Can Indian citizens travel to Vietnam without a visa?
No, Indian passport holders cannot enter mainland Vietnam without a visa. India is not on Vietnam's unilateral visa exemption list, which currently applies to citizens of 13 countries including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom for stays up to 45 days.
There are three exceptions:
- Phu Quoc Island: Indian travelers can enter visa-free for up to 30 days if they fly directly to Phu Quoc from another country. More on this below.
- Diplomatic or official passports: Holders of diplomatic passports may qualify for visa exemption under bilateral agreements.
- APEC Business Travel Card holders: Indian citizens holding a valid ABTC can enter Vietnam visa-free for up to 60 days for business purposes.
For everyone else, a visa is mandatory.
Vietnam e-visa for Indian citizens: the best option in 2026
The e-visa is now the recommended pathway for most Indian travelers. Since August 2023, Vietnam has offered a 90-day, single or multiple entry e-visa to citizens of all countries, including India. This replaced the older 30-day single entry system.
The official government portal is evisa.gov.vn. The process is entirely online. No need to visit an embassy or mail your passport.
Step-by-step e-visa application process
- Go to evisa.gov.vn. Click on "For foreigners" then "E-visa application".
- Fill in the online form. Use a passport that is valid for at least six months from your date of entry.
- Upload a passport photo (4x6 cm, white background, no glasses) and a scanned copy of your passport data page.
- Select your port of entry and exit. You can enter through one port and leave through a different one.
- Pay the fee online. The government charges $25 for single entry and $50 for multiple entry.
- Receive a registration code. Save this to check your application status.
- Wait 3-5 working days. Check the status using your registration code.
- Download and print your e-visa. Carry a paper copy when you travel.
Required documents and photo specifications
You need two digital files:
- Passport photo: 4x6 cm, JPEG format, maximum 2 MB. White background, no glasses, both ears visible, neutral expression. Many Indian applicants get rejected because their photo is too dark or their forehead is covered by hair.
- Passport data page: Full page scan, JPEG or PDF, maximum 2 MB. Must show your photo, full name, date of birth, passport number, and expiry date. No cropping or editing.
Common reasons Indian applicants get rejected
Based on reports from Indian travelers on Reddit and Facebook groups, these are the most frequent rejection reasons:
- Photo issues: Wrong size, dark background, shadows on face, glasses in photo, hair covering eyebrows.
- Name mismatch: Your name on the application must match your passport exactly. Middle names matter. If your passport has "Kumar" as a middle name, include it.
- Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your entry date. Indian passports with less validity are rejected.
- Incorrect port of entry: You must select a port that accepts e-visas. Not all border crossings are eligible.
- Payment failure: The government website sometimes rejects Indian credit cards. Use a card that supports international transactions. Visa and Mastercard work. Some Indian users report success with SBI, HDFC, or ICICI cards.
Pro tip: If your application is rejected, you lose the fee. There is no refund. Double check everything before submitting. Common mistakes include wrong photo size, misspelled names, and selecting the wrong port of entry.
Vietnam visa on arrival: still available for Indian citizens?
Visa on arrival (VOA) has been largely replaced by the e-visa system. However, it remains available in limited circumstances.
VOA is not what the name suggests. You cannot simply show up at the airport and get a visa. You must first obtain a pre-approval letter from a licensed Vietnamese travel agency. This letter is sent to your email. You print it, bring it to the airport, and pay the stamping fee to get your visa stamped into your passport.
Who still qualifies for VOA:
- Urgent cases: If you need a visa in less than 3 working days, VOA through an agency can process in 2-4 hours.
- Sponsored business travel: Some business visitors are sponsored by Vietnamese companies and use VOA.
- Group tours: Some tour operators still use VOA for large groups.
The process:
- Apply online through a licensed agency. Pay the service fee ($20-30).
- Receive the pre-approval letter by email (usually within 1-2 working days).
- Fly to Vietnam. At the airport, go to the "Visa on Arrival" counter.
