Plan your Vietnam adventure with our guide to visa costs for 2025-2026! Learn about e-visa, visa on arrival, embassy visa fees, processes, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and tips for seamless Vietnam Travel. Start your journey today!
Photograph the festive spirit of Vietnam’s traditionsWritten 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, myvietnamvisa.com, vietnamvisa.govt.vn, and cambodia-travel.com. Information based on latest data; verify before travel. Reflects Vietnam’s updated travel regulations.
Vietnam, a vibrant Southeast Asian destination, is renowned for its rich history, cultural landmarks like Hoi An’s Ancient Town, Ha Long Bay’s limestone karsts, and bustling cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City cambodia-travel.com. A must-visit for global travelers, Vietnam attracts tourists for its UNESCO sites, affordable travel, and proximity to regional hubs like Bangkok (1,200 miles from Hanoi) culturetrip.com. Understanding Vietnam’s visa costs for 2025-2026 is crucial for budgeting your trip to explore cultural treasures or join eco-friendly Vietnam Tours. Visa options include e-visas, visas on arrival, and embassy visas, with costs varying by type and nationality vietnam-visa.com. This guide provides detailed visa cost breakdowns, cultural etiquette, and sustainable Vietnam Travel options to enhance your journey.
Following Vietnam’s updated travel regulations, visa costs are standardized for e-visas and visas on arrival, but additional service fees may apply. This guide blends cost insights, cultural tips, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a seamless visit.
Vietnam visa costs for 2025-2026 include e-visa fees ($25–$50 or ~625,000–1,250,000 VND), visa on arrival fees ($25–$50 service fee plus $25–$50 stamping fee, or ~625,000–2,500,000 VND total), and embassy visa fees (varying by country). Passports must be valid for 6 months beyond arrival with two blank pages. Processing takes 3–7 business days for e-visas and visas on arrival, with fast-track options available. Visa-exempt countries (e.g., ASEAN nations, Japan, UK) incur no fees for short stays. Verify costs and processes via vietnamvisa.govt.vn or trusted agencies like vietnam-visa.com.
Eligibility: Most nationalities require a visa, except for visa-exempt countries (e.g., ASEAN nations, Japan, South Korea, UK for 15–45 days). Check your status on vietnamvisa.govt.vn vietnam-visa.com.
Passport Requirements: Valid for at least 6 months beyond arrival with two blank pages for stamps myvietnamvisa.com.
Visa Types and Costs:
E-Visa:
Purpose: Tourism, valid for 90 days, single or multiple entry.
Cost: $25 (~625,000 VND) for single entry; $50 (~1,250,000 VND) for multiple entry. Non-refundable.
Entry Points: 13 airports (e.g., Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang), 16 land borders, 13 seaports.
Processing Time: 3–7 business days; urgent processing (1–2 days or 4–8 hours) adds $10–$50 (~250,000–1,250,000 VND) via agencies vietnam-visa.com.
Visa on Arrival:
Purpose: Tourism, valid for 30–90 days, single or multiple entry, air entry only.
Cost: Service fee for visa approval letter: $25 (~625,000 VND, single entry) or $50 (~1,250,000 VND, multiple entry); stamping fee at airport: $25 (~625,000 VND, single entry) or $50 (~1,250,000 VND, multiple entry), paid in cash (USD or VND). Total: $50–$100 (~1,250,000–2,500,000 VND).
Entry Points: Major airports (e.g., Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang).
Processing Time: 3–7 business days for approval letter; urgent processing adds $10–$50 (~250,000–1,250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Embassy Visa:
Purpose: Tourism, business, or other purposes, valid for varying durations.
Cost: Varies by embassy and nationality (typically $30–$100 or ~750,000–2,500,000 VND). Contact embassies (e.g., Australia: $50–$80; US: $40–$120) for exact fees myvietnamvisa.com.
Entry Points: All airports, land borders, and seaports.
Processing Time: 5–7 business days; expedited processing may add fees.
Visa Exemption:
Purpose: Tourism or business for eligible countries (e.g., ASEAN nations, Japan, UK, France).
Cost: Free for 15–45 days, depending on nationality.
Entry Points: All airports, land borders, and seaports.
Application Requirements:
E-Visa: Online application via evisa.gov.vn; digital passport photo (4x6 cm, no glasses, recent), scanned passport bio page (JPEG), credit/debit card.
