter copy for checks travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Opt for bicycles ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND/day) or motorbike taxis ($0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND) to reduce emissions vietnam.travel.
Below is a curated list of tour options to enhance your visa on arrival journey, based on the latest data from vietnam-visa.com, evisa.gov.vn, travel.state.gov, vinpearl.com, and vietnam.travel. Confirm schedules and prices before booking.
Details: Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Hoi An’s ancient town, or Ha Long Bay independently after visa stamping at the airport; suitable for travelers with valid approval letters; low to moderate difficulty vietnam.travel.
Visa Tips: Present printed approval letter at visa on arrival counter; carry a printed visa stamp or passport photocopy; register temporary residence at hotels vietnam-visa.com.
Schedule: Daily; Hoi An ancient town open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM ($5–$7 or 125,000–175,000 VND); Temple of Literature open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND); Ha Long Bay cruises available daily.
Cost: Entry: free (markets); Hoi An: $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND); Temple of Literature: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND); transport (bicycle: $1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND/day; motorbike taxi: $0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND); local purchases: $0.20–$10 (5,000–250,000 VND).
Location: Hanoi, Hoi An, Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use bicycles or walk to reduce emissions; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Tip: Apply for approval letter 2–3 days early; check vietnam-visa.com; a guest noted: “Self-guided exploration was seamless with the approval letter.”
Details: 1-day group tour visiting Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Temple of Literature; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Hanoi hotels, lunch, and entry fees; low difficulty.
Visa Tips: Ensure valid approval letter for visa stamping at Noi Bai Airport; carry a printed visa stamp or passport photocopy; guides assist with residence registration travel.state.gov.
Schedule: Daily; departs 7:00 AM from Hanoi hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $25–$40/person (625,000–1,000,000 VND, includes transport and entry).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Hanoi.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group transport with fuel-efficient vehicles minimizes impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via legendtravelgroup.com; a guest noted: “Legend’s tour ensured visa on arrival compliance and cultural immersion.”
Details: 1-day guided tour visiting Hoi An’s ancient town and a cycling tour; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Hoi An, lunch, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use the approval letter for visa stamping at Da Nang Airport; carry a printed visa stamp or passport photocopy; confirm eligibility vietnam-visa.com.
Schedule: Daily; departs 6:30 AM from Hoi An hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $30–$50/person (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes entry).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Hoi An.
Eco-Friendly Note: Small groups and cycling reduce environmental impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via localvietnam.com; a guest noted: “The combo tour was visa on arrival-ready and enriching.”
Details: 2–3 day tour combining Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Hoi An; includes English-speaking guide, transport, accommodation, meals, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use the approval letter for visa stamping at Noi Bai or Tan Son Nhat Airport; carry a printed visa stamp or passport photocopy; confirm temporary residence registration travel.state.gov.
Schedule: Daily; departs from Hanoi hotels; returns after 2–3 days.
Cost: $80–$200/person (2,000,000–5,000,000 VND, includes entries).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels or custom locations in Hanoi.
Eco-Friendly Note: Uses eco-lodges and fuel-efficient transport; supports local communities.
Tip: Book Vietnam Tours via legendtravelgroup.com or WhatsApp (+84 825862222); a guest noted: “The multi-day tour was a visa on arrival-smart cultural journey.”
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for travelers with approval letters.
Group Cultural Tours: Affordable and guided, perfect for visa on arrival-compliant cultural insights.
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: Blend cultural visits with eco-friendly activities for a comprehensive journey.
Multi-Day Cultural and Adventure Tours: Offer in-depth exploration with visa on arrival-smart itineraries.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group and multi-day tours use fuel-efficient transport or bicycles, supporting Vietnam’s green tourism goals.
