Vietnam e-Visa vs. Visa on Arrival: Which Is Better for Your Trip?

When planning a trip to Vietnam, travelers usually compare two popular entry options: the Vietnam e-Visa and the Visa on Arrival (VOA). Both allow entry into Vietnam, but they differ in process, cost, convenience, and reliability. Understanding these differences helps you choose the best option based on your travel style and timeline.

---

Key Differences

Here’s a quick breakdown of how the Vietnam e-Visa compares with Visa on Arrival:

1. Application Method

• Vietnam e-Visa:
  Fully online. Submit documents, pay fees, and receive your visa digitally before you travel.

• Visa on Arrival (VOA):
  Apply online for an approval letter, then pick up the official visa at the airport upon landing.

2. Entry Points

• e-Visa:
  Valid at airports, land borders, and seaports.

• VOA:
  Only available at international airports (no land or sea entry).

3. Waiting Time

• e-Visa:
  Receive the visa before your trip. No airport queues.

• VOA:
  Expect long waiting lines at airport visa counters—especially during peak hours.

4. Documentation

• e-Visa:
  Only requires passport scan + photo.

• VOA:
  Requires approval letter + passport photos + stamping fee at the airport.

Learn more about the e-Visa format here:
➡️ Vietnam e-Visa Overview

---

Pros & Cons

Vietnam e-Visa

Pros

• 100% online—no airport hassle

• Accepted at 40+ airports, land ports, and seaports

• Transparent, fixed government fee

• Fast processing, especially via urgent service providers

Cons

• Only available to eligible nationalities

• Application errors may cause processing delays

---

Visa on Arrival (VOA)

Pros

• Available for most nationalities

• Good option if e-Visa is not eligible

Cons

• Long airport queues

• Additional stamping fee required

• Only valid at airports

• Requires approval letter before flying

• Not ideal for urgent or last-minute travel

Need a general guide?
➡️ Tourist Vietnam Visa Guide

---

Which One Is Right for You?

Choose Vietnam e-Visa if:

• You want the fastest and most convenient option

• You prefer to avoid airport lines

• You want to enter via land or sea border

• Your nationality is eligible

Choose Visa on Arrival if:

• Your nationality is not e-Visa eligible

• You don’t mind airport processing and extra fees

If you want the quickest approval, e-Visa remains the top choice—especially with urgent processing services.

Need help deciding?
➡️ Visit our FAQ

---

Cost & Time Comparison

For detailed timelines:
➡️ Vietnam Visa Processing Time

If you want to apply immediately for the fastest option:
➡️ Apply Now