Vietnam Visa Charges: Latest Fees, Types & Payment Guide
When planning a trip to Vietnam, one of the essential steps is understanding the Vietnam visa charges. Whether you’re applying for an e-visa, visa on arrival, or through an embassy, the costs can vary depending on the visa type and length of stay. Knowing these fees in advance will help you budget more accurately and avoid unexpected expenses during your journey.
Know your Vietnam visa charges before you go travel smart, budget right
A breakdown of all Vietnam Visa Fees
The total Vietnam visa cost is composed of several distinct parts. Understanding each one is key to calculating your final budget. The primary fees you will encounter are the Government Fee, the Stamping Fee (for Visa on Arrival), and the Agency Service Fee.
Break down your Vietnam visa charges know what you pay, avoid surprises
Government Fee (Application & Processing Fee)
This is the mandatory, official fee paid to the Vietnam Immigration Department to have your visa application reviewed and processed. This fee applies whether you are applying for an E-visa online or for a Visa on Arrival (VOA) approval letter. The amount varies depending on the visa’s validity and the number of entries you require.
The Government Fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied. It’s crucial to ensure all your application details are correct before submitting to avoid losing this payment.
Tip: “The Government Fee is the foundational Vietnam visa charge you must pay for your application to be considered. Always check the latest rates on an official government portal or with a trusted visa agency, as these can be updated.”
Here is a table outlining the standard government fees for the most common visa types.
Official Government Fees for Vietnam E-Visa & Visa on Arrival Approval Letter
| Visa Type | Validity | Entries | Government Fee (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-Visa | Up to 90 days | Single Entry | $25 | The most popular choice for tourists. |
| E-Visa | Up to 90 days | Multiple Entry | $50 | Ideal for travelers planning to visit neighboring countries and re-enter Vietnam. |
| Visa on Arrival (Approval Letter) | 1 Month | Single Entry | ~$15 – $25 | Fee paid to an agency to process the letter. Government fee is paid via the stamping fee at the airport. |
| Visa on Arrival (Approval Letter) | 3 Months | Multiple Entry | ~$40 – $65 | Fee for the approval letter. The separate stamping fee is higher for multiple entries. |
Stamping Fee (For Visa on Arrival Only)
This is another official government fee, but it is only applicable if you choose the Visa on Arrival (VOA) method. The Stamping Fee is paid directly to the Immigration Officer at the VOA counter upon your arrival at one of Vietnam’s international airports (like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang).
Crucial Information:
- Payment Method: This fee must be paid in cash. While Vietnamese Dong (VND) is sometimes accepted, it is strongly recommended to pay in U.S. Dollars (USD) to avoid unfavorable exchange rates or complications.
- Prepare in Advance: Ensure you have the exact amount in new, crisp bills before you travel. There are no guarantees the ATM at the airport will be working or that the currency exchange counter will be open or offer a good rate.
Official Stamping Fee Rates (Set by Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance)
| Entries Allowed | Stamping Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Single Entry (1 or 3 months) | $25 |
| Multiple Entry (1 or 3 months) | $50 |
Failing to have cash for the stamping fee can cause significant delays and stress upon arrival. This is one of the most critical Vietnam visa charges to prepare for if using VOA.
Agency Service Fee (Optional but Recommended)
If you apply for your visa through a third-party agency like Entry Vietnam Visa instead of directly through government portals, you will pay a service fee. This is an additional charge on top of the government fees.
So, why pay it? While this fee is optional, it offers significant value:
- Convenience and Simplicity: Agencies streamline the application process, making it faster and easier to understand.
- Error Checking: Experts review your application to catch common mistakes that could lead to rejection, saving you time and the non-refundable government fee.
- 24/7 Support: If you have questions or run into issues, a dedicated support team is available to assist you, which is often not the case with government channels.
- Expedited Services: Need a visa in a hurry? Most agencies offer urgent and emergency processing for an additional fee, a service not available through standard E-visa portals.
The Vietnam visa service fee typically ranges from $15 to $50, depending on the agency and the level of service or processing speed required. For many travelers, this extra cost is a worthwhile investment for peace of mind and a guaranteed smooth process.
Cost comparison: Which Vietnam Visa option is right for you?
Now that you understand the individual components, let’s compare the total estimated Vietnam visa charges for the two most popular methods: the E-Visa and the Visa on Arrival (VOA). This will help you decide which option is the most cost-effective and convenient for your trip.
Compare Vietnam visa charges choose the best option for your travel needs and budget
Comparative Table of Total Vietnam Visa Charges (E-Visa vs. VOA)
| Visa Scenario | Method | Government Fee (USD) | Stamping Fee (USD) | Typical Service Fee (USD) | Total Estimated Cost (USD) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Month, Single Entry | E-Visa | $25 | N/A | $15 – $25 | $25 – $50 | Tourists from eligible countries looking for simplicity and a fixed cost. |
| 1 Month, Single Entry | VOA | (Paid via Stamping) | $25 | $15 – $25 | $40 – $50 | Travelers from non-E-visa countries or those needing urgent processing. |
| 3 Months, Multiple Entry | E-Visa | $50 | N/A | $20 – $40 | $50 – $90 | Business travelers or tourists planning multiple entries over a longer period. |
| 3 Months, Multiple Entry | VOA | (Paid via Stamping) | $50 | $40 – $65 | $90 – $115 | Those needing a 3-month multiple-entry visa who prefer the VOA process or are not eligible for the 90-day E-visa. |
Disclaimer: Service fees are estimates and can vary between agencies. The total cost is an approximation for budget planning.
