Vietnam e-Visa vs. Visa on Arrival: Which is Better for Travelers?

-

When planning a trip to Vietnam, one of the most important decisions travelers face is choosing between a Vietnam e-Visa and a Visa on Arrival (VOA). Both options allow visitors to enter the country legally, but they have key differences in terms of cost, application process, and convenience.

This article will provide a detailed comparison of Vietnam e-Visa vs. Visa on Arrival, including requirements, processing times, fees, and traveler experiences. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a frequent traveler, understanding these visa options will help you choose the best visa for your trip to Vietnam.

What is the Vietnam e-Visa?

The Vietnam e-Visa is an electronic travel authorization issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department. It allows travelers from eligible countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and most of Europe, to apply for a visa online before arrival.

Key Features of the Vietnam e-Visa:

  • Valid for 90 days (single or multiple entry).
  • Processed entirely online—no need to visit an embassy or pick up the visa at the airport.
  • Allows entry via 42 international checkpoints, including airports, land borders, and seaports.
  • Official visa fee: $25 (single entry) or $50 (multiple entry) (non-refundable).
  • Processing time: 3-5 business days (may take longer during peak seasons).

The Vietnam e-Visa is a popular choice for tourists, business travelers, and digital nomads who prefer a hassle-free online application process.

What is the Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA)?

The Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA) is a visa option that requires travelers to obtain an approval letter online before flying to Vietnam. Once they land at a Vietnamese airport, they must visit the Visa on Arrival counter to receive their actual visa stamp.

Key Features of the Vietnam Visa on Arrival:

  • Available for tourists and business travelers.
  • Offers both single and multiple-entry visas (valid for 1, 3, 6, or 12 months).
  • Requires an approval letter from a Vietnamese visa agency before departure.
  • Only available at designated international airports (not valid for land or sea entry).
  • Processing time for the approval letter: 2-3 business days (express options available).
  • Stamping fee upon arrival: $25 for a single-entry visa, $50-$135 for multiple-entry visas.

The Vietnam Visa on Arrival is often preferred by travelers needing a multiple-entry visa or those staying for an extended period. However, it involves longer wait times at the airport and additional fees.

Vietnam e-Visa vs. Visa on Arrival: A Side-by-Side Comparison

FeatureVietnam e-VisaVietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA)
Application MethodOnline via Vietnam Immigration websiteOnline pre-approval + airport pickup
Entry TypeSingle or multiple entrySingle or multiple entry
Visa ValidityUp to 90 days1, 3, 6, or 12 months
Processing Time3-5 business days2-3 business days for approval letter
Visa Fee$25 (single entry), $50 (multiple entry)Approval letter fee + stamping fee ($25-$135)
Pickup Required?No (emailed visa)Yes (visa stamp at airport)
Entry PointsAir, land, and seaAirports only (No land or sea entry)
Best ForShort-term tourists & business travelersLonger stays & multiple entries

Pros and Cons of Vietnam e-Visa vs. Visa on Arrival

✅ Pros of the Vietnam e-Visa:

✔ Simple and fully online process—no waiting at the airport for a visa stamp.
✔ Lower cost—no extra stamping fees upon arrival.
✔ Available for entry at multiple border points (airports, land crossings, and seaports).
✔ Ideal for travelers staying up to 90 days with single or multiple entries.

❌ Cons of the Vietnam e-Visa:

✖ Only available for specific nationalities—check if your country is eligible.
✖ Fixed 90-day validity—not ideal for long-term stays.
✖ Longer processing times in peak seasons—apply at least 7 days before travel.

✅ Pros of the Vietnam Visa on Arrival:

✔ Great for long-term travelers—offers up to 12 months validity.
✔ Multiple-entry options available—ideal for frequent travelers.
✔ Faster approval letter (2-3 days) compared to the e-Visa.

❌ Cons of the Vietnam Visa on Arrival:

✖ Only valid at airports—not available for land or sea entry.
✖ Requires extra steps—applicants must wait in line at the airport for visa stamping.
✖ Higher total cost—includes both approval letter fees and airport stamping fees.
✖ Scams reported—many third-party websites charge inflated fees for approval letters.

Which Visa Should You Choose?

Choose the Vietnam e-Visa if:

✅ You’re staying for 90 days or less.
✅ You want a simple and cost-effective visa process.
✅ You plan to enter Vietnam by air, land, or sea.
✅ You want to avoid waiting in line at the airport.

