Your complete guide to a Vietnam visa for Indians
Vietnam is known for its captivating history, beautiful landscapes, and great food, making it an attractive destination for Indians on holiday. Read on to learn about Vietnam visas for Indian citizens and what to expect from the process.
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Do Indians need a visa for Vietnam?
Yes, Indian citizens need to have a visa to enter Vietnam. Qualifying Indians going to Vietnam for tourism can apply for an E-visa or a Visa-on-arrival, depending on the length and type of trip. Indians without a visa will not be allowed entry into the country.¹
Types of Vietnam visas
Vietnam tourist visas are available for Indians as long as they meet the requirements, are approved for the visa, and pay the corresponding fee. Indians going to Vietnam for business purposes can apply online for a Visa-on-arrival approval letter beforehand. The letter can take about two business days to be issued after applying.
Vietnam tourist visa for Indians
The simplest and most convenient way to get a Vietnam tourist visa for Indians is through an E-visa. The E-visa is a visa you can apply for online, and you are asked to carry the approval letter when you arrive in Vietnam. An E-visa doesn’t require going to the Vietnam embassy or submitting your passport. Check out the later section about how to apply.
The tourist E-visa is only for a single entry and exit into Vietnam - which means you can only enter the country once and it is valid for 30 days. You may be able to apply for an extension once you are in Vietnam.
Is there a Vietnam Visa-on-arrival for Indians?
Yes, Indians can apply for a Vietnam Visa-on-arrival. A Vietnam Visa-on-arrival is for trips to the country that an E-visa does not cover- so trips that are longer than 30 days or require multiple entries.
Here is how to decide if a Vietnam E-visa or Visa-on-arrival is best suited for you:
| e-Visa² | Visa-on-arrival³ | |
|---|---|---|
| Length of stay | Less than 30 days. | More than 30 days. |
| Number of entries into Vietnam | Single. | Multiple. |
| How to apply | Online. | It may require going to the embassy. |
| When to apply | Before leaving India. | Before leaving India. |
| What to bring to immigration | Two physical copies of the E-visa letter and registration number. | Approved Visa-on-arrival letter, application, and all documents. |
| Best for | Short trips only within the country. | Longer trips or traveling around Southeast Asia requires leaving and entering Vietnam more than once. |
How much does a Vietnam tourist visa cost?
The Vietnam visa cost is listed in US dollars and can be paid online for an E-visa or at the airport for a Visa-on-arrival.
| Type of visa | Cost in USD | Cost in Indian Rupees |
|---|---|---|
| e-Visa | USD 25 | INR 2,065. |
| Visa-on-arrival | UDS 25 - USD 50 | INR 2,065 - INR 4,130. |
Visa fees and currency conversion verified on 29 May 2023.
Vietnam visa requirements for Indian citizens
Here are the requirements to apply for a Vietnam tourist E-visa and the documents and other information you should have ready:
- Your passport must be valid for at least six months before your trip.
- A JPEG (.jpg) of a 4x6 passport photo of you on a white background. Remove any glasses from your face for the photo.
- A copy of your passport data page as a JPEG (.jpg).
- An email address.
- Your temporary address in Vietnam. This can be the hotel or resort.
- Your entry and exit points in Vietnam.
- A debit or credit card that can make international payments.
Visa-on-arrival will need all the same information, plus:
- A completed visa application form.
- A Letter of Approval from a Vietnamese embassy or consulate in India.
To receive your approval letter for Visa-on-arrival, contact the Vietnam Embassy in India. If you are part of a tour group staying more than 30 days in the country or requiring multiple entries, contact your tour organizer for the Visa-on-arrival approval letter.
How to apply for a Vietnam E-visa
Here are the steps to apply for a Vietnam E-visa for Indians:
- Go to Vietnam’s E-Visa Application page.
- Review the notices for a Vietnamese visa.
- Click on the box “For Foreigners.”
- Review the steps for an application.
- Click on Next.
- Upload a JPEG of your passport data page.
- Upload a JPEG of your passport photo.
- Complete the passport data page and information about your trip.
- Pay the e-Visa fee.
- Submit your application.
- Save the Registration code provided by the website.
You can expect to hear back about approval for the E-visa in 3 working days after you have submitted an application. Print out two copies of your approval letter and keep your registration code somewhere safe for immigration in Vietnam.
If you have been approved for an E-visa, you can head directly to the immigration counters when you arrive in Vietnam. You do not need to stand in line or at the counters for Visa-on-arrival.
If you have a Visa-on-arrival, you must carry all the documents to immigration in Vietnam. Once there, head to the designated counters and complete your visa application and fee payment.
How long does it take to get a Vietnamese visa?
Once you have submitted your application, the E-visa can take three working days to be issued. Here are the steps to see if you have been issued an E-visa:
- Go to the E-visa portal.
- Enter your registration code, email address, and date of birth.
- Complete the Captcha and click on Search.
- If your E-visa is available, download the PDF file.
- Print two copies of the E-visa to carry with you.
If it has been more than three working days and you can’t find your visa in the portal above, reach out to Vietnam's e-Visa Support.
For Visa-on-arrival, you will submit your documents and pay for the visa at the immigration counter in Vietnam. That said, you may need 2-3 working days or more to receive your pre-approval letter before you leave India for Vietnam. If you have all your documents and make the fee at immigration, they should issue you a visa immediately.
Start your international journey with Wise
Sending money to Vietnam? Check out Wise for sending money from India to bank accounts abroad. You can save money on international transfers with Wise's low transfer fee and the mid-market exchange rate, which is the same as the one you see on Google.
If you are already living abroad, take a look at the Wise multi-currency account available for residents living in supported countries. Enjoy an account as worldly as you are and spend just like a local when you travel abroad with a linked debit card, while also paying less in fees.
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Sources used for this article:
- An official guide to e-Visas in Vietnam
- Vietnam Visa Requirements
- Vietnam visa for India citizens, passport holders, residents
Sourced verified on 29 May 2023.
Photo by Tran Phu on Unsplash
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