Watch out for these potential hidden Vietnam Visa charges
To truly master your travel budget, you need to be aware of potential costs that aren’t always advertised upfront. Planning for these can prevent unexpected expenses and logistical headaches.
- Urgent/Emergency Processing Fees: If you need your visa faster than the standard processing time (typically 3-5 business days), you will pay a significant surcharge. This can range from an extra $20 for expedited service to over $200 for a guaranteed visa within a few hours. This is a common add-on service fee.
- Currency Conversion and Bank Fees: When paying online with a credit card, your bank may charge a foreign transaction fee. Similarly, when paying the VOA stamping fee, if you don’t have USD, the exchange rate offered at the airport will likely be poor, costing you more.
- Airport Assistance Service: Some agencies offer a “Fast-Track” service where a representative meets you at the airport to handle the VOA process for you. This service is designed to help you skip the queues but comes at an additional cost, usually 25−40.
Watch out for hidden Vietnam visa charges plan to avoid extra costs
- Translation and Notarization Fees: For certain visa types, like business or work visas, you may be required to submit supporting documents (e.g., business licenses, contracts). If these are not in Vietnamese or English, you will incur costs for official translation and notarization. One of the less common but possible Vietnam visa charges.
- Photo Fee at Airport: The VOA application requires a passport-style photo. If you forget to bring one, you can usually have one taken at the airport, but it will cost you around $5 and cause delays.
Being aware of these potential extras is key to accurately forecasting your final Vietnam visa cost.
How to Pay: Accepted Vietnam Visa payment methods
The payment method you use will depend on the type of visa and how you are applying.
For E-Visas (Applied Online):
- Credit/Debit Card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex): This is the most common method for paying the government fee on the official portal or the service fee to an agency.
- PayPal/Online Wallets: Many visa agencies offer payment through secure platforms like PayPal for added convenience and security.
Choose the right payment method to manage your Vietnam visa charges smoothly and securely
For Visa on Arrival (VOA):
- Service Fee (for Approval Letter): Paid online to the agency via Credit/Debit Card or PayPal.
- Stamping Fee: CASH ONLY (preferably USD) paid directly to the immigration officer at the airport in Vietnam. This cannot be paid in advance or with a card.
Our Recommendation: “Always use secure, recognized payment gateways like Stripe or PayPal when paying an agency online. For the VOA stamping fee, prepare the exact USD amount before your flight to ensure a smooth entry process. This simple preparation step is vital for managing your Vietnam visa charges effectively.”
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about Vietnam Visa charges
Here are answers to some of the most common questions travelers ask about the Vietnam visa fee structure.
Q1: What exactly do the Vietnam visa charges cover?
The total charge typically covers a combination of up to three fees:
1) The Government Fee for processing your application
2) The Stamping Fee paid at the airport (for VOA only)
3) The optional Service Fee if you use an agency for assistance, convenience, and support.
Q2: How can I calculate my total visa budget accurately?
Use this simple formula: Total Cost = Government Fee + Stamping Fee (if applicable) + Agency Service Fee (if applicable) + Buffer for Potential Hidden Costs (e.g., urgent processing). Using the comparison table in this article is a great starting point.
Q3: Is paying an agency’s service fee worth the money?
For many, yes. While it adds to the total Vietnam visa cost, the fee buys you peace of mind, expert review of your application to prevent errors, 24/7 customer support, and access to urgent processing services. It turns a potentially confusing bureaucratic process into a simple, worry-free task. Reputable sources like Forbes often highlight the complexities that agencies help solve.
Q4: Do Vietnam visa fees change from year to year?
Yes, they can. Government fees are subject to change by the Vietnam Ministry of Finance. While the current fees have been stable for some time, it is always wise to check for the latest information from an official source or a reliable visa agency before applying. The Vietnam visa charges you see today might be different in six months.
Q5: Are there additional fees if I need to extend my visa in Vietnam?
Absolutely. A visa extension is a separate process with its own fee structure. The cost depends on the length of the extension and your visa type. This process is almost always handled by local agencies within Vietnam, and they will charge a service fee in addition to the government’s extension fee.
In conclusion, understanding the Vietnam visa charges is crucial for a smooth and well-prepared trip. By knowing the specific fees for each visa type, travelers can make informed decisions, avoid unnecessary delays, and ensure hassle-free entry into Vietnam. Always check the latest updates to stay informed and plan your travel budget wisely. Need a hassle-free travel experience? Apply for your Entry Vietnam Visa today and get ready to explore Vietnam with confidence!