Vietnam Tourist Visa vs E-Visa in 2025: Which to Choose?

Key Takeaways

• Vietnam’s e-visa program allows all nationalities stays up to 90 days with single or multiple entries.
• Visa exemptions extended for 12 countries until March 2028; re-entry gap of 30 days removed.
• Visa on arrival limited to organized tours and international airports; e-visa is now the default option.

Vietnam’s approach to tourist entry has changed rapidly in recent years, especially with the expansion of its e-visa program and updates to visa exemptions. As of 2025, these changes have made it easier for many travelers to visit Vietnam, but they also introduce new choices and considerations. This analysis examines the current landscape of Vietnam’s e-visa program, visa exemptions, and the remaining role of the visa on arrival (VOA) system. The goal is to provide clear, evidence-based guidance for travelers, tour operators, and other stakeholders.

Purpose and Scope

This content aims to:

• Clarify the differences between Vietnam’s e-visa program, visa exemptions, and the visa on arrival process as of 2025.
• Present key findings and practical implications for travelers and the tourism industry.
• Analyze trends and patterns in Vietnam’s visa policy development.
• Offer actionable recommendations for choosing the right visa option based on individual needs.

Methodology

This analysis draws on:

• Official government sources (including the Vietnam Immigration Department and e-visa portals)
• Recent policy updates from March 2025 and earlier
• Comparative data between visa types, including eligibility, fees, processing times, and entry points
• Stakeholder perspectives from government statements, travel agencies, and traveler reports
• Historical context to show how Vietnam’s visa policy has evolved

All data and claims are directly sourced from official announcements and reputable immigration news outlets, including analysis from VisaVerge.com.

Key Findings

• Vietnam’s e-visa program now covers all nationalities and allows stays up to 90 days, with both single and multiple entry options.
• Visa exemptions have been extended for citizens of 12 countries until March 2028, with additional exemptions for select European countries.
• The 30-day re-entry gap for visa-exempt travelers has been removed, allowing immediate re-entry.
• Visa on arrival is now limited mainly to travelers on organized tours and is only available at international airports.
• E-visa is now the default and most convenient option for most travelers, with a simple online process and broad eligibility.
• E-visa extensions are currently suspended; travelers must exit and re-enter Vietnam to extend their stay.

Data Presentation and Visual Descriptions

Comparative Table: Vietnam E-Visa vs. Visa on Arrival (2025)

Imagine a side-by-side table with two columns—one for the e-visa and one for the visa on arrival. Each row compares a key feature, making it easy to see the differences at a glance.

Visual Description:
Picture a clean, easy-to-read chart with green highlights for the e-visa’s broad eligibility and convenience, and yellow caution marks for the VOA’s limited use and extra steps.

Detailed Policy Developments and Trends

Expansion of the E-Visa Program

• All nationalities eligible: As of August 2023, and confirmed in 2025, anyone can apply for a Vietnam e-visa.
• Longer stays: The e-visa now allows up to 90 days, with both single and multiple entry options.
• More entry points: E-visa holders can enter through 42 international airports, land borders, and seaports.
• Fully online process: No need for approval letters or in-person visits; everything is handled through the official portal.

Visa Exemptions

• Extended for 12 countries: Citizens of the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and others can enter Vietnam without a visa until March 14, 2028.
• Additional exemptions: Poland, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic have special conditions for visa-free entry.
• No re-entry gap: The previous rule requiring a 30-day wait before re-entering Vietnam visa-free has been removed.

Visa on Arrival (VOA)

• Now a niche option: VOA is mainly for travelers on organized tours arranged by Vietnamese operators.
• Limited to airports: VOA is only available at international airports, not at land or sea borders.
• Requires approval letter: Travelers must get an approval letter from a local tour operator before arrival.

Step-by-Step Procedures

How to Apply for a Vietnam E-Visa (2025)

1. Visit the Official Portal:
   Go to https://evisa.gov.vn or https://thithucdientu.gov.vn.
2. Complete the Application:
   Fill out the online form, upload a passport scan and a recent photo.
3. Pay the Fee:
   $25 for single entry, $50 for multiple entry (non-refundable).
4. Wait for Processing:
   Standard processing takes 3–6 working days. Urgent processing (via agencies) can be as fast as 4 hours, but costs more.
5. Download and Print:
   Once approved, download and print your e-visa.
6. Present on Arrival:
   Show your printed e-visa and passport at your chosen entry point.

Important:
All information on your e-visa must exactly match your passport. Mistakes can lead to denied entry.

How to Apply for a Vietnam Visa on Arrival (2025)

1. Contact a Local Tour Operator:
   VOA is now mainly for those on organized tours.
2. Obtain Approval Letter:
   The tour operator arranges an approval letter from the Vietnam Immigration Department.
3. Travel to Vietnam:
   Bring the approval letter, your passport, passport photos, and cash for the stamping fee.
4. Visa Stamping at Airport:
   Present your documents at the VOA counter, pay the stamping fee ($25 single, $50 multiple entry), and receive your visa.

Comparisons, Trends, and Patterns

Shift Toward Digitalization

Vietnam’s e-visa program shows a clear move toward digital, self-service immigration processes. The government has invested in user-friendly online portals and expanded eligibility to all nationalities. This trend matches global efforts to make travel easier and safer.

