What is the difference between Vietnam visa on arrival and Vietnam E-Visa?

Before travelling to Vietnam, you are searching information about Vietnam, include visa with some questions in your mind, such as What is an E-Visa? What is the difference between a visa on arrival and an E-Visa? Which one is better? How do you know which one you need? You are possibly trying to know that Evisa or visa on arrival is best for you. We would like to explain the difference between the two and show the pros and cons of each one.

At the present, Evisa or visa on arrival is option for visitors who wish to arrive Vietnam. In order to apply either one you are required to have more than 6 months valid passport. Please sure that citizens of most countries need to have a visa to visit Vietnam and should have one before boarding the plane. 

Pros and Cons of the Vietnam E-Visa

One of the main advantages of the Vietnam E-Visa is that you can attach your passport and fill an online form with all of your personal and travel details. The Vietnam E-Visa application should be done online. Therefore, having Internet connection with a tablet, mobile or computer is need.

If you finish the online E-Visa form for Vietnam, it includes stamp fee that you do not need to pay when arrival at the airport. Most applications are processed from one to two working days.

Once approved, the E-Visa will have a 30-day validity to travel within the country. You will be able to use the electronic visa to arrive Vietnam through 28 different ports of entry.

Nevertheless, some of the disadvantages of an E-Visa for Vietnam are that only 81 countries are adequate to get it. An online visa is non-extendable and it is a single entry visa. Travelers should also consider that if the application is negated, they cannot get a compensation from the government of Vietnam. 

To apply for an E-Visa for Vietnam you need:

A digital passport photo, in which you are strongly advised not to wear glasses, scarves, hat, etc. Addition, both ears must be shown. Review all the eVisa photo requirements here.

A digital scan of the passport photo page. It can be in color or black and white but the info should be readable.

A credit or debit card to pay for the visa service fee. 

When filling the Vietnam E-Visa form you should provide exactly your port of entry and your exit point, especial when you choose road or ship port. Your passport should have a minimum validity of six months from the expected date of arrival in Vietnam and must have two blank pages at least.

When E-Visa is approved, you should print a copy to show at the airport. With your electronic visa you can pass over the visa on arrival line and head straight to border control where the immigration officers will stamp your passport. 

Advantages and Drawbacks of the Visa-on-Arrival

The visa on arrival has certain advantages worth considering. It is serviceable to all travelers landing by air and there are types of duration available. Travelers can select a 30-day stay or a 60-day stay. American citizens can apply for a one-year stay visa upon arrival in Vietnam. The processing time takes two working days and the visa can be extended.

On the other hand, there are some drawbacks about the Vietnam visa on arrival. The total price of this type of visa is not the same. Moreover, it is available only at six Vietnam international airports. The visa-on-arrival needs more paperwork than the electronic visa.

To acquire this visa, you demand to have a digital passport photo, with the same requirements as those for the E-Visa. You as well need a debit or credit card to pay for the visa service fee.

There are a few things you need to notice before you apply for a visa on arrival. You will necessity to print your Approval Letter and prepare already two photos of yourself. Upon arrival you should exhibit the Approval Letter and the photos at the immigration office located at the airport earlier getting in the regular immigration line.

You will need to have $25 (single entry) or $50 ( multiple entries) in cash to pay an additional “stamping fee” at the airport, as well as the fee of the visa. You can use USD, Euro or Vietnamese Dong.  ATMS are outside the Customs area, so you will not be able to take out money to pay for the fee.

If you need to obtain the visa-on-arrival, you still essential to finish an online form with your private unit and passport information and pay a fee for service by a debit or credit card.

The E-Visa speeds up the action of pick up a visa and makes approach in Vietnam a better experience. Before applying, please check that you suitable the E-Visa requirements.