Vietnam visa for India citizens
Vietnam Visa Guide for Indian Citizens: Essential Information for Travelers
Planning a trip to the vibrant landscapes and rich culture of Vietnam from India? Understanding the visa requirements is your first crucial step. This comprehensive guide provides Indian passport holders with the necessary information to secure their Vietnam visa smoothly.
Is a Visa Required for Indian Citizens to Enter Vietnam?
Yes, a visa is mandatory for all Indian passport holders wishing to enter Vietnam, regardless of whether your visit is for tourism, business, or other purposes. This requirement applies to all travelers, including children. Your passport must have a minimum validity of six months beyond your intended stay and contain at least two blank pages for visa stamps.
The Phu Quoc Island Visa Exemption
There is one significant exception to the general visa requirement: Indian tourists can enjoy a 30-day visa exemption if they travel directly to Phu Quoc Island under specific conditions. To qualify, you must fly directly from a foreign country to Phu Quoc, stay exclusively on the island, and depart directly from Phu Quoc to another foreign country. If your itinerary includes visiting mainland Vietnam, such as Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, a valid visa is required before your arrival.
Your Primary Visa Options
Indian citizens have several convenient options for obtaining a Vietnam visa:
- Vietnam E-visa: The most popular and recommended choice for its convenience and broad acceptance.
- Visa on Arrival (VOA): An alternative for airport entries, requiring a pre-approved letter.
- Embassy/Consulate Application: For those who prefer a physical visa sticker in their passport.
1. The Vietnam E-visa: Your Most Convenient Choice
Since August 15, 2023, the Vietnam E-visa has been the official and most straightforward method for Indian travelers. It offers a streamlined online application process.
- Eligibility: All Indian passport holders are eligible.
- Validity: You can apply for an E-visa valid for up to 90 days, with options for single-entry or multiple-entry.
- Entry Points: The E-visa is accepted at 83 international border gates across Vietnam, including all major international airports, seaports, and land crossings.
Applying for Your E-visa:
You can apply directly through the official government portal (evisa.gov.vn) or utilize the services of a reputable visa agency like eVisavietnam247.com, which can assist with the application process and address common issues.
2. Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA): An Alternative for Airport Entries
The Visa on Arrival option is still available for Indian citizens arriving at Vietnam's international airports. This method requires a crucial first step: obtaining a Visa Approval Letter before your trip from a trusted visa agency. Upon arrival, you will present this letter, your passport, and pay a stamping fee in cash at the "Landing Visa" counter to receive your visa stamp.
VOA can be particularly useful if you need a visa approval letter quickly (often within a few hours) or if your application needs to be processed during weekends or public holidays when the government's E-visa system may not be operational.
Comparison: Vietnam E-visa vs. Visa on Arrival
| Criteria | Vietnam E-visa | Visa on Arrival (VOA) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Points | All airports, seaports, and land borders | Airports only |
| Maximum Stay | Up to 90 days | Varied (typically up to 90 days) |
| Processing Time | Typically 3-7 working days (expedited options available) | Approval letter in 2-5 working days (expedited options available) |
| Fastest Processing | Can be as fast as 1-2 working hours (via agencies) | Approval letter in 2-4 working hours (via agencies) |
| Weekend Processing | Not typically available via government portal | Approval letter often available via agencies |
| Waiting Time at Airport | No waiting at visa counter, proceed directly to immigration | Around 30 minutes to get visa stamped at landing visa counter |
| Documents Received | E-visa PDF via email | Approval letter via email + visa stamp at airport |
| Where to Apply | Government website or visa agency | Visa agency (for approval letter) |
| Fees | Government fee (USD 25-50) + service fee (if using agency) | Service fee (for approval letter) + stamping fee (USD 25-50 at airport) |
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In recent years, the E-visa has become the preferred choice for the majority of Indian travelers due to its convenience and flexibility.
3. Applying Through a Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in India
For those who prefer a traditional visa sticker in their passport, applications can be made at the Vietnamese diplomatic missions in India:
- Embassy of Vietnam in New Delhi:
Address: 20 Kautilya Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Monday - Friday) - Consulate General of Vietnam in Mumbai:
Address: Unit 805, 8th Floor, Powai Plaza, Hiranandani Gardens, Powai, Mumbai
Please be aware that both the Embassy and Consulate observe Vietnamese and Indian public holidays, which may affect processing times. Plan your application accordingly.
Important Considerations for Your Vietnam Visa
- Apply Early: Always submit your visa application well in advance of your travel date to account for potential processing delays.
- Verify Information: Double-check all details on your application against your passport to prevent issues.
- Official Sources: For the most current and authoritative information, always refer to the official Vietnamese immigration website or contact the Embassy or Consulate directly.
Tourist visa — India
Vietnam Visa Options for Indian Travelers
Indian citizens have several avenues to obtain a visa for Vietnam. The most common and convenient options include the E-visa, Visa on Arrival, and applying through a Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate.
1. Vietnam E-visa (Electronic Visa)
Since August 15, 2023, the Vietnam E-visa has become the official and most recommended method for Indian travelers. It offers flexibility and ease of application.
- Eligibility: All Indian passport holders are eligible to apply for an E-visa.
- Validity: An E-visa can be valid for up to 90 days, with options for single-entry or multiple-entry.
- Entry Points: The E-visa is accepted at 83 international border gates, including major airports, seaports, and land crossings across Vietnam.
