Exploring Vietnam Tourist Visa Cost: A Comprehensive Guide for International Travelers

Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys, and official sources like vietnam-visa.com, evisa.gov.vn, travel.state.gov, vinpearl.com, and vietnam.travel. Information based on the latest data; verify before travel. Reflects Vietnam’s updated travel regulations.

Travelers, please note: The Visa on Arrival (VOA) program was discontinued in 2022. International travelers can use visa exemptions (if eligible), apply for an e-visa online via evisa.gov.vn, or obtain a visa through a Vietnamese embassy for tourist purposes. This guide details tourist visa costs, application processes, and travel tips for a seamless journey into Vietnam.

A Practical, Cultural, and Sustainable Travel Essential

Vietnam, a mesmerizing Southeast Asian destination, is renowned for its cultural landmarks like Hoi An’s lantern-lit streets, Ha Long Bay’s emerald waters, and Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter vinpearl.com. Understanding tourist visa costs ensures smooth entry for international travelers, whether joining guided Vietnam Tours or traveling independently. Many nationalities enjoy visa exemptions (up to 45 days), while e-visas cost $25–$50 (625,000–1,250,000 VND) for up to 90 days, and embassy visas range from $25–$100 for tailored needs vietnam-visa.com. This guide provides detailed cost breakdowns, application tips, cultural etiquette, and eco-friendly Vietnam Travel options to make your journey affordable and enriching.

Following Vietnam’s updated travel regulations, the country is accessible via 13 international airports, 16 land borders, and 13 seaports. This guide blends tourist visa costs, application processes, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a worry-free adventure.

Administrative Note

Tourist visas for Vietnam include exemptions (no cost for 14–45 days, depending on nationality), e-visas ($25–$50), and embassy visas ($25–$100). Passports must be valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages. Cultural site entries like Hoi An cost $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND); guided tours range from $15–$80 (375,000–2,000,000 VND). Temporary residence registration with local police is required within 24 hours, typically handled by hotels. Verify costs and requirements via evisa.gov.vn or travel.state.gov.

Visa Options and Costs for International Travelers

• Standard Visa Exemption:

  • Purpose: Tourism for short stays.

  • Eligibility: Citizens of 25 countries, including ASEAN nations (e.g., Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia), UK, Japan, South Korea, Germany, France vietnam-visa.com.

  • Duration: Up to 45 days (e.g., UK, Germany, Japan), 30 days (e.g., ASEAN), or 14 days (e.g., Brunei) vietnam-visa.com.

  • Cost: $0 vietnam-visa.com.

  • Requirements: Passport valid for 6 months with two blank pages; proof of onward travel recommended vietnam.travel.

  • Extension: Non-extendable; visa run required vietnam-visa.com.

• E-Visa (Tourist):

  • Purpose: Tourism for stays exceeding exemption periods.

  • Eligibility: Available to citizens of 80 countries, including US, Canada, Australia, India, EU nations evisa.gov.vn.

  • Duration: Up to 90 days (single or multiple entry) evisa.gov.vn.

  • Cost: $25 (625,000 VND) for single entry; $50 (1,250,000 VND) for multiple entry; non-refundable vietnam-visa.com.

  • Application Process:

    1. Visit evisa.gov.vn, select English, and click “Apply now” evisa.gov.vn.

    2. Review terms, confirm to proceed evisa.gov.vn.

    3. Enter personal details (name, date of birth, nationality), passport details, travel details (entry/exit dates, checkpoints), temporary address in Vietnam vietnam-visa.com.

    4. Upload digital passport photo (4x6 cm, white background) and passport scan (.jpg, max 2MB) evisa.gov.vn.

    5. Pay fee via card; note verification code vietnam-visa.com.

    6. Check status at evisa.gov.vn/e-visa/search; download/print e-visa PDF evisa.gov.vn.

    7. Present printed e-visa and passport at immigration travel.state.gov.

  • Processing Time: 3–7 days; expedited (1–2 days) via agencies ($10–$30 extra) vietnam-visa.com.

