EVisa vs Visa On Arrival: What Should You Choose?
Today's travelers can apply online in advance for an electronic visa (eVisa) or obtain a Visa on Arrival (VOA) at the point of entry to their destination. Each option has different eligibility requirements, processing times, and application procedures. This article will explain the differences between eVisa and VOA, provide a list of benefits and drawbacks, and close with practical suggestions based on your preferred method of travel.
What Is the Difference Between an eVisa And a Visa On Arrival?
Both eVisas and Visas on Arrival provide legal entry to foreign countries, but they differ significantly in application process, availability, and convenience. The table below will show in detail:
Feature | eVisa | Visa on Arrival |
Take effect in | More recent (February 2017) | Earlier implementation ( Early 2007) |
Eligibility | Available to citizens all around the world | Limited to specific nationalities (typically 80-150 countries); just for air travel |
Visa Validity | Usually single or multiple entries for short periods ( up to 90 days) | Various options, including single and multiple entries (1 month, 3 months, 6 months, or 1 year, depending on the country) |
Purpose of Visit | Tourism, business, and short family visits (short-term) | Tourism, business, family visit, and other purposes |
Application Process | Direct online application through the official government portal | Online application for pre-approval letter + visa stamping upon arrival |
Processing Time | 3-5 working days standard (expedited service sometimes available) | 2 working days for approval letter + processing time at arrival (15-30 minutes) |
Required Documents | Digital passport photo, passport scan, application form | Physical passport, passport photos, completed forms, and approval letter |
Fees | Single payment online (e.g., $25-50 USD) | Two-part payment: approval letter fee + stamping fee upon arrival |
Entry Points | Multiple entry points, including airports, seaports, and land borders (42 entry ports) | Usually limited to international airports only (8 airports) |
Official Website | National e-visa portal (https://evisa.gov.vn/) | No official government website (services through private agencies) |
Best For | Travelers who want to enter through various border types and plan ahead | Air travelers who need flexibility and comprehensive support services |
What Are the Pros and Cons of eVisa and Visa On Arrival?
Pros and Cons of eVisa
Pros
Accessibility and convenience
eVisas eliminate the need for lengthy lines and embassy or consulate visits by enabling tourists to apply fully online, filling out forms, uploading documents, and paying fees from any location.
Certainty of pre-approval
Visa decisions are given to applicants before departure, which eliminates uncertainty at the border and guarantees that you only arrange subsequent travel when entrance is assured.
Savings of time and money
Through digital application processing, eVisas save applicants money on consular visits, expedite the application process, and frequently have lower service fees than regular visas.
Secure digital records
eVisas can not be lost, stolen, or damaged like paper stickers—secure records are kept online, and immigration officials in most countries can verify status instantly electronically.
Less administrative burden
Governments can streamline processing with combined platforms, impose more consular fees where allowed, and reinvest that revenue into system maintenance, benefiting both travelers and host countries.
Cons
Limited supply
Because eligibility lists differ and not all countries offer eVisas, some passengers must apply for traditional visas or visas on arrival.
Delays in processing
Even though many eVisas are issued in a matter of hours, certain nations require several days; delays frequently get worse around holidays or busy times of the year, which could cause disruptions to schedules.
Fees that are not refundable
Generally speaking, eVisa application fees are non-refundable once paid; you forfeit the processing fee even if your visa is denied or you have to cancel your trip.
Pros and cons of Visa On Arrival
Pros
Easy access
Without ever sending your passport to an embassy or consulate, you can complete the entire pre-approval process online, providing essential personal and passport information, and then pick up your visa stamp when you travel.
Emergency and time-saving choice
For last-minute travel arrangements or emergency visits where you cannot wait days for a typical visa, standard VOA acceptance letters can be obtained in as little as two to four hours with an urgent service.
Economic option
Since you just pay an online service fee for the approval letter and an airport stamping fee, VOA typically has cheaper overall prices than embassy visas—no document shipping expenses or in-person service charges.
No mailing passport
Contrary to embassy applications that involve mailing in your original passport, VOA applicants never part with their passports, limiting the chances of loss or postal delays.
Flexible duration and wide eligibility
Depending on your intention, VOA visas can be valid for a maximum of 90 days single or multiple entry and are available to passport holders of over 150 countries arriving in Vietnam by air to any of the eight international airports in Vietnam
Cons
Limited to air travel
Only 8 international airports (such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang) accept VOA; visitors arriving by land border or sea cruise must first obtain a different kind of visa.
Prolonged lines and arrival processing time
You might have to wait 15 to 60 minutes at immigration desks to get your visa stamped after landing (or more during holidays and busy times), which could cause your next trip plans to be delayed.
Variable fees and cash-only payments
The stamping charge must be paid in cash (usually USD) when you arrive; varying agency service fees and exact-change requirements may cause confusion or necessitate more local currency swaps.
Rely on third-party agencies
Since VOA approval letters are issued by Vietnam Immigration Department-accredited travel companies, applicants have no choice but to go through such intermediaries, subjecting them to the risks of overpriced service fees, hidden policy changes, or bogus operators.
Additional paperwork and no guarantee of admission
Along with the letter of approval, you will have to present a printout, passport photos, and a completed arrival card on arrival; additionally, final entry is always subject to the discretion of immigration officials, with no refunds if your VOA is not accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I obtain a visa on arrival in addition to an eVisa?
No. Usually, you would just select one option rather than both. Getting an eVisa ahead of time usually removes the need for a Visa on Arrival if a country offers both alternatives.
What occurs if my application for an eVisa is denied?
You will have to apply for a conventional visa through the embassy or consulate or select another location if your eVisa is denied. Rejection prior to travel avoids denial of admission at the border, unlike Visa on Arrival.
Which choice is more economical? eVisa or visa on arrival?
This differs from nation to nation. eVisas can occasionally cost more than Visas on Arrival due to additional processing expenses. But frequently, the convenience outweighs the additional expense.
Conclusion
When deciding between an eVisa and a visa on arrival, you should consider your unique travel requirements, destination criteria, and personal preferences. While Visas on Arrival offer flexibility, extended validity options, and extensive support services, eVisas offer security, formal processing, and access through various border points.
For visitors looking for a hassle-free visa experience with knowledgeable guidance, SeniWorld provides complete visa services for both eVisa and Visa on Arrival options. Their staff of visa experts can guide you through the intricacies of foreign travel paperwork and make sure you choose the right kind of visa for your trip.