December 21, 2019
vietnam e-visa
Visa On Arrival
Key Differences Between Vietnam eVisa and Visa on Arrival
Travellers willing to visit the beautiful country of Vietnam should already know that they need to procure a visa. If they intend to apply for a visa online, they have two different options – eVisa or electronic visa, and Visa on Arrival. Both these methods allow an applicant to obtain a Vietnam visa online, there are significant differences between the two. Irrespective of the method you follow to apply for a visa, having a valid passport is mandatory. This guide sheds light on Vietnam e-visa vs Visa on Arrival to help you understand the concepts better:
eVisa or Electronic Visa:
As the name suggests, an electronic visa is a digitalised document that grants entry to Vietnam for up to 30 days.
The process of eVisa application is simple and straightforward. All you need to do is to visit the website of a reputable visa agency, fill out the application form, and make an online payment. On the approval of your application, you will receive your eVisa to your email address. Print your eVisa and have a copy. Produce this copy to the immigrant officials for verification at the port of entry in Vietnam.
Pros of Electronic Visa:
- The process of applying for an electronic visa is highly convenient, as it involves working online. An applicant can simply get into the website of an authorised agent and begin the process anytime, anywhere.
- An eVisa allows the traveller to enter Vietnam through 13 international border gates, 7 sea ports, and 8 international airports.
- You could complete an eVisa application online in minutes saving a lot of time. When compared to traveling to an embassy office, you don’t have to wait in long queues for the completion of your application process.
- Vietnam eVisa costs only $25, and it will take only a maximum of three days for your application to be approved.
Cons of Electronic Visa:
- The Vietnam electronic visa is eligible only for citizens from 80 countries. This limited eligibility could be an inconvenience for some travellers.
- Vietnam eVisa allows a visitor to stay in the country only for 30 days.
- On the rejection of your eVisa application, the application fee of $25 would not be refunded.
Visa on Arrival:
Visa on Arrival is another online visa application program that travelers may choose to apply for a Vietnam visa. While an electronic visa is issued directly to the applicant’s email, Visa on Arrival lets the applicant receive their stamped visa at the destined airport in Vietnam. Here’s how to go about it:
- Visit the website of a trusted visa agency, and fill the online application form
- Pay the service fee online, after which your application will be submitted for approval. On the acceptance of your application, you will receive your visa approval letter to your email.
- Print the approval letter and show it at the landing desk at the Vietnam destination airport
- Post successful verification, pay the stamping fee and proceed on to your visa stamping process. You can now use it to enter Vietnam.
Pros of Visa on Arrival:
- Just like electronic visa, Visa on Arrival is highly convenient as one can apply for a Vietnam visa online anytime, anywhere. You don’t have to go to an embassy for this.
- Apply for a specific type of visa depending on your requirement. You can choose between single entry and multiple entries visa, based on your travel plan.
- Choose a visa that grants you a staying period from 1 month to 1 year.
- It usually takes two working days for the processing of the application. Reliable agents provide express processing of 2 hours at an additional fee.
- If your application is denied, the agency will refund your money.
Cons of Visa on Arrival:
- Visa on arrival is only applicable for those who travel by air, and one can access the country only through the 5 international airports in Vietnam.
- You will have to wait in queue at the landing desk for your visa stamping process
Required Information for a Vietnam Visa
- Make sure to enter the right name as per the passport. If you have a full name on the passport, the same should reflect on the form. Avoid any spelling mistakes.
- Mention the date of birth in Vietnam Date format, DD/MM/YY.
- There is a Six-Month Passport Validity Rule to enter into the country.
- Enter the passport number correctly, as mentioned in passport.
- Clearly mention the date of arrival and exit on the application. This is the registered entry and exit dates.
- Two passport-sized photos are required at the Vietnam airports.
- Stamping Fee: Pay a cash of $25 upon arrival for single entry and $50 for multiple entry visa.
Warnings
Visa on Arrival – Sometimes, it may take you up to one hour for the visa stamping process at the Vietnam Airport.
eVisa – A new name among the visa types, of which some airlines or the immigration staff are not even aware, with the chances of refusing entry into the country. Check with your airlines in advance to avoid any confusion.
Clearly, there’s no winner among Vietnam eVisa vs Visa on Arrival, as it is totally down to your preference. If you choose to visit Vietnam just once for a short period of time, apply for an eVisa. On the other hand, if you need to stay in Vietnam for more than a month, or you find it necessary to travel to the country several times, opt for Visa on Arrival.
Anyone can get a Vietnam Visa Approval Letter by following the simple advice on the Vietnam online form. Present this form when boarding the flight and to the immigration officer upon arriving at the airport. Finding help from the most experienced professionals in Visa services, is an easy way to process your Vietnamese visa.