How to Apply for a Vietnam E-visa from India:
Indian applicants typically have two main methods:
- Self-Application via Government Portal: You can apply directly through the official Vietnamese government E-visa portal (evisa.gov.vn). This method involves a direct government fee. Be mindful of precise photo formatting requirements and potential payment gateway issues. Processing times can vary, sometimes extending beyond 7 working days, and direct support may be limited.
- Application through a Visa Service Provider: For a potentially smoother experience, you may choose to apply through a reputable visa service provider like eVisavietnam247.com. These services often offer assistance with application accuracy, photo requirements, and dedicated customer support, which can help mitigate common application challenges and expedite processing.
Important E-visa Application Tips:
- Photo Requirements: Ensure your passport photo is recent, clear, taken against a plain white background, and you are looking straight without glasses.
- Double-Check Details: Verify that all personal information, especially your full name, matches exactly with your passport details. Any discrepancies can lead to delays or rejection.
- Apply Early: It is strongly recommended to apply for your E-visa at least two weeks before your intended travel date to allow for processing and any unforeseen official delays.
2. Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA)
The Visa on Arrival option remains available for Indian citizens entering Vietnam via international airports. This process requires a pre-approved letter.
VOA Application Process:
- Obtain a Visa Approval Letter: Before your trip, you must secure a Visa Approval Letter from a trusted visa agency. This letter is crucial for boarding your flight.
- Fly to Vietnam: Present your approval letter upon check-in with your airline.
- Receive Visa Stamp: Upon arrival at a Vietnamese international airport, proceed to the "Landing Visa" or "Visa on Arrival" counter. Present your approval letter, passport, and pay the stamping fee in cash (USD or VND).
When to Consider VOA:
VOA can be a suitable alternative if you are in a rush and need a visa approval letter within a few hours, or if you need to process your visa during weekends or public holidays when the government E-visa system might not be actively processing applications.
3. Visa from Vietnam Embassy & Consulate in India
Indian citizens who prefer to have a physical visa sticker placed directly in their passport can apply at the Vietnamese diplomatic missions in India.
- Embassy of Vietnam in New Delhi:
Address: 20 Kautilya Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Monday - Friday) - Consulate General of Vietnam in Mumbai:
Address: Unit 805, 8th Floor, Powai Plaza, Hiranandani Gardens, Powai, Mumbai
Notice: Both the Embassy and Consulate observe closures on Vietnamese and Indian public holidays. Please plan your application submission accordingly.
Business visa — India
For Indian citizens traveling to Vietnam for business purposes, the visa application process generally follows the same procedures as for tourist visas. The Vietnam E-visa is a common choice for business travelers, offering validity for up to 90 days with options for single or multiple entries.
When applying for a business visa, you may need to provide additional supporting documents, such as an invitation letter from a Vietnamese company or a business registration certificate. It is crucial to confirm the specific documentation required for your business visa application with the official Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in India, or through the government's E-visa portal, as requirements can vary.
Always ensure your passport meets the validity and blank page requirements, and apply well in advance of your intended travel date to accommodate processing times.
Vietnam visa fees & costs
Vietnam Visa Fees for Indian Citizens
Understanding the costs associated with obtaining your Vietnam visa is essential for planning your trip. Fees typically consist of government charges and, if applicable, service fees from third-party agencies.
Government E-visa Fees:
- Single Entry E-visa: USD $25
- Multiple Entry E-visa: USD $50
These fees are paid directly to the Vietnamese government when applying through their official E-visa portal (evisa.gov.vn).
Visa on Arrival (VOA) Stamping Fees:
If you opt for the Visa on Arrival method, you will need to pay a stamping fee in cash (USD or VND) at the airport upon arrival:
- Single Entry VOA: USD $25
- Multiple Entry VOA: USD $50
Please note that in addition to the stamping fee, a separate service fee is paid to the agency that facilitates your Visa Approval Letter prior to your travel.
Service Fees for Agency Assistance:
When using a private visa service provider, such as eVisavietnam247.com, to assist with your E-visa or Visa on Arrival application, you will incur an additional service fee. These fees vary depending on the agency, the type of visa, and the requested processing speed (e.g., normal, urgent, super urgent). It is advisable to inquire about all applicable fees from your chosen agency before submitting your application to ensure transparency.
All fees are subject to change by the Vietnamese government. Always verify the most current fee schedule with official sources or your chosen visa service provider.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Vietnam Visas for Indians
Do Indian citizens with a valid US visa require a visa for Vietnam?
Yes. Holding a valid visa from countries like the US, UK, Canada, or Australia does not exempt Indian citizens from needing a separate visa for Vietnam. You must still apply for a Vietnam E-visa, Visa on Arrival, or an embassy visa.
Can Indian citizens apply for a visa at the airport without a pre-approved letter?
No. For Visa on Arrival, you absolutely must have a pre-approved Visa Approval Letter before you board your flight to Vietnam. Similarly, if you are using an E-visa, you must have the approved E-visa PDF. Airlines will not permit you to board without one of these valid documents.
What is the current Vietnam visa photo size for Indians?
The required photo size for your Vietnam visa application is typically 4x6 cm (or 2x2 inches). The photo should be recent, clear, taken against a plain white background, and you should look straight into the camera without wearing glasses.
How fast can I get an urgent visa for Vietnam as an Indian citizen?
While standard processing times for E-visas can range from 4 to 7 working days, some visa service providers offer expedited processing for urgent requests, potentially within a few working hours or even during weekends. For urgent needs, it is best to contact a reputable visa agency directly to inquire about their fastest processing options.