In 2025, if you’re a US citizen planning a trip to Vietnam, one of your first big decisions will be: should you apply for a visa through the traditional embassy …
“I thought it would be simple — I booked my ticket, packed my bags, and flew to Vietnam. But at the airport, I was told I couldn’t enter. Why? I didn’t have a landing visa approval letter.” If you’re a Canadian planning to visit Vietnam in 2025, don’t make the mistake I did. This isn’t just another travel tip – it’s the difference between being welcomed into Vietnam or being sent right back home. Read on to learn from my experience and find out exactly what you need to do to get your landing visa right the first time.
When I landed at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, I felt a mix of exhaustion and excitement. It was my first time in Vietnam, and I couldn’t wait to explore Ho Chi Minh City. But all that anticipation turned to confusion the moment I reached the immigration counter.
The officer asked for my visa. I confidently handed over my passport. He paused, then asked for an “approval letter.” I had no idea what he meant. I tried to explain that I was Canadian and thought I could get a visa on arrival. But without that letter, I wasn’t getting past the gate.
I didn’t speak Vietnamese. My roaming wasn’t working. And I had no idea who to call or what to do. After a 15-hour flight, I stood in a foreign airport, tired and helpless, facing the possibility of being sent back. That moment taught me a hard lesson — a Canadian passport alone isn’t enough.
A Vietnam landing visa isn’t something you can just show up and request. Unlike true “visa-free” entry or e-visas, the landing visa is a conditional visa issued only if you’ve secured an official Approval Letter before flying.
This letter must be arranged through a government-approved visa agency, such as Vietnam Visa Services. Without it, airlines can deny you boarding, and Vietnamese immigration will certainly refuse entry.
Many travelers misunderstand the term “visa on arrival.” While it sounds like you can get a visa when you land, the reality is that you must apply in advance, get the letter via email, print it, and then present it at the airport to receive the actual visa stamp.
To ensure a smooth arrival in Vietnam, you’ll need a few essential documents prepared in advance. First and foremost is the visa approval letter, which acts as your ticket to request the visa upon landing. Without this, even reaching the plane could be impossible.
You’ll also need two passport-sized photos (4×6 cm, white background), your valid Canadian passport (with at least six months’ validity), and a completed NA1 visa application form, which you can download online or receive during your flight.
Don’t forget the visa stamping fee, which is paid in cash (USD only) at the airport. For a single-entry visa, it’s typically $25 USD. Keep all of these documents — printed and organized — in your carry-on, not your checked baggage, to avoid last-minute panic.
After that nightmare experience, I went home defeated but determined. The next time I planned my trip, I did it the right way. I used Vietnam Visa Services, which was recommended by a friend who had used them for years.
Their process was fast and simple. I submitted my information online, selected express service, and had my approval letter in my inbox within hours. Their team also provided a detailed checklist, so I knew exactly what to bring.
When I arrived in Vietnam again, the difference was night and day. I handed over my letter, photos, and passport at the visa counter. Within 15 minutes, my visa was stamped, and I was on my way to baggage claim. No stress. No confusion. Just a smooth, professional experience.
Vietnam’s visa rules change often. Approval letters, entry points, fees — what worked last year might not work now. Unless you follow every update closely, trying to handle it all on your own is risky, especially if you’re on a tight schedule.
That’s why services like Vietnam Visa Services exist. They take care of the whole process: from submitting your documents to checking for accuracy, issuing your letter quickly, and offering 24/7 support if anything goes wrong.
They’ve helped thousands of Canadians, and they even offer 100% money-back guarantees if your visa isn’t approved on time. For me, that peace of mind was worth every penny.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or visiting Vietnam for the first time, don’t underestimate how crucial that approval letter is. Showing up at the airport without it isn’t just inconvenient — it can ruin your entire trip. Learn from my mistake: get your landing visa sorted before you fly.
Let professionals help you, keep your documents in order, and your arrival in Vietnam will be as beautiful as the country itself.
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