Vietnam Visa on Arrival vs Online E-Visa: Costs and Requirements Compared

Key Takeaways

• The Online E-Visa is Vietnam’s main visa option for independent travelers as of June 2025.
• Visa on Arrival restricted to organized tour air travelers and 8 airports only.
• E-Visa costs $25-$50, non-refundable; VOA has separate refundable service and stamping fees.

Vietnam’s visa system has changed rapidly in recent years, especially as the country works to attract more tourists and business travelers under its 2025 tourism stimulus program. As of June 2025, two main visa options are available for most international visitors: the Vietnam Visa on Arrival and the Online E-Visa. Both options are managed by the Vietnam Immigration Department, but they differ in important ways, including who can use them, how much they cost, how long they take to process, and the steps travelers must follow.

This analysis provides a detailed, objective comparison of the Vietnam Visa on Arrival and the Online E-Visa. The goal is to help travelers, tour operators, and business visitors clearly understand the differences, benefits, and limits of each visa type. The analysis uses the latest government regulations, official fee schedules, and real-world process descriptions to present a complete picture. By reviewing the key findings, data, and recent changes, readers can decide which visa option best fits their travel plans in 2025.

Purpose and Scope

The purpose of this analysis is to compare the Vietnam Visa on Arrival and the Online E-Visa across several important factors:

• Eligibility and who can apply
• Validity period and entry points
• Cost and fee structure
• Application process and processing time
• Practical advantages and disadvantages
• Recent policy changes and trends

This comparison is based on official government sources, recent policy updates, and the latest information available as of June 2025. The analysis is designed for travelers, travel agents, and anyone interested in Vietnam’s visa policies, especially in the context of the 2025 tourism stimulus program.

Methodology

To ensure accuracy and objectivity, this analysis uses the following approach:

• Official government documents: All facts, fees, and eligibility rules are taken from the Vietnam Immigration Department’s official publications and website.
• Recent policy updates: The analysis includes changes from Resolution No. 11/NQ-CP (January 15, 2025) and other government announcements.
• Direct process descriptions: Each visa’s application steps are described using information from the official Vietnam E-Visa Portal.
• Comparative tables and visual descriptions: Data is presented in clear, easy-to-read formats to help readers quickly spot differences.
• Objective language: The analysis avoids bias and presents both benefits and limitations of each visa type.
• Integration of keywords: The terms Vietnam Visa on Arrival, Online E-Visa, and 2025 tourism stimulus program are used naturally throughout the text.

Key Findings

• The Online E-Visa is now the main option for most independent travelers to Vietnam in 2025. The Vietnam Visa on Arrival is now limited to travelers on organized tours arranged by local tour operators, a major change from previous years.
• E-Visas are available to citizens of all countries and can be used for tourism, business, investment, and family visits. Visa on Arrival is only for air travelers and mainly for those on group tours.
• E-Visas can be used at 42 international checkpoints (airports, seaports, and land borders), while Visa on Arrival is limited to 8 international airports.
• E-Visa fees are paid directly to the government and are non-refundable. Visa on Arrival involves a two-part fee: a service fee (paid online for the approval letter) and a stamping fee (paid at the airport), with the service fee refundable if the application is denied.
• Processing times are similar, but E-Visas avoid airport queues and can be used for land and sea entry. Visa on Arrival may offer slightly faster approval letters but requires waiting at the airport for stamping.
• Recent policy changes under the 2025 tourism stimulus program have expanded visa exemptions for some countries and removed the 30-day gap rule for visa-exempt travelers.

Data Presentation and Visual Descriptions

1. Eligibility and Issuing Authority

Vietnam Visa on Arrival
– Who can apply: Only travelers arriving by air, and mainly those on organized tours with local operators.
– Issuing authority: Vietnam Immigration Department (approval letter via third-party agent, visa stamped at airport).
– Key restriction: Not available for independent travelers or those entering by land or sea.

Online E-Visa
– Who can apply: Citizens of all countries and territories worldwide.
– Issuing authority: Vietnam Immigration Department (direct application through government portal).
– Key advantage: Open to all travelers, including those traveling independently.

Visual description: Imagine two doors at an airport. One door (Visa on Arrival) is now marked “Tour Groups Only,” while the other (E-Visa) is open to everyone, including solo travelers, business visitors, and families.

2. Validity and Entry Points

Online E-Visa
– Tourist E-Visa: Up to 30 days, single or multiple entry.
– Business E-Visa: Up to 90 days, single or multiple entry.
– Entry points: 42 international checkpoints, including airports, seaports, and land border crossings.

Vietnam Visa on Arrival
– Validity: Up to 90 days, depending on the purpose of visit.
– Entry points: Only 8 international airports (Hanoi, Hai Phong, Da Nang, Khanh Hoa, Da Lat, Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, Phu Quoc).

Visual description: Picture a map of Vietnam with many green dots (E-Visa entry points) scattered across the country, while only 8 red dots (Visa on Arrival airports) are available for VOA users.

3. Cost and Fee Structure

Online E-Visa
– Single-entry: $25 (government fee)
– Multiple-entry: $50 (government fee)
– Non-refundable: If the application is refused, the fee is not returned.
– Third-party fees: May apply if using an agent, but not required.

Vietnam Visa on Arrival
– Service fee: Paid online to a third-party agent for the approval letter (varies by provider).
– Stamping fee: $25 (single-entry), $50 (multiple-entry), paid in cash at the airport.
– Refund policy: Service fee is refundable if the application is denied; stamping fee is only paid if the visa is issued.

Visual description: Think of the E-Visa as a one-time online payment, while Visa on Arrival is a two-step payment: one online, one at the airport.

