Tuesday, 10/02/26
A Vietnam Entry Approval Letter (also known as a Pre-Entry Approval Letter) is a mandatory legal document for foreigners who wish to obtain a Vietnam visa. While it is not a visa itself, this letter is issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department and serves as official permission allowing a foreigner to get a visa Vietnam Visa stamp at Vietnam Embassy/ Consulate overseas or Vietnam International Airport. Currently, Vietnam’s immigration authorities have enforced stricter compliance between visa purpose, visa symbol, and Temporary Residence Card (TRC) issuance. Understanding the relationship between these elements is essential to avoid application rejection, delays, or forced exit. This guide from Visa5s.com provides a comprehensive overview of Entry Approval Letters, visa symbols, TRC rules, and relevant legal requirements under Vietnamese immigration law.
WHAT IS A VIETNAM ENTRY APPROVAL LETTER?
A Vietnam Entry Approval Letter is an official document granted by the Vietnam Immigration Department to foreign nationals. It confirms that the applicant has been approved to enter Vietnam and receive a visa at Vietnam Embassy/ Consulate abroad or Vietnam International Airport.
The approval letter contains key information such as:
COMMON TYPES OF ENTRY APPROVAL LETTERS AND CORRESPONDING VISAS'S SYMBOL
|
No. |
Type of Entry Approval Letter |
Visa Symbol |
Applicable Cases |
Important Notes |
|
1 |
Business Entry Approval Letter |
DN1 |
For foreigners entering Vietnam for business purposes without a Work Permit |
DN1 visa cannot be converted into a Labor TRC (LĐ2) |
|
2 |
Working Entry Approval Letter |
LĐ2 |
Applicable only when the foreigner already holds a valid Work Permit or Work Permit Exemption Certificate |
Required for applying for a Labor TRC (LĐ2) |
|
3 |
Family Visit Entry Approval Letter |
TT |
For foreigners visiting or residing with family members in Vietnam |
Required for applying for a Family Visit TRC (TT) |
LEGAL IMPORTANCE OF VISA SYMBOLS AND TEMPORARY RESIDENCE CARDS (TRC)
Vietnam Immigration strictly manages the consistency between the visa symbol used for entry and the purpose of stay in Vietnam. This consistency directly affects eligibility for a Temporary Residence Card (TRC).
Specific TRC Rules by Visa Type
Legal Basis Under Vietnam Immigration Law
According to the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam No. 51/2019/QH14:
Article 36, Clause 1, Point b
Article 36, Clause 2, Point b
WHY CHOOSING THE CORRECT ENTRY APPROVAL LETTER MATTERS
Selecting the correct Entry Approval Letter and visa symbol from the beginning is critical. An incorrect visa type may lead to:
Vietnam Immigration authorities now apply strict enforcement to ensure visa purpose, sponsorship, and residence status are fully aligned with legal requirements.
A Vietnam Entry Approval Letter is more than just an entry document—it determines the entire legal pathway for a foreigner’s stay in Vietnam, including visa stamping and eligibility for a Temporary Residence Card.
Understanding visa symbols, TRC rules, and legal requirements under Vietnamese immigration law helps foreign nationals and sponsoring companies avoid costly mistakes and remain fully compliant.
OTHER ARTICLES OF VIETNAM'S VISA AND TEMPORARY RESIDENCE CARD
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