Vietnam Visa E-visa or visa on arrival?
| E-visa | Visa on arrival (approval letter) | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | Almost every nationality | Nationalities I handle by approval letter, special cases |
| Arrange before you fly? | Yes, online | Yes, the approval letter |
| At the airport | Go straight to immigration | Queue at the landing visa counter, pay a $25 stamping fee in cash (single entry) |
| Entry points | International airports, land and sea ports | International airports only |
Which one do I need?
- Most passports (US, UK long stays, Australia, Canada, India, Israel and more): get the e-visa. It's simpler and you skip the visa counter.
- Most African nationalities, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Bangladesh and a few others: I arrange a visa approval letter instead. You need travel history to, or a visa from, the US, UK, Canada, Australia or an EU/Schengen country.
- Visa-free passports staying up to 45 days don't need either. Check by nationality.
Flying today?
Don't board hoping to get a visa on landing. Urgent e-visas are ready in 1 hour on weekdays or by 18:00 at weekends. See urgent options, or message me on WhatsApp with your flight time.
FAQ
Can I get a visa on arrival in Vietnam without applying first?
No. You need either an approved e-visa or an approval letter arranged before you fly. Airlines may refuse to board you without one.
Is the Vietnam e-visa the same as visa on arrival?
No. The e-visa is issued online before you travel and you go straight to immigration. Visa on arrival needs an approval letter and a stop at the landing visa counter.
Who still uses visa on arrival in Vietnam?
Mainly travellers whose nationality is handled by approval letter. For most nationalities the e-visa is easier.
How much is visa on arrival in Vietnam?
You pay for the approval letter in advance, plus a $25 stamping fee in cash (US dollars) at the airport for a single-entry visa. Message Paul on WhatsApp for the approval letter price for your nationality.
Related: Visa by nationality · Apply online · Urgent e-visa