Vietnam Visa Cost: Visa Types & Updated Price List

Vietnam visa costs vary depending on visa type, length of stay, number of entries, and the application method. In addition to official government fees, travelers may also need to budget for service charges, stamping fees, or expedited processing.

In this guide from Your Vietnam Travel, we provide a clear and up-to-date overview of Vietnam visa costs based on current immigration regulations and real-world application experience. The article covers visa types, visa-free entry eligibility, official fee schedules, and estimated total costs to help travelers understand what they are paying and why.

What is a Vietnam visa?

A Vietnam visa is an official authorization issued by Vietnamese immigration authorities, granting foreign nationals legal entry into Vietnam for a specific purpose and duration. It is required for most travelers unless they qualify for visa exemption.

Key types and features:

• e-Visa (Electronic Visa): This is the most widely used option for eligible foreign travelers. It allows applicants from approved countries to apply online and is valid for up to 90 days, with both single-entry and multiple-entry options available. The Vietnam eVisa is suitable for tourism, short-term business trips, and family visits.
• Visa Exemption: Nationals from selected countries such as the UK, France, Japan, and South Korea may enter Vietnam without a visa and stay for up to 45 days, depending on bilateral agreements.
• Other Visa Categories:
• Business Visa (DN): For individuals conducting business activities in Vietnam.
• Work Visa (LĐ): Required for foreigners employed by Vietnamese companies or organizations.
• Investment Visa (ĐT): Issued to foreign investors or representatives of foreign companies.
• Family Visit Visa (TT): Granted to those visiting relatives residing in Vietnam.

Each visa type has its own application procedures, validity period, and eligibility criteria, depending on the traveler's purpose and nationality.

Note: The list of eligible countries for the Vietnam eVisa may change. Applicants should always check the official immigration website before applying.

Vietnam visa is official permission to enter Vietnam legally (Source: Collected)

Countries that can enter Vietnam without a visa

Vietnam currently grants visa-free entry to citizens of certain countries under unilateral or bilateral agreements. The permitted length of stay and applicable conditions vary by nationality and are subject to change in accordance with Vietnamese immigration regulations.

Below is an overview of visa exemption categories according to current regulations.

90-Day Visa Exemption:

• Chile
• Panama

Nationals of these countries may enter Vietnam without a visa and stay for up to 90 days. Employment or income-generating activities are not permitted under visa exemption status.

45-Day Visa Exemption:

Citizens of the following countries are eligible for visa-free entry for up to 45 days, provided that the purpose of entry complies with Vietnam’s visa exemption policies:

• Denmark
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Italy
• Japan
• Norway
• Russia
• South Korea
• Spain
• Sweden
• United Kingdom (does not apply to British National Overseas – BNO passport holders)
• Switzerland
• Czech Republic
• Poland

Additional cases:

• Belarus: Multiple entries are allowed, provided the total stay does not exceed 90 days within a 12-month period.
• Kazakhstan: Multiple entries permitted, with a maximum total stay of 90 days within 180 consecutive days.

30-Day Visa Exemption:

Citizens of the following countries may enter Vietnam without a visa for up to 30 days:

• Cambodia
• Indonesia
• Kyrgyzstan
• Laos
• Thailand

Additional notes:

• Malaysia: Visa-free entry applies to tourism, business, official duties, family visits, investment, and certain other non-employment purposes.
• Singapore: Employment-related activities are not permitted under visa exemption.

21-Day Visa Exemption:

Philippines: Philippine passport holders may stay in Vietnam for up to 21 days without a visa, subject to current entry conditions.

14-Day Visa Exemption:

• Brunei
• Myanmar

Visa-free entry is granted for up to 14 days, primarily for short-term visits.

Important notes on visa exemption:

• Visa exemption policies apply under current regulations and may be amended by Vietnamese authorities at any time.
• Visa-free entry is generally intended for tourism, short visits, or other permitted non-employment purposes.
• Eligibility may vary depending on passport type, purpose of entry, and individual immigration assessment at the border.
• Travelers intending to work, stay long-term, or make multiple extended visits should apply for an appropriate visa in advance.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, travelers are strongly advised to verify requirements with official Vietnamese immigration sources or consult a licensed visa service provider before departure.

Visa exemptions may change and apply only to short stays (Source: Collected)

Latest Vietnam visa fees and price list

Below are the official Vietnam visa fees issued by Vietnamese immigration authorities. These are government charges only and do not include any service or agency fees. All amounts are shown in USD unless stated otherwise.

Official Vietnam visa fees (by visa category)

NO.	VISA TYPE	FEE
1	Single-entry visa	US$25
2	Multiple-entry visa (up to 90 days)	US$50
3	Multiple-entry visa (90 – 180 days)	US$95
4	Multiple-entry visa (180 days – 1 year)	US$135
5	Multiple-entry visa (1 – 2 years)	US$145
6	Multiple-entry visa (2 – 5 years)	US$155
–	Children under 14 years old (any duration)	US$25

Important clarification:

• The visa fees listed above are official government fees issued by Vietnamese immigration authorities and apply to different visa categories.
• Long-term multiple-entry visas (valid for more than 90 days, including 6 months, 1-5 years) are NOT tourist visas and are only issued for specific purposes such as investment, family sponsorship, employment, or residence-related cases.