Visa on Arrival: Online application for approval letter via vietnam-visa.com; passport details; at airport: approval letter, two 4x6 cm photos, cash for stamping fee.
Embassy Visa: Original passport, application form, one 4x6 cm photo, fee (varies); additional documents (e.g., itinerary) may be required.
Special Notes: E-visa and visa on arrival fees are non-refundable. Phu Quoc Island offers a 30-day visa exemption for direct arrivals by air or sea with an onward ticket vietnam-visa.com. Overseas Vietnamese and their spouses/children may qualify for a 5-year visa exemption certificate (fee: ~$10–$20 or ~250,000–500,000 VND). Overstaying incurs fines (~1,250,000 VND/day or ~$50/day).
Payment: E-visa fees are paid online (USD); visa on arrival stamping fees require cash (USD or VND) at airports, with no ATMs in customs areas. Embassy fees vary (cash or money order) myvietnamvisa.com.
Application Timing: Apply 7–14 days before travel to account for public holidays (e.g., Tet) or delays. Fast-track services available for e-visas and visas on arrival vietnam-visa.com.
Tip: E-visas are cost-effective for most travelers ($25–$50); visas on arrival suit air travelers but require cash; embassy visas offer flexibility but vary in cost. A guest shared: “The e-visa was the cheapest and easiest for our Vietnam trip.”
Cultural etiquette enhances your experience during Vietnam Tours, especially when navigating visa processes. Here’s your guide, based on current norms:
Greetings: Offer a “xin chào” (hello) with a slight nod; use both hands when presenting documents or payments at immigration or visa counters to show respect.
Dress: Wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for cultural sites like pagodas or markets; a lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND) aligns with local norms culturetrip.com.
Behaviour: Maintain a calm demeanor at immigration or cultural sites; avoid loud behavior in public spaces; ask permission before photographing locals or rituals. Avoid pointing at people or sacred objects, as this is disrespectful. A guest shared: “Respecting customs smoothed our visa process and cultural visits.”
Customs: Avoid public criticism of the government to prevent issues; tipping is not mandatory but appreciated ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND); respect local traditions during festivals like Tet culturetrip.com.
Tip: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you) to immigration officers or locals; use eco-friendly practices like reusable water bottles ($1 or 25,000 VND) to support sustainable Vietnam Travel; carry visa documents securely. Tony Bùi notes: “In 20 years guiding, I’ve seen prepared travellers thrive in Vietnam’s vibrant culture.”
General Tips:
Language: Carry a phrase card ($1 or 25,000 VND) for Vietnamese basics like “cảm ơn”; English is common in tourist areas, but translation apps are useful in rural areas culturetrip.com.
Respect: Follow immigration rules; avoid overstaying visas (fines of 1,250,000 VND/day apply); support local vendors with fair purchases in markets.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) with “Hanoi” or “Ho Chi Minh City” for navigation after arrival; ensure visa documents are ready.
Eco-Tip: Use digital visa applications to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND/day) or public transport to minimize emissions, aligning with Vietnam’s green tourism goals.
Note: Etiquette reflects current norms; verify visa costs via vietnamvisa.govt.vn.
Below is a curated list of tour options to enhance your Vietnam experience post-visa, based on the latest data from vietnam-visa.com, myvietnamvisa.com, and cambodia-travel.com. Confirm schedules and prices before booking.
Details: Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Hoi An’s Ancient Town, or Ha Long Bay independently after securing your visa; suitable for budget travelers; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use e-visa ($25–$50) for cost savings; visa on arrival ($50–$100) for air travel; carry documents and cash for stamping fees vietnamvisa.govt.vn.
Schedule: Daily; cultural sites like Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum open 7:30 AM–10:30 AM (free); markets open 6:00 AM–6:00 PM (free); vibrant during Tet (January/February, lunar calendar).
Cost: Entry: $0–$2 (0–50,000 VND); transport (bicycle: $2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND/day; taxi: $5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND); local purchases: $0.20–$10 (5,000–250,000 VND).
Location: Various cities in Vietnam (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Ha Long Bay).
Eco-Friendly Note: Use bicycles or public transport to reduce emissions; avoid littering at cultural sites or markets.