Choose the Vietnam Visa on Arrival if:

✅ You need a visa valid for more than 90 days.
✅ You require a multiple-entry visa (for business or frequent travel).
✅ You don’t mind paying extra for approval letters and airport stamping fees.
✅ You are arriving only at an international airport in Vietnam.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I apply for a Vietnam e-Visa and Visa on Arrival at the same time?

No, travelers should choose one visa type. If you apply for an e-Visa, you do not need a Visa on Arrival approval letter.

2. How long does it take to get a Vietnam e-Visa?

The Vietnam e-Visa processing time is 3-5 business days, but some travelers report delays of up to 7 days during peak travel seasons.

3. Can I extend my Vietnam e-Visa?

Currently, e-Visas cannot be extended within Vietnam. If you need a longer stay, you must exit Vietnam and apply for a new e-Visa.

4. Is the Visa on Arrival available for land borders?

No, Visa on Arrival is only available at airports. If you plan to enter Vietnam by land or sea, you must apply for an e-Visa.

5. Which visa is cheaper?

The Vietnam e-Visa is generally cheaper because it has a fixed fee of $25 or $50, while the Visa on Arrival costs more due to additional fees for approval letters and airport visa stamping.

Conclusion: Vietnam e-Visa vs. Visa on Arrival – Which is Better?

For most travelers, the Vietnam e-Visa is the best option because it’s cheaper, more convenient, and allows entry at various checkpoints. However, if you need a longer stay or a multiple-entry visa, the Visa on Arrival might be a better choice despite its higher costs and airport-only restrictions.

No matter which option you choose, apply early to avoid delays and ensure a smooth arrival in Vietnam! 🚀

India Tourist Visa UK
Indonesia eVisa from UK
ESTA for the USA from the UK
Vietnam eVisa US Citizen
US Citizen eVisa India
eTourist Visa India from Canada
Egypt Visa for US Citizens Online

Start your journey today by applying for your visa online — quick, easy, and hassle-free! Get approved in no time and focus on what matters most: your travel adventure.

Previous | Next

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Vietnam E-Visa for US Citizens: A Complete Guide

-
For US citizens planning to visit Vietnam, the Vietnam e-visa is one of the most convenient and affordable options available. The e-visa allows US travelers to apply for their visa online without the need to visit an embassy or consulate. This streamlined process saves time and ensures that you can focus more on planning your trip rather than dealing with paperwork. This guide covers everything you need to know about the Vietnam e-visa for US citizens , including the application process, eligibility, fees, and related topics to help you prepare for your trip. What is a Vietnam E-Visa? A Vietnam e-visa is an electronic visa that is issued by the Vietnamese government for foreign nationals, including US citizens , who wish to enter Vietnam for tourism, business, or other short-term visits. The e-visa is a single-entry visa and is valid for up to 30 days . It is a popular choice due to its ease of application and fast processing time, which is ideal for travelers who do not want to go t...
Read more

Vietnam Visa for United States Citizens: A Comprehensive Guide

-
If you are a United States citizen planning to visit Vietnam , it’s important to understand the visa requirements and options available. Vietnam has specific visa policies for travelers from different countries, including the United States, and knowing the correct procedure will ensure a smooth entry. Whether you are traveling for tourism, business, or another purpose, obtaining a Vietnam visa is a necessary step for U.S. citizens. This guide provides a detailed overview of the various types of visas available, how to apply, and other key considerations when traveling to Vietnam. Types of Vietnam Visas for United States Citizens There are several types of Vietnam visas that U.S. citizens can apply for, depending on the purpose and length of their stay. Below are the most common types of visas: Vietnam Tourist Visa : The Vietnam Tourist Visa is the most popular visa for U.S. citizens visiting Vietnam for leisure or tourism purposes. It is usually valid for 30 days with a single-e...
Read more

Vietnam e-Visa for US Citizens – A Complete Guide (Reddit Discussions & Insights)

-
Planning a trip to Vietnam? Many US travelers turn to Reddit for firsthand experiences, visa tips, and advice from fellow travelers. One of the most common questions discussed is how to apply for a Vietnam e-Visa for US citizens and what to expect during the process. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Vietnam e-Visa , including information shared by Reddit users , visa requirements, processing times, and common travel concerns. What is the Vietnam e-Visa for US Citizens? The Vietnam e-Visa is an official electronic visa issued by the Vietnamese government. It allows US citizens to enter Vietnam for up to 90 days on a single entry basis. Unlike the visa on arrival , the e-Visa is fully processed online and does not require picking up a visa at the airport. According to many discussions on Reddit’s r/travel and r/Vietnam forums, the Vietnam e-Visa is the easiest and most convenient option for short-term travel. US citizens who have used it repor...
Read more