Vietnam Visa on Arrival vs. Urgent E-Visa: Which One Is Faster?

Aug 21, 2025

Table Of Contents

    When you’re rushing to enter Vietnam, every hour counts. Travelers — especially from the U.S. — often wonder whether Visa on Arrival (VOA) or an urgent Vietnam e-visa is faster. While both options can get you into Vietnam, they differ in speed, cost, paperwork, and convenience. Let’s break it down so you can choose the right option for your schedule and budget.


    1. What Is Vietnam Visa on Arrival?

    Visa on Arrival is a method where you:

    • Apply online for an approval letter from the Vietnamese Immigration Department.

    • Receive the letter via email in 1–3 business days (or faster via rush service).

    • Pick up your visa stamp at the airport upon arrival in Vietnam by presenting your letter, passport, and photos.

    Key benefits of VOA:

    • Flexible for tourists flying directly into Vietnam.

    • No embassy visit required.

    • Good backup option if you forgot to apply for an e-visa early.

    Downsides:

    • You still need to wait at the airport to get your visa stamped.

    • Approval letters are only processed during Vietnamese working hours, unless you pay for urgent after-hour service.

    • Additional stamping fee at the airport ($25–$50 depending on visa type).


    2. What Is an Urgent Vietnam E-Visa?

    An urgent e-visa is fully electronic:

    • Apply online through a trusted visa service.

    • Receive your e-visa PDF via email — no need to queue at the airport.

    • Show the printed or digital e-visa to immigration officers and enter Vietnam directly.

    Processing speeds available at ApplyEvisaVietnam.com:

    • 1 hour — $195

    • 2 hours — $165

    • 5 hours — $135

    • Same day (1 day) — $100

    • 2 days — $85

    • 3 days — $80

    Key benefits of urgent e-visa:

    • No airport hassle — go straight to passport control.

    • Available 24/7, including weekends and holidays.

    • Approved faster than most VOA letters.

    Downsides:

    • Slightly higher service fee compared to standard VOA.

    • Must ensure your entry port matches your e-visa application.


    3. Which Is Faster?

    • Visa on Arrival (VOA): Approval letters normally take 1–3 working days, but some agents provide 4–8 hour rush service during the day. Midnight processing is difficult because it depends on Immigration Office hours.

    • Urgent Vietnam E-Visa: Can be issued in as fast as 1 hour, even at midnight, thanks to 24/7 application processing.

    Verdict:
    Urgent e-visa is consistently faster, especially for last-minute or late-night travel.


    4. Cost Comparison

    • VOA:

      • Service fee: varies ($20–$50 for approval letter)

      • Stamping fee at airport: $25–$50

      • Rush services available during office hours only (extra $50–$150)

    • Urgent e-visa (ApplyEvisaVietnam.com):

      • 1 hour: $195

      • 2 hours: $165

      • 5 hours: $135

      • 1 day: $100

      • 2 days: $85

      • 3 days: $80

      • No stamping fee at the airport — total cost is clear upfront.


    5. When to Choose VOA

    • You’re entering during working hours and not in a rush.

    • You don’t mind waiting at the airport for stamping.

    • You’re traveling in a group and looking for a lower upfront service fee.


    6. When to Choose Urgent E-Visa

    • Your flight is within hours or overnight.

    • You hate airport queues and want a seamless arrival.

    • You want guaranteed processing at midnight, weekends, or holidays.


    7. How to Apply for Urgent Vietnam E-Visa in Minutes

    1. Visit ApplyEvisaVietnam.com

    2. Fill out the online form (passport info, travel dates, entry port).

    3. Choose your urgent processing time (1 hour, 2 hours, 5 hours).

    4. Pay securely online.

    5. Receive your e-visa PDF by email — ready to use immediately.


    8. Contact Us 24/7

    Whether it’s midnight in New York or early morning in Hanoi, we process urgent e-visas around the clock.


    9. Call-to-Action

     

    Apply for Urgent Vietnam E-Visa Now


    Final Takeaway

    If speed and convenience are your top priorities, the urgent e-visa is almost always faster than Visa on Arrival — especially for late-night or last-minute travelers. While VOA is a solid option for planned trips during office hours, ApplyEvisaVietnam.com’s urgent service guarantees you a visa in 1–5 hours, any time of day.

    Apply Visa Now
    Need urgent Vietnam visa help? Chat with our 24/7 agent on WhatsApp.
    Chat on WhatsApp