How long to get Vietnam visa?

Normally, you have two choices to get your Vietnam visa: Option one – apply by yourself at the Embassy/Consulate; and Option two – apply online (for both visa on arrival and visa code). Accordingly the processing time differs between those. The latter always takes less time. Details as follows:
Option 1: Apply for Vietnam visa at Vietnam Embassy in your current area on your own

1. Processing Time: The processing time for tourist visa application normally takes four (4) to ten (10) working days.
2. Cost: The fee varies from Embassy to Embassy; For example, about $50US in Bangkok, and $85US in Washington.

Visa application forms are available at the Embassy/Consulate in your current area. You can get one by directly visiting the Embassy/Consulate and pick it up by yourself. Or, you may download it from the internet, fill it out and send by mail carrier with a stamped, self-addressed pre-paid return envelope to the Visa section – Vietnam Embassy/Consulate there. Request by email is NOT highly suggested.
Option 2: Apply for Vietnam visa online (Vietnam visa on arrival and Vietnam visa code)
For both types - visa picked up at arrival airport (visa on arrival) and visa picked up at Embassy/Consulate (visa code), applicants can go online and get it via email after 1 or 2 days;

1. Processing Time: The processing time for tourist visa and business visa via online service takes 1 - 2 working days (to get the visa approval letter/ visa code) (Apply online by filling in the secure online form, which takes some minutes)
2. Cost: Applicants would pay two fees: Service Fee and Stamping Fee:

+ Service Fee (paid online): From $13US
+ Stamping Fee (paid directly by yourself where you pick up your visa):
. For visa on arrival: $25US (single entry) and $50US (multiple entry)
. For visa code: $25US (single entry) and $50US (multiple entry) + fee charged by Vietnam Embassy.