Vietnam is a beautiful country located in Southeast Asia, known for its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and delicious cuisine. It has become an increasingly popular tourist destination in recent years, attracting visitors from all over the world. If you are an Indian citizen planning to visit Vietnam, you will need to obtain a visa before your trip.
There are several types of visas available for Indians who wish to travel to Vietnam, including tourist visas, business visas, and transit visas. The type of visa you need will depend on the purpose of your visit and the length of your stay.
Table of Contents
Overview of Vietnam Visas for Indians
There are several types of visas available for Indian citizens looking to travel to Vietnam:
- Tourist Visa – For tourism and sightseeing purposes. Valid for 30 days and can be extended.
- Business Visa – For business trips, meetings, conferences etc. Valid for 3 months and can be extended.
- E-Visa – An online visa that can be used for both tourism and business. Valid for 30 days.
- Visa on Arrival – For those who need to travel urgently. Must apply for pre-approval letter before arrival.
The visa requirements and application process vary slightly depending on which type you apply for. However, all visas require a valid passport, completed application form, passport photos, and various fees.
Who Needs a Vietnam Visa?
All Indian citizens traveling to Vietnam need a valid visa in order to enter the country. The only exception is for Indians traveling to Vietnam’s Phu Quoc resort island – they can visit without a visa for up to 30 days.
So whether you’re planning a two-week vacation or a short business trip, you’ll need to obtain a visa before arriving in Vietnam. Attempting to enter without one will result in denied entry.
How to Apply for a Vietnam Visa as an Indian
Indian citizens planning to visit Vietnam for tourism or business purposes are required to obtain a valid visa before entering the country. The type of visa required depends on the duration of the intended stay and the purpose of the visit.
Visa Types
There are two main types of visas available to Indian citizens traveling to Vietnam:
- eVisa: An electronic visa (eVisa) is a convenient and hassle-free way to obtain a visa for Vietnam. eVisas are valid for single entry and can be obtained online. The processing time for an eVisa is typically 2-3 business days.
- Visa on Arrival (VOA): A visa on arrival (VOA) can be obtained upon arrival at a designated international airport in Vietnam. VOAs are valid for single entry and can be obtained for stays of up to 30 days. The processing time for a VOA is typically 15-30 minutes.
Eligibility
To be eligible for an eVisa or VOA, Indian citizens must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a valid Indian passport with at least six months of validity remaining
- Have at least two blank pages in their passport
- Provide a recent passport-sized photograph
- Pay the visa fee
Application Process
The application process for an eVisa or VOA is as follows:
eVisa:
- Complete the online eVisa application form
- Upload a digital passport photo
- Pay the visa fee
VOA:
- Complete the VOA application form
- Submit the completed form along with your passport and one passport-sized photo at the VOA counter at the airport
- Pay the visa fee
Visa Requirements
In addition to the general requirements, there are some specific visa requirements for Indian citizens:
- eVisa:
- Provide a valid travel itinerary
- Provide proof of accommodation
- Provide proof of sufficient funds
- VOA:
- Provide a valid airline ticket departing Vietnam within 30 days of arrival
- Provide proof of accommodation
Processing Times
The processing time for an eVisa is typically 2-3 business days. The processing time for a VOA is typically 15-30 minutes.
Fees
The fees for an eVisa and VOA are as follows:
- eVisa:
- Single entry: USD 25
- Multiple entries: USD 50
- VOA:
- Single entry: USD 25
- Multiple entries: USD 50
Extension of Stay
If you wish to extend your stay in Vietnam, you can apply for an extension at the Vietnam Immigration Department.
Additional Information
For more information on Vietnam visas for Indian citizens, please visit the website of the Vietnam Immigration Department.
Disclaimer
Please note that the information provided here is for general information purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. It is always best to consult with a qualified immigration attorney for specific advice on your situation.
Vietnam Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens
All visa applicants from India must meet the following requirements:
- Valid passport – Must have at least 6 months of validity remaining
- Completed application form – Forms can be downloaded online
- Passport photos – 2 photos, 4cm x 6cm, no glasses or headwear
- Visa fees – Varies by visa type, usually around $25 – $135 USD
- Return ticket – Proof of onward or return travel
- Hotel bookings – Confirmed hotel reservations for duration of stay
- Bank statement – Showing proof of sufficient funds
- Employment letter – For business visas, a letter from your employer
- Additional documents – Certain visa types may require extra documents
Be sure to check the specific requirements for the visa type you are applying for. Having all documents ready will help avoid delays in processing your visa application.
