Planning your dream trip to Halong Bay, Hanoi, or Da Nang? Before you book those flights from Delhi or Mumbai, there's one important step you cannot skip — getting your Vietnam visa for Indian passport holders. The good news? Vietnam has made it incredibly simple in 2026 with a fully online e-visa system that takes just 15 minutes to apply.
This complete guide walks you through everything — from the step-by-step e-visa application process to exact costs in INR, processing times, and the common mistakes that get Indian applications rejected. By the end, you'll know exactly how to get your Vietnam visa approved without stress.
Do Indians Need a Visa for Vietnam? (Quick Answer)
Yes, all Indian passport holders need a valid visa to enter Vietnam in 2026. There is currently no visa-free arrangement between India and Vietnam, although it has been discussed at government level. The only exception is Phu Quoc Island — Indians can visit Phu Quoc visa-free for up to 30 days if arriving directly from outside Vietnam and departing to another country.
For everywhere else — Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hoi An, Sapa — you'll need a proper visa.
3 Types of Vietnam Visas for Indian Citizens
Indian travellers have three options. Here's a quick comparison so you can pick the right one:
Visa Type Best For Processing Time Cost (USD / INR) E-Visa (Most Popular) Tourists, business travellers, easy online application 3–7 working days $25 / ~₹2,375 (single entry) Visa on Arrival (VOA) Last-minute travel, urgent trips 2–5 working days for letter $25–$50 + agency fee Embassy Sticker Visa Long-stay, special categories 10–14 working days ₹3,500–₹6,000 For 95% of Indian travellers, the e-visa is the best choice — it's cheaper, faster, and you skip the long visa-on-arrival queues at Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh airports.
Vietnam E-Visa Cost for Indians (2026 Updated)
Many travel websites list confusing prices. Here's the honest breakdown based on the official Vietnam Immigration Department portal (evisa.gov.vn):
- Single-entry e-visa: USD 25 (approximately ₹2,375 at current rates)
- Multiple-entry e-visa: USD 50 (approximately ₹4,750 at current rates)
- Validity: Up to 90 days from your selected entry date
- Payment: International debit/credit card (Visa, Mastercard, JCB)
⚠️ Important: The fee is non-refundable, even if your visa is rejected. Double-check every detail before clicking submit.
Step-by-Step Vietnam E-Visa Application Process
Follow these 7 steps and you'll have your e-visa in your inbox within a week:
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
Before you start, scan the following on your phone or computer:
- Clear scan of your passport bio page in JPG format
- Passport-size photo — 4x6 cm, white background, no glasses, recent
- Your travel dates (entry and exit)
- Hotel address in Vietnam (first night's hotel is enough)
- International debit/credit card for payment
Step 2: Visit the Official Government Portal
Go to evisa.gov.vn or thithucdientu.gov.vn. These are the only two official Vietnamese government websites. Avoid clicking on Google ads — many lead to overpriced agent sites.
Step 3: Click "E-Visa Issuance" → Select Country
Choose "Outside Vietnam Foreigners" and select India as your nationality.
Step 4: Fill the Application Form Carefully
You'll need to enter:
- Full name exactly as in your passport (matching the ICAO machine-readable line at the bottom)
- Date of birth, gender, religion, place of birth
- Passport number, issue date, expiry date
- Email address (this is where the visa will be sent)
- Intended entry & exit dates
- Port of entry (e.g., Noi Bai Airport Hanoi, Tan Son Nhat Ho Chi Minh)
- Address in Vietnam (your hotel name and address)
Step 5: Upload Photo & Passport Scan
The system is strict about photo specs — white background, no shadows, face clearly visible, no smiling teeth. If your photo gets rejected, your application will be too.
Step 6: Pay the Fee Online
Use your international card. You'll receive a registration code immediately — save this carefully. You'll need it to download your visa later.
Step 7: Wait & Download Your E-Visa
After 3–7 working days, return to the portal, click "Search," enter your registration code, email, and date of birth. If approved, download the PDF. Print 2 copies and carry them to the airport.
Vietnam Visa on Arrival for Indians — Is It Still Available?
Yes, but it's a bit misleadingly named. You cannot just land at the airport and get a visa stamped. You must:
- Apply online through a licensed Vietnamese agency for an Approval Letter (2–5 working days)
- Print this letter and carry it on your flight
- On arrival at Hanoi, Da Nang, or Ho Chi Minh airport, queue at the "Visa on Arrival" counter
- Submit the letter, your passport, 2 photos, and pay the stamping fee in USD cash ($25 single / $50 multiple)
VOA is best when you need a visa urgently (within hours) or on a weekend when the e-visa system processes slower.
5 Common Mistakes Indian Applicants Make (And How to Avoid Them)
- Spelling name differently from passport: Even one extra space or wrong order leads to rejection. Copy from your passport's machine-readable zone.
- Uploading the wrong photo: Coloured backgrounds, selfies, or photos with glasses are rejected immediately.
- Applying too late: Don't apply 2 days before flying. Always allow at least 10–14 days as a buffer.
- Wrong entry port: If you list "Hanoi" but land in Da Nang, you'll be denied entry. Pick your actual airport.
- Using fake agent websites: Sites that charge ₹6,000–₹12,000 for a $25 visa are middlemen, not scams. Always start at evisa.gov.vn.
Documents Required for Vietnam Visa from India — Quick Checklist
- ✅ Indian passport valid for at least 6 months beyond entry date
- ✅ At least 2 blank pages in the passport
- ✅ Scanned passport bio page (JPG, clear)
- ✅ Recent passport-size photo (4x6 cm, white background)
- ✅ Confirmed return flight tickets (recommended)
- ✅ Hotel booking confirmation in Vietnam
- ✅ International credit/debit card for payment
Final Thoughts: Start Your Vietnam Adventure Today
Getting a Vietnam visa for Indian passport holders has never been simpler. With the e-visa available 100% online, costing roughly ₹2,375, and processed in under a week, there's no reason to delay your Vietnam holiday any longer.
👉 Pro tip from our team at BookVietnamHoliday: Apply for your e-visa as soon as you book your flights. That way, even if there's a delay in processing, you have buffer time to sort it out.
Ready to plan your trip? Explore our handcrafted itineraries covering Halong Bay cruises, Hanoi old quarter walks, Hoi An lantern tours, and the beaches of Phu Quoc. Need visa help? Our travel experts can guide you free of cost.
Have questions about your Vietnam visa? Drop them in the comments below — we reply within 24 hours.
