Choosing a Vietnam e-visa vs visa on arrival is a question many people ask when they want to travel or work in Vietnam. Follow the article below for more information and choose the right method.
Learn more: Vietnam visa: Types, Requirements, Fees & How to get it? [2023]
1. Simility of Vietnam visa on arrival vs evisa
Vietnam e-visa vs visa on arrival are issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam, so they are legal. The similarity between these two methods is that applicants can go through the online process, from submitting the Vietnam visa application to paying the processing fee to receive their results. This is more convenient than applying for a traditional visa at the Embassy, as it saves time and effort.

Vietnam e-visa vs visa on arrival are issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam
2. Vietnam e-visa vs visa on arrival: Comparison table
As Vietnam is a popular tourist destination, it offers two types of entry permits for foreign visitors: the visa on arrival and the e-visa. They are used by foreign visitors to get a visa to Vietnam. The difference between them is the time of processing, price, validity, and other aspects above. The following chart compares both so that you can do a good choice.
Item | Vietnam visa on arrival | Vietnam E-visa |
Issued by | Vietnam Immigration Department | Vietnam Immigration Department |
Introduced since | Early 2007 | February 2017 |
Eligibility | All nationals to Vietnam by air will be allowed to obtain a visa on arrival | So far, just 81 countries are eligible |
What documents needed |
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How to apply | Step 1: Fill a visa application form online
Step 2: Make your payment with Visa. Step 3: Receive a visa approval letter sent by email Step 4: Present the visa approval letter, photo, Vietnamese visa application form (NA1), stamping fee and passport upon Vietnam airport to get visa stamped. |
Step 1: Fill out the information on the online form
Step 2: According to the regulations of the Immigration Department, pay visa fee via an electronic payment gateway Step 3: 3 working days later, return to the government e-visa website to download the e-visa confirmation
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Visa Fee | There are two fees: service fee and stamping fee.
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Each person paying online by credit/debit card is only 25 USD. |
Visa validity |
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30 days with single entry |
Processing time |
Emergency or urgent visa is available |
3 – 5 working days
No urgency or emergency |
Official website | The visa on arrival service is provided by a private agency, no government website | The E-visa have a government website |
Entry change | Flexibly switch into any arrival international airport | Enter through the entry port you register on the visa application form. |
Support availability | Support 24/7 via email, hotline, live chat, WhatsApp | No support available |

Vietnam e-visa and visa on arrival are both used by foreign visitors to get a visa to Vietnam
3. Pros and cons of each visa type
Below, we compare the pros and cons of each visa type so that you can make an informed decision below:
Vietnam visa on arrival | Vietnam E-visa | |
Pros |
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Cons |
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Pros and cons of each visa (E-visa vs Visa on arrival)
4. Which visa is the best for you? Visa on arrival or E-visa
When you travel to Vietnam, choosing the right visa method can be complicated. Depending on your situation and the time that you have available, you may need to choose between either an E-visa or Visa on arrival.
- E-visa is simple, cheap and suitable if you are travelling for a short time. Besides, E-visa is the best way for people to enter Vietnam via sea or land port when coming to Vietnam Embassy is not an option.
- Visa on arrival (VOA) is suitable for long-term travel of up to 3 months and multiple entries for those who are travelling in an emergency or coming to Vietnam on the weekend.

Depending on your situation and the time that you have available to choose between either an E-visa or Visa on arrival
Above is an article to help you choose the right Vietnam e-visa vs visa on arrival. If you need any advice on how to apply for a Vietnam visa, how to get it or any related questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
Contact information:
Wolo International Travel Service and Commercial Investment Joint Stock Company
- Headquater: 2nd floor – No 02, Alley 232, Yen Hoa street, Cau Giay district, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Website: https://vietnamvisatourist.com/
- Hotline: (+84) 918 21 2468
- Email: support@vietnamvisatourist.com.
Read more about the Evisa and Visa on Arrival: