Navigate the Vietnam visa fee payment process with our guide! Learn about payment methods for e-visa, visa on arrival, embassy visa, costs, and eco-friendly Vietnam Tours 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. Attracting global tourists for its UNESCO sites and affordable travel, Vietnam is a must-visit for cultural and eco-friendly Vietnam Tours culturetrip.com. Understanding the Vietnam visa fee payment process is crucial for international travelers to ensure a smooth visa application and entry for exploring cultural treasures or embarking on sustainable Vietnam Travel. Most nationalities require a visa to enter Vietnam for tourism, business, or transit purposes, with limited visa exemptions vietnam-visa.com. This guide provides detailed information on visa fee payment methods, costs, and eco-friendly travel options to enhance your journey.
Following Vietnam’s updated travel regulations, visa fee payments vary by visa type (e-visa, visa on arrival, embassy visa) and require specific methods like online payments or cash at airports. This guide outlines the payment process for each, ensuring a seamless experience for your Vietnam Travel adventure.
Most international tourists require a visa to enter Vietnam for tourism, business, or transit. Visa options include a 90-day single or multiple-entry e-visa, visa on arrival (for air travel only), or an embassy visa. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the arrival date with two blank pages. Visa fees range from $25–$100 (~625,000–2,500,000 VND), with additional service fees for visa on arrival. Payment methods include credit/debit cards for e-visa, online payments for visa on arrival service fees, and cash for visa on arrival stamping fees. Verify payment requirements via vietnamvisa.govt.vn or trusted agencies like vietnam-visa.com. Some countries (e.g., select ASEAN nations, Chile) may be eligible for visa exemptions for short stays (15–30 days); check official sources for eligibility.
Visa Types and Costs:
E-Visa:
Cost: $25 (~625,000 VND, single entry) or $50 (~1,250,000 VND, multiple entry).
Payment Method: Credit/debit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or other supported cards) via the secure online portal evisa.gov.vn.
Urgent Processing Fee: $10–$50 (~250,000–1,250,000 VND) for 1–2 day or 4–8 hour processing, paid online with the visa fee.
Visa on Arrival (Air Entry Only):
Service Fee: $25 (~625,000 VND, single entry) or $50 (~1,250,000 VND, multiple entry), paid online via agencies like vietnam-visa.com using credit/debit cards or other supported methods (e.g., PayPal, bank transfer, depending on the agency).
Stamping Fee: $25 (~625,000 VND, single entry) or $50 (~1,250,000 VND, multiple entry), paid in cash (USD or VND) at the airport’s “Visa on Arrival” counter.
Urgent Processing Fee: $10–$50 (~250,000–1,250,000 VND) for 1–2 day or 4–8 hour processing, paid online with the service fee.
Total Cost: $50–$100 (~1,250,000–2,500,000 VND).
Embassy Visa:
Cost: Typically $40–$100 (~1,000,000–2,500,000 VND), depending on visa type, duration, and processing speed.
Payment Method: Varies by embassy; common methods include cash, bank transfer, or money order. Some embassies accept credit/debit cards. Contact the specific embassy (e.g., Bangkok, Washington, D.C., or Berlin) for details.
Processing Time:
E-visa and visa on arrival: 3–7 business days; urgent processing (1–2 days or 4–8 hours) available for an additional fee vietnam-visa.com.
Embassy visas: 5–7 business days; payment is typically required at submission.
Special Notes:
E-visa payments are non-refundable, even if the application is rejected vietnamvisa.govt.vn.
Visa on arrival stamping fees must be paid in cash (USD or VND) at the airport; ATMs are available, but it’s recommended to carry exact amounts to avoid delays.
Embassy visa payment methods depend on the specific embassy; some may require cash in local currency or USD, while others accept bank transfers or cards.
Phu Quoc Island offers a 30-day visa exemption for direct arrivals by air or sea with an onward ticket, requiring no visa fee vietnam-visa.com.
Overseas Vietnamese and their spouses/children may be eligible for a 5-year visa exemption certificate; contact a Vietnamese Embassy for details and associated fees.
Overstaying incurs fines (~1,250,000 VND/day or ~$50/day), payable in cash at immigration offices.
Note: Always verify payment methods and fees with vietnamvisa.govt.vn, as some sources may provide outdated information myvietnamvisa.com.
E-Visa Fee Payment:
Visit evisa.gov.vn and complete the online application form with accurate passport details (full name, passport number, date of birth, nationality); select single or multiple entry (up to 90 days).
Upload a digital passport photo (4x6 cm, no glasses, taken within 6 months) and a scanned passport bio page (JPEG format).
Proceed to the payment section; select credit/debit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or other supported cards).
Pay $25 (~625,000 VND, single entry) or $50 (~1,250,000 VND, multiple entry); add $10–$50 (~250,000–1,250,000 VND) for urgent processing if needed.
Confirm payment through the secure portal; retain the payment confirmation email.
Receive the e-visa via email within 3–7 business days (or 1–2 days with urgent processing); print it for entry.