Declining Role of Visa on Arrival

VOA was once popular with independent travelers, but its use is now mostly limited to organized tours. This change reflects Vietnam’s focus on streamlining entry and reducing congestion at airports.

Growing List of Visa Exemptions

By extending visa exemptions and removing the re-entry gap, Vietnam is making it easier for citizens of many countries to visit multiple times or stay longer. This is likely to boost tourism and business travel.

Evidence-Based Conclusions

• E-visa is now the main entry method for most travelers to Vietnam, offering speed, convenience, and broad eligibility.
• Visa on arrival is now a backup option for those on organized tours or with urgent travel needs.
• Visa exemptions provide the simplest entry for eligible nationalities, with no paperwork or fees required.
• Travelers must be careful with e-visa applications: Any errors can result in denied entry, and extensions are not currently possible.
• Vietnam’s visa policy is likely to keep evolving, with further digital improvements and possible expansion of visa-free travel.

Limitations

• E-visa extensions are suspended: Travelers needing to stay longer than 90 days must leave and re-enter Vietnam.
• VOA is not available for independent travelers: Only those on organized tours can use this option.
• Policy changes can happen quickly: Travelers should always check the latest information before booking.
• Some travelers may face technical issues with the online application; official support is available but can be slow.

Stakeholder Perspectives

Vietnamese Government

Vietnam’s government has made clear its goal to attract more tourists and investors by making entry easier. The expansion of the e-visa program and visa exemptions is part of a broader strategy to boost economic growth.

Travel Agencies

Travel agencies still offer VOA services but now recommend the e-visa for most travelers. They highlight the e-visa’s convenience, speed, and lower cost.

Foreign Embassies

Embassies, including the US State Department, advise travelers to double-check their e-visa details and warn that overstaying can result in fines or deportation. They also remind travelers that e-visa extensions are not possible at this time.

Travelers

Most travelers report positive experiences with the e-visa, describing it as fast and easy. However, some warn that even small mistakes on the application can cause problems at the border.

Historical Context

• Before 2023: E-visa was limited to 80 countries and only allowed 30-day single entry.
• August 2023: E-visa expanded to all nationalities, up to 90 days, with multiple entries allowed.
• 2024–2025: More countries added to the visa-free list, the re-entry gap removed, and new official e-visa portals launched.

Future Outlook

• Further expansion possible: Vietnamese authorities continue to review visa policies to attract more visitors.
• Potential for e-visa extensions: While currently suspended, extensions may return as tourism recovers.
• Continued digital improvements: Expect faster processing times and more user-friendly online systems.

Official Resources

For the most up-to-date information, always use the official government portals:

• Vietnam E-Visa Portal
• Vietnam Immigration Department

For complex cases or organized tours, contact your nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate.

Practical Guidance: Which Option Is Right for You in 2025?

Choose the E-Visa if:

• You are traveling independently for tourism, business, or family visits.
• You want a simple, online process with no airport queues.
• You need up to 90 days in Vietnam, with single or multiple entries.
• You plan to enter via any of Vietnam’s 42 international checkpoints.

Choose Visa on Arrival if:

• You are part of an organized tour arranged by a Vietnamese operator.
• You have last-minute travel needs and cannot wait for e-visa processing.
• You are entering Vietnam by air and your tour operator arranges the approval letter.

If you are from a visa-exempt country:

• Check the latest exemption list and allowed stay duration; you may not need a visa at all.

Actionable Takeaways

• Use the official e-visa portal for the fastest and most reliable visa application process.
• Double-check all application details to avoid problems at the border.
• Stay updated on policy changes by checking official government sources before your trip.
• If you need to stay longer than 90 days, plan for a visa run, as extensions are not available.
• If you are eligible for visa exemption, enjoy visa-free entry but confirm the allowed stay and any special conditions.

Final Recommendation

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the Vietnam e-visa program is now the best choice for most travelers in 2025. It offers a fast, flexible, and cost-effective way to visit Vietnam, whether for tourism, business, or family reasons. Always use the official government portals, pay attention to detail in your application, and check for the latest updates before you travel. For more information, visit the Vietnam E-Visa Portal.

By understanding these options and recent changes, travelers can make informed decisions and enjoy a smooth entry into Vietnam.

Learn Today

E-visa → An electronic visa allowing online application without physical visits or approval letters, valid for up to 90 days in Vietnam.
Visa Exemption → Permission for citizens of specific countries to enter Vietnam without a visa for a set period.
Visa on Arrival (VOA) → A visa obtained upon entering Vietnam, requiring prior approval letters and limited mainly to organized tours.
Approval Letter → An official document from Vietnam Immigration needed before arrival for visa on arrival applications.
Re-entry Gap → The mandatory wait period previously required before visa-exempt travelers could re-enter Vietnam; now removed.

This Article in a Nutshell

Vietnam’s 2025 visa updates simplify travel with expanded e-visa eligibility and extended visa exemptions. Visa on arrival now suits only organized tours. Travelers should choose e-visa for convenience and broad access at 42 entry points across airports, land, and sea borders to ensure smooth entry experience.
— By VisaVerge.com