- Present your letter, passport, two passport photos, and pay the stamping fee ($25 for single entry, $50 for multiple entry).
- Wait 15-30 minutes for your visa to be processed.
Warning: Many VOA agencies charge hidden fees. Some add "rush processing" charges without telling you. Read the terms carefully. For most Indian tourists, the e-visa is simpler, cheaper, and faster.
Vietnam visa at the embassy: when and how to apply
For Indian citizens who need a visa type not available through e-visa, embassy application remains necessary. This includes:
- Work visas (LD category)
- Long-term business visas (DN category, over 90 days)
- Student visas (DH category)
- Visas for stays exceeding 90 days
The Vietnamese Embassy in New Delhi is located at 20, Kautilya Marg, Chanakyapuri. The Consulate General in Mumbai is at 1, B Wing, Kapil Business Centre, Andheri Kurla Road.
Required documents vary by visa type but generally include:
- Passport with at least six months validity
- Completed visa application form
- Two passport photos
- Visa fee (varies by type and duration)
- Supporting documents (employment letter, invitation letter, enrollment proof)
Processing time is typically 5-7 working days. Fees range from $50 to $150 depending on the visa category.
Pro tip: Embassy visas are more expensive and time-consuming than e-visas. Only use this route if you need a visa type not offered online.
Phu Quoc visa exemption for Indian travelers
This is one of the best-kept secrets for Indian travelers. Phu Quoc Island offers visa-free entry for up to 30 days.
The conditions are specific:
- You must arrive on a direct international flight to Phu Quoc. Flights from India to Phu Quoc are limited. Most travelers fly via Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, or Singapore.
- You cannot visit mainland Vietnam without a visa. If you fly to Phu Quoc visa-free and then take a domestic flight to Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, you will need a visa.
- The 30-day period starts from your date of arrival. Overstaying results in fines.
This option works well for travelers who want a beach holiday without visa paperwork. It does not work for travelers who want to combine Phu Quoc with other destinations in Vietnam.
If you plan to visit both Phu Quoc and the mainland, apply for an e-visa before you travel. Enter through any port and visit Phu Quoc as part of your itinerary. The e-visa covers the entire country.
Vietnam visa costs for Indian citizens in 2026
Here is a transparent breakdown of all fees Indian travelers can expect to pay.
E-visa fees
| Fee type | Amount (USD) | Amount (VND) | Payable to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single entry (up to 90 days) | $25 | ~625,000 VND | Government portal |
| Multiple entry (up to 90 days) | $50 | ~1,250,000 VND | Government portal |
Visa on arrival fees
| Fee type | Amount (USD) | Amount (VND) | Payable to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agency service fee | $20-30 | ~500,000-750,000 VND | Agency |
| Stamping fee (single entry) | $25 | ~625,000 VND | Immigration at airport |
| Stamping fee (multiple entry) | $50 | ~1,250,000 VND | Immigration at airport |
Embassy visa fees
| Visa type | Amount (USD) | Payable to |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry) | $50-80 | Embassy |
| Business visa (3 months) | $80-120 | Embassy |
| Work visa (1 year) | $150-200 | Embassy |
Additional costs to budget for
- Passport photos: INR 200-400 ($2-5) at any photo studio in India
- Courier charges: If applying through an agency, courier fees for documents
- Printing: You need a printed copy of your e-visa or approval letter
- Bribes at land borders: Some Indian travelers report being asked for "extra fees" at land border crossings, especially Moc Bai and Lao Bao. This is illegal. Stand your ground or have the exact fee ready.
Vietnam visa processing time: what Indian travelers should expect
Realistic timelines for each visa type:
- E-visa: 3-5 working days. Apply at least two weeks before travel. Some applications are processed in 2 days. Some take 7 days. Do not book non-refundable flights until you have your visa.
- Visa on arrival: 1-2 working days for the pre-approval letter. Rush processing (2-4 hours) available through agencies for an extra fee.
