The Vietnam visa on arrival fee at airport is an important cost to understand before travelling to Vietnam. Eligible travellers generally pay a government visa issuance fee when collecting their visa, in addition to any service fee charged by an agency for arranging the required pre-approval. This guide from Tubudd explains the expected costs, payment process, and documents to prepare before departure.

How Much Is the Vietnam Visa on Arrival Fee at the Airport?

As of October 2026, Vietnam’s government visa fee schedule lists the following fees for visa issuance. The applicable amount depends on the visa type and validity period. Source: Vietnam’s fee schedule under Circular No. 28/2026/TT-BTC.

These are government visa issuance fees, not necessarily the total cost of obtaining a visa on arrival. An agency may charge a separate service fee for processing an application and arranging the approval letter.

Important: Confirm the fee for your specific visa type and validity period before travelling. The fee schedule does not mean every traveller can obtain a visa on arrival at the airport.

What Is Included in the Visa on Arrival Cost?

The total amount you pay may include two separate charges.

1. Government Visa Issuance Fee

This is the official fee for issuing the visa. For the common single-entry and multiple-entry categories listed above, the government fees are US$25 and US$50 respectively.

2. Visa Approval Letter Service Fee

Visa on arrival generally requires an eligible traveller to arrange an approval letter before departure through an authorised sponsoring organisation or service provider. The provider may charge a separate processing fee.

This service fee is not the same as the government visa fee, and its amount can vary by provider, processing speed, and service package. Check the provider’s full price breakdown before paying.

Can You Pay the Visa on Arrival Fee at the Airport?

For travellers using the visa-on-arrival process, the government visa issuance fee is generally paid when the visa is issued at the designated airport immigration counter.

Payment methods may vary by airport and counter. Carry enough cash in US dollars where accepted, and confirm the current payment arrangements with your visa service provider before departure. Do not assume that every counter accepts credit cards or other cashless payment methods.

What Documents Do You Need at the Airport?

Prepare the documents required for your particular visa-on-arrival arrangement. These commonly include:

• A valid passport.
• Your visa approval letter.
• The relevant visa application form, if required.
• Passport-sized photographs, if requested under your arrangement.
• The government visa fee in an accepted payment method.

Check your approval letter and the instructions from your service provider carefully. Requirements can vary, and incomplete documents may delay the process.

Is Visa on Arrival Available to Everyone Entering Vietnam?

No. Vietnam visa on arrival is not a universal walk-up service available to every foreign traveller. It generally requires prior approval and is associated with entry by air under the applicable arrangements.

Travellers should confirm their eligibility and obtain the required documents before boarding their flight. Arriving at the airport without the necessary approval may result in boarding or entry problems.

Depending on nationality, travel purpose, and length of stay, an electronic visa or visa exemption may be another option. Vietnam’s official e-visa portal lists the electronic visa application process and government fees.

Vietnam Visa on Arrival vs. E-Visa: Which Costs Less?

The costs are structured differently, so compare the total amount rather than just one fee.

According to Vietnam’s official e-visa portal, the e-visa fee is US$25 for a single-entry visa and US$50 for a multiple-entry visa. The government fee is non-refundable if the application is refused. Check the official portal for the latest requirements and conditions.

How to Prepare for Your Arrival in Vietnam

To reduce avoidable delays, confirm your visa type and eligibility before booking your travel arrangements. If you are using visa on arrival, make sure your approval letter has been issued and that you understand where to collect your visa and how to pay the fee.

Keep your passport and supporting documents accessible, check the payment instructions provided for your arrival airport, and allow enough time for immigration procedures.

For additional assistance understanding visa options and preparing for your trip, explore Tubudd’s Visa Guide service.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the Vietnam visa on arrival fee at the airport in 2026?

The government fee is US$25 for a single-entry visa and US$50 for a multiple-entry visa valid for up to 90 days. Other visa categories may have different fees. A separate agency service fee may also apply.

Is the visa approval letter fee included in the airport stamping fee?

Not necessarily. The approval-letter service fee is usually charged separately by the service provider, while the government visa issuance fee is paid as part of the visa collection process.

Can I get a Vietnam visa on arrival without an approval letter?

You should not rely on receiving a visa on arrival without the required prior approval. Confirm your eligibility and complete the necessary arrangements before travelling.

Is the Vietnam e-visa cheaper than visa on arrival?

The official government fee for an e-visa is US$25 for single entry or US$50 for multiple entry. Visa-on-arrival applicants may also pay an agency service fee, so compare the total costs for your circumstances.

Should I bring US dollars to pay the airport visa fee?

US dollars have traditionally been used for airport visa fees, but payment arrangements can vary. Confirm accepted currencies and payment methods with your service provider before departure.

Conclusion

Understanding the Vietnam visa on arrival fee at airport helps you budget for your trip and avoid confusion between government fees and agency service charges. Confirm your eligibility, secure any required approval before departure, and check the latest payment instructions for your arrival airport. For help understanding your options and preparing for your trip, visit Tubudd’s Visa Guide service.