One of the most common questions we get from travelers planning a trip to Southeast Asia is: “Is Vietnam visa free for Indian citizens?” With its growing popularity among Indian backpackers, solo travelers, and women-led groups, Vietnam is no longer just a hidden gem—it’s a top travel destination.
But before you book that bike ride through Sapa or cruise in Ha Long Bay, it’s crucial to get your visa details sorted. In this article, we will answer your most pressing question—is Vietnam visa free for Indian passport holders in 2025?—and break down everything you need to know, from visa types and costs to how to apply.
Whether you’re joining an offbeat adventure with Dark Green Adventures or planning a solo escape, this guide will help you navigate the Vietnam visa process with ease. You’ll also find help booking from your home city—whether it’s a Vietnam tour package from Delhi or a Vietnam tour package from Bangalore.
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Is Vietnam Visa Free for Indian Citizens in 2025?
The short answer is no. Vietnam is not visa free for Indian citizens in 2025. Every Indian passport holder needs a valid visa to enter Vietnam, regardless of whether the visit is for tourism, business, or transit purposes.
Some confusion arises due to certain exceptions like the Phu Quoc Island exemption, but even that is conditional. To qualify for visa-free entry to Phu Quoc, Indian travelers must arrive from a third country (not directly from India), remain on the island for less than 30 days, and not visit the mainland. However, in most cases, this does not apply to typical tourist itineraries.
So if you’re planning a Vietnam tour package from Mumbai or Vietnam tour package from Pune, it’s best to secure your e-visa in advance.
Vietnam Visa Options for Indian Citizens
If Vietnam is not visa free for Indian travelers, what options do you have? Fortunately, Vietnam offers several visa types for Indian passport holders, all accessible online.
Popular Vietnam visa options for Indians include:
- Tourist E-Visa
- Valid for 30 days
- Single-entry only
- Ideal for leisure trips, holidays, and group tours
- Valid for 30 days
- Business E-Visa
- Valid for up to 90 days
- Single or multiple entries depending on application
- Suitable for attending conferences or work-related travel
- Valid for up to 90 days
- Visa on Arrival (VOA)
- Requires a pre-approved visa letter
- Valid only when entering via international airports
- Less preferred due to long queues and extra processing on arrival
- Requires a pre-approved visa letter
- Single Entry vs. Multiple Entry
- Single-entry visas are cheaper but limit flexibility
- Multiple-entry visas allow you to re-enter Vietnam without reapplying, useful if you plan to explore neighboring countries
- Single-entry visas are cheaper but limit flexibility
Understanding these options is crucial if you’re still wondering, is Vietnam visa free for Indian travelers? Since it’s not, picking the right visa is the first step toward a smooth travel experience.
Vietnam Visa Cost for Indian Travelers
Since Vietnam is not visa free for Indian citizens, you’ll need to factor in visa fees while budgeting for your trip. Costs can vary depending on the type of visa, speed of processing, and whether you use a government site or a third-party platform.
Here’s a breakdown of typical costs in 2025:
- Tourist E-Visa (30-day single entry):
- ₹2,291 to ₹2,950
- Approx. $25 to $35 USD
- Processing time: 3 to 7 business days
- ₹2,291 to ₹2,950
- Business E-Visa (up to 90 days):
- ₹4,500 to ₹6,000
- Approx. $55 to $70 USD
- ₹4,500 to ₹6,000
- Express or Urgent Visa Services:
- ₹6,800 to ₹8,700
- Approx. $82 to $105 USD
- Delivered within 1 to 3 working days
- ₹6,800 to ₹8,700
Where to apply:
- Government portal: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn
- Trusted platforms: Teleport, ACKO, iVisa (user-friendly but slightly higher cost)
We recommend you check out the best SIM card in Vietnam guide to stay connected once you’re in the country.
How to Apply for a Vietnam Visa from India
Applying for a Vietnam visa is a straightforward process, especially now that it’s available entirely online for Indian citizens.
Step-by-step visa application process:
- Visit the Vietnam e-visa official website or a reliable third-party service.
- Fill in your personal details, travel dates, and port of entry.
- Upload a scanned copy of your passport (valid for at least 6 months).
- Upload a recent passport-size photo with a white background.
- Pay the visa fee online using a credit/debit card.
- Wait for the approval email (typically 3 to 7 working days).
- Download and print your e-visa PDF before you travel.
