Plan your Vietnam adventure with our guide to visa costs! Learn about e-visa fees, exemption policies, travel expenses for cultural sites, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and top providers for a seamless experience with Vietnam Travel. Start your journey today!
Capture the vibrant beauty of Vietnam with visa-cost planningAuthor Bio: 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, travel.state.gov, evisa.gov.vn, 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. All travelers must now apply for an e-visa online via evisa.gov.vn or use visa exemption policies if eligible. This guide details visa costs, exemptions, and budgeting tips for a seamless journey.
Vietnam, a vibrant Southeast Asian destination, is renowned for its cultural landmarks like Hoi An’s ancient town, Ha Long Bay’s limestone karsts, and bustling cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City vinpearl.com. Understanding Vietnam’s visa costs helps travelers budget effectively for a hassle-free journey, whether joining guided Vietnam Toursor exploring independently. Visa costs include e-visa fees for non-exempt travelers and minimal expenses for those qualifying for exemptions, such as citizens of select countries or Phu Quoc visitors vietnam-visa.com. This guide provides practical visa cost insights, cultural tips, and eco-friendly Vietnam Travel options for a seamless adventure.
Following Vietnam’s updated travel regulations, the country is accessible via international airports (e.g., Noi Bai in Hanoi, Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City), land borders, or seaports. This guide blends visa cost details, travel budgeting, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a worry-free experience.
Vietnam’s visa costs include e-visa fees ($25–$50 or 625,000–1,250,000 VND) for non-exempt travelers, with no cost for visa-exempt travelers (38 countries for 14–45 days, Phu Quoc for 30 days). Passports must be valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages. Additional costs include expedited e-visa processing ($10–$30 or 250,000–750,000 VND) and travel expenses like cultural site entries (e.g., Hoi An: $5–$7 or 125,000–175,000 VND) and guided tours ($15–$80 or 375,000–2,000,000 VND). Visitors must register their temporary residence with local police, typically handled by hotels. Verify visa costs and policies via evisa.gov.vn or travel.state.gov.
E-Visa Costs:
Single Entry: $25 (625,000 VND) for up to 90 days, non-refundable even if rejected evisa.gov.vn.
Multiple Entry: $50 (1,250,000 VND) for up to 90 days, non-refundable evisa.gov.vn.
Expedited Processing: Additional $10–$30 (250,000–750,000 VND) for 1–2 day processing through agencies vietnam-visa.com.
Visa Exemption Costs:
Standard Exemptions: No cost for citizens of 38 countries (e.g., Germany, Japan, Thailand) for 14–45 days, depending on nationality vietnam-visa.com.
Phu Quoc Exemption: No cost for all nationalities staying up to 30 days on Phu Quoc Island, arriving directly by air or sea without visiting mainland Vietnam vietnam.travel.
APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC): No additional visa cost for holders with “VNM” on the card, allowing 60-day visa-free business stays vietnam-visa.com.
5-Year Visa Exemption: Application fees vary by embassy (approximately $10–$50 or 250,000–1,250,000 VND); available for overseas Vietnamese, their spouses, or children, valid for up to 5 years with 180-day stays per visit vietnam-visa.com.
Embassy/Consulate Visa Costs:
Vary by country and visa type (tourist, business); typically $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND), depending on processing time and nationality. Contact the Vietnamese Embassy for specifics travel.state.gov.
Additional Costs:
Fast-Track Immigration Service: $10–$50 (250,000–1,250,000 VND) to skip airport queues, available through agencies vietnam-visa.com.
Overstay Penalties: 500,000 VND/day ($20/day) for overstaying; potential exit bans or deportation travel.state.gov.
Replacement Visa: $25–$50 (625,000–1,250,000 VND) for lost/stolen passports, processing takes 3–5 days travel.state.gov.
Note on Visa on Arrival: The Visa on Arrival program was discontinued in 2022. Non-exempt travelers must apply for an e-visa online via evisa.gov.vn vietnam-visa.com.
Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from entry date with two blank pages travel.state.gov.
E-Visa Application: Requires digital passport photo (4x6 cm, white background) and passport data page scan; pay via credit/debit card (American Express not accepted) evisa.gov.vn.
