Vietnam E-Visa vs Visa on Arrival: Which One Should You Choose?
When planning a trip to Vietnam, travelers often wonder which visa option is best for them: the Vietnam e-Visa or the Visa on Arrival (VOA). Both visas allow you to enter Vietnam, but there are key differences in terms of the application process, eligibility, and convenience. This guide will help you understand the pros and cons of each option, so you can decide which one is right for your travel plans.
1. Vietnam E-Visa: A Quick and Convenient Option
The Vietnam e-Visa is an electronic visa that allows travelers to apply online, receive approval, and enter Vietnam without needing to visit an embassy or consulate.
How to Apply for a Vietnam E-Visa?
- Eligibility: The Vietnam e-Visa is available for citizens from over 80 countries, including the United States, the UK, Australia, Canada, and many other countries.
- Application Process:
- Complete the Online Application: Visit the official Vietnamese eVisa website and fill out the application form. You’ll need to provide personal details, passport information, and travel dates.
- Upload Required Documents: Upload a recent passport-sized photo and a scan of your passport.
- Pay the Fee: The processing fee for the Vietnam e-Visa is usually around $25 (USD).
- Wait for Approval: The processing time typically takes about 3 business days.
- Receive Your E-Visa: Once your application is approved, you’ll receive your eVisa via email. Print it out and bring it with you when you travel to Vietnam.
Key Benefits of the Vietnam E-Visa
- Convenience: The eVisa can be applied for entirely online, saving you the time and hassle of visiting an embassy or consulate.
- Quick Processing: The Vietnam e-Visa is typically processed within 3 business days, making it a fast option for travelers.
- Single-Entry: The Vietnam e-Visa is a single-entry visa, meaning it allows you to enter Vietnam only once during its validity period (30 days).
- Availability for Many Nationalities: Citizens of over 80 countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, and many European nations, can apply for the eVisa.
Limitations of the Vietnam E-Visa
- Limited Entry: The e-Visa is a single-entry visa, so if you plan to leave Vietnam and return, you’ll need to apply for a new visa.
- Validity Period: The visa is valid for 30 days, which may not be sufficient for long-term stays or multiple visits.
- Limited Ports of Entry: The Vietnam eVisa is valid for entry through specific international airports and border gates. You cannot use it for entry by sea or land unless specified.
2. Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA): Flexible for Air Travelers
The Visa on Arrival (VOA) is another option for obtaining a visa for Vietnam. It’s only available to travelers arriving by air and requires pre-approval before you can get the visa at the airport in Vietnam.
How to Apply for a Vietnam Visa on Arrival?
- Eligibility: The Visa on Arrival is available to citizens from many countries, including the United States, Canada, the UK, and Australia. However, the VOA is only available for travelers arriving at designated international airports in Vietnam, such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang.
- Application Process:
- Apply for a Visa Approval Letter: First, you need to apply for an approval letter from a travel agency or visa service. This involves submitting your passport details and paying a service fee.
- Wait for the Approval Letter: The approval letter typically takes 2 to 4 business days to process.
- Travel to Vietnam: Upon arrival at the airport in Vietnam, proceed to the Visa on Arrival counter with the approval letter, passport-sized photos, and the visa stamping fee.
- Visa Stamping Fee: The visa stamping fee at the airport typically ranges from $25 to $50, depending on the type of visa and the number of entries.
Key Benefits of Visa on Arrival
- Multiple Entries: The VOA allows you to apply for both single-entry and multiple-entry visas, making it a great option if you plan to visit Vietnam multiple times.
- Available for Longer Stays: The Visa on Arrival can be granted for up to 90 days, making it a better choice for travelers who need a longer stay.
- Flexible Application Process: If you need to change your travel dates or adjust your visa type, the VOA process is more flexible than the eVisa.
Limitations of Visa on Arrival
- Requires Pre-Approval: You need to get the approval letter before you can pick up your visa at the airport, which requires extra planning.
- Available Only for Air Travel: The Visa on Arrival is only available for travelers arriving by air, meaning you cannot use this option if you are entering Vietnam by land or sea.
- Visa Stamping Fees: The stamping fees can vary depending on the type of visa and may be more expensive than the eVisa option.
3. Vietnam E-Visa vs. Visa on Arrival: A Comparison
Feature | Vietnam E-Visa | Visa on Arrival |
---|---|---|
Application Process | Online only | Requires pre-approval letter |
Processing Time | 3 business days | 2 to 4 business days (for approval letter) |
Entry Type | Single-entry | Single or multiple-entry |
Validity | 30 days | Up to 90 days |
Available for All Entry Points? | Limited to specific entry points | Only available at international airports |
Visa Stamping Fees | No stamping fee | Stamping fee at airport (around $25 to $50) |
Long-Term Stay | Limited to 30 days | Can be extended up to 90 days |
Best for | Short visits, quick processing | Longer stays, multiple entries |
Conclusion: Which Option Should You Choose?
Choose the Vietnam e-Visa if you need a quick, hassle-free process for a single-entry visit. It’s ideal for short-term tourists or business travelers and is processed fast—typically within 3 business days.
Choose the Vietnam Visa on Arrival if you need a longer stay, are planning multiple visits, or are arriving by air. While it requires an approval letter in advance, it’s a flexible and convenient option for those who plan to stay in Vietnam for up to 90 days or need a multiple-entry visa.
Both options are great, but choosing between the Vietnam eVisa and Visa on Arrival depends on your travel plans, stay duration, and entry points. Make sure to assess your needs and apply for the visa that suits you best!
Easily apply for your eVisa online by visiting Tourist Requirements.
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