The similarities and differences between E-visa and Visa On Arrival

Photo: Collected

E-visa and Visa On Arrival are the two convenient methods for foreigners to get a Vietnam Visa without the need to visit Embassies/Consulates in person.

In case you are confused about which method to choose, this below table will provide you with an overview of the similarities and differences, as well as some advantages and disadvantages of each type of visa.

In terms of similarities,

  • Foreigners would not need to get approval from Vietnam Embassies in person.
  • Foreigners of all nationalities can apply for Vietnam visa applications regardless.
  • Both methods are approved and granted by the Vietnam Immigration Department.
  • Government fee is both included.

In terms of differences,

Criterion 

E-visa

Visa On Arrival

Entry purpose

All kinds of purposes

Only for tourism and business visa

Entry validity

Up to 90 days for single or multiple entries

- One or three months for a single entry

- One or three months for multiple entries

Fees

Government fee (non-refundable)

2 types: Process fee (visa agencies’ fee) and Government fee 

Official website

This is  government website to apply for E-visa: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/trang-chu-ttdt

No government website to apply for Visa On Arrival. The visa on arrival service is provided by a private agency.

Entry ports

33 ports including airports, seaports and landports

8 international airports

Process

You can present your printed E-visa or the registration code at the entry port

Make sure to keep in hand your “Visa Approval Letter” to get accepted at the entry port 

Advantage

For those wish for flexible trips or their desired entry port is seaports or landports

For unavailability to visit Vietnam Embassies or want visas for many subjects at the same time.

Disadvantage

You are required to enter/exit through the specified entry and exit points in your eVisa. If there are any changes to these ports, a new eVisa must be obtained. Each application is valid for a single individual only

There might be a waiting period of 30 minutes to 1 hour at the Vietnam airport for visa stamping. However, our Fast-track service offers a solution to expedite this process