Vietnam visa on arrival or in advance

Obtain Vietnam visa on arrival at airport and obtain before arrival at embassy. Which is better? Read and have your own answer.

1. Vietnam visa on arrival 

* Advantages: cheap, easy, quick, convenient.

- Cheap: the Vietnam visa fee is always lower than the fee given by the embassies. Read details about the cost on this page

- Easy: No documents required

- Quick: maximum 48 working hours

- Convenient: application, payment and result delivery are all made online

*Disadvantanges: available for air entry only

How to apply?

- Submit Vietnam visa application online

- Pay service fee with your credit card

- Receive visa approval letter via email

- Get visa stamp at arrival airport and pick up your visa

2. Vietnam Embassy

* Advantages: available for all kinds of entry

* Disadvantages: expensive fee, long process (3-5 working days), inconvenient (for those who live far away from the embassy), documents required

How to apply?

Go directly to the embassy in your country and submit the following documents:

- Original passport (the passport must be valid for at least 6 months prior to the date of entry to Vietnam)

- A completed application form accompanied with a passport-sized photo

- A prepaid return envelop if you wish to receive the passport by post

- Visa approval from Vietnam Immigration Department arranged by your sponsor/business partner in Vietnam (for business visa)

- Visa fee (in cash)

Note: Mail application is accepted at several Vietnam embassies.

Answer: 

- Collect visa at arrival airport is perfect for those who travel to Vietnam by air

- Obtain visa at the embassy is advisable for those who enter Vietnam by sea/land.

Related articles:

• Urgent Vietnam visa on arrival for Irish passport holders
• Request urgent Vietnam visa on arrival for Indians in Fiji
• Vietnam visa on arrival vs Vietnam visa at embassy
• Vietnam visa on arrival application form
• How to get Vietnam visa on arrival
• Process to get Vietnam visa on arrival
• Quick Vietnam visa on arrival
• Cost of Vietnam visa on arrival
• Vietnam visa on arrival 2014
• Is Vietnam visa on arrival legitimate?