Vietnam e-Visa vs Visa on Arrival: Which One Should You Choose?

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Vietnam is a popular travel destination, offering rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities. If you're planning a trip, one of the most important things to consider is which visa option is best for you. Many travelers wonder about the difference between Vietnam e-Visa vs Visa on Arrival (VOA) and which one they should apply for. Both options allow travelers to enter Vietnam, but they have distinct processes, eligibility criteria, and benefits.

This guide will help you understand the key differences between the Vietnam e-Visa vs Visa on Arrival, including their application processes, fees, processing times, and which one is better suited for your trip.

What is a Vietnam e-Visa?

The Vietnam e-Visa is an electronic visa that allows travelers to enter Vietnam for tourism, business, or transit purposes. It is a single-entry or multiple-entry visa, valid for up to 90 days. This visa is issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department and can be obtained entirely online without visiting an embassy or consulate.

Vietnam e-Visa Key Features

  • Eligibility: Available to citizens of 80+ countries, including the United States, UK, Canada, Australia, and European nations.
  • Validity: 90 days with single or multiple entry options.
  • Application Process: Online via the official Vietnam e-Visa website.
  • Processing Time: 3–5 business days.
  • Entry Points: Accepted at 33 designated international airports, land border crossings, and seaports.
  • Cost: $25 for single entry, $50 for multiple entries (non-refundable).
  • Documents Required: Passport scan (valid for at least 6 months), passport-sized photo, and payment.

Pros of a Vietnam e-Visa

✔ Easy Online Application – No need to visit an embassy or hire a visa service.
✔ Fast Processing – Takes only 3–5 business days.
✔ Accepted at Multiple Entry Points – Valid at airports, land borders, and seaports.
✔ Fixed Fees – No hidden charges, unlike Visa on Arrival.

Start your application process today and apply for your visa online quickly and easily.

Cons of a Vietnam e-Visa

✖ Not Available for All Nationalities – Only eligible citizens can apply.
✖ No Extension Without Leaving Vietnam – You must exit and reapply if your visa expires.
✖ No Refunds – If rejected, the visa fee is non-refundable.

What is a Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA)?

A Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA) is a visa that travelers obtain upon arrival at designated international airports in Vietnam. However, this option requires pre-approval before departure. Travelers must apply for a visa approval letter online through an agency before arriving in Vietnam.

Vietnam Visa on Arrival Key Features

  • Eligibility: Available to most nationalities, including US, UK, Canada, Australia, and European citizens.
  • Validity: Can be issued for 30 days, 90 days, 6 months, or 1 year (single or multiple entry).
  • Application Process: Requires a pre-approval letter before traveling.
  • Processing Time: 2–3 business days for the approval letter.
  • Entry Points: Only valid for travelers arriving by air at major airports (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Nha Trang).
  • Cost: Approval letter fee ($10–$25) + stamping fee ($25 for single entry, $50–$135 for multiple entries).
  • Documents Required: Passport (valid for at least 6 months), passport-sized photo, and cash for the stamping fee.

Pros of a Vietnam Visa on Arrival

✔ Available for Many Nationalities – No strict eligibility restrictions.
✔ Option for Long-Term Stays – Can be issued for up to one year.
✔ Multiple Entry Available – Good for business travelers or frequent visitors.

Start your application process today and apply for your visa online quickly and easily.

Cons of a Vietnam Visa on Arrival

✖ Not Available for Land or Sea Travel – Only valid for air travelers.
✖ Additional Stamping Fee – Must pay extra at the airport upon arrival.
✖ Approval Letter is Required – Travelers must obtain a pre-approval letter before departure.
✖ Longer Wait Time at Airports – Must queue at the visa-on-arrival counter for processing.

Vietnam e-Visa vs Visa on Arrival: Key Differences

FeatureVietnam e-VisaVietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA)
Application ProcessOnlineOnline (Approval Letter Required)
Visa TypeSingle or Multiple EntrySingle or Multiple Entry
ValidityUp to 90 Days30 Days to 1 Year
Processing Time3–5 Business Days2–3 Business Days for Approval Letter
Entry PointsAirports, Land Borders, SeaportsAirports Only
FeesFixed ($25–$50)Approval Letter ($10–$25) + Stamping Fee ($25–$135)
EligibilityLimited to 80+ CountriesAvailable to Most Travelers
ConvenienceNo Need for Stamping at AirportRequires Stamping and Extra Fees
Best ForShort Stays (Tourism & Business)Long-Term Stays (Business & Frequent Travelers)

Which Vietnam Visa Should You Choose?

Choose the Vietnam e-Visa if:

  • You are staying in Vietnam for 90 days or less.
  • You want a hassle-free online application process.
  • You plan to enter via airports, land borders, or seaports.
  • You prefer a fixed, transparent visa fee.

Choose the Vietnam Visa on Arrival if:

  • You need a long-term visa (6 months or 1 year).
  • You require a multiple-entry visa for business or frequent visits.
  • Your nationality is not eligible for the Vietnam e-Visa.
  • You are only traveling by air and don’t mind the additional processing at the airport.

Final Verdict: Vietnam e-Visa vs Visa on Arrival

For most travelers, the Vietnam e-Visa is the best choice because it is convenient, fast, and cost-effective. It eliminates the hassle of waiting in line at the airport and is valid for multiple entry points. However, if you need a long-term visa or are not eligible for an e-Visa, the Vietnam Visa on Arrival is the better option.

Start your application process today and apply for your visa online quickly and easily.

Regardless of which visa type you choose, make sure to apply in advance to avoid last-minute travel disruptions. Whether you choose a Vietnam e-Visa or Visa on Arrival, both options provide a straightforward way to explore the beautiful landscapes and rich culture of Vietnam.

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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.

Start your application process today and apply for your visa online quickly and easily.

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