Residence Registration: Mandatory within 24 hours of arrival, typically handled by hotels; no additional cost travel.state.gov.
Budgeting Tips: Verify eligibility for exemptions to avoid e-visa fees; apply early to avoid expedited processing costs; carry USD or VND for small transactions vietnam-visa.com.
Cultural etiquette ensures a smooth experience during Vietnam Tours, complementing visa-cost planning. Here’s your guide, based on current norms:
Greetings: Offer a “xin chào” (hello) with a slight nod; use both hands for transactions to show respect, especially at temples or markets like Hanoi’s Old Quarter culturetrip.com.
Dress: Wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple visits (e.g., Temple of Literature in Hanoi); a lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND) aligns with local norms vinpearl.com.
Behaviour: Maintain a quiet demeanor at cultural sites; ask permission before photographing locals or rituals; carry passport securely to verify visa status if requested. Avoid public criticism of the Vietnamese government (penalties apply). A guest shared: “Respecting Vietnamese customs made our visa-cost-prepared trip seamless.”
Customs: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND); avoid littering to preserve cultural sites like Ha Long Bay or Hoi An’s ancient town culturetrip.com.
Tip: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you) to locals or guides; use eco-friendly practices like reusable water bottles ($2 or 50,000 VND) to support sustainable Vietnam Travel; keep passport handy for checks. Tony Bùi notes: “In 20 years guiding, I’ve seen visa-cost-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 widely spoken in tourist areas like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, but translation apps are useful culturetrip.com.
Respect: Follow temple rules (avoid touching sacred items); respect local vendors with fair purchases in markets.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for cities like Hanoi or Hoi An; carry a passport photocopy for checks travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Opt for bicycles ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND/day) or motorbike taxis ($0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND) to reduce emissions, aligning with Vietnam’s green tourism goals.
Below is a curated list of tour options to enhance your visa-cost-prepared journey, based on the latest data from vietnam-visa.com, travel.state.gov, evisa.gov.vn, vinpearl.com, and vietnam.travel. Confirm schedules and prices before booking.
Details: Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Hoi An’s ancient town, or Ha Long Bay independently; suitable for travelers with visa exemptions or e-visas; low to moderate difficulty vietnam.travel.
Visa Cost Tips: Verify exemption eligibility to avoid e-visa fees; apply for e-visas ($25–$50) if needed; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; register temporary residence at hotels evisa.gov.vn.
Schedule: Daily; Hoi An ancient town open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM ($5–$7 or 125,000–175,000 VND); Hanoi’s Temple of Literature open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND); Ha Long Bay cruises available daily.
Cost: Entry: free (markets); Hoi An: $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND); Temple of Literature: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND); transport (bicycle: $1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND/day; motorbike taxi: $0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND); local purchases: $0.20–$10 (5,000–250,000 VND).
Location: Hanoi, Hoi An, Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use bicycles to reduce emissions; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Tip: Budget for e-visa fees if non-exempt; check evisa.gov.vn; a guest noted: “Self-guided exploration was budget-friendly with a visa exemption.”
Details: 1-day group tour visiting Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Temple of Literature; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Hanoi hotels, lunch, and entry fees; low difficulty.
Visa Cost Tips: Confirm exemption eligibility or apply for an e-visa ($25–$50); carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; guides assist with residence 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 transport and entry).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Hanoi.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group transport with fuel-efficient vehicles minimizes impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via legendtravelgroup.com; a guest noted: “Legend’s tour ensured visa-cost savings and cultural immersion.”
Details: 1-day guided tour visiting Hoi An’s ancient town and a cycling tour; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Hoi An, lunch, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Cost Tips: Confirm exemption eligibility or apply for an e-visa ($25–$50); carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; verify entry/exit points for multi-city travel 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 environmental impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via localvietnam.com; a guest noted: “The combo tour was visa-cost-efficient and enriching.”
Details: 2–3 day tour combining Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Hoi An; includes English-speaking guide, transport, accommodation, meals, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Cost Tips: Confirm exemption eligibility or apply for a multiple-entry e-visa ($50); carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; confirm temporary residence 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 or custom locations in Hanoi.