  • Extension: Non-extendable; visa run required vietnam-visa.com.

• Embassy Visa (Tourist):

  • Purpose: Tourism for longer stays or specific needs.

  • Eligibility: All nationalities travel.state.gov.

  • Duration: 30–90 days (single or multiple entry) travel.state.gov.

  • Cost: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND), depending on type and processing travel.state.gov.

  • Requirements: Passport, application form, photos, fees; apply at Vietnamese embassies (e.g., Bangkok: +66 2 251 7200) travel.state.gov.

  • Extension: Extendable 1–3 months with sponsor; fees $10–$155 vietnam-visa.com.

• Phu Quoc Visa Exemption:

  • Purpose: Tourism on Phu Quoc Island.

  • Eligibility: All nationalities arriving directly to Phu Quoc vietnam.travel.

  • Duration: 30 days vietnam.travel.

  • Cost: $0 vietnam.travel.

  • Requirements: Passport valid 6 months; proof of onward travel vietnam.travel.

• Key Restrictions: No entry if suspended (e.g., security risks); residence registration within 24 hours travel.state.gov; overstay fines 500,000 VND/day ($20/day) travel.state.gov.

• Important Note: Visa on Arrival discontinued in 2022; use exemptions, e-visas, or embassy visas vietnam-visa.com.

Key Costs for Cambodian Travelers (Example)

• Visa Exemption: $0 for 45 days vietnam-visa.com.

• E-Visa: $25 single entry evisa.gov.vn.

• Embassy Visa: $25–$100 travel.state.gov.

Respecting Vietnam’s Cultural Heritage

Cultural etiquette ensures a smooth experience during Vietnam Tours, complementing visa preparation. Here’s your guide:

• Greetings: Offer “xin chào” with a slight nod; use both hands for transactions at temples or markets culturetrip.com.

• Dress: Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temples (e.g., Hanoi’s Temple of Literature); scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND) vinpearl.com.

• Behaviour: Quiet demeanor at cultural sites; ask permission before photographing locals; carry passport or e-visa for checks. Avoid government criticism culturetrip.com.

• Customs: Tipping appreciated ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND); avoid littering at sites like Hoi An culturetrip.com.

• Tip: Say “cảm ơn”; use reusable water bottles ($2 or 50,000 VND) for sustainable Vietnam Travel; keep passport handy travel.state.gov. Tony Bùi notes: “Respectful travelers thrive in Vietnam’s culture.”

General Tips:

• Language: Phrase card ($1 or 25,000 VND) for basics; English common in tourist areas culturetrip.com.

• Respect: Follow temple rules; support vendors fairly.

• Navigation: Maps.me for cities; printed e-visa copy travel.state.gov.

• Eco-Tip: Bicycles or motorbike taxis to reduce emissions vietnam.travel.

Below is a curated list of tour options to enhance your visa-prepared journey, based on latest data from vietnam-visa.com, evisa.gov.vn, travel.state.gov, vinpearl.com, and vietnam.travel. Confirm schedules and prices before booking.

1. Self-Guided Visa-Prepared Exploration

• Details: Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Hoi An’s ancient town, or Ha Long Bay independently; suitable for travelers with exemptions or e-visas; low to moderate difficulty vietnam.travel.

• Visa Tips: Use exemptions or e-visas ($25–$50); carry printed e-visa; register residence evisa.gov.vn.

• Schedule: Daily; Hoi An open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM ($5–$7 or 125,000–175,000 VND); Temple of Literature open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND).

• Cost: Entry: free (markets); Hoi An: $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND); transport (bicycle: $1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND/day); purchases: $0.20–$10 (5,000–250,000 VND).

• Location: Hanoi, Hoi An, Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Bicycles to reduce emissions; avoid littering.

• Tip: Confirm exemption or apply for e-visas early; check evisa.gov.vn; a guest from Laos noted: “Self-guided was smooth with exemption.”

