Vietnam E-Visa vs Visa on Arrival: Which One Should You Choose in 2025?

Vietnam E-Visa vs Visa on Arrival: Which One Should You Choose in 2025?

When planning a trip to Vietnam, one of the first questions you’ll face is: “Should I get an e-visa or a visa on arrival (VOA)?”

Both options are valid for foreign travelers, but they differ in terms of processing time, eligible nationalities, entry points, and convenience. This guide will walk you through the pros and cons of each so you can confidently choose the right visa type for your journey in 2025.

1. What is a Vietnam E-Visa?

The Vietnam e-visa is an official electronic visa issued by the Vietnamese Immigration Department.

Validity: 30 days, single entry.
Eligible Nationalities: Citizens from over 80 countries.
Entry Points: 33 international checkpoints (airports, land borders, seaports).
Process: 100% online; no need to visit the embassy.
Processing Time: Standard 3–5 working days. Urgent service available in 1 hour, 2 hours, 5 hours, or 1–3 days.

👉 Perfect for short-term tourist visits, simple and fast entry, and those entering Vietnam via land or sea.

2. What is a Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA)?

Visa on arrival is a traditional option for travelers flying into Vietnam.

Validity: 1–12 months, single or multiple entry.
Eligible Nationalities: Almost all countries.
Entry Points: Airports only (not land or sea borders).
Process: Apply online for an approval letter → pick up visa at airport upon arrival.
Processing Time: Standard 2–3 working days. Urgent service: 2 hours to 1 day.
Extra Step: Pay a stamping fee in cash at the airport immigration counter.

👉 Best for business travelers, long stays, or multiple-entry visits.

3. Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	E-Visa	Visa on Arrival (VOA)
Validity	30 days, single entry	1–12 months, single or multiple entry
Eligible Nationalities	80+ countries	Almost all countries
Entry Points	Airports, land borders, seaports	Airports only
Application Process	Fully online	Approval letter online + stamping at airport
Processing Time	3–5 days (urgent: 1h–3d)	2–3 days (urgent: 2h–1d)
Fees	Fixed fee, no stamping fee	Service fee + stamping fee (cash at airport)
Convenience	Direct entry with printed e-visa	Queue at airport, extra step for stamping
Best For	Tourists with short stays (≤30 days)	Long stays, business trips, multiple entries

4. Pros and Cons

✅ Vietnam E-Visa

100% online, simple application.
Accepted at airports, borders, and seaports.
No hidden fees or stamping fees.
Urgent approval possible in as little as 1 hour.

❌ Limitations:

Only 30-day single entry.
Limited eligible nationalities.

✅ Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA)

Available to almost all nationalities.
Can be multiple-entry.
Valid for longer stays (up to 12 months).
Flexible for both tourist and business visas.

❌ Limitations:

Only valid for air travelers.
Extra airport stamping step (queues + cash payment).
Slightly more complicated process.

5. Cost Comparison (2025 Update)

Vietnam E-Visa via Vietnam Visa Easy (Urgent Service):

1 Hour – $199
2 Hours – $170
5 Hours – $140
1 Day – $110
2 Days – $100
3 Days – $90

Visa on Arrival (VOA):

Service fee: $20–60 (depending on length and type).
Stamping fee at airport: $25 (single entry) / $50+ (multiple entry).
Urgent approval letter also available (from 2 hours).

6. Which One Should You Choose?

👉 Choose E-Visa if:

Your stay is short (up to 30 days).
You want the fastest, simplest process.
You’re entering via land border or seaport.
You need a visa urgently (1–3 hours).

👉 Choose Visa on Arrival if:

You need to stay longer than 30 days.
You require multiple entries.
Your nationality is not eligible for an e-visa.
You’re arriving by air and don’t mind an airport queue.

7. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I extend my e-visa once in Vietnam?
A: Yes, but extensions are subject to approval and may be costly.

Q: Do I need to queue at the airport with an e-visa?
A: No, you can go directly to immigration.

Q: Which option is faster if I travel tomorrow?
A: Urgent e-visa (1 hour processing).

Q: Does VOA work at land borders?
A: No, only at international airports.

8. Final Recommendation

For short-term tourists (≤30 days): The E-Visa is the easiest and fastest choice.
For business travelers, long stays, or multiple trips: The Visa on Arrival is more suitable.

Either way, using Vietnam Visa Easy ensures a smooth and reliable process — especially if you need urgent approval.

Call to Action (Visa Services)

Need a Vietnam visa urgently? We’ve got you covered.

📲 WhatsApp: +84 947 754 252
📧 Email: [email protected]

Urgent E-Visa Fees:

1 Hour – $199
2 Hours – $170
5 Hours – $140
1 Day – $110
2 Days – $100
3 Days – $90

1. What is a Vietnam E-Visa?

2. What is a Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA)?

3. Side-by-Side Comparison