Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Below are the most common questions we receive about Vietnam visa. If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to contact us or reach out via our live chat to receive direct answers

Visa application

A Vietnam visa approval letter is an official document issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department that allows foreign travelers to enter and exit Vietnam within an approved period.

Without this letter, airlines may deny boarding, and you will not be able to obtain your visa upon arrival in Vietnam.

If you want a private letter, please email us at: info@simplevietnamvisa.com. The process of getting a private letter of approval may take 4-5 working days.

Although it is not the actual visa, it serves as the mandatory pre-approval for obtaining a Vietnam Visa on Arrival at international airports (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang City – Cam Ranh Airport and Da Nang), instead of an E-Visa or Embassy visa.

‣ Visa-on-Arrival Counters:

Hanoi Airport Map – Hanoi airport visa-on-arrival counter.
Ho Chi Minh city airport map – Ho Chi Minh city airport visa-on-arrival counter.

For more information, please check our complete guide to the Vietnam visa approval letter process.

Under current Vietnam E-Visa regulations, foreign nationals can only apply while staying outside Vietnam. Therefore, you cannot apply for a new E-Visa while you are still in the country.

If you wish to obtain a new 90-day E-Visa, you must first exit Vietnam and then submit a new application. Applications submitted while physically present in Vietnam may be rejected by the Vietnam Immigration Department.

Vietnam Immigration Department offers two main Visa on Arrival types at international airports like Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, Da Nang, and Phu Quoc:

You cannot apply for a new E-Visa while already in Vietnam.

E-Visa applications must be submitted online from outside Vietnam via the official by foreigners with valid passports from eligible countries.

If you’re in Vietnam and need to extend/extend stay:

  • Apply for extension to Immigration Office in Hanoi/HCMC

  • Or exit and re-enter with new E-Visa applied from abroad

  • Time: 3 working days processing for E-Visa (25-50 USD); extensions take 5-7 days (~100+ USD)

*Note: E-Visa max 90 days (single/multiple entry), no direct renewals inside Vietnam per Law 49/2019/QH14.

For urgent, fill out the online form or apply directly through us for fast processing (3 days), via WhatsApp email for personalized support.

 
 
 

An e‑Visa may be used for short business activities but does not authorize regular employment in Vietnam. 

  • Permitted on an e‑Visa: business meetings, conferences, negotiations, short‑term professional visits, market research, and signing contracts.

  • Not permitted on an e‑Visa: taking up regular employment, receiving salary in Vietnam, or performing long‑term/continuous labor.

  • Employment requirements: to work legally you generally need a valid work permit (unless exempt) and an employer‑sponsored work visa or temporary residence card before starting work.

You should apply for a Business visa rather than rely on an E‑Visa if your purpose is to work in Vietnam.

Entry Requirements

List the first place you will stay in the country and, if space allows, add a brief itinerary or the main contact address for the trip. On most visa/immigration forms and arrival cards, put the full address of your first overnight stay (hotel or host) in the country.

Standard processing is 3 working days (excluding weekends and Vietnamese public holidays).

  • Normal timeframe: about 3 working days from a complete application and payment; allow 3–5 working days in practice.

  • Peak times or extra document checks can extend processing to 5–7+ working days.

  • Expedited/rush options (1–2 day processing) may be available through some service providers for an extra fee.

  • 3‑month e‑visa: approval letters for 3‑month visas may take up to 5 working days.

*Note: The 3 working‑day clock does not count Friday after 12:00 PM (noon) Vietnam time, Saturday, or Sunday.

Consider the time‑zone difference between Vietnam and your country when calculating deadlines; for current Vietnam time

Yes, enter your full name exactly as shown on your passport’s machine‑readable zone (MRZ), including any middle name(s).

If the name on your e‑Visa does not match your passport MRZ, you may face delays at the airport or need a correction before travel; contact us immediately for help with corrections or re‑submission.

You cannot use an expired passport to travel or to apply for a Vietnam visa; renew your passport before applying.

If your old passport contains a valid Vietnam visa or approval letter, carry both the old and new passports when travelling.

If you need help transferring a visa or reapplying after renewal? Contact us with your nationality and visa details.

*Note: Many countries and Vietnam immigration recommend at least 6 months’ validity; airlines may refuse boarding with an expired passport.

Visa Fees, Payment

Our typical VOA packages start:

  • From $45 for a 1‑month single‑entry (includes service fee + the $25 airport stamp).
  • From $70 for Business / multiple‑entry packages (includes service + stamp).

Please check out the detailed visa fees.

The most common reasons we see for payment failures are:

  • Card blocked for international/overseas transactions or 3D‑Secure (OTP) not enabled.

  • Insufficient funds or currency conversion/bank fees.

  • Bank declined transaction for security reasons (contact your bank to approve).

  • Browser/device or session issue (clear cache, disable VPN, try another browser).

  • Payment gateway or e‑visa system maintenance/overload (try later).

  • Card type not accepted (prepaid/virtual cards may fail; use Visa/MasterCard/JCB).

Quick fixes:

  • Use a different international card and ensure 3D‑Secure (OTP) works.

  • Switch browser/device or try again after 15–30 minutes (avoid weekends/peak hours).

  • If you still fail, submit a new application or let our agency process payment on your behalf.

If you have problems with payment, email us at info@simplevietnamvisa.com and we will send you a link to follow in order to pay.

It depends on your nationality and length of stay, many visitors must pay for a visa or obtain an e‑visa, while citizens of visa‑exempt countries can enter without paying a visa for the allowed period.

Check whether your nationality is visa‑exempt or eligible for the e‑Visa using the official portal.

The stamping fee is the cash amount paid at the airport Landing Visa Counter to receive the official visa sticker in your passport.

Typical stamp rates (paid in cash at arrival) are:

  • Single‑entry (1–3 months): USD 25

  • Multiple‑entry (up to 3 months): USD 50

  • Longer or special multiple‑entry visas: from USD 95 (varies by type)

*Notes: The stamping fee must be paid in cash (USD widely accepted), cannot be paid by card, and amounts are set by authorities (non‑agent).

Problems and Concerns

If the e‑Visa is issued with wrong details you usually must reapply, but minor typos can sometimes be fixed via a correction request or contact us by sending email to info@simplevietnamvisa.com

  • Still processing: contact us right away and we’ll attempt to update details before issuance.

  • Already issued with a small typo (single letter/number): we can submit an official correction request on your behalf (correction fee and 1–2 working days processing).

  • The error affects passport number, name, DOB or other critical data: reapply for a new e‑Visa with correct information (full fee applies).

Yes, always declare any past immigration violations when asked on visa forms or by immigration officers.

Vietnamese authorities record immigration history and undisclosed violations (overstays, illegal work, deportation orders) can lead to fines, visa refusal, entry denial, or deportation.

Visa‑exempt nationals may stay only for the stated exemption period (15–45 days depending on country), check the exact limit for your nationality.

Make sure you follow the visa‑exempt stay rules; if overstay or violate conditions (work without permission) you may face fines, restrictions, or deportation, so act promptly to regularize your status.

*Note: Keep receipts and documentation if you paid fines or had an approval — these help if you reapply later.

Please notify us of any delay, our driver will wait at the scheduled time and adjust arrival accordingly.

We ask that you message your new flight number and updated arrival time so our staff can track the flight and be ready when you land.

If you haven’t informed us and your flight is significantly delayed, contact us to hotline/WhatsApp: (+84) 856 598 868, immediately so we can resend the driver.

We only provide airport-to-hotel transfer services. For intercity transfers, please contact us directly: