Vietnam is an attractive destination for international travelers thanks to its beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and rapidly growing economy. To enter the country smoothly, foreigners are required to apply for a visa. In this article, FTA LAW provides a comprehensive guide to visa types, associated fees, and visa fee exemption cases, so you can stay well-informed.
Image: Vietnam visa fees that foreigners should know
1. Detailed Visa Fees for Foreigners in Vietnam:
According to the regulations in Section II of the Fee Schedule issued under Circular No. 25/2021/TT-BTC, as amended by Clause 2 of Article 1 of Circular No. 62/2023/TT-BTC, the visa fees and related fees for foreign nationals entering Vietnam are clearly defined. These fees include various types of visas depending on the validity period and purpose of the visit, ranging from single-entry visas to multiple-entry visas with longer durations, and even special permits for foreign nationals entering restricted areas or border zones. Specifically, the fees are as follows:
1.1. Single-Entry Visa
For a single-entry visa, the fee is 25 USD. This is the most common type of visa for those who plan to visit Vietnam only once and have no immediate need to return in the near future.
1.2. Multiple-Entry Visa
A multiple-entry visa allows the holder to enter Vietnam multiple times during the visa’s validity period. The fee for a multiple-entry visa varies according to the specific validity periods:
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Valid for up to 3 months: 50 USD. This is a popular visa type for tourists or those on short-term business trips in Vietnam.
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Valid for more than 3 months and up to 6 months: 95 USD. This type is suitable for longer business trips or stays.
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Valid for more than 6 months and up to 12 months: 135 USD. Often issued to foreigners planning to live and work in Vietnam for a longer period.
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Valid for more than 12 months and up to 2 years: 145 USD. This type is typically for experts or investors.
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Valid for more than 2 years and up to 5 years: 155 USD per. This is for individuals with stable jobs in Vietnam and frequent travel needs.
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For children under 14 years old (regardless of duration): 25 USD per. This applies to children traveling with their families, regardless of visa validity.
1.3. Visa Transfer Fees
In some cases, foreign nationals may need to transfer their visa, temporary residence card, or stay period from an old passport to a new one. The fee for this service is 5 USD per transfer. This is especially important for those whose visa is still valid but their passport has run out of pages or has been lost.
1.4. Visa Exemption Certificate
In certain cases, such as for nationals from visa-exemption agreement countries, a visa exemption certificate can be issued instead of applying. The fee for this certificate is 10 USD per certificate.
1.5. Temporary Residence Card
A temporary residence card is issued to foreigners who have entered Vietnam and wish to stay long-term. The fees for temporary residence cards depend on the validity of the card:
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Valid for up to 2 years: 145 USD per card.
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Valid for more than 2 years and up to 5 years: 155 USD per card.
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Valid for more than 5 years and up to 10 years: 165 USD per card.
1.6. Temporary Residence Extension Fees
For foreigners needing to extend their temporary residence, the fee is 10 USD per extension.
1.7. Permanent Residence Card Issuance and Reissuance Fees
A permanent residence card is issued to foreigners who have lived long-term in Vietnam and wish to maintain their long-term residency status. The fee for issuing or reissuing a permanent residence card is 100 USD per card.
1.8. Special Permit for Restricted or Border Areas
Foreign nationals who need to enter restricted or border areas in Vietnam will need to apply for a special permit. The fee for this permit is 10 USD per person.
1.9. Transit Visa Fees
For foreigners transiting through Vietnam by air or sea and wishing to visit or travel within the country for a short time, the fee for a transit visa is 5 USD per person.
1.10. Visa Issuance According to Personnel Approval List
Visa issuance according to personnel approval is for foreign nationals transiting by sea or air and wishing to enter Vietnam’s mainland under the program of international travel businesses in Vietnam. The fee is 5 USD per person.
1.11. Exit/Entry Permit for Foreigners Without Passports
Foreigners who are permanent residents in Vietnam but do not have a passport will need to apply for an exit/entry permit. The fee for issuing this permit is 200,000 VND per issuance.
1.12. Entry/Exit Permit for Foreigners in Economic Zones
Foreign nationals who have entered Vietnam’s economic zones and wish to visit other areas within the province will need an entry/exit permit. The fee for this permit is 10 USD per person.
2. When Are Foreigners Exempt from Visa Fees in Vietnam?
According to Clause 1, Article 5 of Circular No. 25/2021/TT-BTC, there are certain special cases in which foreign nationals are exempt from visa fees when applying for a visa to enter Vietnam. These exemptions are specifically defined to facilitate individuals or organizations carrying out diplomatic, humanitarian, or special tasks in Vietnam. Let’s explore the cases where foreigners are exempt from visa fees as follows:
2.1. Invited Guests of Vietnam’s Senior Leaders
One of the cases eligible for visa fee exemption is individuals invited to Vietnam by leaders of the Communist Party, State, Government, or National Assembly of Vietnam. This applies not only to the invitees but also to their spouses and children. These visits are typically diplomatic or personal in nature, involving individuals with significant roles in international relations.
2.2. Diplomatic and Consular Officials
Diplomatic staff, consular officers, employees of foreign diplomatic missions, consular offices, and international organizations in Vietnam, along with their family members (including spouses and children under 18), are exempt from visa fees. This applies regardless of the type of passport they hold, as long as they are not Vietnamese citizens and do not reside in Vietnam. The exemption follows the principle of “reciprocity,” meaning that Vietnam and other countries agree to exempt each other’s diplomatic staff and their families from fees.
2.3. Exemptions Based on International Treaties or Reciprocity Principles
In addition to the above cases, foreigners may also be exempt from visa fees if their home countries have signed international agreements with Vietnam or entered into bilateral visa-exemption agreements. These agreements are established on the basis of “reciprocity,” meaning both parties (Vietnam and partner countries) agree to exempt their citizens from visa fees in specific cases.
2.4. Foreigners Involved in Humanitarian Aid Work
Another special case for visa fee exemption includes foreign nationals who enter Vietnam to carry out humanitarian or relief work for organizations or individuals in the country. These activities are charitable and supportive of the local community, and its fee exemptions are provided to facilitate international organizations and individuals involved in urgent relief work, helping Vietnamese citizens in difficult situations.
2.5. Foreigners Who Have Violated the Law But Cannot Afford the Visa Fee
For foreign nationals who have violated the law in Vietnam and are in the process of being dealt with but lack the financial means to pay the visa fees, the authorities may decide to exempt them from visa fees. This applies especially in cases where foreign nationals cannot afford the fees or do not have diplomatic representation in Vietnam to assist financially. The decision to exempt from fees in such cases will be evaluated and decided by the fee collection agency based on the specific circumstances of each case.
Image: Visa fee exemption cases for foreigners in Vietnam
3. Conclusion
Visa fee exemptions help facilitate diplomacy, humanitarian missions, and international engagement. If you need assistance applying for a visa or want to understand Vietnam’s legal requirements, FTA LAW is here to help. Our team of experienced legal experts will support you in completing all procedures quickly and in compliance with current regulations, saving you both time and cost.
The above information is for reference purposes only and does not constitute official legal advice from FTA LAW. For personalized consultation, please contact us at support@ftalaw.vn — we’re always ready to support you.