Quick summary
Vietnam’s official e-visa costs $25 single-entry or $50 for the 90-day multiple-entry version. Scam agency sites that dominate Google ads charge $80–$200 for the identical process. All nationalities now qualify, and the only government portal is evisa.gov.vn. Processing takes 3–5 working days, but delays during holidays mean you should apply at least two weeks before travel.
The trap that catches most first-time applicants? Clicking a sponsored result instead of typing the .gov.vn address directly. There is no visa on arrival for tourists anymore. The article maps out exactly how to avoid overpayment, which portal to use, and why multi-entry matters.
For international travelers, a Vietnam e-visa from the official government site costs $25. Yet a Google search for “Vietnam e-visa” routinely surfaces top results charging $80 to $200 for the same document. Air Traveler Club’s ongoing monitoring of Southeast Asian entry requirements confirms the portal at evisa.gov.vn is the only legitimate online channel; the old visa on arrival program for tourists was discontinued entirely. As of June 2026, all nationalities are eligible.
The 90-day visa permits multiple entries if you select the $50 option — a critical choice for anyone planning to visit Cambodia, Laos, or Thailand and return to Vietnam. Standard processing is 3–5 working days, but applying two weeks ahead is the safest buffer. Scammers have turned this simple government service into a high-margin business, and the fix is entirely in your hands.
How the e-visa system actually works
Vietnam’s immigration department operates two official portals: evisa.gov.vn and thithucdientu.gov.vn. The single-entry fee is $25, the multiple-entry variant $50. Both deliver a 90-day e-visa linked electronically to your passport number. Approval comes via email, usually within 3–5 working days, though holiday backlogs can stretch that to over a week. The legacy domain evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn still functions, but the newer addresses are the department’s recommended front doors.
There is no interview, no paperwork to mail, and no separate fee on arrival. The immigration officer at Tan Son Nhat or Noi Bai simply scans your passport and pulls up the e-visa record. If your name, passport number, or entry date doesn’t match the application exactly, you’ll be refused boarding or entry — a mistake that costs far more than the visa itself.
The real cost of falling for a scam
Paid search ads push lookalike sites above the government portal. These middlemen charge $80 to $200 for the same $25 application, often using domain names like vietnam-evisa.com or urgentvisa.vn. They deliver a genuine e-visa — because they simply enter your data into the real portal — but their “express processing” claim has no basis. The government itself does not offer a genuine rush service. Our earlier deep-dive on fake Vietnam e‑visa websites details how the .com sites operate and why they keep appearing above the .gov.vn portal.
| Type | Official fee | Typical scam range | Overpayment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single entry | $25 | $80–$150 | $55–$125 |
| Multiple entry | $50 | $120–$200 | $70–$150 |
The government’s own fee has never changed since the e‑visa launched. Any price above $50 is pure profit for a middleman. The official Vietnam e‑visa fee structure is publicly posted, and the only official portals end in .gov.vn.
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Navigating the pitfalls: multiple entries and peak delays
The single‑entry restriction catches travelers who plan a Vietnam‑Cambodia‑Vietnam loop. Your e‑visa dies the moment you exit. A $50 multiple‑entry visa keeps the door open. Renewing a single‑entry visa mid‑trip costs an extra $25 plus the hassle of a fresh application, sometimes from a hotel lobby with patchy Wi‑Fi. It’s the most easily avoided $25 loss in the region.
Processing during Tet and the summer peak can slip past five working days. The official queue doesn’t offer a paid expedite track; if a third‑party site advertises “guaranteed 24‑hour” or “emergency” processing, it is a false promise. Apply three weeks early during January‑February and July‑August to stay ahead of the surge. The legacy portal at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn still accepts applications, but the newer evisa.gov.vn reflects the latest policy — use it to avoid outdated requirements.
Your 14‑day application window
The moment your flight is booked, the clock starts. An e‑visa issued at the last minute on a crowded immigration server is a stress you don’t need — and the resolution is always to wait longer.
- Go to evisa.gov.vn now: Type it directly. That one action avoids the entire scam ecosystem.
- Select multiple‑entry if re‑entering: The $50 fee is the cheapest insurance against being locked out after a side trip to Siem Reap.
- Apply 14 days ahead: During Tet or summer, push it to three weeks to absorb any processing lag.
- Research flight options: Once your visa is secured, use flight options to Vietnam from Australasia to compare carriers and stopover hubs.
- Ignore “express processing” ads: Only the official portal matters; no outside service can accelerate your government application.
Skipping these steps leaves you paying $80 extra to a scammer or, worse, standing at check‑in without a valid visa. The government fee won’t change, but the cost of a rushed mistake will.
Questions? Answers.
Can I get a Vietnam visa on arrival as a tourist?
No. The visa on arrival program for tourists has been discontinued. The 90‑day e‑visa is now the standard entry method for all nationalities.
Do I need a multiple‑entry visa if I visit Cambodia and return to Vietnam?
Yes. A single‑entry e‑visa becomes invalid the moment you leave. Select the $50 multiple‑entry option to re‑enter without applying again. Travelers who exit at a land border and try to return on a single‑entry visa are routinely denied.
How long does it take to get my e‑visa approved?
Standard processing is 3–5 working days. During peak holiday periods it may stretch to 10 days. Apply at least two weeks before travel, and three weeks in January–February or July–August.
What happens if I use a .com or .net site by mistake?
You will likely receive a valid e‑visa — because the site simply submits the application on your behalf — but you paid $55–$175 more than necessary. There is no recourse to recover the overcharge from these middlemen.
Can I extend my e‑visa inside Vietnam?
Typically no. E‑visas are not extendable. If you need to stay beyond 90 days, you must leave the country and apply for a new e‑visa, or consult a Vietnamese immigration lawyer before your stay expires.
Does the official portal ask for a photo and passport scan?
Yes. You upload a passport data page image and a portrait photo. Rejections often happen because the photo doesn’t match the strict government specs — plain background, no glasses, 4×6 cm size.