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 a visa-cost-smart cultural journey.”
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for visa-exempt or e-visa-prepared travellers.
Group Cultural Tours: Affordable and guided, perfect for visa-cost-efficient cultural insights.
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: Blend cultural visits with eco-friendly activities for a comprehensive journey.
Multi-Day Cultural and Adventure Tours: Offer in-depth exploration with visa-cost-smart itineraries.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group and multi-day tours use fuel-efficient transport or bicycles, supporting Vietnam’s green tourism goals.
Key visa-cost-prepared travel opportunities include:
Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year): Typically late January to February (lunar calendar), vibrant with temple ceremonies and family traditions; warm and dry (18–28°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Hung Kings Festival: Typically March to April (lunar calendar), honoring Vietnam’s founders; warm and dry (24–32°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Mid-Autumn Festival: Typically September (lunar calendar), festive with lantern parades; warm and wet (24–31°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Cultural Site Visits: Dry season (January–August) for comfortable weather; February for optimal conditions vinpearl.com.
Dry season (January–August, 18–33°C) is ideal for cultural visits and festivals. Hot period (April–August, 24–33°C) suits early morning outings. Wet season (September–December, 24–31°C) is best for budget travelers and indoor experiences. Morning visits (6:00 AM–10:00 AM) avoid heat or rain. Verify forecasts via weather.com.
Verify Exemption Eligibility: Check if your nationality qualifies for a 14–45 day exemption or Phu Quoc’s 30-day exemption to avoid e-visa fees; non-eligible travelers apply for an e-visa at evisa.gov.vn vietnam-visa.com.
E-Visa Budgeting: Allocate $25 (single entry) or $50 (multiple entry) for e-visa fees; add $10–$30 for expedited processing if needed evisa.gov.vn.
Documentation: Ensure passport validity (6+ months); carry a digital or printed e-visa copy or passport photocopy; keep a photocopy of passport bio page separately travel.state.gov.
Residence Registration: Confirm hotels register your stay with local police; no additional cost travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Use digital e-visa copies to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles or motorbike taxis for sustainable travel.
Tip: Apply for e-visas 7–14 days early to avoid expedited fees; double-check details to match passport; carry small VND notes for local purchases; check visa status at evisa.gov.vn.
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), printed e-visa copy ($25–$50 or 625,000–1,250,000 VND if required), passport photocopy, wallet ($2 or 50,000 VND), tour bookings.
Clothing: Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple visits; lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND); quick-dry clothing and raincoat ($2 or 50,000 VND) for wet season; lightweight clothing like cotton or linen and light jacket ($3 or 75,000 VND) for dry season; 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, e.g., pho); small backpack ($2 or 50,000 VND); sunscreen ($1 or 25,000 VND); insect repellent ($1 or 25,000 VND).
Tech: Phone with translation apps (e.g., Google Translate); charger ($3–$5 or 75,000–125,000 VND); local SIM ($2–$3 or 50,000–75,000 VND); waterproof camera ($6 or 150,000 VND) for photos.
Eco Items: Reusable tote ($1 or 25,000 VND) for purchases; phrase card ($1 or 25,000 VND) with Vietnamese basics.
Extras: Small VND notes for donations or purchases; small first aid kit ($2 or 50,000 VND); umbrella ($2 or 50,000 VND) for wet season; money belt ($2 or 50,000 VND) for valuables. Tip: Pack light (1 small bag, max 5 kg); reusable items support sustainability.
Visa and Travel Costs
E-Visa Costs: Single entry: $25 (625,000 VND); multiple entry: $50 (1,250,000 VND); expedited processing: $10–$30 (250,000–750,000 VND) evisa.gov.vn.
Exemption Costs: No cost for eligible countries (14–45 days), Phu Quoc (30 days), or APEC cardholders; 5-year exemption: $10–$50 (250,000–1,250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Self-Guided Exploration: Entry: free (markets); Hoi An: $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND); Temple of Literature: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND); transport (bicycle: $1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND/day; motorbike taxi: $0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND).
Group Cultural Tours: $25–$40 (625,000–1,000,000 VND, includes transport and entry).