Tip: Budget with e-visa for lowest cost; visit early (6:00 AM) for serenity; a guest noted: “Self-guided exploration was affordable with an e-visa.”
Details: 1-day group tour visiting Hanoi’s Temple of Literature or Hoi An’s Ancient Town; includes English-speaking guide, transport, lunch, and entry fees; low difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use e-visa ($25–$50) for cost efficiency; visa-exempt travelers save more; confirm entry point with tour operator vietnam-visa.com.
Schedule: Daily; departs 7:00 AM from Hanoi or Hoi An 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 or Hoi An.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group transport with fuel-efficient vehicles minimizes impact; supports local vendors.
Tip: Book via legendtravelgroup.com; a guest noted: “The group tour was budget-friendly post-visa.”
Details: 1-day guided tour visiting Ha Long Bay for cruising and a local market; includes English-speaking guide, transport, lunch, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use visa on arrival ($50–$100) for air entry; e-visa ($25–$50) for budget travelers; carry documents myvietnamvisa.com.
Schedule: Daily; departs 6:30 AM from Hanoi hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $30–$50/person (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes entry).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Hanoi.
Eco-Friendly Note: Small groups reduce environmental impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via localvietnam.com; a guest noted: “The combo tour was great value after our visa on arrival.”
Details: 2–3 day tour combining Hanoi’s cultural sites, Ha Long Bay’s cruises, and Hoi An’s Ancient Town; includes English-speaking guide, transport, accommodation, meals, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use multiple-entry e-visa ($50) or visa on arrival ($50–$100) for multi-city travel; visa-exempt for short stays; carry documents vietnamvisa.govt.vn.
Schedule: Daily; departs from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City hotels; returns after 2–3 days.
Cost: $80–$200/person (2,000,000–5,000,000 VND, includes entries).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels or custom locations in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Hoi An.
Eco-Friendly Note: Uses eco-lodges and fuel-efficient transport; supports local communities.
Tip: Book Vietnam Tours via legendtravelgroup.com or WhatsApp (+84 825862222); a guest noted: “The multi-day tour was immersive and worth the visa cost.”
Visa Exemption: Free for eligible nationalities (15–45 days), ideal for short, budget trips.
E-Visa: Cost-effective ($25–$50) for 90-day single or multiple entry, no stamping fees.
Visa on Arrival: Convenient for air travelers ($50–$100 total), but requires cash for stamping.
Embassy Visa: Flexible but pricier ($30–$100), varies by nationality.
Travel Options: Self-guided for budget flexibility, group tours for affordability, multi-day tours for in-depth exploration.
Eco-Friendly Note: Tours use fuel-efficient transport or bicycles, supporting Vietnam’s green tourism goals.
Key travel opportunities for visa holders include:
Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year): Typically January/February (lunar calendar), vibrant with celebrations; warm in the south (25–32°C), cooler in the north (15–25°C); check dates at cambodia-travel.com.
Mid-Autumn Festival: Typically September (lunar calendar), festive with lantern displays; warm and rainy (24–33°C); check dates at cambodia-travel.com.
Cultural Site Visits: November–April for dry conditions in the south (Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc); March–April for mild weather in the north (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay); February for optimal weather nationwide holiday-weather.com.
Dry season (November–April, 25–33°C in the south, 15–25°C in the north) is ideal for cultural visits, markets, and festivals. Wet season (May–October, 24–33°C) suits budget travelers and indoor experiences. Morning visits (6:00 AM–10:00 AM) avoid heat or crowds. Verify weather via accuweather.com.
E-Visa: $25–$50 (~625,000–1,250,000 VND); urgent processing adds $10–$50 (~250,000–1,250,000 VND).
Visa on Arrival: $50–$100 (~1,250,000–2,500,000 VND, including service and stamping fees); urgent processing adds $10–$50 (~250,000–1,250,000 VND).
Embassy Visa: $30–$100 (~750,000–2,500,000 VND), varies by embassy.
Visa Exemption: Free for eligible countries (15–45 days).
Daily Travel Costs (Excluding Visa):
Budget: $10–$30 (~250,000–750,000 VND, self-guided, snacks, transport).
Mid-range: $30–$60 (~750,000–1,500,000 VND, group tour, purchases).
Luxury: $60–$100 (~1,500,000–2,500,000 VND, private tour, premium souvenirs).
