This article explains the differences between visa on arrival and eVisa at Vietnam airports, helping you select the most suitable option for your trip.
When preparing to enter Vietnam by air, many travelers are unsure whether to choose visa on arrival or eVisa. These are the two most common visa options, but they differ significantly in procedures, processing time at the airport, and overall convenience.
This article explains the differences between visa on arrival and eVisa at Vietnam airports, helping you select the most suitable option for your trip.
What is Visa on Arrival
Visa on arrival is a visa issued based on a pre approval letter obtained before your flight. After landing in Vietnam, travelers present this letter to receive a visa stamp directly at the international airport.
This visa type is only available for travelers entering Vietnam by air and cannot be used at land or sea border crossings.
Visa on arrival is often chosen when travelers need a visa urgently or do not have enough time to apply for an eVisa.
What is an eVisa
An eVisa is an electronic visa issued online by the Vietnam Immigration Department. Travelers submit their application online, receive the eVisa by email, and use the eVisa directly for entry, without any additional visa procedures at the airport.
Currently, Vietnam eVisa is available to citizens of many countries and can be used at most major international airports.
Differences in airport procedures
Visa on arrival procedure at the airport
At international airports such as Tan Son Nhat International Airport, travelers using visa on arrival must complete an extra step before immigration.
The process usually includes:
Going to the visa on arrival counter
Submitting the approval letter, photos, and visa fee
Waiting for the visa to be stamped into the passport
Then proceeding to immigration
During peak hours, waiting time at the visa on arrival counter can be long and tiring after a long flight.
eVisa procedure at the airport
With an eVisa, travelers do not need to visit the visa counter at the airport. The process is simpler:
Present passport and printed eVisa
Queue directly at the immigration counters
Receive an entry stamp if all information is valid
By skipping the visa stamping step, eVisa saves a significant amount of time on arrival.
Comparing visa on arrival and eVisa
Convenience
eVisa is more convenient as it does not require additional procedures at the airport. Visa on arrival involves extra waiting time.
Processing time
Visa on arrival often takes longer, especially during busy hours. eVisa allows travelers to proceed straight to immigration.
Required documents
Visa on arrival requires an approval letter, passport photos, and cash payment.
eVisa only requires a passport and a printed eVisa.
Flexibility
Visa on arrival is suitable for urgent cases. eVisa is ideal for travelers who can plan ahead.
Which option should you choose
From a practical airport experience perspective, eVisa is the best choice if you:
Have a planned travel schedule
Want to save time on arrival
Prefer to avoid extra waiting at the airport
Visa on arrival may be more suitable if you:
Need a visa urgently
Do not have time to apply for an eVisa
Require a visa type not available through eVisa
Choosing the right visa type can make your arrival in Vietnam smoother and less stressful.
A recommended solution to apply for Vietnam eVisa
Although eVisa is more convenient, many travelers still face issues when applying on their own, such as incorrect information, missing documents, or difficulty tracking application status.
To avoid these problems, you can apply for Vietnam eVisa through a professional support service at: Trust Vietnam visa
This service helps you:
Complete the eVisa application correctly
Review information before submission to reduce errors
Save processing time
Suitable for tourists, business travelers, and first time visitors to Vietnam
Having a properly approved eVisa before departure allows you to go directly to immigration, reducing waiting time at the airport, especially during peak hours.
Important notes for entering Vietnam
Whether you use visa on arrival or eVisa, travelers should:
Print visa documents before the flight
Double check personal information on the visa
Ensure passport validity meets requirements
Arrive early if traveling during peak hours
Good preparation helps minimize risks and unnecessary delays.
The main difference between visa on arrival and eVisa at Vietnam airports lies in airport procedures and convenience. eVisa offers a faster and simpler entry process, while visa on arrival provides flexibility for urgent situations.
Understanding these differences will help you choose the right visa option, save time, and enjoy a smoother arrival experience in Vietnam.