Key visa on arrival letter travel opportunities include:
Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year): Typically late January to February, vibrant with temple ceremonies and family traditions; warm and dry (18–28°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Hung Kings Festival: Typically March to April, honoring Vietnam’s founders; warm and dry (24–32°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Mid-Autumn Festival: Typically September, festive with lantern parades; warm and wet (24–31°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Cultural Site Visits: Dry season (January–August) for comfortable weather; February for optimal conditions vinpearl.com.
Dry season (January–August, 18–33°C) is ideal for visa on arrival stamping and cultural visits. Hot period (April–August, 24–33°C) suits early morning outings. Wet season (September–December, 24–31°C) is best for budget travelers and indoor experiences. Morning visits (6:00 AM–10:00 AM) avoid heat or rain. Verify forecasts via weather.com.
Verify Visa Needs: Non-exempt nationalities require approval letters for visa on arrival at airports; exemptions available for 25 countries vietnam-visa.com.
Approval Letter Application: Apply 2–3 days early via agencies; expedited for $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND); carry printed letter, passport, photos, and stamping fee at arrival vietnam-visa.com.
Documentation: Ensure passport validity (6+ months); carry a digital or printed approval letter copy or passport photocopy; keep a photocopy of passport bio page separately travel.state.gov.
Residence Registration: Confirm hotels register your stay with local police within 24 hours; carry proof of registration travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Use digital approval letter copies to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles or motorbike taxis after arrival for sustainable travel.
Tip: Apply for approval letters 2–3 days early; double-check details to match passport; carry small VND notes for stamping fees and local purchases; check visa status via agency emails. For embassy visas as alternatives, contact the nearest Vietnamese embassy.
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), printed approval letter ($25–$50 or 625,000–1,250,000 VND), passport photocopy, two passport photos (4x6 cm), stamping fee ($25–$50 in USD), wallet ($2 or 50,000 VND), tour bookings.
Clothing: Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple visits; lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND); quick-dry clothing and raincoat ($2 or 50,000 VND) for wet season; lightweight clothing like cotton or linen and light jacket ($3 or 75,000 VND) for dry season; waterproof shoes ($3 or 75,000 VND); hat ($2 or 50,000 VND).
Essentials: Reusable water bottle ($2 or 50,000 VND); snacks ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND, e.g., pho); small backpack ($2 or 50,000 VND); sunscreen ($1 or 25,000 VND); insect repellent ($1 or 25,000 VND).
Tech: Phone with translation apps (e.g., Google Translate); charger ($3–$5 or 75,000–125,000 VND); local SIM ($2–$3 or 50,000–75,000 VND); waterproof camera ($6 or 150,000 VND) for photos.
Eco Items: Reusable tote ($1 or 25,000 VND) for purchases; phrase card ($1 or 25,000 VND) with Vietnamese basics.
Extras: Small VND notes for donations or purchases; small first aid kit ($2 or 50,000 VND); umbrella ($2 or 50,000 VND) for wet season; money belt ($2 or 50,000 VND) for valuables. Tip: Pack light (1 small bag, max 5 kg); reusable items support sustainability.
Visa and Travel Costs
Approval Letter Costs: Single entry: $25 (625,000 VND); multiple entry: $50 (1,250,000 VND); expedited processing: $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Stamping Fee at Arrival: $25–$50 (625,000–1,250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Self-Guided Exploration: Entry: free (markets); Hoi An: $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND); Temple of Literature: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND); transport (bicycle: $1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND/day; motorbike taxi: $0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND).
Group Cultural Tours: $25–$40 (625,000–1,000,000 VND, includes transport and entry).
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes entry).
Multi-Day Cultural and Adventure Tours: $80–$200 (2,000,000–5,000,000 VND, includes entries). Safety-Related Costs
Money Belt: $2 (50,000 VND).
Local SIM for Emergency Calls: $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND).
Travel Insurance (Recommended): $10–$30 (250,000–750,000 VND). Other Costs
Local Snacks (e.g., banh mi, pho): $0.20–$1 (5,000–25,000 VND).