Comparing Vietnam Visa Types for Indians
Here is a helpful comparison of the main visa types available to Indian passport holders:
| Visa Type | Validity | Extendable | Processing Time | Use |
| – | – | – | – | – |
| Tourist Visa | 30 days | Yes, once | 5 business days | Tourism leisure |
| Business Visa | 3 months | Yes | 5 business days | Business activities |
| E-Visa | 30 days | No | 3 working days | Tourism or business |
| Visa on Arrival | 30 days | No | Instant upon arrival | Urgent travel |
As you can see, tourist and business visas offer the most flexibility with their 1-month and 3-month validity respectively. They also allow applicants to extend their stay once in Vietnam.
E-visas provide a quick online application process but do not allow extensions. Visas on arrival are the quickest option but also cannot be extended and require pre-approval.
Tips for Getting Your Vietnam Visa as an Indian
Here are some helpful tips for Indians to ensure a smooth visa application process:
- Apply early – Submit your application at least 2-4 weeks in advance of travel to allow processing time.
- Double-check requirements – Be sure you have all the required documents for the visa type you are applying for.
- Check passport validity – Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining to be accepted.
- Use reputable agencies – If applying through a third-party service, choose a well-reviewed agency.
- Make copies – Photocopy all documents in case originals get lost/damaged.
- Follow up on status – Contact the embassy or agency if you don’t receive updates within the processing timeline.
- Confirm visa upon arrival – Double-check that the visa in your passport matches your approval letter/receipt.
Allowing plenty of time, being organized with your documents, and following up diligently can help ensure a smooth visa application process.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vietnam Visas for Indians
1. Do Indian citizens need a visa to enter Vietnam?
Yes, Indian citizens need a visa to enter Vietnam. There are two main types of visas that Indian citizens can apply for:
- E-visa: An e-visa is an electronic visa that can be obtained online. It is valid for a single entry and a stay of up to 30 days.
- Visa on arrival: A visa on arrival can be obtained at a Vietnamese airport upon arrival. It is valid for a single entry and a stay of up to 15 days.
2. How can I apply for a Vietnam e-visa?
To apply for a Vietnam e-visa, you will need to visit the website of the Vietnam Immigration Department. You will need to provide the following information:
- Your personal details, such as your name, date of birth, and passport number
- Your travel details, such as your arrival date and departure date
- Your contact information, such as your email address and phone number
You will also need to pay a visa fee. The fee is currently US$25.
3. How long does it take to process a Vietnam e-visa application?
Vietnam e-visa applications are usually processed within 3-5 business days.
4. How can I apply for a visa on arrival?
To apply for a visa on arrival, you will need to fill out a visa application form at the airport. You will also need to provide your passport and two passport photos. You will need to pay a visa fee. The fee is currently US$25.
5. What are the entry requirements for Indian citizens entering Vietnam?
In addition to a valid visa, Indian citizens entering Vietnam must also have the following:
- A passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their departure from Vietnam
- Sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay in Vietnam
- A return ticket or onward travel ticket
6. What are the COVID-19 entry requirements for Indian citizens entering Vietnam?
As of November 2023, Indian citizens are no longer required to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to enter Vietnam. However, they may be subject to temperature screening and other health checks upon arrival.
7. How long can Indian citizens stay in Vietnam?
The length of stay for Indian citizens in Vietnam depends on the type of visa they have.
- E-visa: 30 days
- Visa on arrival: 15 days
8. Can I extend my stay in Vietnam?
Yes, you can extend your stay in Vietnam if you have a valid reason for doing so. You can apply for an extension of stay at the Vietnam Immigration Department.
9. Where can I get more information about Vietnam visas for Indians?
You can get more information about Vietnam visas for Indians on the website of the Vietnam Immigration Department.
Q: Is there an e-visa or visa on arrival for Phu Quoc island?
A: No, you must obtain a full tourist or business visa in advance to visit Phu Quoc as an Indian. The 30-day visa exemption does not apply.
Q: Can I work in Vietnam on a tourist or business visa?
A: No, engaging in paid employment in Vietnam requires a work permit and an appropriate work visa. Tourist/business visas do not allow working.
Carefully following Vietnam’s visa rules and requirements will ensure Indian citizens have a smooth entry experience and an enjoyable visit in this amazing country.
Conclusion
It is essential for Indian nationals planning to visit Vietnam for tourism or business reasons to possess a valid visa. This is crucial in order to have a smooth and enjoyable trip without any complications. Therefore, it is important for Indians to be well-informed about the different types of visas available, submit their applications in a timely manner, and fulfill all necessary requirements. Adequate preparation can greatly contribute to a trouble-free visa application process.
Source: https://vietnamembassy-newzealand.org/vietnam-visa-for-indians/