In simple terms, tourists cannot apply for visas longer than 90 days unless they qualify under special categories such as work, investment, or family sponsorship.

Administrative and immigration-related services

SERVICE	FEE
Transfer of visa or temporary residence status to a new passport	US$5
Issuance of written visa exemption	US$10
Extension of temporary residence	US$10
Issuance or re-issuance of temporary residence cards	US$100

Temporary Residence Card (TRC) fees

VALIDITY	COST
Up to 2 years	US$145
From 2 to 5 years	US$155
From 5 to 10 years	US$165

A Temporary Residence Card (TRC) is not a tourist document. It is issued only to foreigners who legally work, invest, or reside long-term in Vietnam and is typically sponsored by an employer or organization.

Special permits and additional immigration permits

PERMIT TYPE	FEE
Entry to restricted or border areas; laissez-passer for Laotian nationals	US$10
Transit visa (air or sea, including tourism)	US$5
Inland travel permits for seaway tourists or foreign military vessels	US$5
Immigration permits for permanent residents without passports	VND 200,000 (≈ US$8)
Permits for border economic zone visitors entering other provinces	US$10

These permits apply only in special or restricted cases and are not relevant for standard tourist or business visa applicants. Visa fees are subject to change based on updated regulations issued by Vietnamese authorities.

Total Vietnam visa cost by application method

While the official visa fee remains fixed, the total cost can vary depending on how you apply and whether you use an agent or expedited service.

VISA TYPE	ENTRY	DURATION	APPLICATION METHOD	GOVERNMENT FEE (USD)	ESTIMATED TOTAL COST (USD)	NOTES
Tourist eVisa	Single	30 days	Official eVisa Portal	25	25	No service fee
Tourist eVisa (Expedited)	Single	30 days	Authorized Agent	25	35 – 50	Faster processing
Tourist Visa on Arrival	Single / Multiple	1 – 3 months	Pre-Approval Letter + Airport	25 – 50	45 – 70	Includes stamping fee
Business Visa (1 month)	Single / Multiple	1 month	Embassy / Agent	25 – 50	60 – 100+	Invitation letter required
Business Visa (3 – 12 months)	Multiple	3 – 12 months	Embassy / Agent	95 – 155	120 – 200+	Cost increases with duration
5-Year Visa Exemption	Multiple	Up to 5 years*	Embassy / Immigration Office	10 – 20	20 – 40	For eligible overseas Vietnamese

*Subject to eligibility conditions.

In summary, most tourists only need to budget USD 25 - 50 in government fees for a Vietnam eVisa, depending on the number of entries.

Who pays the visa fees and when?

Responsibility for visa fees depends on the visa type and purpose of stay.

• Tourist & business eVisas: Paid by the applicant during online submission.
• Visa on Arrival (VOA):
  • Service fee paid online (if using an agent).
  • Stamping fee paid in cash at the airport upon arrival.
• Work visas (LD1 / LD2): Typically paid by the sponsoring employer after work permit approval.
• Five-year visa exemption: Paid by the applicant at the embassy or immigration office.
• Temporary Residence Cards (TRC): Usually covered by the sponsoring company.

Important notes:

• Visa fees are generally non-refundable, even if the application is rejected.
• Work visa and TRC costs are commonly included in expatriate employment packages.
• In some business cases, Vietnamese host companies may cover visa expenses.

Where and how Vietnam visa fees are collected

Vietnam visa fees are collected by different authorities depending on where and how you apply. In practice, applicants will encounter the following main collection points:

• Vietnam Immigration Department (for applications processed within Vietnam)
• Vietnamese embassies and consulates abroad (for overseas submissions)
• Airport immigration counters at international airports (for Visa on Arrival)

Each authority is legally responsible for collecting visa fees in accordance with its jurisdiction and the type of immigration service provided.

For travelers using the Visa on Arrival option, visa-related payments are typically split into two separate stages:

• Pre-approval service fee: Paid online to a licensed travel agency or visa service provider before arriving in Vietnam. This fee covers the issuance of the visa approval letter.
• Stamping fee at the airport: Paid directly to immigration officers at the airport upon arrival. The amount depends on the visa type (single or multiple entry) and the length of stay.

Vietnam Immigration Department (Source: Collected)

How to pay Vietnam visa fees

Accepted payment methods vary based on the application channel and location. Below is a general overview:

• Vietnamese embassies and consulates: Payment methods may include cash, bank transfer, or credit/debit card, depending on the country and local regulations.
• Online visa applications (eVisa or VOA services): Fees are usually paid online by credit or debit card at the time of application.
• Visa on Arrival (airport payment): The stamping fee must be paid in cash (USD or VND) at the immigration counter upon arrival.
• Local immigration offices in Vietnam: For visa extensions, conversions, or residence-related procedures, fees are typically paid in cash following the official government fee schedule.

Important: Always confirm the exact fee amount and accepted payment methods with the relevant authority or service provider in advance to avoid delays or complications during the application process.

