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Vietnam Visa on Arrival vs E-Visa for Australians in 2025: Which Should You Choose?

Confused between Vietnam visa on arrival and e-visa? You’re not alone. Let’s compare the two options side by side so you can make the smartest choice for your 2025 Vietnam trip.

Overview of Visa Types for Australians in 2025

As of 2025, Australian passport holders can choose between two efficient visa types to enter Vietnam: Visa on Arrival (VOA) and E-Visa. Both options are official, secure, and available online, with unique advantages depending on your travel priorities.

VOA allows you to receive your visa at the airport upon arrival, using a pre-approved invitation letter. It’s particularly useful for those needing last-minute arrangements or wanting help at the airport.

E-Visa has recently been expanded. It now allows stays of 30, 60, or 90 days, and comes in both single-entry and multiple-entry formats. This makes it more competitive and suitable for longer, more flexible trips than before.

Both visa types can be conveniently applied for online through the same trusted platform: https://www.vietnamimmigration.com/apply-vietnam-visa/

Pros & Cons: Visa on Arrival vs E-Visa

Visa on Arrival (VOA) provides excellent flexibility, especially for last-minute travel or uncertain travel dates. It accommodates both tourist and business purposes, and offers quick approval letters in urgent cases. However, travelers must wait in line at the VOA counter upon arrival, which can be time-consuming during peak hours.

E-Visa, now improved, is an all-digital solution with greater convenience. You receive your visa via email and go directly to immigration without needing any airport paperwork. It now offers up to 90 days of stay and multiple-entry access — ideal for extended vacations or frequent trips in and out of Vietnam.

The main difference lies in airport processing. VOA may involve additional waiting time, while E-Visa allows faster entry but requires accurate application details, as changes can’t be made after issuance.

Processing Time, Cost, and Entry Points

VOA approval letters can be processed in as little as 2–8 hours for urgent cases, or within 3–5 working days for standard processing. A service fee is paid online, while a stamp fee (cash in USD) is paid on arrival. VOA is only available at major international airports like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, and Da Lat.

E-Visa applications now also go through https://www.vietnamimmigration.com/apply-vietnam-visa/, and are processed in 3–5 working days. Fees are paid online, and there is no stamp fee at the airport. E-Visas are accepted at a wide range of international airports, land borders, and seaports — a much broader network than before.

With both visa types, costs vary depending on urgency and entry duration. E-Visa offers better transparency with fixed pricing, while VOA is more versatile with urgent support.

Which One Is Right for You?

Choose E-Visa if:

  • You plan your trip a few days ahead and don’t want to deal with airport queues
  • You need a visa valid for 30, 60, or 90 days
  • You prefer having a digital visa issued before travel
  • You need either single or multiple entries

Choose VOA if:

  • You’re flying soon and need urgent approval in hours
  • You want hands-on assistance at the airport (e.g., Fast Track Service)
  • You have a more complex itinerary or last-minute schedule
  • You’re entering Vietnam via an airport that supports VOA

Thanks to recent improvements, E-Visas now match VOA in flexibility — but VOA still offers unmatched speed in emergencies.

How to Apply – Step-by-Step Guide

For Both E-Visa and VOA, go to this secure platform: https://www.vietnamimmigration.com/apply-vietnam-visa/

For E-Visa:

  1. Select E-Visa option on the application form
  2. Upload your passport scan and passport-style photo
  3. Choose your visa type (30–90 days, single or multiple entry)
  4. Pay the visa fee online
  5. Receive your E-Visa PDF by email and print it before travel

For Visa on Arrival:

  1. Choose VOA option on the form and fill in your details
  2. Select urgent or standard processing time
  3. Make payment online
  4. Receive your visa approval letter by email
  5. Bring the letter, two passport-sized photos, and USD cash for the stamping fee

Final Recommendation

If you’re traveling in the next few days, or you want someone to assist you upon arrival — Visa on Arrival is still the best option for flexibility and support. If you have a bit more time to prepare, and prefer a fully digital experience with no airport queues — E-Visa is now equally strong and highly recommended for Australian travelers.

Apply online now and get your visa fast and stress-free:
👉 https://www.vietnamimmigration.com/apply-vietnam-visa/

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