When planning your trip to Vietnam, you’ll encounter two main online visa options: the E-visa and the Visa on Arrival (VOA). While both get you into the country, their processes, costs, and convenience levels are very different.
Which one is right for you? Let’s break it down.
What is the Vietnam E-Visa?
The E-visa is a fully digital visa. You apply online, pay one fixed fee, and receive an approved PDF document via email. At the airport, you go straight to the immigration counter.
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Best for: Most tourists, people who value convenience, and those entering via land or sea.
What is the Visa on Arrival (VOA)?
VOA is a two-step process. First, you apply online for an “Approval Letter” from a travel agency. Second, upon arrival at a Vietnamese airport, you queue at the “Visa on Arrival” counter, submit the letter, photos, and pay a cash “stamping fee” to get the visa sticker in your passport.
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Best for: Travelers whose nationality isn’t eligible for the e-visa, or those needing visa types not offered by the e-visa system.
At-a-Glance: E-Visa vs. Visa on Arrival
| Feature | Vietnam E-Visa | Visa on Arrival (VOA) |
| Eligibility | 80+ nationalities | Almost all nationalities |
| Entry Points | ✅ Air, Land & Sea | ❌ Airports Only |
| Airport Process | Go straight to immigration | Queue at VOA counter first |
| Waiting Time | Minimal | Can be 15 mins to 2+ hours |
| Total Cost | One-time online fee (
50) |
Service fee (
30) + Stamping fee ( 50) |
| Payment Method | Online (Credit Card/PayPal) | Online + Cash only at airport |
| Convenience | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Which Visa is Right for You? A 2-Minute Quiz
Answer these simple questions to find your perfect match:
1. Are you arriving in Vietnam via a land border (e.g., from Cambodia or Laos)?
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Yes: The E-visa is your only option. VOA is not accepted at land borders.
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No: Continue to the next question.
2. Do you absolutely hate waiting in lines after a long flight?
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Yes: The E-visa is your best friend. You’ll save a significant amount of time and hassle.
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No: Both options are open to you.
3. Is your nationality on the official e-visa eligible list?
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Yes: The E-visa is highly recommended for its simplicity.
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No: The Visa on Arrival is the best and often only choice for you.
4. Are you carrying enough USD cash for the stamping fee?
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No: The E-visa is better, as everything is paid online beforehand. VOA counters do not accept credit cards.
Our Recommendation for 2025
For over 95% of travelers from eligible countries (like the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and Europe), the E-visa is the clear winner. It is simpler, faster at the airport, and more straightforward. The Visa on Arrival was a great system before the e-visa was expanded, but it is now largely outdated for most tourists.
The only strong reasons to choose VOA today are if your nationality is not supported by the e-visa system or if you require a specific business visa type not available online.
⭐ Convinced the E-visa is for you?
Skip the confusion and apply through our streamlined, expert-reviewed process.
Apply for Your E-Visa Now →