Differences Between Visa on Arrival and E-Visa for Vietnam.

When planning a trip to Vietnam, understanding the differences between a Visa on Arrival (VOA) and an E-Visa can help you choose the most suitable option for your travel needs. Here are the key distinctions between the two visa types:

1. Application Process

Visa on Arrival (VOA):

• Online Pre-Approval: Apply online for a visa approval letter through services like vietnamvisaonline.org.
• Approval Letter: Receive the approval letter via email within a few business days.
• Arrival Procedures: Present the approval letter, passport, photos, and pay the stamping fee at the Visa on Arrival counter upon arriving at a Vietnamese international airport.

E-Visa:

• Direct Online Application: Apply directly on the official Vietnam E-Visa website (Vietnam Immigration Portal).
• Approval: Receive the e-visa via email, typically within 5 business days. Expedited services are available and required to submitting one day before.
• Entry: Print the e-visa and present it with your passport upon arrival at any of the designated entry points (airports, land borders, and seaports).

2. Eligible Entry Points

Visa on Arrival (VOA):

• Airports Only: Valid only for entry through Vietnam’s international airports (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Nha Trang).

E-Visa:

• Multiple Entry Points: Can be used at various entry points, including international airports, land border crossings, and seaports. This provides more flexibility for travelers entering Vietnam by different modes of transportation.

3. Visa Validity and Types

Visa on Arrival (VOA):

• Types Available: Offers various types of visas, including single-entry and multiple-entry visas with validity ranging from 1 month to 1 year.
• Flexibility: Suitable for both short and long-term stays, including business and tourism.

E-Visa:

• Single, multiple-Entries: Valid for multiple entry with a maximum stay of 90 days.
• Limited Duration: Best suited for short-term visits, such as tourism, business trips, or family visits.

4. Processing Time and Fees

Visa on Arrival (VOA):

• Processing Time: Typically takes 5 business days for the approval letter, but expedited services are available.
• Fees: Includes a service fee for the approval letter and a stamping fee paid in cash upon arrival.

E-Visa:

• Processing Time: Generally processed within 5 business days, expedited services are available and required to submitting one day before.
• Fees: A single online payment covering the application fee; no additional stamping fee upon arrival.

5. Document Requirements

Visa on Arrival (VOA):

• Documents Needed on Arrival: Visa approval letter, passport, two passport-sized photos, completed entry and exit form, and cash for the stamping fee.

E-Visa:

• Documents Needed: Printed e-visa and passport upon arrival.

6. Convenience

Visa on Arrival (VOA):

• Advantages: It may not be suitable for all travelers needing longer stay durations or multiple entries.
• Disadvantages: Requires additional steps at the airport, such as obtaining the visa stamp and paying the stamping fee.

E-Visa:

• Advantages: Entire process is completed online with no need to queue for a visa stamp upon arrival.
• Disadvantages: Limited to a 30–90 days single entry, multiple entries, which suitable for all travelers.

Summary

Visa on Arrival (VOA)

• Ideal for: Longer stays, multiple entries, business trips.
• Entry points: Only international airports.
• Process: Online application for approval letter, additional steps on arrival.
• Flexibility: More types and durations of visas available.

E-Visa

• Ideal for: Short-term stays (up to 30–90 days), single entry, multiple entries
• Entry points: Airports, land borders, and seaports.
• Process: Entirely online with no need for additional steps on arrival.
• Convenience: Simplified process for quick trips.

By understanding these differences, you can choose the visa type that best fits your travel plans to Vietnam.

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