Visa on Arrival Fee Payment (Air Entry Only):
Apply online via a trusted agency like vietnam-visa.com; provide passport details and select single or multiple entry.
Pay the service fee ($25–$50 or ~625,000–1,250,000 VND) online using credit/debit cards or other methods (e.g., PayPal, bank transfer, depending on the agency); add $10–$50 (~250,000–1,250,000 VND) for urgent processing if needed.
Receive the visa approval letter via email within 3–7 business days (or 4–8 hours for urgent processing).
Prepare two 4x6 cm passport-sized photos (no glasses) and cash ($25–$50 or ~625,000–1,250,000 VND) for the stamping fee.
At the airport (e.g., Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang), present the approval letter, passport, photos, and cash at the “Visa on Arrival” counter to pay the stamping fee in USD or VND.
Embassy Visa Fee Payment:
Contact the nearest Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate (check vietnamvisa.govt.vn for locations, e.g., Bangkok: +66-2-251-5836).
Submit your original passport, completed application form, one 4x6 cm photo, and any required documents (e.g., travel itinerary).
Pay the visa fee ($40–$100 or ~1,000,000–2,500,000 VND) using the embassy’s accepted method (cash, bank transfer, money order, or card; confirm in advance).
Retain the payment receipt; processing takes 5–7 business days.
Collect your passport or arrange return mail.
Phu Quoc Visa Exemption (30 Days):
Arrive directly at Phu Quoc by air or sea with an onward ticket; no visa fee is required.
Ensure your passport is valid for 6+ months with two blank pages.
Present your passport at immigration; officers will stamp a 30-day visa-exempt entry.
Eco-Tip: Use digital payment methods for e-visa and visa on arrival service fees to reduce paper receipts; opt for bicycles ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND/day) or public transport for sustainable travel post-arrival.
Tip: Pay e-visa fees online securely; carry exact USD or VND cash for visa on arrival stamping fees to avoid delays; confirm embassy payment methods in advance via vietnamvisa.govt.vn. A guest noted: “Paying the e-visa fee online was quick and hassle-free for our Vietnam trip.”
Payment Security: Use secure internet connections for online payments to protect personal information; avoid public Wi-Fi for transactions.
Currency for Visa on Arrival: Carry USD or VND in cash for the stamping fee; ATMs are available at airports, but exact amounts prevent delays.
Embassy Payment Variations: Payment methods vary by embassy; some require cash in local currency or USD, while others accept cards or bank transfers. Confirm with the specific embassy.
Non-Refundable Fees: E-visa and visa on arrival service fees are typically non-refundable, even if the application is rejected vietnamvisa.govt.vn.
Application Timing: Pay fees 7–14 days before travel to account for processing and holidays. Fast-track services are available for urgent needs vietnam-visa.com.
Tip: Use credit/debit cards for e-visa ($25–$50) for convenience; prepare cash for visa on arrival stamping fees ($25–$50); verify embassy payment methods. A guest shared: “Having cash ready for the visa on arrival stamping fee made our Hanoi entry smooth.”
Cultural etiquette enhances your experience during Vietnam Tours with a visa. Here’s your guide, based on current norms:
Greetings: Offer a “xin chào” (hello) with a slight nod; use both hands when presenting your passport, e-visa, or visa approval letter at immigration 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 entry 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 your printed e-visa or visa approval letter 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 or ~$50/day apply, payable in cash); 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 at entry points.
Eco-Tip: Use digital payment confirmations 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 fee payment details via vietnamvisa.govt.vn.
Below is a curated list of tour options to enhance your Vietnam experience with a 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 paying your visa fee and obtaining your visa; suitable for flexible travellers; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Pay e-visa fees ($25–$50) online or visa on arrival fees ($50–$100, service fee online, stamping fee in cash); carry printed e-visa or approval letter/photos 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: Verify visa fee payment methods at vietnamvisa.govt.vn; visit early (6:00 AM) for serenity; a guest noted: “Self-guided exploration was seamless after paying our e-visa fee online.”
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: Pay e-visa fees ($25–$50) online or visa on arrival fees ($50–$100, service fee online, stamping fee in cash); carry passport or printed e-visa/approval letter; 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 culturally rich after paying our visa fees.”
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: Pay visa on arrival service fee ($25–$50) online and stamping fee ($25–$50) in cash, or e-visa fee ($25–$50) online; carry approval letter/photos or printed e-visa 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 a perfect post-visa adventure.”
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: Pay for a multiple-entry e-visa ($50) online for multi-city travel; carry printed e-visa; ensure accurate travel dates 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 a deep cultural immersion after paying our visa fees.”
E-Visa: Cost-effective ($25–$50) with convenient online payment for 90-day single or multiple entries.
Visa on Arrival: Suitable for air travelers ($50–$100) with online service fee payment and cash stamping fee.
Embassy Visa: Flexible ($40–$100) with varied payment methods, ideal for land/sea entry.
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for independent travellers.
Group Cultural Tours: Affordable and guided, perfect for cultural insights.
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: Blend cultural sites with adventure for a comprehensive journey.