- Embassy visa: 5-7 working days. Some embassies offer rush processing for an additional fee.
Pro tip: If your e-visa has not arrived by your departure date, do not travel. You will be denied boarding. Contact the Immigration Department through the e-visa portal or visit the Vietnamese Embassy in your country.
Vietnam entry requirements for Indian citizens beyond the visa
Visa is just one piece of the puzzle. Here are other requirements:
- Passport validity: At least six months from your date of entry.
- Blank pages: At least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
- Proof of onward travel: Immigration officials may ask for a return ticket or onward flight. Have a printed copy ready.
- Hotel bookings: Some travelers are asked for proof of accommodation. Have your hotel confirmations printed or saved offline.
- Travel insurance: Not mandatory but strongly recommended. Medical evacuation from Vietnam can cost thousands of dollars.
- Currency restrictions: You can bring up to $5,000 USD in cash without declaration. Amounts above this must be declared. Indian rupees are not widely accepted. Bring USD or use ATMs.
- Vaccination requirements: No mandatory vaccinations for India to Vietnam. However, routine vaccinations (hepatitis A, typhoid, tetanus) are recommended. Check the vaccinations guide for details.
Ports of entry: where Indian travelers can enter Vietnam with an e-visa
The e-visa is accepted at 42 entry points. The ones most relevant to Indian travelers:
| Port name | Type | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noi Bai International Airport | Air | Hanoi | Main entry for northern Vietnam |
| Tan Son Nhat International Airport | Air | Ho Chi Minh City | Main entry for southern Vietnam |
| Da Nang International Airport | Air | Da Nang | Main entry for central Vietnam |
| Cam Ranh International Airport | Air | Nha Trang | Beach destination |
| Phu Quoc International Airport | Air | Phu Quoc | Island destination |
| Moc Bai Border Gate | Land | Tay Ninh | From Cambodia |
| Lao Bao Border Gate | Land | Quang Tri | From Laos |
| Ha Tien Border Gate | Land | Kien Giang | From Cambodia |
Pro tip: If you plan to enter through a land border, confirm that the specific crossing accepts e-visas. Some smaller border gates do not.
Vietnam visa extension and overstay for Indian citizens
E-visas cannot be extended or renewed from within Vietnam. If you want to stay longer, you must exit the country and apply for a new visa. Popular options for a "visa run" include Cambodia (Moc Bai border) or Thailand (flight from Ho Chi Minh City).
Overstay fines:
- Under 30 days overstay: 500,000 VND ($21) per day
- 30-60 days overstay: 1,000,000 VND ($42) per day
- Over 60 days overstay: 2,000,000 VND ($84) per day plus deportation
Long overstays can result in blacklisting. Blacklisted travelers cannot re-enter Vietnam for a specified period (usually 1-5 years).
Warning: Do not overstay intentionally. The fines add up quickly, and deportation is a real risk. If you need more time, plan a visa run or apply for a longer visa before you travel.
Vietnam visa for Indian students, business travelers, and workers
Special visa categories for non-tourist purposes:
- Student visa (DH): Requires acceptance letter from a Vietnamese educational institution. Valid for the duration of your course. Apply through the Vietnamese Embassy.
- Business visa (DN): Requires a sponsorship letter from a Vietnamese company. Valid for 3 months to 1 year. Multiple entry available.
- Work visa (LD): Requires a work permit issued by the Vietnamese Ministry of Labor. Valid for 1-2 years. The employer handles most of the paperwork.
Important: Working on a tourist visa is illegal. If you are caught, you face fines, deportation, and a ban from re-entering Vietnam. Always use the correct visa category for your purpose of travel.
Vietnam visa for Indian families: children, seniors, and group travel
- Children: Every traveler, including infants and children, must have their own passport and visa. Children cannot be added to a parent's visa. The e-visa application process is the same regardless of age.
- Seniors: No special exemptions for senior travelers. The same visa requirements apply. The e-visa process is straightforward and can be completed online without visiting an embassy.
