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The National Web Portal on Immigration charges the standard $25–$50 fee, whereas private agencies charge additional service fees. Understand the differences before applying.
Why This Comparison Matters
When searching for "Vietnam eVisa" online, you will find dozens of websites that look official — complete with Vietnamese flags, government-style layouts, and promises of guaranteed approval. However, only one website is the real government portal: evisa.gov.vn. Every other site is a private agency acting as a middleman. Understanding the difference can save you money, protect your personal data, and prevent application delays.
The Official Government Portal
The Vietnamese government operates the National Web Portal on Immigration for eVisa applications. When you apply through the official portal, your application is processed directly by the Ministry of Public Security's Immigration Department, with no intermediary involved.
- Single-entry eVisa: $25 USD — valid for up to 90 days
- Multiple-entry eVisa: $50 USD — valid for up to 90 days
- Processing time: 3-5 working days (standard; no official expedited option exists)
- Payment: International credit/debit cards accepted
- Support: Limited — no live chat or phone hotline, but there is an email contact
Always ensure you are using the official National Web Portal on Immigration (.gov.vn domains) before providing personal information or payment details. Websites ending in .com, .net, or .org are private agencies.
Private Visa Agencies
Private visa agencies are commercial companies that fill out and submit eVisa applications on your behalf. They collect your passport scan, photo, and travel details, then apply through the same government system. There is no secret fast-track channel — agencies submit to the same queue as everyone else.
- Total cost: Government fee plus a service fee (typically $50–$150+ total)
- Processing time: Standard 3-5 working days (subject to the same government processing queue)
- Support: Often includes live chat, email, and phone support
- Error-checking: Document review prior to submission
- Convenience: May offer simplified forms and alternative payment methods
Side-by-Side Comparison
Here is a detailed comparison of both options to help you decide:
| Feature | National Web Portal on Immigration | Private Visa Agency |
|---|---|---|
| Cost (single-entry) | $25 USD | $50–$100+ USD |
| Cost (multiple-entry) | $50 USD | $80–$150+ USD |
| Processing time | 3-5 working days | 3-5 working days |
| Expedited option | None (no official channel) | Claimed but unverifiable |
| Data security | Government-grade encryption | Variable by company |
| Customer support | Email contact | Live chat, email, phone |
| Error checking | Basic form validation | Third-party review |
| Risk of scam | None (official government site) | Moderate to high for unknown providers |
| Refund policy | No refund if rejected | Varies by agency |
When the Official Portal Is the Best Choice
For the majority of travelers, the official government portal is the recommended option. It offers the lowest cost, direct processing, and the highest level of data security. You should use the official portal if:
- You are comfortable filling out online forms in English
- You have a clear passport scan and a compliant 4×6 cm photo ready
- You do not need hand-holding or live customer support
- You want to pay the lowest possible fee
- You want maximum data privacy and security
Need help preparing your application? Our guide on How to Fill the Vietnam eVisa Form walks you through every field step by step, and our Photo Requirements guide ensures your photo will not be rejected.
When an Agency Might Make Sense
There are a few legitimate scenarios where paying extra for an agency service could be worthwhile — but be very selective about which agency you use:
- You are applying for a large group (family or corporate travelers) and want one point of contact to manage all applications
- You have been rejected before and want professional review of your documents before resubmitting
- You are unfamiliar with online forms and want step-by-step guidance with human support
- Your employer is paying and the convenience outweighs the extra cost
Even if you choose an agency, NEVER use one that cannot clearly show their business registration, physical address, and refund policy. Read our guide on How to Avoid Fake Visa Websites before proceeding.
Red Flags: How to Spot a Scam Agency
Unfortunately, the Vietnam visa space is full of predatory websites. Watch out for these warning signs:
- The website URL looks similar to the official site but uses .com, .org, or .net instead of .gov.vn
- They promise "guaranteed approval" — no one can guarantee this, as the Immigration Department makes the final decision
- They offer "same-day" or "24-hour" processing for an extra fee — there is no official expedited channel
- They charge over $100 for a single-entry visa without clearly breaking down the government fee vs. their service fee
- They ask for payment via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or Western Union
- They have no verifiable physical address, company registration number, or real customer reviews
Summary
For the majority of applicants, filing directly via the National Web Portal on Immigration is the recommended route. The process is direct, secures your personal data, and enforces the standard government fee without surcharges. Applicants requiring additional assistance may choose a reputable agency, provided they are aware of the supplementary fees and carefully verify the agency's credentials. You can access further guidance on document preparation or apply through our platform if you require comprehensive support and document pre-checking prior to government submission.