Souvenirs (e.g., crafts, textiles): $0.20–$10 (5,000–250,000 VND).
Donations: $0.20–$1 (5,000–25,000 VND). Total Daily Cost (Per Person)
Budget: $15–$40 (self-guided, snacks, transport, entry).
Mid-range: $40–$70 (group tour, purchases).
Luxury: $70–$120 (private tour, premium souvenirs). Tip: Budget $15–$120 for tours, visa costs (approval letter + stamping), and transport; $0.20–$10 for purchases or add-ons.
Visa Tips: Apply for approval letters 2–3 days early via agencies; expedited for $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND); carry printed letter, passport, photos, and stamping fee at arrival; double-check details to match passport vietnam-visa.com.
Etiquette: Use “xin chào”; dress modestly for temples; respect local customs; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Access: Choose self-guided exploration for flexibility, group tours for visa on arrival-compliant insights, or multi-day tours for immersion.
Schedules: Airports open 24/7 for visa on arrival; cultural sites open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; peak crowds in dry season (January–August); book early for festivals.
Sustainability: Use bicycles or motorbike taxis; carry reusable items; support local vendors with fair purchases.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for cities like Hanoi or Hoi An.
Weather: Dry season (Jan–Aug, 18–33°C) ideal; hot period (Apr–Aug, 24–33°C) suits early mornings; wet season (Sep–Dec, 24–31°C) requires rain gear; check forecasts via weather.com.
Safety Note: Secure valuables with a money belt ($2 or 50,000 VND); beware of pickpocketing in markets or nightlife areas; carry emergency numbers (Police: 113, Medical: 115, nearest embassy).
What is a Vietnam visa on arrival letter? An approval letter required for visa stamping at Vietnam’s international airports; not available at land borders or seaports vietnam-visa.com.
How do I apply for a Vietnam visa on arrival letter? Apply online through agencies like vietnam-visa.com; provide personal, passport, and travel details; pay $25–$50; receive letter via email vietnam-visa.com.
How much does a Vietnam visa on arrival letter cost? Approval letter: $25 (single entry) or $50 (multiple entry); stamping fee at arrival: $25–$50 vietnam-visa.com.
Can the visa on arrival be extended? Extendable for 1–3 months with a sponsor; fees vary ($10–$155 or 250,000–3,875,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
What are the penalties for overstaying? Fines of 500,000 VND/day ($20/day); potential exit bans or deportation travel.state.gov.
Is Visa on Arrival available without an approval letter? No, the approval letter is mandatory for the VOA process at airports; without it, entry will be denied vietnam-visa.com.
Enhance your visa on arrival letter journey with eco-conscious tours from Legend Travel Group:
Vietnam Cultural Eco-Tour ($25–$40/person, 1 day): Guided temple and market tour with sustainable practices.
Vietnam Cultural and Adventure Trail ($80–$150/person, 2 days): Explore cultural sites and eco-friendly activities.
Vietnam Explorer ($150–$250/person, 3 days): Multi-site adventure with eco-lodges and community-focused activities. Prices include guides, transport, and entry fees; group discounts available. Explore options at legendtravelgroup.com or contact sales@legendtravelgroup.com / WhatsApp (+84825862222) for your Vietnam Travel plans.
Mastering Vietnam Visa on Arrival Letter with cultural etiquette—modest attire, polite greetings like “xin chào,” and visa-smart planning—unlocks a vibrant, eco-friendly journey through this Southeast Asian gem. With tour costs from $15–$200, sustainable Vietnam Tours, and attractions like Hoi An and Ha Long Bay, this trip offers adventure and sustainability. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Vietnam Travel, apply for approval letters early via agencies like vietnam-visa.com, and respect local customs for the best experience. Note that the approval letter is mandatory for visa stamping at airports; plan accordingly. Safe travels!
Sources:
vietnam-visa.com
travel.state.gov
evisa.gov.vn
vinpearl.com
vietnam.travel
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