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes entry).
Multi-Day Cultural and Adventure Tours: $80–$200 (2,000,000–5,000,000 VND, includes entries). Safety-Related Costs
Money Belt: $2 (50,000 VND).
Local SIM for Emergency Calls: $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND).
Travel Insurance (Recommended): $10–$30 (250,000–750,000 VND). Other Costs
Local Snacks (e.g., banh mi, pho): $0.20–$1 (5,000–25,000 VND).
Souvenirs (e.g., crafts, textiles): $0.20–$10 (5,000–250,000 VND).
Donations: $0.20–$1 (5,000–25,000 VND). Total Daily Cost (Per Person)
Budget: $15–$40 (self-guided, snacks, transport, entry).
Mid-range: $40–$70 (group tour, purchases).
Luxury: $70–$120 (private tour, premium souvenirs). Tip: Budget $15–$120 for tours, visa (if applicable), and transport; $0.20–$10 for purchases or add-ons; verify exemptions to minimize costs.
Visa Cost Tips: Check exemption eligibility to avoid e-visa fees; budget $25–$50 for e-visas if needed; apply early to avoid expedited fees; verify at evisa.gov.vn vietnam-visa.com.
Etiquette: Use “xin chào”; dress modestly for temples; respect local customs; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Access: Choose self-guided exploration for flexibility, group tours for visa-cost-efficient insights, or multi-day tours for immersion.
Schedules: Cultural sites open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; markets open 6:00 AM–6:00 PM; peak crowds in dry season (January–August); book early for festivals.
Sustainability: Use bicycles or motorbike taxis; carry reusable items; support local vendors with fair purchases.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for cities like Hanoi or Hoi An.
Weather: Dry season (Jan–Aug, 18–33°C) ideal; hot period (Apr–Aug, 24–33°C) suits early mornings; wet season (Sep–Dec, 24–31°C) requires rain gear; check forecasts via weather.com.
Safety Note: Secure valuables with a money belt ($2 or 50,000 VND); beware of pickpocketing in markets or nightlife areas; carry emergency numbers (Police: 113, Medical: 115).
How much does a Vietnam visa cost? E-visa: $25 (single entry) or $50 (multiple entry); exemptions: no cost for 38 countries (14–45 days) or Phu Quoc (30 days); 5-year exemption: $10–$50 evisa.gov.vn.
Are there additional visa costs? Expedited e-visa processing: $10–$30; fast-track immigration: $10–$50; embassy visa: $25–$100 vietnam-visa.com.
Who is exempt from visa costs? Citizens of 38 countries (e.g., Germany, Japan), Phu Quoc visitors (30 days), APEC cardholders, and overseas Vietnamese with 5-year exemptions vietnam-visa.com.
What happens if I overstay? Fines of 500,000 VND/day ($20/day); potential exit bans or deportation travel.state.gov.
Is Visa on Arrival available? No, discontinued in 2022; apply for an e-visa at evisa.gov.vn vietnam-visa.com.
Are eco-friendly tours available? Yes, group tours with fuel-efficient transport or bicycles; check localvietnam.com.
Enhance your visa-cost-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 with sustainable practices.
Vietnam Cultural and Adventure Trail ($80–$150/person, 2 days): Explore cultural sites and eco-friendly activities.
Vietnam Explorer ($150–$250/person, 3 days): Multi-site adventure with eco-lodges and community-focused activities. Prices include guides, transport, and entry 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 with cultural etiquette—modest attire, polite greetings like “xin chào,” and cost-smart planning—unlocks a vibrant, eco-friendly journey through this Southeast Asian gem. With tour costs from $15–$200, sustainable Vietnam Tours, and attractions like Hoi An and Ha Long Bay, this trip offers adventure and sustainability. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Vietnam Travel, verify exemption eligibility or apply for e-visas early to minimize costs, and respect local customs for the best experience. Note that Visa on Arrival is no longer available; non-exempt travelers must apply for an e-visa via evisa.gov.vn. Safe travels!
Sources:
vietnam-visa.com
travel.state.gov
evisa.gov.vn
vinpearl.com
vietnam.travel
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