Vietnam Toll Roads Complete Guide: ETC, VETC, ePass Rates & Payment 2025
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Vietnam Toll Roads Complete Guide
System: Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) - RFID mandatory
Coverage: 2,021 km operational (3,000 km by 2025, 5,000 km by 2030)
Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND)
Technology: Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
Operators: VETC (since 2015), ePass/VDTC (Viettel subsidiary)
Do I Need Electronic Tags for Vietnam? 2025 Update
Yes, since August 1, 2022, fully automatic electronic toll collection (ETC) is mandatory on all Vietnamese expressways. All vehicles must use e-tags or face significant delays at toll stations.
ETC Required For: All vehicles using expressways and toll roads, both private and commercial vehicles, motorcycles and cars (different tag types available).
Two Official Providers: VETC (Vietnam Electronic Toll Collection since 2015) and ePass/VDTC (Vietnam Digital Traffic Company, Viettel subsidiary).
Critical: You can only use ONE provider's tag. Using both providers simultaneously causes system errors.
Vietnam Toll System: Current Network Status
Vietnam's expressway network is rapidly expanding with aggressive infrastructure development targeting 5,000 km by 2030.
Current Network Status (2025)
| Metric | 2024 Status | 2025 Target | 2030 Goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operational Length | 2,021 km | 3,000 km | 5,000 km |
| Under Construction | 1,542 km | Additional routes | Network completion |
| Total Planned Routes | 41 expressways | 43 expressways | 43+ expressways |
| ETC Coverage | 100% mandatory | 100% mandatory | 100% mandatory |
Major Expressway Routes
- North-South Expressway East - Main spine route connecting major cities
- Hanoi-Haiphong Expressway - Capital to major port connection
- Hanoi-Lao Cai Expressway - Connection to China border
- Ho Chi Minh City-Long Thanh-Dau Giay - Southern commercial corridor
- Phap Van-Cau Gie Expressway - Hanoi bypass (operational since 1998)
How to Pay Vietnam Tolls
Vietnam uses two ETC providers for electronic toll collection. You must choose one provider and cannot use both simultaneously.
VETC Electronic Tags
Registration Process:
- Available since 2015, established provider serving over 3.8 million vehicles
- Registration at VETC service centers nationwide
- Free e-tag issuance for first-time customers
- 126 toll plazas and 700 toll lanes coverage
- Replacement fee: 120,000 VND per tag from second time onwards
ePass (VDTC) Electronic Tags
Registration Options:
- Online registration via ePass app or website with home installation service
- Service centers at VDTC offices for direct application
- Staff visit your location within 2-4 days for installation
- First-time registration: Free tag issuance
- Replacement tags: 120,000 VND per replacement
Required Documents
- Vehicle registration certificate (original or notarized copy)
- ID card/passport (original or notarized copy)
- Representative authorization (if applicable)
Important: Expired ID cards (over 15 years old) cannot be used for ePass registration.
To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types across Vietnam toll roads, use TollGuru Vietnam toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
Network Expansion:
- Two new routes added: Quang Ngai-Kon Tum Expressway and Ca Mau-Dat Mui Expressway
- Total expressways increased to 43 with over 9,200 km planned by 2050
- 13 new expressways targeted by 2025, 52 new toll roads by 2030
Technology Updates:
- Enhanced RFID systems for better vehicle recognition
- Da Nang International Airport deployed ETC system July 2025
- Mixed payment options including QR codes and contactless cards
Regulatory Changes:
- Improved monitoring systems following revenue falsification investigations
- Stricter supervision of toll collection and revenue reporting
- IFC considering $20 million investment in VETC expansion
Planning Your Journey
Travel Preparation:
- Obtain e-tag before using any expressway (mandatory since August 2022)
- Choose between VETC or ePass (cannot use both simultaneously)
- Ensure sufficient account balance for toll payments
- Use expressways for significantly faster inter-city travel
Network Benefits:
- Significant time savings vs. congested National Route 1
- Enhanced connectivity for trade and tourism
- Improved links to China, Laos, and Cambodia borders
- Reduced traffic congestion in major cities
Alternative Routes:
- National highways remain toll-free but are often congested
- National Route 1 serves as main toll-free alternative
- Consider time vs. cost trade-offs for journey planning
Vietnam vs. Regional Countries
| Country | System Type | Technology | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vietnam | Electronic tags (ETC) | RFID mandatory | 2,021 km (expanding rapidly) |
| China | ETC + manual lanes | RFID/transponders | 170,000+ km |
| Laos | Limited toll roads | Manual collection | Minimal network |
| Thailand | Electronic + manual | RFID tags available | Selected highways |
| Malaysia | Electronic + manual | SmartTAG, RFID | Major highways |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use both VETC and ePass tags on the same vehicle?
No, using tags from both providers simultaneously causes system errors. Choose one provider and use only their tag.
What happens if I don't have an e-tag on expressways?
Since August 2022, all expressways require ETC. Without an e-tag, you may face significant delays or be unable to use the expressway.
How do I top up my e-tag account?
Use the respective provider's mobile app, visit service centers, or use online banking options available through both VETC and ePass platforms.
Are tolls charged on all Vietnamese highways?
No, only expressways and designated toll roads charge fees. National highways (like Route 1) remain free but are often congested.
Can foreign visitors get e-tags?
Yes, foreign visitors can register for e-tags using passport identification and vehicle registration documents.
What if my e-tag is damaged or stolen?
Contact your provider (VETC or ePass) for replacement. Both providers charge 120,000 VND for replacement tags after the initial free issuance.
Infrastructure Development
Expansion Timeline:
- 2025 Target: 3,000 km of expressways operational
- 2030 Goal: 5,000 km network completion
- Current Focus: North-South Expressway system development
- International connectivity: Enhanced links to China, Laos, Cambodia borders
Technology Integration:
- RFID standardization across all providers
- Real-time monitoring and supervision of toll revenue
- Integration with broader transport digitalization
- Enhanced fraud detection and prevention systems
Useful Links & Resources
Regional Toll Information:
- China Toll - Neighboring country with massive ETC network
- Thailand Toll - Regional ASEAN toll system
- Malaysia Toll - Regional SmartTAG system
- Laos Toll - Limited toll infrastructure
- Bangladesh Toll - Regional connectivity information
Service Provider Contacts:
- VETC Customer Service: Available at 126 toll plazas and service centers nationwide
- ePass Support: Mobile app and website customer service
- VETC Official Website
- ePass Official Platform
