Visa on Arrival vs. E-Visa: Pros and Cons to Help You Choose the Best Option for Traveling to Vietnam

Traveling to Vietnam is an exciting experience, with its rich history, vibrant cities, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re visiting for leisure, business, or other purposes, one of the first things you need to figure out is how to obtain your visa. Vietnam offers two primary types of visa options for foreign visitors: Visa on Arrival (VOA)and E-Visa. Both options are designed to simplify the entry process, but each has its own advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we’ll compare the two visa options, helping you decide which one suits your travel needs.

What is a Visa on Arrival (VOA)?

The Visa on Arrival (VOA) is a popular visa option for travelers flying into Vietnam. As the name suggests, you obtain the visa upon arrival at one of Vietnam’s international airports, such as Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), Noi Bai (Hanoi), or Da Nang. However, before you can board your flight to Vietnam, you must first secure visa approval from a Vietnamese travel agency or tour operator.

Once you’ve received the approval letter, you can present it at the airport on arrival, where the visa will be stamped in your passport. This visa is only available for air travelers arriving at the designated international airports.

What is an E-Visa?

An E-Visa is an electronic visa that allows eligible travelers to apply for a visa online before arriving in Vietnam. Once approved, the e-visa is sent to the traveler by email, and they can download and print it to present at the border. The e-visa is valid for single-entry visits and is usually valid for 30 days. Vietnam offers e-visas to citizens of over 80 countries, making it an accessible option for many travelers.

Visa on Arrival (VOA): Pros and Cons

Pros of Visa on Arrival (VOA)

1. No Need to Apply Before Departure: One of the biggest advantages of VOA is that you don’t need to apply for a visa before your trip. This can be convenient if your travel plans are flexible or if you are booking a last-minute flight to Vietnam.
2. Simple and Fast Process: The process for obtaining a VOA is relatively simple. Once you’ve secured the visa approval letter, all you need to do is show it at the airport on arrival, pay the stamping fee, and get your visa. This makes it a straightforward option for travelers who may not want to deal with long application forms or waiting times.
3. Flexible for Short-Term Visits: If you’re planning to stay in Vietnam for less than 30 days, the VOA option can be an excellent choice. It provides quick access to Vietnam without needing to commit to the application process weeks in advance.
4. Available for Multiple Entry: Travelers who plan on leaving and re-entering Vietnam multiple times within a short period can opt for a multiple-entry VOA, which allows them to enter and exit as often as needed during the visa’s validity.
5. No Need to Visit the Embassy: The VOA process eliminates the need to visit a Vietnamese embassy or consulate to submit documents and wait for approval. The application can be completed online through an agency or tour operator.

Cons of Visa on Arrival (VOA)

1. Only Available for Air Travelers: The Visa on Arrival option is only available for travelers arriving by air at one of Vietnam’s international airports. If you’re traveling by land or sea, you will need to explore other visa options, such as the traditional embassy visa.
2. Approval Letter Required: To apply for a VOA, you must first secure a visa approval letter through a Vietnamese travel agency. This can take anywhere from 1 to 3 business days for processing, so it’s important to plan ahead. The approval letter is required for boarding your flight to Vietnam, and if you don’t have it, you won’t be allowed to board.
3. Additional Costs at the Airport: While the approval letter is relatively inexpensive, you will also need to pay a stamping fee at the airport upon arrival. This fee can range from $25 USD to $50 USD depending on the visa type and duration. These additional fees may make the VOA less cost-effective compared to the E-Visa for travelers who are looking to save money.
4. Longer Processing Time at Arrival: Although VOA processing is usually quick, there can be delays when you arrive at the airport. During peak hours, immigration lines can be long, and you may need to wait for your visa to be stamped. This can cause some frustration if you are in a hurry to start your vacation or business trip.

E-Visa: Pros and Cons

Pros of E-Visa

1. Simple Online Application: The E-Visa application process is entirely online, making it extremely convenient for travelers. All you need to do is visit the official Vietnam e-visa website, fill out the application form, upload required documents, and pay the processing fee. This can all be done from the comfort of your home or office, without needing to visit an embassy or consulate.
2. Faster Approval Process: Once you submit your E-Visa application, the approval process usually takes just 3 business days. This is faster compared to waiting for a VOA approval letter, which can take a few days to process.
3. No Need for an Approval Letter: Unlike the VOA, you don’t need a visa approval letter to board your flight. The e-visa is directly sent to your email as soon as it’s approved, and you can print it and bring it with you when you arrive in Vietnam.
4. Entry at Multiple Points: E-visa holders can enter Vietnam through 33 international entry points, including major airports, land border crossings, and seaports. This makes the E-Visa an excellent option for travelers entering Vietnam from various routes.
5. Fixed Processing Fee: The processing fee for an E-Visa is usually $25 USD, which is the same for all applicants. This makes it a more predictable and straightforward option in terms of cost compared to the VOA, where the stamping fee may vary depending on the visa duration.
6. No Need for a Return Flight: Some travelers who wish to enter Vietnam may not have a return flight booked or may want the flexibility to change their travel plans. With the E-Visa, you are not required to show proof of a return ticket at the time of application.

Cons of E-Visa

1. Limited Validity: The E-Visa is a single-entry visa and is valid for 30 days. If you plan to stay in Vietnam for longer than a month or need multiple entries, the E-Visa may not be the best option.
2. Not Available for All Nationalities: While the E-Visa is available for travelers from over 80 countries, it is not accessible to all nationalities. Travelers from certain countries, such as those from the Middle East or some African nations, may not be eligible for the E-Visa.
3. Limited Flexibility for Multiple Entries: The E-Visa is valid for single-entry only. If you plan to leave Vietnam and re-enter during your trip, you would need to apply for a new E-Visa or opt for another visa type, like a traditional visa or a VOA.
4. Application Errors and Rejections: The E-Visa process requires precise documentation and accurate information. Errors in the application can result in rejection, requiring you to apply again or pursue another visa option.

Which Visa Option is Best for You?

The best choice depends on your travel needs. Here are some key takeaways to help you decide:

• Choose a Visa on Arrival if:
  • You are traveling by air and don’t want to deal with the application process before your trip.
  • You are making last-minute travel plans or are unsure of your travel dates.
  • You plan to stay for less than 30 days and are comfortable with the additional airport processing time and fees.
• Choose an E-Visa if:
  • You want the convenience of applying online in advance.
  • You are entering Vietnam through one of the 33 approved entry points.
  • You want to save time and money on airport fees, and you are traveling for a single-entry visit of 30 days or less.