Travel plans for Vietnam starting at just ₹306*
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Vietnam Visa for Indians
Planning a trip to Vietnam? Indian travellers need a valid visa to enter the country, whether for tourism, business or education. Vietnam also offers e-Visa, visa on arrival and embassy-issued visas for Indians, each with specific requirements.
Vietnam, known for its stunning landscapes, rich history and vibrant culture, is a popular destination for Indian travellers. In fact, the Vietnam Authority of Tourism recorded 501,000 Indian tourists visiting Vietnam in 2024, making India its 6th largest source market. From exploring Hanoi’s heritage sites, cruising in Halong Bay or experiencing the energy of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam offers something for everyone. Beyond these experiences, visitors can also enjoy authentic Vietnamese cuisine, shop at bustling local markets, and immerse themselves in traditional festivals that showcase the country’s vibrant spirit.
To enjoy a hassle-free journey and ensure your visa application succeeds, it’s crucial to understand Vietnam’s visa rules, documentation requirements, and eligibility criteria before you apply. Proper preparation saves time and avoids delays.
Vietnam Visa: All You Need to Know
You’re required to have a Vietnam visa before you enter the country. Depending on your travel purpose, you can apply for an e-Visa or a visa-on-arrival (VoA). Both options allow for stays of up to 90 days (for single and multiple entries).
For a visa on arrival, you need to apply through a travel agency and get a Pre-Approval letter first. You need to show this document at immigration to get your VoA once you arrive, or you will not be allowed entry into Vietnam. You should also note that the VoA is only available at designated airports, such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang.
If you’re travelling for business, work or are planning to study at a university in Vietnam, you can apply for a Vietnam business (DN1 & DN2), work (LD) or student visa. Each visa type has specific criteria and documents. Prepare carefully with valid proofs like invitation letters or contracts to avoid delays.
Do note that these visas require sponsorship, meaning your Vietnamese employer or the university must apply on your behalf, and you will need to submit your visa-related documents to them instead. This process ensures compliance with Vietnam’s regulations and helps streamline your application for faster approval.
Vietnam Visa Insights
In 2024, Vietnam issued nearly 1.5 million e-visas, and Indian travel agencies reported a 146% growth in Vietnam visa applications.
With this influx of Indian tourists into Vietnam, many Vietnamese low-cost carriers like Vietjet Air have introduced festive sales with tickets for as low as ₹11* to major cities like Da Nang, which 50% of all Indian tourists to Vietnam chose as their main destination.
Types of Vietnam Visa for Indians
Vietnam offers different visa types based on your travel purpose, be it tourism, business or transit. Understanding the right visa ensures a smooth entry and stay in the country. To avoid the risk of travel disruptions or cancellations, it is advised to submit your Vietnam e-Visa application at least 7-40 working days before your planned departure. Working days exclude weekends and Vietnamese national public holidays.
Vietnam Visa on Arrival
Purpose: Air travellers can get their visa at Vietnamese international airports like Tan Son Nhat, Noi Bai and more; by first applying for a pre-approval letter (to be presented upon arrival).
Validity: 30-90 days (single and multiple-entry)
Processing Time for Pre-Approval Letter: 4 hours (for emergencies) to 7 working days (normal cases)
What to Watch Out For: Pre-approval letter must be obtained via an authorised travel/visa agency. Carry passport-sized photos; you will need to attach them to the visa form at the airport.
Vietnam E-Visa
Purpose: The visa is offered for tourism, conference attendance, journalism, press, investment, market research, etc. This type of visa can be applied for online only through the official E-Visa portal.
Validity: 90 days (single and multiple-entry)
Processing Time: 5 - 30 working days
What to Watch Out For: Make sure you have a printout of your approved e-Visa on hand because you will be required to present a hard copy upon arrival. Also, check the permitted entry and exit points in advance before your arrival.
Vietnam Tourist Visa (DL)
Purpose: This type of visa is issued for Indian tourists who are set to spend their holiday experiencing Vietnam and its culture.
Validity: Up to 90 days
Processing Time: 3-5 working days (processing time starts only after your application is sent to the Vietnamese Immigration Department)
What to Watch Out For: Apply well in advance, because visa approvals may take longer in some cases.
Vietnam Work Visa (LD)
Purpose: Issued for Indian professionals and expatriates employed in Vietnam. A work permit from the hiring company is required to obtain it.
Validity: 1-2 years
Processing Time: 5 working days (for visa); 5 working days (for work permit)
What to Watch Out For: A work permit can only be renewed once. Your employer needs to apply for a new one on your behalf if they want to continue employing you after 2 years.
Vietnam Business Visa (DN1 & DN2)
Purpose: This visa type is granted to Indians travelling to Vietnam for business meetings or to entrepreneurs exploring business opportunities. It requires an invitation from a Vietnamese company.
Validity: 1 month-1 year (single and multiple-entry)
Processing Time: 5-7 working days
What to Watch Out For: For extensions, you will also need to submit a sponsor letter with your documents in person at the nearest Immigration Office in Vietnam.
Vietnam Student Visa (DH)
Purpose: This visa is granted to an Indian student who a Vietnamese educational institution has accepted. The visa is sponsored by the Vietnamese university, so the university must apply on your behalf.
Validity: Depends on the course duration.
Processing Time: 15-20 working days (sometimes longer depending on the university)
What to Watch Out For: Students need to submit their applications to the Vietnamese university at least 10 weeks before the semester starts.
How to Apply for a Vietnam Visa?
You can easily apply for a Vietnam Visa both online and offline. However, we recommend choosing the online process as it’s a lot easier, and you can proceed directly to the immigration counter with your e-Visa printout once you arrive in Vietnam. Just follow these steps, and you should be good to go:
Online Visa Process for Vietnam
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Navigate to the official Vietnam e-Visa Portal and select “Apply Now”.
