Vietnam is one of the most exciting and affordable travel destinations for Indians today. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the magical limestone cliffs of Ha Long Bay, it offers a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. But before you set off on this journey, the most important step is to understand the visa requirements. Many Indian travelers ask the same question: Do Indians need a visa for Vietnam?
The straightforward answer is yes. A Vietnam visa for Indians is mandatory. Whether you are traveling for leisure, business, or exploring with friends, you will need to apply for a visa before your trip. In this comprehensive guide, you will learn everything about visa types, costs, application processes, processing times, and practical tips that make traveling easier. This will ensure that your adventure is focused on experiences and memories rather than paperwork.
Do Indians Need a Visa for Vietnam?
One of the most searched questions is: Is Vietnam visa free for Indians? Unfortunately, Indian passport holders do not enjoy visa-free entry into Vietnam. Unlike some neighboring countries that allow short-term visa-free stays, every Indian citizen must obtain a visa before traveling.
There is only one narrow exception. If you are an international passenger transiting through Vietnam and remain in the airport’s international zone without passing immigration, you may not need a visa. However, the moment you leave the airport for any reason, a visa is required.
For official confirmation, it is always advisable to check Vietnam’s immigration website or consult with the Vietnamese embassy. This ensures you have the most up-to-date regulations. So, the clear answer is that a Vietnam visa for Indians is always required for tourism, business, or personal visits.
Vietnam Visa Options for Indians
There are three main ways for Indians to apply for a Vietnam visa. Choosing the right one depends on your travel style, entry point, and convenience.
1. Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA)
The Vietnam visa on arrival for Indians is one of the most popular choices for those flying into Vietnam. However, it is important to note that VOA is only valid for air travel. If you are entering by land borders or sea routes, this option is not available.
The process for VOA is as follows:
- First, apply online through an authorized travel agency. You will receive an Approval Letter issued by the Vietnamese Immigration Department.
- Carry this approval letter with your passport when you travel.
- At the Vietnam airport, present the letter at the visa counter.
- Pay the stamping fee in cash (usually in USD or Vietnamese Dong).
- Collect your stamped visa before entering the country.
Documents Required for VOA:
- A valid Indian passport with at least 6 months of validity.
- Passport-sized photos with a white background.
- A printed copy of the approval letter.
Advantages of VOA:
- Useful for last-minute travel.
- Available for both single and multiple-entry visas.
- Quick approval letter processing online.
Disadvantages of VOA:
- Only applicable at international airports, not land borders.
- Long queues at airport visa counters.
- Extra cash required for stamping fees.
2. Vietnam E-Visa
The E-Visa system is highly recommended for Indians. It is easy, fast, and approved directly by the Vietnamese Immigration Department.
Steps for applying:
- Visit the official government E-Visa website.
- Fill out the online form with your passport details.
- Upload your photo and pay the visa fee online using a card.
- Receive your approved E-Visa by email within 3–5 working days.
- Carry a printed copy during your travel.
Key Benefits of E-Visa:
- Accepted at airports, land borders, and seaports.
- Cheaper and more convenient than VOA.
- No waiting in airport queues.
- Direct approval without middle agents.
The E-Visa is valid for either 30 days or 90 days, depending on the latest immigration rules. For most Indian tourists, this option is the best balance of affordability and convenience, especially for Vietnam tour packages from Mumbai.
3. Embassy Visa
Indians can also apply through the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in India. Though not as common as the other options, this method is suitable for people who want to avoid online procedures or require a long-term visa for study or business.
Steps include:
- Visit the Embassy of Vietnam in New Delhi or Consulate in Mumbai.
- Submit your application with your passport, photos, and required documents.
- Pay the visa fee in INR.
- Collect your stamped visa after processing.
This option takes more time but gives flexibility for specialized visas.
Vietnam Visa Cost for Indians
A frequent concern among travelers is the Vietnam visa cost for Indian citizens. The cost varies based on the method you choose.
E-Visa Cost:
- $25 for a single-entry visa.
- $50 for a multiple-entry visa.
- Paid directly online without hidden charges.
Visa on Arrival Cost:
- Online service fee ranges between $15–25, paid to the agency.
- Stamping fee at the airport: $25 for single entry, $50 for multiple entry.
- Total cost depends on both online and airport payments.
