Vietnam Travel Visa for Indians

From the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay to the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, Vietnam has become one of the most popular and affordable international destinations for Indian travellers. Before you pack your bags, though, you'll need a valid visa. Vietnam does not offer visa-free entry to Indian passport holders for mainland travel. Here's a complete breakdown of visa types, fees, and the application process.

Do Indians Need a Visa for Vietnam?

Yes. Every Indian citizen needs a valid visa to enter mainland Vietnam, whatever the purpose of the trip tourism, business, family visits, or transit. The one narrow exception is a visa-free stay of up to 30 days for travellers arriving directly at Phu Quoc Island and not continuing on to the mainland.

Types of Vietnam Visa for Indians

1. e-Visa (Recommended) The e-Visa is the easiest and most popular route for Indian travellers. It's applied for entirely online, arrives as a PDF by email, and is valid for a single or multiple entry.

2. Visa on Arrival (VOA) This requires a pre-approved visa letter obtained online before you fly. On landing at a Vietnamese airport, you present the letter and passport at the visa counter to get your stamp. It's only available at international airports, not at land borders.

3. Embassy Visa (Sticker Visa) Applied for in person at the Vietnamese Embassy in New Delhi or the Consulate General in Mumbai. This is the right choice if you need a stay longer than the e-Visa's 90-day limit, or a physical visa sticker for business or legal reasons.

4. Business Visa For Indians travelling for meetings, trade fairs, or work with Vietnamese partners, typically requiring a sponsorship or invitation letter and allowing multiple entries within its validity.

Vietnam Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens

To apply for a Vietnam tourist visa from India, you will need:

• Valid Indian passport (minimum 6 months validity from entry date)
• Completed visa application form (online for e-Visa, or NA1 form for embassy)
• Two passport-size photographs (4cm x 6cm, white background) – digital for e-Visa
• Confirmed travel itinerary
• Hotel booking confirmation
• Return or onward flight ticket
• Proof of sufficient funds (bank statement – recommended minimum INR 50,000)
• Visa fee payment receipt

For business visas: Invitation letter from a Vietnamese company and company registration documents.

Documents Required for a Vietnam Visa

• Indian passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date, with at least 2 blank pages
• A clear scan of the passport's biographical page
• A recent passport-size photograph with a white background
• A valid email address to receive the approved e-Visa
• Confirmed return or onward travel booking
• For business visas: an invitation or sponsorship letter from a Vietnamese company

How to Apply for the Vietnam e-Visa

1. Visit the official Vietnam Immigration portal (evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn)
2. Fill in your personal, passport, and travel details
3. Upload your passport scan and photograph
4. Select your intended port of entry you must use the same port listed on your e-VisaPay the fee online using an international card
5. Download the approved e-Visa, usually within 3 to 5 working days
6. Print a copy and keep a digital copy on your phone; show it at immigration along with your passport

Applying for Visa on Arrival

1. Apply through a travel agency for a pre-approval letter before your flight
2. Carry the approval letter, passport, and photographs to the airport
3. At the VOA counter, submit your documents and pay the stamping fee in cash (USD)
4. Collect your visa sticker and proceed to immigration

Extending Your Vietnam Visa

If you need more time in the country, visa extensions are available through the Vietnam Immigration Department or a local travel agency, usually granted in blocks of 30 days. Apply at least a week before your current visa expires to avoid any last-minute complications.

Tips for a Smooth Application

• Always apply on the official government portal to avoid inflated third-party fees
• Double-check your name, passport number, and entry port before submitting errors can make the e-Visa unusable
• Apply at least a week or two before travel, and earlier during peak season
• Carry both a printed and digital copy of your e-Visa alongside your passport
• Remember that a Vietnam tourist e-Visa does not permit paid employment

Conclusion

A Vietnam visa is refreshingly simple to arrange for Indian travellers, especially through the e-Visa route. Apply early, keep your documents accurate, and you'll be sipping egg coffee in Hanoi or cruising Ha Long Bay before you know it.