2. Legend Travel Group (Group Visa-Prepared Cultural Tour)

• Details: 1-day group tour visiting Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Temple of Literature; includes English-speaking guide, transport, lunch, entry; low difficulty.

• Visa Tips: Valid exemption or e-visa; carry printed e-visa; guides assist registration travel.state.gov.

• Schedule: Daily; departs 7:00 AM from Hanoi hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.

• Cost: $25–$40/person (625,000–1,000,000 VND, includes entry).

• Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Hanoi.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Fuel-efficient vans; supports communities.

• Tip: Book via legendtravelgroup.com; a guest from Singapore noted: “Legend’s tour ensured visa compliance.”

3. Local Vietnam (Combo Visa-Prepared Cultural and Adventure Tour)

• Details: 1-day guided tour visiting Hoi An and cycling; includes guide, transport from Hoi An, lunch, entry; low to moderate difficulty.

• Visa Tips: Multiple-entry e-visa for multi-city; carry printed e-visa vietnam-visa.com.

• Schedule: Daily; departs 6:30 AM from Hoi An hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.

• Cost: $30–$50/person (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes entry).

• Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Hoi An.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Small groups and cycling reduce impact.

• Tip: Book via localvietnam.com; a guest from Malaysia noted: “Combo tour was visa-ready.”

4. Multi-Day Visa-Prepared Cultural and Adventure Tour (Legend Travel Group)

• Details: 2–3 day tour combining Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An; includes guide, transport, accommodation, meals, entries; low to moderate difficulty.

• Visa Tips: Multiple-entry e-visa for multi-city; carry printed e-visa; confirm registration travel.state.gov.

• Schedule: Daily; departs from Hanoi hotels; returns after 2–3 days.

• Cost: $80–$200/person (2,000,000–5,000,000 VND, includes entries).

• Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Hanoi.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Eco-lodges and fuel-efficient transport.

• Tip: Book Vietnam Tours via legendtravelgroup.com or WhatsApp (+84 825862222); a guest from the Philippines noted: “Multi-day tour was visa-smart.”

• Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible, ideal for exemptions or e-visas.

• Group Cultural Tours: Affordable, visa-compliant insights.

• Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: Blend culture and adventure.

• Multi-Day Cultural and Adventure Tours: In-depth, visa-smart itineraries.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Fuel-efficient transport or bicycles support green tourism.

Key opportunities include Tet (Jan–Feb, 18–28°C), Hung Kings (Mar–Apr, 24–32°C), Mid-Autumn (Sep, 24–31°C). Dry season (Jan–Aug) ideal; wet season (Sep–Dec) for budget travel. Morning visits (6:00 AM–10:00 AM) best vietnam.travel.

• Verify Costs: Exemptions $0; e-visas $25–$50; embassy visas $25–$100 vietnam-visa.com.

• Documentation: Passport validity (6+ months); printed e-visa; onward travel proof travel.state.gov.

• Residence Registration: Hotels handle within 24 hours travel.state.gov.

• Eco-Tip: Digital e-visas reduce paper; bicycles for sustainability.

• Tip: Apply e-visas 7–14 days early; carry small VND; check evisa.gov.vn.

Pack for comfort and sustainability:

• Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), printed e-visa ($25–$50 if required), passport photocopy, onward travel proof, wallet ($2 or 50,000 VND), tour bookings.

• Clothing: Modest for temples; scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND); raincoat ($2 or 50,000 VND) for wet season; lightweight clothing ($3 or 75,000 VND); waterproof shoes ($3 or 75,000 VND); hat ($2 or 50,000 VND).

• Essentials: Reusable water bottle ($2 or 50,000 VND); snacks ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND); small backpack ($2 or 50,000 VND); sunscreen ($1 or 25,000 VND); insect repellent ($1 or 25,000 VND).

• Tech: Phone with apps; charger ($3–$5 or 75,000–125,000 VND); local SIM ($2–$3 or 50,000–75,000 VND); camera ($6 or 150,000 VND).

