What Is the Vietnam e-Visa?
The e-visa is a fully electronic visa you apply for entirely online before you travel. You fill in the form, upload your documents, pay the fee, and receive your approved visa by email as a PDF — no airport counter, no extra steps beyond the normal immigration line.
- Validity: up to 90 days, single- or multiple-entry
- Entry points: accepted at a wide range of airports, land borders, and seaports
- Cost: government fee of about 25 USD for single-entry, with multiple-entry adding 25 USD
- Processing: standard 3–5 working days, with urgent options available if you're short on time
What Is Visa on Arrival (VOA)?
Visa on Arrival means getting your visa stamped into your passport after you land — but despite the name, you still can't simply show up unannounced. You need to arrange an "approval letter" online in advance, typically through a licensed travel agency rather than an official government portal, before you're allowed to board your flight.
Once you land, the process looks like this:
- Go to the dedicated Visa on Arrival counter
- Submit your passport, approval letter, entry/exit form, and passport photos
- Pay the stamping fee in cash
- Wait for the visa sticker to be placed in your passport
- Proceed to the regular immigration counter
VOA is only available for arrivals by air at a small number of major international airports — it isn't an option at land borders or seaports.
Why Most Travelers Now Choose the e-Visa
Since the e-visa became available to travelers of all nationalities, the practical need for Visa on Arrival has shrunk considerably. Today, VOA mainly serves as a fallback for last-minute situations rather than a first-choice option — most travelers who plan ahead, even by just a few days, are better served by the e-visa.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | e-Visa | Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Application | Fully online before travel | Online approval letter + in-person stamping at the airport |
| Entry points | Airports, land borders, and seaports | Air arrivals at select major international airports only |
| Airport experience | Straight to regular immigration | Separate VOA counter, then immigration |
| Payment | Paid online upfront | Approval letter fee online + separate stamping fee in cash on arrival |
| Documents needed | Digital uploads only | Printed approval letter, photos, entry form, passport, cash |
| Validity | Up to 90 days, single or multiple entry | Depends on the approval letter |
When Should You Choose the e-Visa?
The e-visa is the better choice for almost everyone if you:
- Want the simplest process with no airport queue or cash payment
- Are entering through an airport, land border, or seaport that accepts e-visas
- Prefer handling everything online before you fly
- Need a visa for up to 90 days, single or multiple entry
When Might Visa on Arrival Still Make Sense?
VOA is mainly worth considering if:
- You're only arriving by air at one of the major international airports where it's offered
- You're in an unusual last-minute situation and want to explore every option — though in most cases, urgent e-visa processing is just as fast and simpler
Remember: even with VOA, you must arrange the approval letter online before flying — you cannot arrive without one and expect to get a visa on the spot.
Ready to Apply for Your e-Visa?
For the full step-by-step process, see our guide on how to apply for your Vietnam e-visa, or check our document requirements checklist before you start. If your trip is coming up soon, urgent processing is available in as little as 30–60 minutes.
FAQ: e-Visa vs. Visa on Arrival
Is Visa on Arrival still available for Vietnam?
Yes, but it now functions mainly as a backup option, since the e-visa has become the standard choice for most travelers.
Which is easier, e-visa or Visa on Arrival?
The e-visa is easier for most travelers — it's fully online, doesn't require cash payment at the airport, and skips the extra Visa on Arrival counter and queue.
Can I use Visa on Arrival at any entry point?
No. Visa on Arrival is only available for arrivals by air at a handful of major international airports, while the e-visa is accepted at a much wider range of entry points, including land borders and seaports.
Do I still need to apply online in advance for Visa on Arrival?
Yes. You cannot simply arrive and request a visa on the spot — you must arrange an approval letter online in advance through a licensed agency before you fly.
Which option is cheaper?
The e-visa is generally simpler on cost, since the fee is paid entirely online upfront. Visa on Arrival adds a separate stamping fee paid in cash at the airport, on top of the approval letter cost.
Related Guides
- 👉 Vietnam visa: complete guide to types, requirements and fees
- 👉 Vietnam e-visa requirements: the complete document checklist
- 👉 How to apply for your Vietnam e-visa, step by step
- 👉 Urgent Vietnam visa options for US travelers
- 👉 Frequently Asked Questions
Website: vietnamvisaeasy.com
Hotline / WhatsApp: +84 947 754 252
Email: support@vietnamvisaeasy.com
Reviews: Trustpilot · Google Reviews
Follow us: YouTube · TikTok
VietnamVisaEasy.com is a private service agency and is not affiliated with the Vietnamese government. We charge a fee to assist with visa applications. If you don't need assistance, you can apply directly on the official government website, evisa.gov.vn. For questions, visit our contact page.