Vietnam E-Visa vs. Visa on Arrival for Australians – Which is Better in 2025?
When planning a trip to Vietnam in 2025, Australian travelers have two main visa options: Vietnam E-Visa and Visa on Arrival (VOA). Both allow legal entry, but they differ in cost, convenience, and processing time — especially if you need an urgent visa in 1 hour, 2 hours, or 5 hours. This article breaks down everything you need to know to choose the best option.
What is a Vietnam E-Visa?
The Vietnam e-visa is an online visa issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department.
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Application: 100% online via government portals or authorized agents.
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Validity: Single-entry, valid for up to 90 days (depending on the latest policy).
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Ports of entry: 42 international checkpoints (airports, seaports, land borders).
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Processing time: Standard 3–5 working days; urgent service available (1h/2h/5h).
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Fee: Government fee is fixed at 25 USD, plus service fee if applying through an agent.
Advantages of E-Visa for Australians:
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No need to queue at airports.
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Get your visa before departure.
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Works at multiple entry points (not just airports).
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Clear, simple process — no paperwork upon arrival.
What is a Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA)?
The Visa on Arrival (VOA) is processed after you land at a Vietnam international airport.
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Application: You apply for a pre-approval letter online, then collect your visa at a VOA counter.
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Validity: Usually single-entry or multiple-entry for 1–3 months.
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Ports of entry: Only valid at international airports (not land or sea).
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Processing time: Pre-approval letter usually 2–5 days, but can be expedited in 1h/2h/5h.
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Fee: You pay both the letter service fee and a stamping fee (25–50 USD) upon arrival.
Advantages of VOA for Australians:
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Good for last-minute travel.
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Flexible for longer stays or multiple-entry options.
Vietnam E-Visa vs. VOA — Key Differences
| Feature | E-Visa | Visa on Arrival (VOA) |
|---|---|---|
| Application | Fully online | Online pre-approval + airport stamping |
| Pickup | Before departure | At airport in Vietnam |
| Ports of Entry | Airports, land, sea | Airports only |
| Urgent Processing | 1h – 5h available | 1h – 5h available |
| Fees for Urgent Cases | 1h: 195 USD 2h: 165 USD 5h: 135 USD | 1h: 195 USD 2h: 165 USD 5h: 135 USD (plus stamping fee) |
| Paperwork at Airport | None | Queue for visa stamping |
In short: If you prefer less hassle, the e-visa is better. If you need multiple entries or arrive only via airport, VOA works fine — but expect extra steps.
When Should Australians Choose an E-Visa?
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You want to save time at the airport — no queues at VOA counters.
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You enter via land or sea — e-visa is accepted at many checkpoints, VOA is not.
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You prefer to have your visa ready before leaving Australia.
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Your trip is planned in advance — standard processing (3–5 days) is usually enough.
When Should Australians Choose a Visa on Arrival?
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You booked a flight last-minute and need an urgent visa within hours.
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You need multiple-entry visas for frequent trips.
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You don’t mind waiting at the airport to pick up your visa.
How Urgent Processing Works (1h/2h/5h)
Both e-visa and VOA services can be expedited through authorized agencies:
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1 Hour Visa: 195 USD
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2 Hour Visa: 165 USD
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5 Hour Visa: 135 USD
This fast-track service is not available via the government website directly — you must use a trusted visa agent like ApplyEvisaVietnam.com. Once approved, your e-visa (or VOA letter) will be delivered by email in PDF format.
Step-by-Step: How Australians Apply for a Vietnam E-Visa
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Prepare your passport (valid 6+ months), a passport photo, and flight details.
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Visit ApplyEvisaVietnam.com.
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Select E-Visa and choose your processing speed (standard or urgent 1h/2h/5h).
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Fill in personal and travel information accurately.
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Pay securely online (credit/debit card).
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Receive your e-visa via email — print it out and show at border control.
Step-by-Step: How Australians Get a Visa on Arrival
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Visit ApplyEvisaVietnam.com.
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Choose Visa on Arrival (VOA) and your processing speed.
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Receive approval letter via email (1h, 2h, 5h).
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Print the letter, prepare passport photos + cash for stamping fee (25–50 USD).
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On arrival at a Vietnam airport, present documents at the VOA counter.
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Pay the stamping fee and receive your visa sticker.
Which One Is Best for You?
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E-Visa: Best for most tourists, especially if entering via multiple checkpoints.
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VOA: Best for last-minute travelers who only arrive by air and don’t mind airport queues.
Recommendation: If possible, get an e-visa through a reliable agent with urgent processing if needed. It’s cleaner, faster, and avoids airport stress.
Why Apply via ApplyEvisaVietnam.com?
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Fast approval — 1h, 2h, 5h urgent service.
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24/7 support for Australian travelers.
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Trusted by thousands of global visitors.
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Secure payment & guaranteed delivery of visas.
Conclusion
In 2025, both Vietnam e-visa and Visa on Arrival remain valid for Australians. However, the e-visa is generally more convenient, especially for non-airport entry points. If you need a last-minute visa, both options work with urgent processing — 1h (195 USD), 2h (165 USD), 5h (135 USD).
Choose the method that fits your travel style, and always apply through a trusted service like ApplyEvisaVietnam.com to avoid delays.