If you’re asking is Vietnam visa free for Indian passport holders, it’s important to know this process exists and is required for entry.
Tips to Avoid Vietnam Visa Rejections or Delays
Although the e-visa system is efficient, mistakes can lead to rejection. Here’s how to avoid unnecessary hassles:
- Double-check your passport details: Even a small typo can result in rejection.
- Use a proper visa photo: No selfies or scanned passport photos. Use a formal passport photo with white background.
- Match your entry/exit points: You must enter and exit through the ports listed on your visa.
- Apply early: Submit your visa application at least 10 days before your travel date.
- Use trusted platforms: While the government portal is official, many travelers report better customer service and fewer technical issues on platforms like Teleport.
Can Indian Citizens Get a Vietnam Visa on Arrival?
If you’re still wondering is Vietnam visa free for Indian citizens at the airport, the answer is still no. Visa on Arrival (VOA) is available, but only if you have pre-approval from a Vietnam-based travel agency.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Pre-approved visa letter
- Two passport-sized photographs
- Stamping fee in cash (USD only)
- Completed entry-exit form
Visa on Arrival is only valid at:
- Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi)
- Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City)
- Da Nang International Airport
- Cam Ranh International Airport
Due to the long queues and extra paperwork, most travelers prefer applying for an e-visa in advance, especially solo or first-time visitors.
Vietnam Visa Validity, Extension Rules, and Entry Conditions
Understanding the visa validity and entry rules is just as important as applying for it.
- Tourist E-Visa Validity: 30 days, single entry
- Business Visa Validity: Up to 90 days, may allow multiple entries
- Entry Points: You must enter through the exact port listed on your e-visa
- Extensions: Tourist e-visas are not currently extendable. You’ll need to exit and reapply.
Make sure your return flights or onward travel plans fit within your visa duration. Overstaying your visa can result in fines or future bans.
Planning a Vietnam Trip with Confidence
Knowing that Vietnam is not visa free for Indian travelers, applying for your visa in advance ensures a stress-free trip. Don’t leave it to the last minute or take chances with unverified agents. Once your visa is sorted, you can fully focus on the adventure ahead—cycling through rice fields, trying egg coffee, and hiking in misty mountains.
This information is especially useful if you’re planning to join a fixed-date group trip or need to sync travel with others.
Explore Vietnam the Offbeat Way with Dark Green Adventures
At Dark Green Adventures, we go beyond tourist trails to give you authentic, immersive experiences in Vietnam and beyond. Whether you’re traveling solo, joining as a first-timer, or looking for women-led, supportive groups—we’ve got you covered.
Why choose us?
- Safe, solo-friendly travel for Indian explorers
- Women-centric groups that empower confidence
- Expert trip leaders like Krishna and Ankit who know the terrain
- Access to local stories, hidden trails, and cultural connections
- Transparent support with visa and travel planning
We’ve led hundreds of Indians across Vietnam’s winding roads, ancient cities, and secret waterfalls. Now it’s your turn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is Vietnam visa free for Indian citizens in 2025?
Ans. No, Indian citizens must obtain a visa to visit Vietnam in 2025. The e-visa process is simple and available online.
Q2. Can I visit Vietnam without a visa if I travel to Phu Quoc Island?
Ans. Only if you arrive from another country (not directly from India), stay less than 30 days, and do not leave the island. Most travelers still need a visa.
Q3. How long does it take to get a Vietnam e-visa from India?
Ans. The typical processing time is 3 to 7 working days. Express services can deliver it in 1 to 3 days.
Q4. Can I get a refund if my visa is rejected?
Ans. No. Visa fees are non-refundable even if your application is denied. Always double-check your information before submitting.
Q5. Is visa on arrival better than e-visa?
Ans. Not really. Visa on arrival requires pre-approval and long wait times at the airport. Most travelers, especially solo and women travelers, prefer e-visas for convenience.
Q6. Can I work in Vietnam with a tourist visa?
Ans. No, tourist visas are strictly for leisure travel. Working on a tourist visa is illegal and can result in penalties.
Q7. What happens if I enter from a different airport than listed on my visa?
Ans. You may be denied entry. It is essential to enter and exit through the designated ports mentioned on your visa.
Q8. Can I apply for a visa extension while in Vietnam?
Ans. Extensions are not guaranteed. Most travelers exit the country and reapply for a new visa.