If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, you might be wondering whether the traditional Visa on Arrival (VOA) is still an option in 2025. While the traditional Visa on Arrival (VOA) process still exists, it has largely been replaced by the simpler and more affordable Vietnam E-Visa system.
As of 2025, the Vietnam Immigration Department issues e-Visas to most travelers, allowing stays of up to 90 days with single or multiple entries — all processed online, without the need for pre-approval letters or on-arrival stamping.
In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know about Vietnam Visa. Is a Vietnam Visa on Arrival Still Available in 2025? and why most people choose e-Visas more than VOA. Let’s take a look here!
What Is a Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA)?
A Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA) is a type of visa that travelers can obtain upon entering the country at certain international airports. To use this option, travelers must first secure an approval letter from a licensed travel agency or service before departure. Once they arrive in Vietnam, they present the approval letter and necessary documents at the airport immigration counter to receive their visa.
Can Americans get a visa on arrival in Vietnam?
Yes, U.S. citizens can still use the Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA), but it is now mostly limited to urgent cases or special business trips. For most travelers, the Vietnam E-Visa is the preferred option, as it is faster, fully digital, and accepted at all 39 entry points, eliminating the need for airport stamping or pre-approval letters.
What is the difference between E-visa and Visa on arrival in Vietnam?
The main differences between Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA) and the E-Visa lie in application method, convenience, and entry points.
Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA):
- Requires an approval letter from a travel agency before departure.
- Visa is stamped at the airport upon arrival.
- Can involve queues and extra fees at the airport.
- Mostly limited to air arrivals only.
Vietnam E-Visa:
- Applied fully online and approved electronically.
No need for airport stamping; entry is smooth and hassle-free. - Accepted at 39 official checkpoints, including airports, land borders, and seaports.
- Faster, simpler, and more convenient for most travelers.
Why the Visa on Arrival (VOA) Was Phased Out
Regular tourists are generally advised to apply for a Vietnam E-Visa, as the Visa on Arrival (VOA) is now reserved for special or urgent cases.
These limited cases typically include:
- Last-minute travel where there isn’t enough time to obtain an E-Visa.
- Special business trips or official visits that require immediate entry.
- Situations where entry via certain airports mandates VOA due to specific agreements or exceptions.
For most travelers, the e-Visa remains the faster, safer, and simpler option. Accordingly, if you want to avoid waiting at the airport or entering Vietnam by land, the E-Visa is the fastest and most convenient way to get your visa.
Vietnam Visa on Arrival Stamping Fees:
- Single-Entry visa: $25 USD
- Multiple-Entry visa (up to 3 months): $50 USD
- Multiple-Entry visa (3–6 months): $95 USD
- Multiple-Entry visa (6 months to 1 year): $135 USD
The Recommended Alternative: Vietnam E-Visa
Since August 2023, the Vietnam E-Visa has been available to all nationalities, making it the most accessible and official visa option for travelers. It combines speed, convenience, and reliability without any in-person visits or airport hassles.
Here’s why most travelers now prefer the E-Visa over the traditional Visa on Arrival (VOA):
- Apply Anywhere, Anytime – Complete your application online from anywhere and receive approval by email. No queues, no waiting at the airport.
- Open to All Nationalities – Citizens from every country and territory can now apply.
- Flexible Entry Points – Enter Vietnam through 39 official checkpoints, including airports, land borders, and seaports, unlike VOA which is limited to air arrivals.
- Simpler Process – No airport stamping, no passport photo submission, and no extra fees at arrival. Everything is handled online.
- Fully Digital & Secure – Approved e-Visas are sent as a PDF via email, ready to print or show on your phone.
Tip: Not sure which visa is right for you? Contact our team. We’ll review your travel plans and guide you, whether you need a fast VOA or a standard E-Visa.
For over a decade, the Vietnam Visa on Arrival welcomed millions of travelers. However, as of 2025, it is mostly reserved for urgent cases or special business trips. For the majority of travelers, the Vietnam E-Visa is now the fastest, most reliable, and convenient way to enter the country. Fully digital, valid for up to 30 days, and accepted at all 39 entry points nationwide, it eliminates the hassle of airport stamping.
To make your visa application smooth, secure, and hassle-free, apply directly through evisavietnamurgent.com . Our experienced team will guide you through every step, so you can focus on what really matters: enjoying your trip to Vietnam.
