The embassy takes at least five working days to process all documents. Once the documents are processed, you will be issued a fully stamped Visa. Although this process allows you to get a fully stamped Visa in your hands before leaving for Vietnam, it still has not found much takers. This is because of the time, money and energy that needs to be invested. 

The embassy method requires the applicant to visit the embassy several times before the process is completed. Also, it is not suitable for those who need the Visa urgently. Moreover, the documents you submit will be forwarded ahead via postal mail, which means you could lose your documents if your package is misplaced or lost in transit. 

It is because of all these reasons that more and more people now prefer Visa on Arrival. Visa on Arrival is faster and more convenient. In order to apply for Visa on Arrival, you will have to get in touch with a travel agent based in Vietnam. You will be asked to fill up an online application form on the agent’s website. You will have to key in details such as your name, occupation, duration of stay, purpose of visit etc. When filling up the purpose of visit section, you will have to choose from options such as business, tourist and transit. A business Visa can get you validity of one month, three months and six months. A tourist Visa can get you a validity of one month and transit Visa can get you a validity of less than five days. 

Usually, online application forms are processed in two or three days, after which you will be issued a letter of approval. This letter of approval can be collected by your travel agent and forwarded to you. On reaching Vietnam, you will have to submit this letter of approval at the Visa on Arrival counter of the airport you arrive in. You will also have to pay the Visa stamping fees to get your document 

It is to be noted that the Visa on Arrival facility is extended only to those travelers who arrive in Vietnam by air.