How To Get A Vietnam Invitation Letter Fast?

Planning a trip to Vietnam but not eligible for the e-visa? Don’t worry — the Vietnam invitation letter is your fast-track ticket to this captivating country! Whether you’re traveling for business, visiting family, or just eager to explore vibrant street food and majestic landscapes, this guide will show you exactly how to get your Vietnam invitation letter quickly and correctly. Let’s dive into the essential steps, expert advice, and practical tips every traveler should know!

1. What Is a Vietnam Invitation Letter?

The Vietnam invitation letter (also referred to as a “visa approval letter”, “pre-approval letter”, or officially the NA2 Form) is a government-issued document by the Vietnam Immigration Department, allowing foreign nationals to apply for and receive a visa either on arrival or at a Vietnamese embassy.

This document is not optional for many travelers—it’s essential for boarding your flight and having your Vietnam visa stamped at the airport or embassy.

Issued By Whom?

The Vietnam invitation letter must be requested by:

• A Vietnamese organization, company, or sponsor
• Or, arranged through a licensed travel agency authorized to act on your behalf

What It Contains:

• Full name, nationality, date of birth, passport details
• Entry & exit dates
• Type of visa (single entry or multiple entry)
• Receiving location (e.g., airport or Vietnamese embassy)
• Sponsoring agency details

The standard processing time is 5–7 working days, but urgent service is available within 1–3 days. You'll receive the Vietnam visa approval letter via email, and you must print and present it when boarding your flight. This letter is especially important for travelers applying for a visa on arrival, as immigration authorities require this pre-approval to grant you entry once you land.

2. Who Needs a Vietnam Invitation Letter?

You may be wondering, "Do I even need one?" Let’s find out! Here's a breakdown of who must have a Vietnam invitation letter:

Travelers From Countries NOT Eligible for Vietnam E-Visa

• Currently, only around 80 nationalities qualify for Vietnam's electronic visa system.
• If you're from countries like Nigeria, Niger, Iran, Pakistan, Cameroon, or Afghanistan, you must obtain a Vietnam invitation letter to apply for a visa—no exceptions.

Travelers Applying for Specific Types of Vietnam Visa

• Business Visa (DN1, DN2)
• Work Visa (LD1, LD2)
• Study or Internship Visa
• Investor or Market Research Entry Visa

In these cases, you must have a sponsoring company or organization in Vietnam issue the letter and submit a full dossier to the Vietnam Immigration Department.

Group Travelers or Delegates

• Visitors traveling with church missions, international NGOs, student exchanges, cultural delegations, or event participants often require group invitation letters for smoother processing.

When a Vietnamese Embassy Specifically Requests It

• Some embassies or consulates around the world may require a Vietnam visa invitation letter even when it’s not listed on general consular websites.
• This is especially true for first-time applicants or those with overstaying visa Vietnam history.

Some embassies may ask for additional documentation such as a hotel reservation, return flight tickets, and proof of relationship if you’re visiting family. Be ready!

3. Types of Vietnam Invitation Letters

Business Visa Invitation Letter (DN1, DN2)

• For foreigners entering Vietnam for commercial purposes, investment discussions, contract negotiations, or employment.
• Must be issued by a registered Vietnamese enterprise.
• Can be for single entry or multiple entry, usually valid from 1 to 3 months.
• Common industries: manufacturing, logistics, tech startups, agriculture exports, trade promotion.

Tourist Visa Pre-Approval Letter (Visa on Arrival)

• Ideal for travelers who cannot apply for an e-visa but wish to visit Vietnam for leisure.
• Arranged through a licensed travel agency.
• You’ll receive the Vietnam visa approval letter via email and present it at the airport to get your visa stamped.
• Only valid at international airports: Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (HCMC), Da Nang.

Family Visit Visa Letter

• For foreigners with Vietnamese family members or spouses.
• Required documents include:
   
  • NA3 Form
  • Copy of the relative’s passport/ID
  • Proof of relationship (birth certificate, marriage license)
• Usually valid up to 3 months, extendable in-country.

