Increase in Online Passport Application Fees Effective from January 1, 2026

Increase in Online Passport Application Fees in Vietnam from January 1, 2026

From January 1, 2026, the fee for online passport applications in Vietnam will officially return to the original rate as stipulated in Circular No. 25/2021/TT-BTC, since the current 10% fee reduction policy will expire at the end of 2025.

This is important information for all Vietnamese citizens who plan to apply for a new passport or a passport reissuance, so they can avoid additional costs and proactively plan their application timeline.

In this article, HOCHIEUvisa provides the latest, most accurate, and comprehensive updates, including:

• Reasons for the increase in online passport fees

• Fee comparison before and after January 1, 2026

• Tips on how to save costs

• Processing time and required documents under current regulations

Why Will Online Passport Fees Increase from January 1, 2026?

The fee increase does not result from the introduction of a new fee policy. Instead, it is due to the expiration of the 10% fee reduction policy implemented under:

• Circular No. 63/2023/TT-BTC, which aimed to encourage online submissions

• The policy reduced fees by 10% compared to Circular No. 25/2021/TT-BTC

• This incentive policy is valid only until December 31, 2025

Therefore, starting January 1, 2026, passport fees will revert to the original rates specified in the initial regulation.

Latest Online Passport Fee Table (2025–2026)

Below is a comparison table for easy reference:

Notes:

• These fees apply only to online passport applications.

• Fees for applications submitted in person at Immigration Offices remain unchanged.

How to Save on Passport Fees Before the Increase

If you plan to:

• Apply for a new passport

• Reapply for a lost or damaged passport

• Travel abroad at the end of 2025 or early 2026

Submit your online application and complete payment before 11:59 PM on December 31, 2025.

By doing so, you will:

• Retain the discounted fee

• Avoid delays due to the Lunar New Year holidays

• Manage your timeline proactively

Applying online also helps you:

• Avoid long queues

• Apply anytime, anywhere

• Save travel time

Passport Processing Time

According to Clause 7, Article 15 of the Law on Exit and Entry of Vietnamese Citizens (2019), processing times depend on the authority receiving the application:

• Provincial Immigration Offices:
  Passport issuance results will be returned within 08 working days from the date of receiving a complete and valid application.

• Immigration Department – Ministry of Public Security:
  Processing time is 05 working days from the date of receiving a complete and valid application.

Expedited Processing (Within 03 Working Days)

The law also provides for expedited processing (no more than 03 working days) in urgent cases, including:

• Individuals traveling abroad for medical examination or treatment, with certification from a hospital

• Individuals whose relatives abroad are seriously ill, injured, or deceased (with supporting documents)

• Officials, civil servants, military personnel traveling on official duty with a formal request from their managing authority

• Other urgent humanitarian cases as determined by the Head of the Immigration Department, Ministry of Public Security

If an application is not approved, the Immigration Authority must issue a written response clearly stating the reason.

Required Documents for Passport Applications

Under Clause 2, Article 15 of the same law, applicants must prepare the following documents depending on their situation:

For applicants who have previously been issued a passport:

• Submit the most recently issued valid ordinary passport

• If the passport has been lost, provide a loss report or official confirmation from the competent authority

For children under 14 years old (without a personal identification number):

• Provide a copy or extract of the birth certificate

• If unavailable, a photocopy may be submitted along with the original for verification

For persons with limited civil capacity or children under 14:

• Provide copies of documents proving legal guardianship issued by competent Vietnamese authorities

• If copies are unavailable, photocopies may be submitted with originals for comparison

The increase in online passport application fees from January 1, 2026 is an important change that citizens should be aware of.
To save costs, it is advisable to complete your online passport application before the end of 2025 to continue enjoying the 10% fee reduction.

HOCHIEUvisa will continue to update the latest regulations on passports, visas, and immigration procedures, helping you stay fully prepared for all your travel plans.