Two of the most common ways to enter Vietnam are the eVisa and the visa on arrival (VOA). Both get you into the country, but they work very differently — and choosing the wrong one can cause serious headaches at the airport.

Here's everything you need to know to make the right choice.

What Is the Vietnam eVisa?

The Vietnam eVisa is an electronic visa approved before you travel. You apply online, receive your visa electronically, and it's stamped into your passport when you arrive at the border.

Since 2023, the eVisa is available to citizens of all countries worldwide. It's valid for up to 90 days and comes in single-entry and multiple-entry versions.

Key facts:

• Apply online from home
• Approved before you fly
• Valid at 33 entry points (airports, land borders, sea ports)
• 90-day maximum stay
• Single or multiple entry

What Is Vietnam Visa on Arrival?

Visa on arrival (VOA) is a system where you obtain a pre-approval letter online, then collect your actual visa stamp at the airport upon arrival. It's only available at international airports — not land or sea borders.

Despite the name, you can't just show up and get a visa. You still need to arrange the approval letter in advance through a travel agency or visa service.

Key facts:

• Requires pre-approval letter (arranged online)
• Visa stamp collected at airport on arrival
• Only available at international airports
• Longer queues at the airport visa desk
• Single or multiple entry available

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	eVisa	Visa on Arrival
Apply before travel	✅ Yes	✅ Yes (approval letter)
Available at land borders	✅ Yes	❌ No
Available at sea ports	✅ Yes	❌ No
Queue at airport	✅ Minimal	❌ Often long
Processing time	3 business days	1–3 business days (letter)
Maximum stay	90 days	90 days
Multiple entry	✅ Available	✅ Available
Government fee	$25	$25 (stamp fee) + letter fee
Convenience	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐

Cost Comparison

eVisa Costs

• Government fee: $25 (single or multiple entry)
• Assistance service (optional): $45–$70
• Urgent processing: $80–$150 depending on speed

Visa on Arrival Costs

• Approval letter fee: $15–$25 (through an agency)
• Stamping fee at airport: $25 (single entry) or $50 (multiple entry)
• Total: $40–$75 for single entry

The costs are broadly similar. The eVisa is often slightly cheaper overall because there's no separate stamping fee.

Processing Time

eVisa: Standard processing takes 3 business days through the government portal. Urgent processing through an assistance service can be as fast as 1 hour.

Visa on Arrival: The approval letter typically takes 1–3 business days. However, you still need to queue at the airport visa desk on arrival, which can take 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the flight schedule and how many other passengers are waiting.

Winner: eVisa — especially if you're arriving on a busy international flight where the VOA desk queue can be brutal.

Convenience

This is where the eVisa clearly wins.

With the eVisa, you walk off the plane, go through immigration like everyone else, and you're done. Your visa is already in the system.

With visa on arrival, you need to:

1. Find the VOA desk (often at the back of the arrivals hall)
2. Fill out a paper form
3. Queue — sometimes for a very long time
4. Pay the stamping fee in cash (USD preferred)
5. Wait for your passport to be processed
6. Then go through regular immigration

After a long international flight, the last thing you want is to spend 90 minutes in a queue.

Which Entry Points Are Available?

This is a critical difference that many travelers overlook.

eVisa: Valid at all 33 approved entry points, including:

• All major international airports (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, etc.)
• Land border crossings (Moc Bai, Lao Cai, Cau Treo, etc.)
• Sea ports

Visa on Arrival: Only available at international airports. If you're entering Vietnam by land from Cambodia, Laos, or China — or arriving by cruise ship — you cannot use VOA.

Winner: eVisa — essential if you're not flying in.

When Visa on Arrival Might Make Sense

Despite the eVisa being superior in most cases, there are a few scenarios where VOA might be considered:

1. Last-minute travel: If you need to travel within 24 hours and can't get urgent eVisa processing, a VOA approval letter can sometimes be arranged faster.

2. Technical issues with the eVisa portal: The government eVisa website occasionally has technical problems. If you're having persistent issues, a VOA through an agency is a backup option.

3. Specific agency relationships: Some travel agencies bundle VOA letters with tour packages at no extra cost.

In practice, however, the eVisa is almost always the better choice.

Our Recommendation

Get the eVisa. It's more convenient, works at more entry points, avoids airport queues, and is generally the same price or cheaper.

The only exception is if you have a genuine last-minute emergency and can't get urgent eVisa processing in time — in which case, a VOA approval letter might be your only option.

For most travelers, the eVisa through the government portal or a trusted assistance service is the clear winner.

How to Get Your Vietnam eVisa

Ready to apply? You have two options:

Government portal: Apply directly at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn. The $25 fee is paid online. Processing takes 3 business days.

Assistance service: Use Joey Visa Vietnam for a hassle-free experience. We review your documents, handle the application, and offer urgent processing options. Visit our apply page with code DUONG-WK, or check our pricing page for all available options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch from VOA to eVisa after I've already arranged a VOA letter? Yes, you can apply for an eVisa at any time before your trip. If your eVisa is approved, you don't need to use the VOA letter.

Is the Vietnam eVisa accepted at all airports? Yes, the eVisa is accepted at all international airports in Vietnam, plus land and sea borders. VOA is only accepted at international airports.

What if my eVisa is rejected? Rejections are rare. If it happens, you can reapply with corrected documents or arrange a VOA as a backup. Contact us for help if you're in this situation.

Can I get a Vietnam eVisa on the same day? Through an assistance service with urgent processing, yes — options range from 3-day to 1-hour processing. See our pricing page for current rates.

Do I need to print my eVisa? It's recommended to print a copy or have a digital copy accessible on your phone. Immigration officers may ask to see it alongside your passport.