Education / Internship Invitation Letter

• For students, interns, researchers entering Vietnam via educational institutions or NGOs.
• Must be issued by:
  • Accredited Vietnamese universities
  • Research centers or nonprofit organizations
• Additional required documentation:
  • Official admission/internship letter
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Travel insurance
  • Return ticket (recommended)

4. Step-by-Step: How to Get a Vietnam Invitation Letter FAST

Option 1: Through a Trusted Visa Agency (Recommended)

This is the fastest and most convenient method for most travelers, especially those applying for a Vietnam Visa from outside the country.

Step 1: Choose a licensed, reputable visa service provider. Make sure they are registered and recognized by the Vietnam Immigration Department. You can cross-check this through reliable sources or via partners of VFS Global Vietnam Visa.

Step 2: Submit all required documentation, including:

• A clear scan of your passport (with at least six months’ validity)
• Flight booking and confirmed hotel reservation
• A statement of your travel purpose

Step 3: Pay the agency's service fee. For tourist or business visas, this fee typically ranges between 18 to 45 USD, depending on the type of visa and whether you request expedited processing.

Step 4: Wait for your Vietnam visa approval letter to be emailed to you. Standard processing time is 3 to 5 working days, but urgent service is available in 1 to 2 working days.

Step 5: Print the invitation letter and carry it with your other travel documents. You must present this letter at the airport in order to receive your visa on arrival.

Option 2: Vietnamese Sponsor or Company Applies (Form NA2)

For those entering Vietnam for work, business partnerships, family visits, or study programs, your sponsor in Vietnam can apply on your behalf.

Step 1: The sponsor completes the NA2 application form and collects the required documentation:

• Passport scan of the invited foreigner
• NA16 form for businesses, or NA3 for family sponsorship
• Legal documents of the sponsoring company or proof of relationship for family-based cases

Step 2: Submit the full application at the appropriate office of the Vietnam Immigration Department, based on region:

• Hanoi: 44-46 Tran Phu Street, Ba Dinh District
• Da Nang: 7 Tran Quy Cap Street
• Ho Chi Minh City: 333-337 Nguyen Trai Street, District 1

Step 3: Wait for processing. If the documents are valid, the Vietnam invitation letter will be issued within 5 to 7 working days.

Step 4: The letter is sent to the foreigner, who can then apply for a Vietnam Visa at a Vietnamese embassy abroad or present the letter at an international airport to receive the visa stamped.

5. Required Documents Checklist (With Samples)

To successfully apply for a Vietnam invitation letter, ensure you prepare the following:

• Copy of passport (valid for at least 6 months)
• Digital passport photo (taken within the last 6 months)
• Completed application form (NA2 for companies, NA3 for relatives)
• Letter of guarantee from sponsor
• Hotel and flight booking details
• Proof of relationship (for family invitations)
• Business registration certificate of sponsor (if applicable)

Missing even one document can delay your processing or lead to rejection. Accuracy is key.

6. Costs and Processing Times

Here is a breakdown of visa fees and service charges based on the most common visa types:

Always verify final costs with your agency, especially if you plan to apply through a Vietnamese embassy or extend your visa later.

7. Where to Receive Your Visa with This Letter

You can receive your Vietnam Visa in one of the following ways:

At International Airports in Vietnam
Present your printed Vietnam invitation letter, passport, visa application form, and two photos at one of the major airports:

• Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi)
• Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City)
• Da Nang International Airport

At a Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate Abroad
This is the safer option if you are not flying directly into Vietnam or have previously encountered issues such as overstaying visa Vietnam.

Each option has its benefits depending on your travel route and visa type.

8. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid the most frequent errors that can cost you time and money:

• Applying through unverified or fake agencies
• Submitting incomplete or incorrect documents
• Not checking for consistency between your invitation letter and passport details
• Forgetting to bring a printed version of the Vietnam visa approval letter
• Applying too late—plan at least 10 working days in advance when possible

9. Conclusion

Getting a Vietnam invitation letter might seem overwhelming at first, but with the right guidance and preparation, it’s a smooth and simple process. Whether you're using a trusted agency or working with a Vietnamese sponsor, this letter is your key to unlocking the incredible journey that awaits. Download our checklist, gather your documents, and get ready to enter Vietnam with confidence and ease!