Total Trip Budget (Per Person, Including Visa):
Budget: $35–$150 (~875,000–3,750,000 VND, e-visa or exemption, self-guided).
Mid-range: $80–$200 (~2,000,000–5,000,000 VND, visa on arrival, group tours).
Luxury: $150–$300 (~3,750,000–7,500,000 VND, embassy visa, multi-day tours).
Tip: Budget for visa fees plus daily expenses; carry USD or VND for visa on arrival stamping fees.
Visa Tips: Choose e-visa ($25–$50) for cost savings and flexibility; visa on arrival ($50–$100) for air travelers; embassy visas for specific needs; visa exemption for eligible short stays. Apply 7–14 days early to avoid delays during holidays vietnamvisa.govt.vn.
Etiquette: Use “xin chào” greeting; dress modestly for cultural sites; respect immigration officers; avoid overstaying to prevent fines.
Access: Choose self-guided exploration for budget flexibility, group tours for affordability, or multi-day tours for immersion post-visa.
Schedules: Cultural sites open 7:00 AM–6:00 PM; markets open 6:00 AM–6:00 PM; peak crowds in dry season (November–April); book early for festivals (January/February, September).
Sustainability: Use bicycles or public transport; carry reusable items; support local vendors with fair purchases.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for key cities like “Hanoi” or “Ho Chi Minh City.”
Weather: Dry season (Nov–Apr, 25–33°C in the south, 15–25°C in the north) ideal; wet season (May–Oct, 24–33°C) suits indoor activities; check forecasts via accuweather.com.
Safety Note: Secure valuables with a money belt ($2 or 50,000 VND); beware of pickpocketing in markets; carry emergency numbers (Police: 113, Medical: 115).
How much is a Vietnam e-visa in 2025-2026? $25 (~625,000 VND, single entry) or $50 (~1,250,000 VND, multiple entry) vietnamvisa.govt.vn.
How much is a Vietnam visa on arrival? $50–$100 (~1,250,000–2,500,000 VND), including service fee ($25–$50) and stamping fee ($25–$50) vietnam-visa.com.
How much is an embassy visa for Vietnam? $30–$100 (~750,000–2,500,000 VND), varies by embassy and nationality myvietnamvisa.com.
Are there visa-free options for Vietnam? Yes, for ~25 countries (e.g., ASEAN, Japan, UK) for 15–45 days, free of charge vietnam-visa.com.
Are visa fees refundable? E-visa and visa on arrival fees are non-refundable; some agencies refund service fees if applications are denied vietnam-visa.com.
Are eco-friendly tours available in Vietnam? Yes, group tours with fuel-efficient transport or bicycles; check localvietnam.com.
Enhance your Vietnam journey post-visa with eco-conscious tours from Legend Travel Group:
Vietnam Cultural Eco-Tour ($25–$40/person, ~625,000–1,000,000 VND, 1 day): Guided temple and market tour with sustainable practices.
Vietnam Cultural and Adventure Trail ($80–$150/person, ~2,000,000–3,750,000 VND, 2 days): Explore ecotourism sites with eco-friendly transport.
Vietnam Explorer ($150–$250/person, ~3,750,000–6,250,000 VND, 3 days): Multi-site adventure with eco-lodges and community-focused activities. Prices include guides, transport, and fees; group discounts available. Explore options at legendtravelgroup.com or contact sales@legendtravelgroup.com / WhatsApp (+84825862222) for your Vietnam Travel plans.
Mastering Vietnam Visa Cost 2025-2026 with cultural etiquette—modest attire, polite greetings like “xin chào,” and smart budgeting—unlocks a vibrant, eco-friendly journey through this Southeast Asian gem. With visa costs ranging from $0 (exemption) to $100 (~2,500,000 VND), eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and attractions like Hoi An and Ha Long Bay, this trip offers adventure and sustainability. Whether choosing a visa-exempt, e-visa, or visa on arrival experience with Vietnam Travel, apply early and respect local customs for the best experience. For more guides, check trusted resources like vietnamvisa.govt.vn. Safe travels!
Sources:
Visa Information: vietnam-visa.com, myvietnamvisa.com, vietnamvisa.govt.vn
Cultural and Travel Details: culturetrip.com, cambodia-travel.com
Weather Information: accuweather.com
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