Multi-Day Cultural Tours: Offer in-depth exploration, ideal for multi-city travel.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group and multi-day tours use fuel-efficient transport or bicycles, supporting Vietnam’s green tourism goals.
Key travel opportunities for visa-prepared tourists include:
Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year): Typically January/February (lunar calendar), vibrant with cultural 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 cultural experiences. Morning visits (6:00 AM–10:00 AM) avoid heat or crowds. Pay visa fees 7–14 days before travel to account for processing and holidays. Verify weather via accuweather.com.
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), printed e-visa or visa approval letter, two passport-sized photos (4x6 cm, no glasses), cash (USD or VND) for visa on arrival stamping fee ($25–$50 or ~625,000–1,250,000 VND), wallet ($2–$3 or 50,000–75,000 VND), tour bookings.
Clothing: Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees; lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND) for cultural site visits; quick-dry clothing and raincoat ($2 or 50,000 VND) for wet season; lightweight clothing like cotton or linen and light jacket ($5 or 125,000 VND) for dry season; waterproof shoes ($5 or 125,000 VND); hat ($2 or 25,000 VND).
Essentials: Reusable water bottle ($1 or 25,000 VND); snacks ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND, e.g., phở); 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 ($5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND); local SIM ($2–$3 or 50,000–75,000 VND); waterproof camera ($20 or 500,000 VND) for photos (with permission).
Eco Items: Reusable tote ($1 or 25,000 VND) for market purchases; phrase card ($1 or 25,000 VND) with Vietnamese basics.
Extras: Small VND notes for 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 Costs
E-Visa: $25 (~625,000 VND, single entry) or $50 (~1,250,000 VND, multiple entry).
Visa on Arrival: Service fee: $25–$50 (~625,000–1,250,000 VND); stamping fee: $25–$50 (~625,000–1,250,000 VND); total: $50–$100 (~1,250,000–2,500,000 VND).
Embassy Visa: $40–$100 (~1,000,000–2,500,000 VND), varies by processing speed.
Urgent Processing Fee: $10–$50 (~250,000–1,250,000 VND) for 1–2 day or 4–8 hour processing (e-visa or visa on arrival). Travel Tour Costs
Self-Guided Exploration: 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).
Group Cultural Tours: $25–$40 (625,000–1,000,000 VND, includes entry).
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes entry).
Multi-Day Cultural Tours: $80–$200 (2,000,000–5,000,000 VND, includes entries). Other Costs
Local Snacks (e.g., phở, banh mi): $0.20–$1 (5,000–25,000 VND).
Souvenirs (e.g., silk scarves, conical hats): $0.20–$10 (5,000–250,000 VND).
Donations at Cultural Sites: $0.20–$1 (5,000–25,000 VND). Total Daily Cost (Per Person, 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). Tip: Budget $25–$200 (~625,000–5,000,000 VND) for visa fees (e-visa/visa on arrival/embassy visa) and daily travel costs, and $0.20–$10 (~5,000–250,000 VND) for purchases or add-ons.
Visa Fee Tips: Pay e-visa and visa on arrival service fees online securely using credit/debit cards; carry exact USD or VND cash for visa on arrival stamping fees; confirm embassy payment methods in advance via vietnamvisa.govt.vn. Apply 7–14 days early to avoid delays.
Etiquette: Use “xin chào” greeting; dress modestly for cultural sites; respect immigration officers; avoid overstaying visas to prevent fines (payable in cash).
Access: Choose self-guided exploration for flexibility, group tours for guided insights, or multi-day tours for deeper immersion post-entry.
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 digital payment confirmations; 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).
What payment methods are accepted for Vietnam visa fees? E-visa: credit/debit cards; visa on arrival: online service fee (cards/PayPal) and cash stamping fee (USD/VND); embassy visa: cash, bank transfer, or cards (varies by embassy) vietnamvisa.govt.vn.
How much are Vietnam visa fees? E-visa: $25–$50 (~625,000–1,250,000 VND); visa on arrival: $50–$100 (~1,250,000–2,500,000 VND); embassy visa: $40–$100 (~1,000,000–2,500,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Are Vietnam visa fees refundable? E-visa and visa on arrival service fees are typically non-refundable; check embassy policies for refunds vietnamvisa.govt.vn.
Can I pay visa on arrival fees at the airport? Yes, the stamping fee ($25–$50 or ~625,000–1,250,000 VND) must be paid in cash (USD/VND) at the airport myvietnamvisa.com.
Can I visit Phu Quoc without paying a visa fee? Yes, for 30 days if arriving directly by air or sea with an onward ticket 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 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 the Vietnam Visa Fee Payment process with cultural etiquette—modest attire, polite greetings like “xin chào,” and preparation with secure online payments or cash for stamping fees—unlocks a vibrant, eco-friendly journey through this Southeast Asian gem. With visa fees from $25–$100 (~625,000–2,500,000 VND), eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and attractions like Hoi An and Ha Long Bay, this trip offers adventure and sustainability. Pay fees early and respect local customs for the best experience with Vietnam Travel. 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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