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 youâll face is: âShould I get an e-visa or a visa on arrival (VOA)?â
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.
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Validity: 30 days, single entry.
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Eligible Nationalities: Citizens from over 80 countries.
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Entry Points: 33 international checkpoints (airports, land borders, seaports).
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Process: 100% online; no need to visit the embassy.
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Processing Time: Standard 3â5 working days. Urgent service available in 1 hour, 2 hours, 5 hours, or 1â3 days.
ð 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.
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Validity: 1â12 months, single or multiple entry.
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Eligible Nationalities: Almost all countries.
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Entry Points: Airports only (not land or sea borders).
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Process: Apply online for an approval letter â pick up visa at airport upon arrival.
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Processing Time: Standard 2â3 working days. Urgent service: 2 hours to 1 day.
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Extra Step: Pay a stamping fee in cash at the airport immigration counter.
ð 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 | 1â12 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 | 3â5 days (urgent: 1hâ3d) | 2â3 days (urgent: 2hâ1d) |
| 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 (â¤30 days) | Long stays, business trips, multiple entries |
4. Pros and Cons
â Vietnam E-Visa
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100% online, simple application.
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Accepted at airports, borders, and seaports.
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No hidden fees or stamping fees.
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Urgent approval possible in as little as 1 hour.
â Limitations:
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Only 30-day single entry.
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Limited eligible nationalities.
â Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA)
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Available to almost all nationalities.
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Can be multiple-entry.
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Valid for longer stays (up to 12 months).
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Flexible for both tourist and business visas.
â Limitations:
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Only valid for air travelers.
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Extra airport stamping step (queues + cash payment).
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Slightly more complicated process.
5. Cost Comparison (2025 Update)
Vietnam E-Visa via Vietnam Visa Easy (Urgent Service):
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1 Hour â $199
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2 Hours â $170
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5 Hours â $140
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1 Day â $110
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2 Days â $100
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3 Days â $90
Visa on Arrival (VOA):
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Service fee: $20â60 (depending on length and type).
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Stamping fee at airport: $25 (single entry) / $50+ (multiple entry).
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Urgent approval letter also available (from 2 hours).
6. Which One Should You Choose?
ð Choose E-Visa if:
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Your stay is short (up to 30 days).
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You want the fastest, simplest process.
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Youâre entering via land border or seaport.
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You need a visa urgently (1â3 hours).
ð Choose Visa on Arrival if:
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You need to stay longer than 30 days.
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You require multiple entries.
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Your nationality is not eligible for an e-visa.
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Youâre arriving by air and donât 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
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For short-term tourists (â¤30 days): The E-Visa is the easiest and fastest choice.
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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 â especially if you need urgent approval.
Call to Action (Visa Services)
Need a Vietnam visa urgently? Weâve got you covered.
ð² WhatsApp: +84 947 754 252
ð§ Email: visavietnamonlinev@gmail.com
Urgent E-Visa Fees:
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1 Hour â $199
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2 Hours â $170
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5 Hours â $140
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1 Day â $110
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2 Days â $100
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3 Days â $90
