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Budgeting for your trip? We break down the official 2026 Vietnam eVisa fees ($25 single, $50 multiple) and the standard 3-5 working days timeline.
Navigating government bureaucracy doesn't have to be opaque. As of 2026, the Vietnam eVisa program remains straightforward and accessible to all nationalities. However, knowing the exact timelines and official costs is crucial to avoiding third-party agency markups or unexpected border delays.
This guide breaks down the exact fees, expected wait times, and what happens if you need your visa faster.
The Official 2026 Fee Structure
The Vietnamese Immigration Department strictly regulates the cost of the electronic visa. There are no hidden "stamping fees" at the airport for eVisa holders. What you pay online is the final price.
- Single-Entry eVisa: $25 USD
- Multiple-Entry eVisa: $50 USD
Both options allow for a maximum stay of 90 days.
Beware of Overcharging: The official government portal is the only platform that charges the base $25/$50 rate. If a website quotes $80, $100, or more for standard processing, you are using a private third-party agency. These agencies add service fees on top of the government rate.
Payment Methods & Non-Refundability
When you apply via the official portal, payment is processed securely via credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard, JCB). Be aware that the payment gateway may add a very minor transaction fee (usually around $1 USD).
Crucially, visa fees are non-refundable. Whether your application is approved, denied, or you simply change your travel plans, the government does not issue refunds. The fee covers the administrative cost of processing the application, not the visa itself.
Standard Processing Time: What to Expect
The standard processing time for a Vietnam eVisa is 3 to 5 working days.
It is vital to understand that "working days" strictly exclude:
- Saturdays and Sundays.
- Vietnamese Public Holidays (e.g., Tet Lunar New Year in January/February, Independence Day on September 2nd).
If you submit your application late on a Friday afternoon (Vietnam Time, GMT+7), processing will not commence until Monday morning.
Apply Early: We strongly recommend submitting your application at least 2 to 3 weeks before your planned flight. Minor errors in your application can reset the processing clock.
Common Reasons for Delays
Your application will stall if the Immigration Department flags a discrepancy. If this happens, they will ask you to amend your application, and the 3-5 working day timeline starts over from day zero once you resubmit.
The most frequent causes of delay include:
- Low-Quality Passport Scan: The MRZ (Machine Readable Zone) at the bottom is cut off, or there is heavy glare over your photo.
- Incorrect Portrait Photo: Uploading a photo with a busy background, wearing glasses, or submitting a photo that is cropped directly from the passport.
- Name Mismatches: Entering your name differently than how the two lines of the MRZ format it.
- Missing Middle Names: Failing to include your middle name exactly as it appears in your passport.
You can proactively check your application status using the registration code provided upon submission.
Urgent Processing (Express Visas)
The official government portal does not feature a "fast track" or "express" button. The 3-5 day timeline is a rigid standard.
If you have a sudden flight and need a visa within 12, 24, or 48 hours, you have no choice but to use an independent visa agency. These agencies have expedited channels to the Immigration Department.
- 2-Day Processing: Usually $40 - $60 USD on top of the government fee.
- 1-Day Processing: Roughly $70 - $90 USD extra.
- Emergency (4-8 hours): Can exceed $120 USD.
For peace of mind and to save money, apply through the standard channel well in advance.