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Read the declaration instructions and mark the required checkboxes.
Fill out the online application form with your personal and travel information.
Upload the required documents, including a high-resolution photo and a scanned copy of your passport's data page.
Review the application form to ensure the details are correct.
Pay the e-Visa fee online using your preferred payment method (net banking, Apple Pay, QR code, or debit/credit card).
Once approved, download and print your e-Visa and carry it with you when you enter Vietnam.
Traditional Vietnam Visa Process (for Visa on Arrival)
Apply for a visa approval letter online (travel agency or Vietnam E-Visa portal).
Receive and print the approval letter.
Travel to Vietnam with the letter, your passport and photos.
Present the required documents and the approval letter at immigration.
Pay the stamping fee and get the visa before entering the country.
Note: There is only one official e-Visa online portal (old and new versions) through which the application must be made. For further details on the Vietnam visa application for Indian citizens, visit the Vietnam Embassy Delhi website.
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Documents Required for A Vietnam Visa
Here are the essential documents needed to apply for a Vietnam visa as an Indian citizen. Make sure you have them ready to ensure a smooth process:
General Documents
Passport - Needs to have a minimum of 6 months validity.
2 Passport-sized photos - Recent, 4x6cm or 2x2 inches, white background, no glasses (as shown here).
Travel & Finance Proof - Return tickets and proof of funds (bank statements, salary slips, ITR forms, etc.)
Visa Application- Filled form and fee receipt.
Additional Documents
For e-Visas - Visa approval letter from the Vietnamese Department of Immigration.
For Business Visas - A business sponsorship or invitation letter from a Vietnamese company (or business partner)
For Work or Long-Term Visas - Valid residence permit, work permit, criminal record (if any)
For Student Visas - Admission letter from a recognised Vietnamese university
Please Note: For the complete list of documents, please check the official Vietnam Embassy website
Vietnam Visa Fees For Indians
Knowing the Vietnam visa fees for Indians is crucial for budgeting your trip and avoiding last-minute surprises. Here's a quick overview
Visa Types | Visa Fee |
|---|---|
1 Month/3 Months Single Entry | $25 |
1 Month/3 Months Multiple Entry | $50 |
Note: Visa fees must be paid in VND or USD; surge fees apply for weekend emergency services. Check the Embassy's holiday calendar to know what days it is closed. For queries, email support@vietnamvisa.govt.vn.
Tracking your Vietnam visa application is easy and can be done online on the official Vietnam E-Visa portal. You just need your E-visa code (which you can find on your application or acknowledgement form). Here's how to do it:
Yes, Indian nationals can extend or renew their Vietnam visa while in Vietnam, depending on their visa type. Here is how it works:
Application submission time is from Monday to Friday and Saturday morning every week (except Vietnam public holidays). Working hours: 8:00 am to 11:00 am (morning); 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm (afternoon). You can find the full instructions for Vietnam visa renewal or extension at the Vietnam Immigration Department Portal.
Why Do You Need Vietnam Travel Insurance for Indians?
Travelling to Vietnam from India is exciting, but it’s wise to stay prepared for the unexpected. Before you buy, use our Travel Insurance Calculator below to easily check your required Sum Insured and premium. IndusInd Vietnam travel insurance offers essential protection against trip disruptions, lost baggage, and medical emergencies.
Key Takeaways
Being just a short 5-hour flight away, Vietnam makes for a great international travel destination. It’s also got an easy and accessible visa process, where you can either choose to get an e-Visa through the e-Visa portal or a visa on arrival after getting your pre-approval letter from the e-Visa portal.
The visa requirements will vary depending on your travel purpose. For example, if you're visiting as a tourist, you'll need a valid passport, proof of funds (such as bank statements or salary slips), an approved visa application and your flight tickets.
But before you leave for your trip, we’d also recommend getting a travel insurance policy. Sure, it’s not mandatory for travellers, but it’s a lot more helpful than you think. For example, if you or your family member gets sick from eating any of the street food during your trip to Vietnam, your travel insurance policy will help cover your hospital visit by paying for your medical bills.
With IndusInd travel insurance (formerly Reliance travel insurance), our customer support team will guide you through the next steps if you need assistance filing a claim at the hospital or for any other travel emergency, such as passport loss or luggage delays at the airport.
So, get your IndusInd travel insurance today! You can buy our Vietnam travel insurance online at just ₹306* and have it downloaded into your phone for easy access.
Vietnam travel insurance starting at just ₹306*!
Explore Vietnam With Confidence!
From Ha Long Bay to Ho Chi Minh City, stay protected every step of your trip with IndusInd Vietnam travel insurance! We offer affordable premiums, 24/7 customer service and a seamless claims process.
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Disclaimer:
*T&C Apply. For more details on risk factors, terms conditions, brochure, and exclusions, please read the policy wording and CIS carefully before concluding a sale.
Claim Settlement Ratio: This is the overall claim settlement ratio for FY 2023-24 without claim outstanding at the start of the financial year as per public disclosure of Reliance General Insurance Co. Ltd.
Product & Sum Insured: T&C Apply. Details mentioned here are for Reliance Travel Care Policy, UIN: RELTIOP08002V010708. Sum Insured: The mentioned Sum insured amount is applicable only under Reliance Travel Care Policy – Individual – Platinum Plan. Total loss of checked baggage: Maximum amount payable per checked-in baggage in case more than one bag has been checked in, is 50% (100% for only one checked-in baggage) of applicable sum insured and per item in baggage maximum 10%.
Premium - Asia & International: The premium mentioned is excluding taxes for a medical sum insured of $25,000 for an Individual of 20 years on an Asia trip of 4 days. This is applicable for Asia plan only.