Additional costs to be aware of

Official visa fees may not reflect the full cost of obtaining a Vietnam visa. Additional charges may apply depending on your situation.

Below are some common fees that may arise during the visa application process:

COST TYPE	DESCRIPTION	ESTIMATED AMOUNT	NOTES
Airport stamping fee (VOA)	Paid on arrival	USD 25 – 155	Based on Circular 219/2016/TT-BTC
Agency service fee	Application handling	USD 10 – 30	Depends on processing speed
Photos & document translation	Required for long-term visas	USD 4 – 20	Varies by provider
Courier fees	Mailing passport/documents	USD 20 – 50	Depends on destination
Visa extension or change	In-country processing	USD 60 – 100+	Case-dependent

Understanding these potential costs helps you budget accurately and avoid unexpected expenses during the visa process.

Important things to know when applying for a Vietnam visa

Applying for a Vietnam visa involves more than just paying a fee. To ensure a smooth process, take note of the following key points:

• Visa types and purpose: Each visa category is tied to a specific travel purpose such as tourism, business, employment, or education. Choosing the correct type is essential, as it determines the required documents, length of stay, and permitted activities in Vietnam.
• Application channels: You can apply at a Vietnamese embassy, through an authorized agency, or via the official e-visa portal (available to eligible nationalities). Each method has different procedures and processing times.
• Limited embassy access: Vietnam’s diplomatic missions are not available in all countries. Applicants may incur extra travel costs to submit their documents in person.
• Fees and payment: Visa fees vary and are payable in VND or USD. Payments are typically made via bank transfer to the Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Foreign Trade of Vietnam. Refunds are only issued in limited cases, such as ineligibility for passports or official stamps.
• Entry validity and overstay: Carefully check the visa’s validity period and number of entries. Overstaying or entering before the valid date can lead to penalties or future visa issues.
• Supporting documents: Requirements may include return tickets, accommodation details, invitation letters (for business), or proof of funds. Submitting complete and accurate documents reduces the risk of delays or rejections.
• Visa extensions: Not all visa types are extendable. If you plan to stay long-term, check extension options or apply for a longer-duration visa from the start.
• Use trusted sources: To avoid scams, always apply through official government portals or reputable service providers.

Avoid common mistakes when applying for a Vietnam visa (Source: Collected)

Refund policy for refused visa applications

Vietnam's visa refund policy is clearly defined and applies only in limited situations. Applicants should be aware of the following:

• A refund is issued only when the applicant is deemed ineligible for a passport, travel document, or AB stamp during the application process.
• If the visa application is refused due to failure to meet entry or residence requirements, or if the applicant declines to receive the visa result, the fee will not be refunded.
• All fees are processed by the Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Foreign Trade of Vietnam and are typically paid in Vietnamese Dong (VND) or US Dollars (USD). Refunds, if applicable, follow the same official channels.

To avoid unnecessary costs, applicants should review all visa requirements carefully and ensure their documents are complete and accurate before submission.

FAQs about Vietnam visa cost

How long does it take to obtain a Vietnam visa?

The processing time for a Vietnam visa varies based on the type of visa and the application method. E-visas and visa-on-arrival options are typically processed within 1 to 3 working days. In contrast, applying through an embassy or consulate may take up to several weeks. To avoid delays, ensure all required documents are complete and submitted correctly. Planning ahead significantly improves the efficiency of the application process.

Do children pay the same visa fees as adults?

In most cases, children are subject to the same visa fees as adults. However, certain age-based exemptions or reduced rates may apply, depending on the visa type and the applicant’s nationality. It's advisable to check with the issuing authority or official portal for specific guidelines.

Are visa fees refundable if my application is rejected?

Visa fees are generally non-refundable if the application is denied or if the applicant chooses not to receive the result. Refunds are only granted in limited cases, such as when the applicant is ineligible for a passport, travel document, or AB stamp.

Is there an additional fee for urgent or expedited processing?

Yes. Expedited or same-day processing typically incurs an additional fee. The amount depends on the urgency level and the application method, such as applying through an embassy or a visa agency. Always confirm the surcharge before requesting faster processing.

Does the visa fee increase during peak travel seasons?

The base visa fee remains fixed and does not change based on the season. However, third-party service providers may apply higher service charges during peak travel periods due to increased demand or limited appointment availability.

Are visa fees different for business visas and tourist visas?

Yes. Business visas often have higher fees than tourist visas due to longer permitted stays, more complex documentation, and stricter approval processes. Fee structures vary by visa duration and number of entries (single or multiple).

Conclusion

Vietnam visa fees are regulated by the government, but the total cost may vary depending on the visa type and application method. Understanding these differences helps travelers choose the most suitable and cost-effective option for their needs.

Based on updated regulations and real-world cases handled by Your Vietnam Travel, careful preparation and applying through official or trusted channels are essential to avoiding delays and unnecessary fees. As visa policies may change, applicants should always verify the latest requirements before submitting their application.

If you need personalized guidance or assistance with your Vietnam visa application, Your Vietnam Travel is available to help ensure a smooth and accurate process. Contact our team for up-to-date advice and professional support tailored to your travel plans.