Planning a Vietnam trip from India?
One thing that often confuses travelers is the visa process.
Many people search online and see different answers — some talk about e-visa, some mention visa on arrival, and some say you must apply through the embassy.
So the big questions are usually:
Do Indians need a visa for Vietnam?
Can Indians get visa on arrival?
How do you apply for a Vietnam visa from India?
Here’s the simple answer: Indian passport holders must apply for a visa before traveling to Vietnam.
Most travelers today apply for the Vietnam e-Visa online, which is the easiest and most common option.
Before booking flights or planning your Vietnam itinerary, it’s better to understand how the visa process works.
Do Indians Need a Visa for Vietnam?
Yes. Indian passport holders need a visa before entering Vietnam.
Unlike some destinations where visa is issued on arrival automatically, Vietnam requires travelers to get visa approval in advance.
Quick Summary
- Visa requirement → Required for Indian passport holders
- Application method → e-Visa or embassy visa
- Stay duration → Usually up to 30 days
- Processing time → Around 3–5 working days
This means you should apply for the visa before your travel date, not after arriving at the airport.
Types of Vietnam Visas for Indians
There are a few visa options available for Indian travelers. Most tourists choose the Vietnam e-Visa because it’s quick and fully online.
Tourist Visa Options for Indian Travelers
| Visa Type | Stay Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Vietnam e-Visa | Up to 30 days | Most tourists |
| Visa on Arrival | Short stays | Travelers arriving by air |
| Embassy Visa | Longer stays | Special travel purposes |
For regular holidays, honeymoon trips, or family travel, the e-Visa option is the easiest.
Vietnam e-Visa (Most Popular Option)
Most Indian travelers apply for the Vietnam e-Visa.
It’s an online visa issued electronically by Vietnamese immigration authorities.
Here’s why travelers prefer it:
- Entire application is completed online
- No need to visit embassy
- Visa approval is sent by email
- Simple process for tourists
Once approved, you just print the visa and show it at immigration when you arrive in Vietnam.
Visa on Arrival for Indians
Visa on arrival is another option, but it works differently from Bali.
This visa is only available for travelers arriving by air, and you must obtain an approval letter before traveling.
Without this approval letter, airlines may not allow boarding.
Because of this extra step, most travelers prefer the Vietnam e-Visa instead of visa on arrival.
Planning your Vietnam trip soon?
Download our Vietnam Travel Planning Checklist to make sure you don’t forget important things like visa documents, travel insurance, currency preparation, and airport tips.
Vietnam Visa Requirements for Indians
Before applying for the visa, travelers should prepare a few documents.
Keeping these ready will make the application process smoother.
Documents Required for Vietnam e-Visa
- Passport with minimum 6 months validity
- Passport-size photograph
- Passport bio page scan
- Travel details such as arrival airport and travel dates
One important thing to note — if the photo format is incorrect, visa approval can be delayed.
So make sure your uploaded photo is clear and follows the correct format.
Step-by-Step Process to Apply Vietnam Visa
Applying for the Vietnam visa online is quite simple. Here’s how the process works.
Step 1: Visit Official Vietnam e-Visa Portal
Go to the official Vietnam e-Visa website to begin the application.
Step 2: Fill Application Form
Enter the required details such as:
- full name
- passport details
- nationality
- travel dates
- entry airport
Double-check all information before submitting.
Step 3: Upload Documents
You will need to upload:
- passport scan
- passport photo
Make sure the image quality is clear and readable.
Step 4: Pay Visa Fee
After uploading documents, you will pay the visa fee online.
Payment is usually done using international debit or credit card.
Step 5: Receive e-Visa by Email
Once the application is approved, you will receive your e-Visa by email.
Typical processing time is 3–5 working days.
Print the visa and carry it when traveling to Vietnam.
Not sure if your visa documents are correct?
Our travel team can review your visa application before submission and help you avoid common mistakes.
Vietnam Visa Fees for Indians
One of the most common questions travelers ask is the visa cost.
Here is the typical visa fee structure.
| Visa Type | Approx Cost |
|---|---|
| Vietnam e-Visa | ~$25 |
| Visa on Arrival | ~$25 + service fee |
Fees may vary slightly depending on the service provider or visa processing service used.
Vietnam Visa Processing Time
Another important question is how long the visa takes.
Typical processing time:
3–5 working days
However, it’s always safer to apply at least 1–2 weeks before travel to avoid last-minute issues.
This also gives time to correct any mistakes if needed.
Common Vietnam Visa Mistakes Indian Travelers Make
Many visa problems happen because of small mistakes during application.
Here are some common issues travelers face:
- incorrect passport scan
- photo not matching visa format
- wrong travel dates
- passport validity less than 6 months
Checking these details before submitting the application can prevent visa delays.
To avoid these mistakes, download our Vietnam Visa Document Checklist and confirm every requirement before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vietnam Visa for Indians
Yes, but only if travelers have an approval letter before traveling and arrive by air.
Most tourist visas allow stay up to 30 days.
Yes. Visa extension is possible through immigration offices or visa agents.
Yes. Immigration officers may ask for proof of onward or return travel.
There is no official minimum amount, but travelers should have enough funds to support their trip if asked.
When Should Indians Apply for Vietnam Visa?
Even though the process is online, travelers should apply 1–2 weeks before travel.
This allows enough time for:
- visa processing
- document corrections if needed
- travel planning without stress
Planning a Vietnam trip soon?
Our travel experts can help with visa guidance, itinerary planning, and bookings.
