How do you know when your Vietnam visa is approved?
When your Vietnam visa is approved, you will receive an official confirmation from the Vietnam Immigration Department. This approval often arrives by email if you applied online. To verify your Vietnam visa status, always check through the authorized portal or email confirmation.
This guide explains how to track your Vietnam visa, what approval looks like, and what steps follow after approval.
What is a Vietnam Visa Approval?
A Vietnam visa approval is an official notice issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department. It confirms that your visa request has been processed and granted. Whether you apply through an embassy, an e-visa portal, or a visa-on-arrival service, approval means you’re allowed to enter Vietnam under the terms specified in your application.
Visa approval types include:
- E-visa approval (for citizens from eligible countries)
- Visa-on-arrival letter (used at airports only)
- Embassy-stamped visa (applied directly at a Vietnamese embassy)
Each method delivers the approval differently, but the outcome is the same: legal permission to enter Vietnam.
How Can You Tell If a Vietnam Visa Is Approved?
You can confirm Vietnam visa approval by checking for one or more of the following:
1. You receive a visa approval letter (PDF) by email
If you applied for a visa on arrival, you’ll receive a visa approval letter issued by the Immigration Department. It’s usually a scanned PDF and contains:
- Full name and passport number
- Date of birth and nationality
- Visa validity period
- Entry and exit dates
- Visa type (e.g., single or multiple entry)
This letter allows you to board your flight and get your visa stamped upon arrival at a Vietnam airport.
2. You get a notification from the e-visa system
Applicants using the Vietnam National Web Portal on Immigration will see a status change. Once approved, the system updates your status from “processing” to “approved.” You’ll be able to download a PDF visa document directly.
The approval file includes:
- E-visa number
- QR code
- Personal information
- Duration of stay
- Entry point information
Only citizens of eligible countries can apply for this 30-day single-entry e-visa.
3. The embassy contacts you to collect your passport
If you applied through a Vietnamese embassy or consulate, visa approval is confirmed when the embassy asks you to collect your passport. A visa sticker will be inside your passport, showing all the visa details, such as:
- Visa type
- Entry validity
- Duration of stay
- Number of entries allowed
How Long Does It Take to Get a Vietnam Visa Approved?
The approval time depends on the visa method:
- E-visa: 3 working days (on average)
- Visa on arrival: 2–3 working days
- Embassy visa: 5–7 working days
During peak seasons or holidays, processing times may extend by several days. Urgent or express processing is possible, but it comes with extra fees.
What Are the Common Signs of Visa Approval?
Once approved, these are the exact indicators to look for:
- A downloadable visa PDF with your details
- A visa approval letter stamped by Vietnam Immigration
- A passport containing a fresh Vietnam visa sticker
- An “approved” status when checking online
Each of these confirms your visa is ready. You must print the documents and present them when you travel.
How to Check the Status of a Vietnam Visa Application?
You can track your visa application depending on how you applied:
For E-visa Applications
Go to the official Vietnam e-visa portal. You will need:
- Your registration code
- Your email address
- Your date of birth
After entering the data, the system will show your visa status: processing, approved, or rejected.
For Visa-on-Arrival Services
Check the status using the confirmation email from your visa agency. Trusted agencies give you a processing timeline and send the approval letter as soon as it’s ready. If you don’t receive it in 3 working days, follow up.
For Embassy Visa Applications
Call or email the Vietnamese embassy where you applied. You will need:
- Your passport number
- Full name
- Application date
Embassy staff will inform you of the current status or tell you when to collect your passport.
What Does a Vietnam Visa Approval Letter Look Like?
A visa approval letter is an official document with the Vietnamese national emblem on top. It is issued in Vietnamese and English. It lists:
- Your name, nationality, and passport number
- Entry and exit dates
- The airport where the visa can be stamped
- The names of other travelers approved under the same document
Visa approval letters are only valid for airports, not for land or sea borders.
What If the Visa Is Delayed or Not Approved?
If you don’t receive a confirmation after 3–5 business days:
- Check your email spam folder.
- Contact the visa agency or Vietnam’s e-visa support.
- Review your application for errors like wrong passport numbers or misspelled names.
- Call the embassy (if you applied directly) to clarify the delay.
Common reasons for visa rejection or delay:
- Invalid passport (less than 6 months validity)
- Previous overstays in Vietnam
- Incomplete or incorrect application data
- Suspicious travel history or flagged documents
What to Do After You Receive Your Vietnam Visa Approval?
Once your visa is approved:
- Print all documents — approval letter or e-visa PDF.
- Prepare passport photos — two photos (4×6 cm) if arriving at the airport.
- Double-check passport validity — must be valid for at least 6 months from entry date.
- Pay stamping fee (only for visa on arrival) — usually USD 25 in cash.
- Prepare accommodation and itinerary documents if asked by immigration officers.
Keep your visa and passport together during your trip. Vietnamese immigration may ask to see printed copies.
Can You Travel Without a Printed Visa Approval?
No. You must carry a printed visa approval letter or e-visa PDF.
Vietnam immigration requires a physical copy at the airport. Digital copies on mobile phones are not always accepted, especially for visa-on-arrival cases. For e-visa holders, print the PDF with the QR code.
What Are the Differences Between an Approved E-visa and a Visa on Arrival?
| Feature | E-Visa | Visa on Arrival |
| Entry Points | Airports, land borders, sea ports | Airports only |
| Fee Structure | Paid online | Pay agency + pay at airport |
| Approval Document | Directly downloadable e-visa | Letter from Immigration Department |
| Process | Fully online | Mixed online and in-person |
E-visa is ideal for short-term, single-entry travelers. Visa on arrival suits those who need longer stays or multiple entries.
How Do You Know If a Vietnam E-Visa Is Fake?
An authentic e-visa has:
- A QR code for verification
- Vietnamese national emblem
- Matching data with your passport
- A proper file format (PDF, not a screenshot)
- Issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department
Use the official site or trusted agencies only. Never share passport scans with unknown websites.
What Happens If You Enter Vietnam With the Wrong Visa?
Entering with the wrong visa type can result in:
- Refused entry
- Fines
- Deportation
- Future visa bans
Always check that your visa:
- Matches your arrival airport or entry point
- Has the right duration
- Matches your passport details
Incorrect visa details can’t be corrected at the airport. You will have to apply again or return home.
Can You Reapply If Your Visa Is Not Approved?
Yes. If your Vietnam visa is not approved, you can:
- Review and fix the errors in your original application
- Submit a new application
- Contact a licensed visa agency for help
Be honest in the reapplication form. Rejections are not permanent unless caused by serious immigration violations.
Can Vietnam Immigration Cancel an Approved Visa?
Yes. Visa approvals can be canceled if:
- You submit false documents
- You are flagged by international watchlists
- You pose security risks
- You overstay or violate past visas
Even if the visa was approved and printed, immigration officers can revoke it upon entry if any red flags are found.
Final Reminders for Vietnam Visa Holders
To avoid delays or issues, make sure to always apply through official or authorized platforms. Use accurate information that matches your passport. Keep copies of all documents (digital and printed). Plan your trip according to visa dates. Visa approvals are valid only under the terms granted.
