Understanding Vietnam Visa Fees: E-visa, VOA & Exemptions
Vietnam Visa Fees vary depending on the application method, type, and requested validity. In some special cases, foreigners may be exempt from these fees. The following breakdown will help you understand the fee you need to spend on a Vietnam Visa.
Official Vietnam Visa Fee Schedule
According to Circular No. 62/2023/TT-BTC issued by the Ministry of Finance, the fees for visa and related document application are regulated from 3rd October 2023 to present as follows:
| No. | Content | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Single-entry visa | USD 25 |
| 2 | Multiple-entry visa | |
| 2.1. | Valid for up to 90 days | USD 50 |
| 2.2. | Valid for more than 90 days to 180 days | USD 95 |
| 2.3. | Valid for more than 180 days to 1 year | USD 135 |
| 2.4. | Valid for more than 1 year to 2 years | USD 145 |
| 2.5. | Valid for more than 2 years to 5 years | USD 155 |
| 2.6. | Visa for under 14 years old (regardless of duration) | USD 25 |
| 3 | - Transfer information of a valid visa, temporary residence card, and temporary residence duration from the old passport to the new passport - Transfer information of the valid visa and temporary residence duration from the old separate visa (no space for new stamp of entry verification, exit verification, temporary residence certificate, temporary residence extension) to the new separate visa. |
USD 5 |
| 4 | Visa exemption certificate | USD 10 |
| 5 | Temporary residence card | |
| 5.1. | Valid for up to 2 years | USD 145 |
| 5.2. | Valid for more than 2 years to 5 years | USD 155 |
| 5.3. | Valid for more than 5 years to 10 years | USD 165 |
| 6 | Temporary residence card extension | USD 10 |
| 7 | New and renewed permanent residence card | USD 100 |
| 8 | Permits to enter restricted and border areas; permits for Lao citizens to use border passes to enter Vietnam's inland provinces | USD 10 |
| 9 | Visas for air and sea transit passengers for sightseeing and tourism (according to the provisions of Articles 25 and 26 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam dated June 16, 2014) | USD 5 |
| 10 | Entry/exit permits for foreigners permanently residing in Vietnam without a passport | USD 5 |
| 11 | Issuing visas according to the approved list of the immigration management for foreigners visiting or transiting by sea on a program organized by a Vietnamese travel agency; members of foreign military ships on an official visit program outside the province or city where the ship is anchored | VND 200,000 |
| 12 | Permits for people who have entered the border economic zone with a border pass to visit other locations in the province | USD 10 |
Vietnam E-visa: Fees at a Glance
Compared to a traditional visa at the Embassy, an e-visa saves much time and effort through a simplified process and high convenience. The fee for this method is USD 25 for single-entry visa and USD 50 for multiple-entry visa.
Vietnam E-visa: Overview
Vietnam e-visa is a legal visa type processed and issued entirely online through the official website of the Vietnam Immigration Department. It is available to citizens of all countries and territories regardless of the entry purposes. Foreigners can apply for a single or multiple-entry e-visa with a maximum validity of 90 days. The actual duration of stay will be clearly stated on the visa issued.
Vietnam E-visa: Detailed Fees & Conditions
E-visa application is only valid for one person at a time, not for a group. The fee is based on the number of entries:
- Single-entry: USD 25/time
- Multiple-entry: USD 50/time
E-visa fee is non-refundable whether the application is approved or not. All submitted information, such as your name, passport number, and port of entry, is unamendable after your visa is granted. Hence, it is important to ensure all information you submit is correct to get a valid visa. Any rejection or incorrect information will require a new application and fee.
Important notes: The standard processing time for an e-visa is 3-5 business days. Foreigners should apply at least two weeks in advance to avoid any issues. For urgent cases, consider expedited e-visa service or an urgent approval letter for Visa on Arrival (VOA) via a Vietnamese visa agency.
Visa on Arrival (VOA): Overview & When to Use
Another flexible and convenient option that allows you to get your visa upon arrival at the airport, Visa on Arrival is ideal for urgent travel or those ineligible for a traditional or online visa.
Visa on Arrival (VOA): How It Works
Visa on Arrival (VOA) is a visa application method that allows foreigners to obtain a visa at the airport, provided they have a pre-approved visa letter from the Vietnam Immigration Department. Once you get a valid visa letter, you can bring it with other required documents to get a visa stamped onto your passport at one of 8 regulated international airports in Vietnam (Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, Danang, Cat Bi, Cam Ranh, Lien Khuong, Can Tho, Phu Quoc).
VOA is applied to citizens of almost all countries, but only for entry by air. It is most suitable for those who reside in a country without a Vietnamese Embassy, do not have enough time for an ordinary visa, are not eligible for an e-visa, or need an urgent entry.
Visa on Arrival (VOA): Fees & Processing Times
Visa on Arrival needs the involvement of a third party who is a sponsor enterprise or a local visa agency to apply for an approval letter before traveling. Hence, entrants need to pay two types of fees: approval letter service fee and visa stamping fee at the airport. Check more details below:
| Service type | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Approval letter service fee Standard time (3 - 5 days) |
USD 20 - 45 | - The fee may vary based on each agency, visa type, nationality, and level of emergency. - Pay to the visa agency. |
| Express time (1 - 2 days) | USD 50 - 80 | |
| Urgent time (4 - 8 hours) | USD 80 - 150 |
| Visa type | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visa stamping fee Single Entry (1 or 3 months) |
USD 25 | - Only cash is accepted. - Pay directly to the immigration officer at the airport. |
| Multiple Entry (1 or 3 months) | USD 50 | |
| Multiple Entry 6 months | USD 95 | |
| Multiple Entry 12 months | USD 135 |
Important notes: Processing for visa letters typically takes 3-5 business days. Expedited (1-2 days) and urgent (4-8 hours) services are available for a higher fee. For visa stamping at the airport, it takes 15-60 minutes, depending on the low or high season, so be prepared for that.
Vietnam Visa Fee Exemptions
- According to Vietnam Law, certain individuals are exempt from the visa fee, including:
- Official guests (including spouse and children) invited by the Communist Party, State, Government, or National Assembly, or of their leaders, in a personal capacity.
- Officials and staff of diplomatic missions, foreign consular offices, or international organizations' representative offices in Vietnam, along with their family members (spouse and children under 18), regardless of passport type, not Vietnamese citizens and not permanently residing in Vietnam.
- Exemptions in accordance with international treaties signed or acceded to by Vietnam, or based on the principle of reciprocity.
- Foreigners entering Vietnam for relief work or humanitarian to Vietnamese organizations or individuals.
- Visa and temporary residency fee exemptions for foreigners in Vietnam who have violated the law and are being prosecuted, but lack the financial means to pay, and whose home country's representative agency does not bear the costs or does not have a representative office in Vietnam (Note: This fee exemption determination will be considered case by case and decided by the fee collection organization that is responsible according to the law).
FAQs
Is the visa fee cheaper if we apply as a group?
For embassy visas and e-visas, the fee is per person and does not change for groups. However, the service fee for a pre-approved letter for Visa on arrival may be cheaper per person if you apply as a group. This depends on each agency's policy and negotiation.
Can I pay the stamping fee by card?
No. Only cash is accepted for the stamping fee at the airport.
What is the most cost-saving visa method?
E-visa is the most cost-saving method.
Can I change the information in the e-visa application after payment?
No, all the information cannot be adjusted after submission and payment for e-visa.
What if my visa is incorrect?
If your granted visa is incorrect, it will be invalid for immigration. You cannot use that visa and must reapply for a new one.
