Your flight’s tomorrow, but your visa isn’t sorted yet? Don’t panic — you’re not the only Kiwi who’s been caught out. Every week, dozens of New Zealand travellers realise at …
For many New Zealanders planning a trip to Vietnam, understanding the visa process can feel a bit more involved than expected. With rules that vary by travel purpose and frequent changes announced over the years, plenty of Kiwi travellers come across outdated or confusing information online. It’s not unusual for someone from New Zealand to assume they can simply land in Vietnam and sort out a visa at the airport, only to discover during airport check-in that they need an official approval letter first. Others may find themselves caught off guard when an airline refuses boarding because the required document wasn’t arranged beforehand. This guide brings together accurate, regulation-based instructions to help New Zealand citizens avoid those last-minute problems. Here, you’ll learn what the visa pre-approval letter is, why Vietnam requires it, how New Zealanders can apply for one, and what to expect when collecting your visa at the airport. With the right preparation, Kiwis can step into Vietnam confidently and enjoy a smooth start to their journey.
Vietnam does not offer visa-free entry to New Zealand passport holders, meaning Kiwis must secure the correct documents before travelling. If you plan to receive your visa at one of Vietnam’s international airports, the pre-approval letter is essential. Airlines are required to check for this document before allowing passengers to board, as Vietnam treats the pre-approval as evidence of immigration clearance. Without it, New Zealand travellers may be denied check-in, even if they fully intend to collect their visa on arrival.
A common misunderstanding among Kiwi travellers is believing that Vietnam issues visas on arrival without any prior paperwork. However, Vietnam’s system involves a pre-screening stage carried out before you depart. Immigration officers review your details and authorise the issuance of a visa once you land. This authorisation is contained in the pre-approval letter, which acts as confirmation that travellers from New Zealand have been vetted in advance.
The letter also protects travellers from unexpected disruptions. Many New Zealanders have been required to postpone or adjust travel plans because they assumed no pre-approval was needed. With the correct document in hand, the arrival process becomes far easier, eliminating the risk of delays or complications when entering Vietnam.
The Vietnam visa pre-approval letter is an immigration document formally authorised by the Vietnam Immigration Department. It is not an informal confirmation or general travel note—it is an official clearance that confirms a traveller has met the basic requirements for a visa to be issued at the airport. The document is issued only through authorised visa agents who submit requests directly to immigration officers inside Vietnam.
The purpose of the pre-approval letter is to ensure that visitors meet the country’s entry requirements before arriving. When New Zealand travellers present the letter at the airport, immigration staff can quickly verify their approval and issue the visa without needing to conduct additional screening. This pre-arranged structure helps manage border processes more efficiently while maintaining regulatory control.
From a legal standpoint, the letter forms part of Vietnam’s formal immigration structure. It serves as a pre-entry clearance, and without it, the visa-on-arrival system is not available. For New Zealand citizens, the document acts as an essential step in securing entry authority, giving immigration officers certainty that you are eligible to enter the country.
New Zealand passport holders are eligible to apply online for the Vietnam visa pre-approval letter, making the process accessible and convenient. To qualify, your passport must hold at least six months’ validity from your date of arrival. If your passport is damaged or approaching expiry, immigration officers may withhold approval or request further documentation.
Vietnamese immigration officials may also check whether you have previously overstayed or violated immigration rules in Vietnam. Most New Zealanders, however, will not encounter such issues, and the approval process is usually straightforward. The intention behind the screening is to confirm basic compliance before entry.
The required documentation is very simple. Typically, only a clear scanned copy of your passport’s information page is needed, along with travel details such as your expected arrival date and chosen airport. Providing accurate information helps avoid mistakes that could delay approval. Although a return flight ticket is not required, having a clear travel plan can help New Zealand applicants avoid unnecessary back-and-forth.
Step 1: Prepare your travel documents
Before applying, ensure that you have a scanned copy of your passport’s main information page. You’ll also need your planned arrival date and the airport where you intend to enter Vietnam. These details form the core of your application, and accuracy is crucial.
Step 2: Submit your online form through VietnamImmigration.com
This website allows New Zealand travellers to enter their details into a form that matches Vietnam’s official immigration requirements. You’ll be asked to confirm your personal information, travel dates and visa type, ensuring your submission aligns with the standards used by immigration officers.
Step 3: Wait for immigration processing
After submitting the application, the Vietnam Immigration Department reviews your documents. Processing times depend on whether you select standard or urgent service and on the department’s workload at the time of submission. Once approved, your pre-approval letter is released.
Step 4: Receive and print your letter
The approved letter will be delivered to you via email. You must print a physical copy—a black-and-white printout is fully acceptable—and keep it with your travel documents. Airline staff will ask to see it at check-in, and immigration officials in Vietnam will require it on arrival.
Standard processing for New Zealand travellers generally takes three to five business days. This time frame allows immigration officers to confirm your personal information, verify your passport and approve your eligibility for visa issuance. The process is reliable, but it’s wise to apply early, particularly during peak travel seasons.
If your travel date is approaching quickly, urgent processing is available. Under urgent service, approval may be completed within two to eight hours, depending on when the request is submitted. Urgent processing involves higher fees but offers crucial flexibility for last-minute changes or unexpected travel demands.
Urgent processing is especially useful for New Zealand travellers who:
• are departing within a few days
• need visa confirmation quickly for airline requirements
• have recently altered their travel itinerary
• previously submitted incorrect information
Choosing the right processing speed ensures your travel plans remain on track without unnecessary stress.
Upon arriving in Vietnam with your pre-approval letter, you can follow the visa-on-arrival procedure. This system handles travellers who have already completed pre-entry clearance, making the arrival process more efficient.
Documents needed include:
• Printed copy of your pre-approval letter
• Completed entry/exit form
• Two passport-sized photos (4 x 6 cm)
• Original New Zealand passport
• Cash for the visa stamping fee (NZD, USD or VND accepted—USD is recommended)
After landing, proceed to the Visa on Arrival counter before reaching the immigration checkpoint. Present your documents, pay the stamping fee and take a seat while immigration officers prepare your visa. Processing times typically range from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on passenger volume.
Cash payment is mandatory, as credit cards are not accepted. Many Kiwi travellers prefer to use USD because it simplifies the transaction. Once the visa has been attached to your passport, you can continue through immigration and officially enter Vietnam.
How long can New Zealanders stay in Vietnam with a visa issued through a pre-approval letter?
Tourist visas usually allow stays of 15 to 30 days. Longer-term visas—for business, work or specialised purposes—may offer validity from three months up to two years, depending on your documentation and eligibility.
Can New Zealand travellers extend their Vietnam visa after arriving?
Tourist visas generally cannot be extended within Vietnam. However, long-term and business visas may be extended through the Vietnam Immigration Department if the traveller meets the requirements.
Do New Zealanders need a return ticket to apply for the pre-approval letter?
A return ticket isn’t required for the application. However, travellers must provide their intended arrival date, departure date and point of entry. Some airlines may request onward travel details during check-in.
How early should New Zealanders apply for the pre-approval letter?
You may apply well in advance, including months before your trip. If your travel dates are still uncertain, wait until they are confirmed. To avoid delays, New Zealand travellers should apply at least ten days before departure.
Does the pre-approval letter function as the visa for New Zealand travellers?
No. The pre-approval letter is not the visa itself. It authorises the airport to issue your visa upon arrival. The visa becomes valid only once it has been stamped into your passport.
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