Quick answer: For almost every traveler in 2026, the Vietnam e-visa is the better choice. It costs US$25 (single entry) or US$50 (multiple entry), is open to citizens of all countries, lasts up to 90 days, and is valid at 80+ airports, land borders and seaports. Visa on arrival (VOA) still exists, but it only works at 8 airports, requires a pre-approved letter from an agency, and is now mainly used for urgent last-minute trips.
Last updated: September 30, 2026. Visa rules change often. Always confirm on Vietnam’s official e-visa portal before you book.
Vietnam E-Visa vs Visa on Arrival at a Glance
| Feature | Vietnam E-Visa | Visa on Arrival (VOA) |
|---|---|---|
| Who can apply | Citizens of all countries | Around 150 nationalities (through an agency) |
| Where you apply | Official portal: evisa.gov.vn | Private visa agency (no government portal) |
| Government fee | US$25 single / US$50 multiple entry | US$25 single / US$50 multiple stamping fee, cash at airport |
| Extra costs | None if you apply yourself | Agency “approval letter” fee on top |
| Maximum stay | Up to 90 days | 1 to 3 months, depending on letter |
| Entry points | 17 airports, 27 land borders, 39 seaports | 8 international airports only |
| Processing time | About 3 to 5 working days | Approval letter 2 to 5 working days; urgent 1 to 2 hours |
| Queue on arrival | Straight to immigration | Wait at the landing visa counter |
| Best for | Almost everyone | Emergencies and very last-minute trips |
What Is the Difference Between an E-Visa and a Visa on Arrival?
An e-visa is issued online before you travel. You upload your passport and photo, pay the fee, and download a PDF visa that you show at immigration.
A visa on arrival is only collected when you land. First you get an approval letter from a Vietnamese travel agency. Airlines will not let you board without it. When you arrive, you queue at the landing visa desk, hand over the letter, a photo, and cash for the stamping fee, and the visa is glued into your passport.
In short: the e-visa is fully done before you fly. VOA is a two-step process with two sets of fees.
Which Is Better: E-Visa or Visa on Arrival?
The e-visa wins for most people. Here is why:
- Cheaper. You pay only the government fee. With VOA you pay the agency and the stamping fee.
- More entry points. The e-visa works at land borders with Cambodia, Laos and China, and at seaports for cruise passengers. VOA only works at 8 airports.
- No airport queue. VOA counters can take 30 to 90 minutes at busy times.
- Official channel. E-visas come straight from Vietnam’s Immigration Department. VOA letters depend on a private agency, and scams are common.
VOA only makes sense if you must travel within 1 to 2 days and your e-visa won’t be ready in time.
Who Is Eligible for Each Option?
Vietnam E-Visa Eligibility
Since August 15, 2023, Vietnam issues e-visas to citizens of every country and territory. You need:
- A passport valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date
- A recent passport-style photo (4×6 cm, white background, no glasses, looking straight at the camera)
- A scan of your passport photo page
- A debit or credit card for payment
- Your planned entry and exit points
Visa on Arrival Eligibility
VOA is only available if you fly into one of these airports: Hanoi (Noi Bai), Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat), Da Nang, Hai Phong, Nha Trang (Cam Ranh), Phu Quoc, Can Tho, or Lam Dong (Lien Khuong). You must hold an approval letter before boarding.
Do You Even Need a Visa?
Some travelers can skip both. Vietnam gives visa-free entry of up to 45 days to citizens of several countries, including the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Japan, South Korea and the Nordic countries. In 2025 Vietnam added more European countries, including Poland, Czechia, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Belgium. ASEAN citizens also get visa-free stays. US, Canadian, Indian, Nigerian, Ghanaian and Bangladeshi citizens do need a visa.
How to Apply for a Vietnam E-Visa: Step by Step
- Go to the official portal, evisa.gov.vn. Avoid lookalike sites that charge US$80 to US$150.
- Upload your passport photo page and your portrait photo.
- Fill in your personal details, travel dates, entry port and exit port.
- Choose single or multiple entry, then pay US$25 or US$50 by card.
- Save your registration code.
- Check your status after 3 working days.
- Download and print your e-visa. Carry a paper copy and a phone copy.
Tip: Double-check your passport number and date of birth. A single typo can void the e-visa, and fees are non-refundable.
How to Get a Vietnam Visa on Arrival: Step by Step
- Apply for an approval letter with a licensed Vietnamese agency.
- Receive the letter by email in 2 to 5 working days, or within hours for an urgent fee.
- Print it and show it at check-in.
- On landing, go to the “Landing Visa” counter before immigration.
- Hand over your passport, the letter, one photo and the entry form (NA1).
- Pay the stamping fee in cash (US dollars): US$25 single or US$50 multiple entry.
- Collect your passport with the visa sticker, then go through immigration.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using an unofficial website. Only evisa.gov.vn is the government site.
- Wrong entry port. You must enter through the port listed on your e-visa.
- Photo rejected. Glasses, shadows or a smiling face are the top reasons for delays.
- No cash for VOA. Stamping fees are cash only, and ATMs are after immigration.
- Assuming visa-free. Check your nationality first. US and Indian passports do not qualify.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. An e-visa is fully approved online before you travel and works at 80+ entry points. A visa on arrival needs an agency approval letter first, and the visa is stamped at one of 8 airports when you land.
The e-visa is better for most travelers. It is cheaper, official, valid at land borders and seaports, and lets you skip the airport visa queue. Visa on arrival is mainly useful for urgent trips.
Standard processing is about 3 to 5 working days. Apply at least 1 to 2 weeks before your trip to be safe, especially around Tet (Lunar New Year) and other holidays.
Yes, most e-visas are approved within 3 working days. If you need it faster, a visa on arrival approval letter can be issued within hours through an agency, for an extra fee.
The official fee is US$25 for a single-entry e-visa and US$50 for multiple entry, valid for up to 90 days. Agency sites charge more for the same visa.
Yes, but only with a pre-arranged approval letter and only at 8 airports. For US and Canadian citizens, the e-visa is simpler and usually cheaper.
Yes. Indian citizens can apply for the standard Vietnam e-visa on evisa.gov.vn, with the same US$25 or US$50 fee and up to 90 days’ stay.
The e-visa allows stays of up to 90 days, with single or multiple entry. That is the longest tourist visa most travelers can get without sponsorship.
Related Guides
- Vietnam Visa Cost and Processing Time (2026)
- Retire in Asia: Best Countries and Visas
- Digital Nomad Visas Guide
- The World’s Strongest and Weakest Passports in 2026
Sources
- Vietnam National Electronic Visa System: evisa.gov.vn
- Vietnam Immigration Department national portal: evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn
- Vietnam Briefing, “Vietnam E-Visa: A Complete Guide”
This guide is for general information only and is not legal advice. One Visa Center is not a government agency.
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