- Group travel: Group visas are available for tour groups of 5 or more people. The tour operator handles the application. Individual travelers cannot apply for a group visa.
Common visa mistakes Indian travelers make and how to avoid them
Based on real experiences shared on forums and social media:
- Wrong photo size: The requirement is 4x6 cm, not the standard Indian passport photo size (2x2 inches). Use a photo editing tool to resize.
- Misspelled names: Double check your name against your passport. One letter difference can cause rejection.
- Incorrect port of entry: Select the port where you will actually arrive. If you change your plans, the e-visa may not be valid at the new port.
- Payment failure: The government website sometimes rejects Indian credit cards. Use a card that supports international transactions. Some Indian users report success with SBI or HDFC cards.
- Website not working: The e-visa portal can be slow or unresponsive during peak hours. Try early morning or late evening. Clear your browser cache.
- Applying too late: Standard processing takes 3-5 working days. Do not wait until the last minute.
Vietnam visa alternatives for Indian citizens
| Visa type | Duration | Cost | Processing time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-visa (single) | Up to 90 days | $25 | 3-5 working days | Most tourists |
| E-visa (multiple) | Up to 90 days | $50 | 3-5 working days | Frequent travelers |
| Visa on arrival | Up to 90 days | $45-80 | 1-2 working days | Urgent travel |
| Embassy visa | Varies | $50-200 | 5-7 working days | Work, study, long-term |
| Phu Quoc exemption | Up to 30 days | $0 | N/A | Phu Quoc only |
Decision guide:
- Are you visiting only Phu Quoc? Use the visa-free exemption.
- Are you visiting mainland Vietnam for up to 90 days? Apply for an e-visa.
- Do you need a visa in less than 3 days? Use VOA with an agency.
- Do you need to work or study in Vietnam? Apply at the embassy.
Frequently asked questions about Vietnam visa for Indian citizens
Q: Can Indian citizens get a visa on arrival in Vietnam?
Yes, but only in limited circumstances. Visa on arrival requires a pre-approval letter from a licensed agency and is now mostly used for urgent travel or sponsored business trips. For most Indian tourists, the e-visa is simpler, cheaper, and faster.
Q: How much does a Vietnam visa cost for Indian citizens?
The government e-visa fee is $25 (approx. INR 2,100). Visa on arrival costs $25-50 for stamping plus an agency service fee of $20-30. Embassy visas vary by type and duration. All fees are subject to change.
Q: How long does it take to get a Vietnam e-visa from India?
Standard processing takes 3-5 working days after the Vietnam Immigration Department receives the application. Rush processing (available through agencies) can take 2-4 hours but costs more. Apply at least two weeks before travel.
Q: Can Indian citizens stay in Vietnam without a visa?
No, Indian passport holders do not qualify for visa-free entry to mainland Vietnam. The exception is Phu Quoc Island, where Indian travelers can stay visa-free for up to 30 days if they fly directly to Phu Quoc and do not visit the mainland.
Q: Is the Vietnam e-visa website working for Indian applicants?
The official website (evisa.gov.vn) works but Indian users sometimes face payment issues with international credit cards. Using a Vietnamese payment gateway or a card that supports international transactions usually resolves this. The site is available in English and Vietnamese.
Q: Can Indian travelers extend their Vietnam e-visa?
No. Vietnam e-visas cannot be extended or renewed from within the country. Travelers who want to stay longer must exit Vietnam and apply for a new visa, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
Q: What happens if an Indian citizen overstays their Vietnam visa?
Overstay fines are 500,000 VND (approx. $21) per day for overstays under 30 days. Longer overstays can result in higher fines, deportation, and potential blacklisting from re-entering Vietnam.
Q: Do Indian children need a separate visa for Vietnam?
Yes. Every traveler, including infants and children, must have their own passport and visa. Children cannot be added to a parent's visa. The e-visa application process is the same regardless of age.