Vietnam eVisa: Should You Use an Agency or the Government Website?

Whether to use an agency or government website is a fair question. Both lead to the same official e-visa. The difference is cost, speed and what happens when something goes wrong.

Agency or government website: what is the difference?

The visa is the same. The service around it is not.

When is the government website the better choice?

When you have time and are comfortable with forms.

• Your trip is 2 weeks or more away.
• You can take good photos and scans yourself.
• You can check the status regularly.
• You accept that fees are not refunded.

Apply on the official portal and save your application code.

When is an agency the better choice?

When time, certainty or support matters.

• Your flight is within a week, or tomorrow.
• It is a weekend or Vietnamese holiday.
• You already applied and the status is stuck.
• You want someone to check your documents first.
• You want your money back if the visa is late.

Why do agencies cost more?

Because they do more than submit a form. We check every photo and detail, pay for express handling, follow your file during Vietnamese working hours, and answer at any time. Our prices always include the US$25 government fee, so there is nothing else to pay. See every price in the service fee guide.

How do I spot a bad agency?

Look for these warning signs.

1. Prices without the government fee, added at checkout.
2. Promises of approval for everyone.
3. Payment to a personal bank account.
4. No application code you can check on evisa.gov.vn.

Read 7 Vietnam e-visa scams for more.

Can I start on the government site and switch to an agency?

Yes, without applying again. If your application on evisa.gov.vn is slow, an agency can speed up that same file with your application code. Speed-ups start at US$45 because the government fee is already paid. Read how to speed up a Vietnam visa.

Is an agency visa accepted everywhere?

Yes. It is issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department on the same system. Airlines and border officers see no difference. You can verify any e-visa on the official search page.

What does our guarantee cover?

Your money and your time. If Immigration refuses the visa because of the information provided, we refund the expedite fee (the government fee and payment fees are not refunded); if it is refused without a stated reason, we refund 100%. If we are more than 30 minutes late, we refund everything you paid. If we make a mistake, we redo it free. Read the refund policy.

Who can help me decide?

Tell us your dates. Send your flight date and nationality on WhatsApp. If the government site is enough for your trip, we will say so.

What does each choice cost for a family?

An example for 2 adults and 2 children, single entry.

For a family with weeks to spare, the government site saves money. For a family flying this week, an urgent speed avoids missing the flight.

How do I check the visa when it arrives?

Compare it with your passport in 2 minutes. Check the full name, passport number, date of birth, the valid-from date and the entry point, then search it on the official e-visa search page. Save the PDF on your phone and print a copy for check-in.

Frequently asked questions

Is it legal to use an agency for a Vietnam eVisa?

Yes. Agencies submit on the same official system and the visa is identical.

Is the government website cheaper?

Yes. It costs US$25 for single entry. Agencies charge more for checks, speed and support.

Can the government website process my visa urgently?

It has no express or weekend option. Processing takes about 3–5 working days, sometimes longer.

Will an agency visa work at the airport?

Yes. It is the same official e-visa and can be verified on evisa.gov.vn.

Can an agency get a visa approved that the government would refuse?

No. The same officers apply the same rules. An agency reduces mistakes and waiting time, not the rules.

Do I get the same PDF from an agency?

Yes. It is the same official e-visa PDF issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department.

What if the government site is down?

It happens on busy days. An agency can still submit when the system is available and follow your file.

How do I know an agency is real?

It shows full prices, a written refund policy, takes card or PayPal, and gives you an application code you can check on evisa.gov.vn.