4. Application Process and Processing Time

Online E-Visa Application Steps:
1. Go to the official government portal.
2. Fill out the online application form.
3. Upload a passport photo and a scan of the passport data page.
4. Pay the non-refundable fee.
5. Wait for approval (3-6 working days standard; emergency processing available for extra fee).
6. Download and print the E-Visa.

Vietnam Visa on Arrival Application Steps:
1. Apply online through a third-party agent for an approval letter.
2. Receive the approval letter by email (2-3 working days standard; faster options available).
3. Prepare visa photos and the stamping fee.
4. Complete the visa form upon arrival.
5. Submit documents at the visa counter at the airport.
6. Wait for visa stamping.

Visual description: The E-Visa process is like booking a flight online and printing your ticket at home. The Visa on Arrival process is like getting a boarding pass at the airport after waiting in line.

5. Practical Advantages and Disadvantages

Online E-Visa Advantages
– No need to wait in line at the airport for visa stamping.
– Can enter Vietnam by air, land, or sea.
– Direct government application, no need for third-party agents.
– Suitable for independent travelers and families.
– Digital process is simple and clear.

Vietnam Visa on Arrival Advantages
– Approval letter can be processed quickly (sometimes in 24-48 hours).
– Service fee is refundable if denied.
– Historically useful for last-minute travelers.

Key Disadvantages
– E-Visa: Fee is non-refundable, and standard processing may take up to 6 working days.
– Visa on Arrival: Only for air arrivals, now mainly for organized tours, and requires waiting at the airport for stamping.

6. Recent Policy Changes and Trends

• Visa on Arrival is now restricted to travelers on organized tours. This is a major shift from previous years, when VOA was open to most air travelers.
• E-Visa is now available to citizens of all countries and for more purposes (tourism, business, investment, family visits).
• Visa exemptions have been extended for citizens of 12 countries until March 14, 2028, and new exemptions added for Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland under the 2025 tourism stimulus program.
• The 30-day gap rule for visa-exempt travelers has been removed, allowing more flexible travel for citizens from visa-exempt countries.
• Emergency E-Visa processing is now officially available, with options for 4-8 working hours or 1-2 working days at higher fees.

Comparisons, Trends, and Patterns

Comparison Table: Vietnam Visa on Arrival vs Online E-Visa (2025)

Trends and Patterns:
– Shift to digital: Vietnam is moving toward a digital, self-service visa system, making the Online E-Visa the main option for most travelers.
– Tourism stimulus: The 2025 tourism stimulus program is expanding visa exemptions and making travel easier for citizens of certain countries.
– Fewer last-minute options: With VOA restricted to tour groups, independent travelers must plan ahead and apply for an E-Visa.

Evidence-Based Conclusions

• The Online E-Visa is now the most practical and widely available visa option for most travelers to Vietnam in 2025. It is open to all nationalities, can be used for many purposes, and allows entry by air, land, or sea.
• The Vietnam Visa on Arrival is now a niche option, mainly for travelers on organized tours arriving by air. This change limits its usefulness for independent travelers and those entering by land or sea.
• Costs are similar for both options, but the E-Visa offers a simpler, more predictable process with fewer steps and less waiting at the airport.
• Recent policy changes under the 2025 tourism stimulus program have made travel to Vietnam easier for many, especially citizens of newly exempt countries.
• Travelers should use the official Vietnam E-Visa Portal to apply directly and avoid unnecessary third-party fees.

Limitations

• Policy changes may occur: Vietnam’s visa policies can change quickly. Travelers should always check the latest information on the official government website before applying.
• Processing times can vary: While standard times are given, delays may occur during busy travel seasons or due to incomplete applications.
• Third-party agents: Some travelers may still use agents for convenience, but this is not required for the E-Visa and may add extra costs.
• Not all travelers are eligible for visa exemptions: The expanded exemptions under the 2025 tourism stimulus program apply only to certain nationalities.

Actionable Takeaways

• Independent travelers should apply for the Online E-Visa through the official government portal for the fastest, most reliable process.
• Travelers on organized tours arriving by air can still use the Vietnam Visa on Arrival, but must coordinate with their tour operator.
• Check if your country is eligible for visa exemption under the 2025 tourism stimulus program to save time and money.
• Plan ahead: Apply for your E-Visa at least one week before your trip to avoid last-minute problems.
• For urgent travel, use the emergency E-Visa processing option, but expect to pay higher fees.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, these changes reflect Vietnam’s commitment to making travel easier and more attractive for visitors, while also ensuring security and proper management of arrivals. For the most up-to-date information, always refer to the official Vietnam Immigration Department website.

By understanding the differences between the Vietnam Visa on Arrival and the Online E-Visa, travelers can choose the best option for their needs and enjoy a smoother entry into Vietnam in 2025.

Learn Today

Vietnam Visa on Arrival → A visa stamped at certain airports for air travelers, now limited to organized tours only.
Online E-Visa → A digital visa issued through Vietnam’s immigration portal, allowing entry via various checkpoints.
2025 tourism stimulus program → Vietnam’s government initiative to boost tourism with visa policy reforms and fee adjustments.
Stamping fee → The cash fee paid at the airport to get a physical visa stamped on arrival.
Approval letter → An official pre-authorization document sent to applicants before getting a visa on arrival.

This Article in a Nutshell

Vietnam’s 2025 visa changes favor the Online E-Visa for all nationalities, enabling entry at 42 checkpoints. Visa on Arrival is now limited to tour groups arriving by air. The shift supports the tourism stimulus program, simplifies applications, and offers cost-effective options for diverse travelers.
— By VisaVerge.com