Vietnam isn't visa-free, VOA, or e-visa-only for Indians — it's e-visa by default, with a visa-on-arrival fallback for emergencies. The application itself is short: a handful of fields, a photo, and a passport scan. The part that actually costs people time is getting the details exactly right, so the approval doesn't stall at the border. Here's the current process end to end.
Do Indians Need a Visa for Vietnam?
Yes, for nearly every entry point — there's no bilateral visa-free arrangement between India and Vietnam (unlike several other Southeast Asian destinations). The one exception: Phu Quoc Island, which allows visa-free entry for up to 30 days — but only if you fly or sail directly into Phu Quoc International Airport or the island's seaport. Transit through Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City first, and the exemption doesn't apply.
e-Visa vs Visa on Arrival
Two official routes exist for everyone else:
- e-Visa — fully online through the government portal, no embassy visit, valid at 83 international entry and exit points (airports, land borders, seaports). This is the default choice for nearly all Indian travelers.
- Visa on Arrival (VOA) — requires a pre-approved letter from an agency before you fly, then a separate queue and stamp at the airport counter. Mainly useful if you're booking last-minute and have missed the e-visa processing window.
Documents & Fees
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Single-entry e-visa | USD 25 (~₹2,150), up to 90 days |
| Multiple-entry e-visa | USD 50 (~₹4,300), up to 90 days |
| Passport | Valid 6+ months from arrival, 2 blank pages |
| Photo | Digital passport-style photo, uploaded during application |
How to Apply: Step by Step
- Go to the official portal, evisa.gov.vn — not a third-party lookalike site.
- Fill in the application form, including your exact entry and exit port. This must match your actual arrival airport — most Indian travelers select Hanoi (Noi Bai), Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat), or Da Nang.
- Upload your passport bio-page scan and a digital photo.
- Pay the fee online (non-refundable, even if your application is later rejected).
- Save your application code — you'll need it to track your status.
- Wait for approval, typically 3 working days, occasionally longer during holidays or high-volume periods.
- Download and print the approved e-visa PDF. Carry the printed copy with your passport — airlines may check it before boarding, and immigration checks it again on arrival and exit.
Apply 7–10 days before departure, not the week of. The official portal doesn't offer expedited processing, and even a small error in your application (wrong entry port, blurry photo) means resubmitting from scratch.
Common Mistakes That Delay Approval
- Blurry or cropped passport photos — the single most common rejection reason
- Selecting an entry port that doesn't match your actual arrival airport
- Applying through unofficial third-party sites that charge above the government fee without disclosing it upfront
- Passport with fewer than 6 months' validity or fewer than 2 blank pages
- Forgetting to print the approved e-visa — a phone screenshot isn't accepted at every checkpoint
FAQ
Do Indians need a visa to visit Vietnam?
Yes, for almost all entry points. There's no bilateral visa-free deal between India and Vietnam. The one exception is Phu Quoc Island, visa-free for up to 30 days, but only when arriving directly at Phu Quoc International Airport or seaport.
How much does a Vietnam e-visa cost for Indians?
USD 25 for single entry, USD 50 for multiple entry, both valid up to 90 days. The fee is paid online and is non-refundable even if your application is rejected.
How long does the Vietnam e-visa take to process?
The official government portal typically processes applications in 3 working days, though it can run longer during holidays or peak season. Apply at least 7–10 days before departure.
Where do I apply for a Vietnam e-visa?
Only through the official government portal, evisa.gov.vn. Third-party agencies can help but charge extra on top of the government fee.