• Eco Items: Reusable tote ($1 or 25,000 VND); phrase card ($1 or 25,000 VND).

• Extras: Small VND notes; first aid kit ($2 or 50,000 VND); umbrella ($2 or 50,000 VND); money belt ($2 or 50,000 VND). Tip: Pack light; reusable items support sustainability.

Costs for Vietnam Tourist Visa

Visa Costs

• E-Visa: $25 single, $50 multiple entry evisa.gov.vn.

• Exemption: $0 for eligible nationalities vietnam-visa.com.

• Embassy Visa: $25–$100 travel.state.gov. Travel Costs

• Self-Guided: Entry $1–$7 (25,000–175,000 VND); transport $0.50–$3 (12,500–75,000 VND).

• Group Tours: $25–$40 (625,000–1,000,000 VND).

• Combo Tours: $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND).

• Multi-Day Tours: $80–$200 (2,000,000–5,000,000 VND). Safety-Related Costs

• Money Belt: $2 (50,000 VND).

• Local SIM: $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND).

• Travel Insurance: $10–$30 (250,000–750,000 VND). Other Costs

• Snacks: $0.20–$1 (5,000–25,000 VND).

• Souvenirs: $0.20–$10 (5,000–250,000 VND). Total Daily Cost

• Budget: $15–$40.

• Mid-range: $40–$70.

• Luxury: $70–$120. Tip: Budget $15–$120; use exemptions to save.

• Visa Tips: Check exemptions or apply e-visas at evisa.gov.vn; carry printed e-visa; register residence vietnam-visa.com.

• Etiquette: “Xin chào”; modest dress; respect customs culturetrip.com.

• Access: Self-guided for flexibility, group tours for insights.

• Schedules: Sites open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; book for festivals.

• Sustainability: Bicycles; reusable items; fair purchases.

• Navigation: Maps.me for cities.

• Weather: Dry season ideal; check weather.com.

• Safety Note: Money belt; emergency numbers (113, 115).

• How much is a Vietnam tourist visa? E-visa $25–$50; exemptions $0; embassy $25–$100 vietnam-visa.com.

• Who is exempt from Vietnam tourist visa? Citizens of 25 countries (e.g., ASEAN, UK, Japan) for 14–45 days vietnam-visa.com.

• How do I apply for Vietnam tourist visa? E-visa online at evisa.gov.vn; embassy for traditional travel.state.gov.

• Can tourist visas be extended? E-visas non-extendable; embassy visas extendable with sponsor vietnam-visa.com.

• What are overstay penalties? 500,000 VND/day ($20/day) travel.state.gov.

• Is Visa on Arrival available? No, discontinued in 2022; use exemptions or e-visas vietnam-visa.com.

Enhance your visa-prepared Vietnam journey with eco-conscious tours from Legend Travel Group:

• Vietnam Cultural Eco-Tour ($25–$40/person, 1 day): Guided temple and market tour.

• Vietnam Cultural and Adventure Trail ($80–$150/person, 2 days): Explore cultural sites and eco-activities.

• Vietnam Explorer ($150–$250/person, 3 days): Multi-site adventure with eco-lodges. Prices include guides, transport, entries; group discounts available. Explore at legendtravelgroup.com or WhatsApp (+84 825862222) for Vietnam Travel plans.

Mastering Vietnam Tourist Visa Cost with cultural etiquette—modest attire, polite greetings like “xin chào,” and cost-smart planning—unlocks a vibrant, eco-friendly journey through Southeast Asia’s gem. With tour costs from $15–$200, sustainable Vietnam Tours, and attractions like Hoi An and Ha Long Bay, this trip offers adventure and affordability. Whether choosing self-guided or guided with Vietnam Travel, leverage exemptions or apply for e-visas early via evisa.gov.vn, and respect local customs. Note Visa on Arrival is discontinued; plan accordingly. Safe travels!

Sources:

• vietnam-visa.com

• evisa.gov.vn

• travel.state.gov

• vinpearl.com

• vietnam.travel