Vietnam Visa fees from Jan 1, 2013

As a company whose interests are intertwined with Vietnam’s tourism industry, it was a bit of a shock to discover news that Vietnam will increase fees for entrance visas and in some cases to nearly double the original cost. Currently, it costs USD$25 to obtain a one month single-entry tourist visa. This will rise to USD$45. Multiple entry three month visa fees will also rise to USD$65 from USD$50.


Along with the one month visa fee hike, six month and one year multiple entry visas will have their fees raised. The six month visa fee will rise from USD$50 to USD $95 and the fee for one year multiple visas will rise from USD$100 to USD$135.


With these hikes, Vietnam will have the dubious honor of having the most expensive entrance visa in mainland Southeast Asia. Though we hope not, this may give people pause when planning their trip to the region.

According to the same government issued statement, these increased fees will also affect expatriates residing in Vietnam. A temporary residence card will cost an additional USD$20 which will raise prices to USD$80 for a one year card, $100 for a two year card, and $120 for a three year card. Transferring a visa or temporary residence card from an old to new passport will pay USD$15, up from USD$10.


We are optimistic that visitors will look past this hike and come to this beautiful country. Others a bit less. When we posted this news on our facebook page, the first comment we received stated simply “ridiculous…goodbye tourists”.

What is a Vietnam visa approval letter

Visa Approval Letter is the official document which issued by Vietnam Immigration Department that helps the applicants get their visa stamped onto their passport at the immigration check-in when arriving at the Vietnam International Airport. It is only used for visa on arrival for those travelling by air to Vietnam.

Visa Approval Letter is the official document which issued by Vietnam Immigration Department that helps the applicants get their visa stamped onto their passport at the immigration check-in when arriving at the Vietnam International Airport. It is only used for visa on arrival for those travelling by air to Vietnam. By submitting the approval letter together with your passport (6 months validity at least), two 6-month valid photos, and stamping fee, the visa will be stamped onto your passport. And then, you will be ready to pass over the check-in door and enter Vietnam. Normally, this kind is almost selected when:

1.    There’s no Vietnam Embassy/Consulate in your country, or  simply
2.    You would like to avoid all the embassy/consulate chasing-down, hassle, and to save your time.

It can be seen that Visa Approval Letter is more easily and simply got and used. And it is, in Vietnam, completely valid and reliable. For visa approval letter, you’d better get a travel agent do all the procedures for you so that you can save much of your time. To apply for a visa on arrival to Vietnam (to get visa approval letter, please contact us at http://www.visasforvietnam.com for the most updated info and best offers. 

How to get visa for Vietnam in Bangkok

There are two options as below:

1/ Visit Vietnamese embassy in Bangkok

83/1 Wireless Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330
+ Tel. 66 (0) 2 251 5836-8
+ Fax. 66 (0) 2 251 7203
E-mail: vnemb.th@mofa.gov.vn
Office hours: Monday – Friday: 08.00-11.30 Hrs. and 13.30-16.30 Hrs.

You are required to provide 1-2 passport size photos and the cost was about 1500 Baht. Normal process takes around 2-3 days, if you need an express one (1 working day), then you have to pay a little bit more.


2. Getting visa on arrival

If you travel to Vietnam by air from Thailand, visa on arrival is a convenient method to get your Vietnamese visa online. Our service fee is 18$ US/person and it takes only 2 working days to get it approved.