Embassy Visa Cost:
- Usually between ₹4,500–₹7,000 depending on the type.
- Extra handling or courier charges may apply.
In short, the Vietnam visa cost for Indian travelers is the lowest with the E-Visa option, as there are no additional airport charges.
Processing Time and Validity
Processing times for a Vietnam visa for Indians are generally fast, but they vary by type:
- E-Visa: 3–5 working days on average. Sometimes urgent processing may be available for an extra fee.
- VOA Approval Letter: 2–3 working days, with urgent options processed within 24 hours.
- Embassy Visa: Usually 5–7 working days, depending on the workload.
Validity Details:
- Single entry visas allow one-time entry.
- Multiple entry visas are valid for frequent travelers.
- Extensions are possible within Vietnam. Recently, the government has updated rules to allow 90-day E-Visas, which is very beneficial for long-term visitors.
Important Reminders Before Applying
Before applying for your Vietnam visa for Indians, make sure to follow these guidelines to avoid rejection:
- Your passport must have at least 6 months validity beyond your travel date.
- Upload a clear photo with a white background.
- Enter your name, passport number, and date of birth exactly as in your passport.
- Always carry USD or Vietnamese Dong if you are paying stamping fees at the airport.
- Keep both digital and printed copies of your visa during travel.
These precautions ensure smooth immigration clearance when you arrive in Vietnam.
How to Travel from India to Vietnam
Traveling from India to Vietnam has become much easier due to an increase in direct flights.
- Direct flights operate from New Delhi to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
- Mumbai offers direct flights to Ho Chi Minh City.
- Kochi connects with direct flights to Ho Chi Minh City.
- Ahmedabad has direct connections to Hanoi.
Popular airlines: VietJet Air, Vietnam Airlines, IndiGo. Flight times: 4–5 hours. For travelers, Vietnam tour packages from Kolkata are great options.
Explore Dark Green Adventures
Your Vietnamese adventure does not have to be limited to paperwork. At Dark Green Adventures, we offer full visa guidance and carefully designed Vietnam tour packages for couples or groups (Vietnam group tour package) to make your trip hassle-free.
From exploring the lively markets of Hanoi to sailing across Ha Long Bay, we ensure your trip is filled with experiences, not complications. Choose to travel with experts who understand both adventure and comfort.
Explore Vietnam with Dark Green Adventures and make your journey a tale, not just a tour.
Conclusion
To conclude, a Vietnam visa for Indians is always required. There is no visa-free entry, so every traveler must choose between the E-Visa, Visa on Arrival, or Embassy Visa. For most tourists, the E-Visa remains the best option due to its simplicity, affordability, and quick processing. With proper preparation and correct documents, getting a visa is straightforward and hassle-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is Vietnam visa free for Indians?
No, Indian citizens cannot travel visa-free to Vietnam. A visa is required in all cases except for passengers transiting through the airport without leaving the international zone.
Q2. Can Indians apply for a Vietnam visa online?
Yes. Indians can apply for a Vietnam E-Visa directly through the government website. This is the most convenient option as it avoids agents, reduces costs, and ensures fast approval.
Q3. What is the Vietnam visa cost for Indian citizens?
The E-Visa costs $25 for a single entry and $50 for a multiple entry visa. For VOA, you must pay both an online service fee and a stamping fee at the airport. Embassy visa costs are higher.
Q4. How long does it take to get a Vietnam visa?
E-Visas usually take 3–5 working days. VOA approval letters are sent in 2–3 days. Embassy visas may take about a week.
Q5. Is Vietnam visa on arrival for Indians reliable?
Yes, it is reliable but only valid if you are flying into Vietnam. It cannot be used at land borders or seaports. Travelers must carry an approval letter before departure.
Q6. Can Indian travelers extend their visa in Vietnam?
Yes, extensions are available through immigration offices or local travel agencies. The rules often change, but the new 90-day E-Visa option already provides longer stays.
Q7. What happens if my visa application contains errors?
If your details do not match your passport, the visa may be rejected or invalid upon arrival. Always double-check spellings, passport numbers, and photos before submission.
8. Which is better for Indians: E-Visa or VOA?
The E-Visa is better for most Indian travelers because it is cheaper, faster, and accepted at airports, seaports, and land crossings. VOA is useful for last-minute flyers but comes with additional airport fees.